EcstaticallyPregnant

5 Question Friday #5qf

2012-01-26T21:23:00.001-05:00

Thanks to My Little Life for hosting the weekly

"Five Question Friday"

1. Do you swim in the winter? I used to swim! I miss it! I would if I could...but I do not have a pool near me! Unless I join a gym...which I don't want to do...because I join and do not go...

2. Do you love or hate winter? Hatttttttttttttttttttttttte unless I get to go skiing...which has not happened yet this year....or last..... :/ But because of My Fitness Pal,the snow that we have gotten so far has helped me eat more! Working out without going to the gym is a HUGE plus!

3. Do you put makeup/actual clothes on when you know you're going to be home all day with just family? ONLY when I go out. I rarely wear makeup or do my hair. I normally wear pj's and a baseball hat! Yes, I rock my Red Sox hat a lot during the week!

4. How old were you when you had your first alcoholic beverage? 14 it was a "wine cooler", but I did not get drunk until I was 21! I have only ever been drunk 1 time!

5. How many ill calls in a 12 month period do you think are acceptable? I do not think that I have ever called in. Maybe once or twice at my old job...

Sun {Snow} Day

2012-01-22T08:47:00.001-05:00

It's finally decided to snow here in NH! It is good because I get to add more calories for shoveling. :)

Here is A shoveling and playing in the snow!

Play-Doh

2012-01-19T13:56:00.001-05:00

Here is a quick picture post!!!! We usually do something really messy on bath days so we decided on Play-Doh!!!!

After 16 Months....

2012-01-19T09:00:00.001-05:00

We are done with Breastfeeding. My daughter has self weened, which is exactly what I wanted. But I did not think it would be so soon.

I am happy that it's over. But sad at the same time. Does that make sense?

She really is not a baby anymore. :(

Finger surgery

2012-01-18T14:10:00.001-05:00

I wish I never cut my pinky. I wish it was straight. I went through two surgeries and it is still not straight. I can use the tendons now, but it will forever be bent.

Do not cut through your tendons it sucks to repair. And it's not worth it in the end :(

I can not clap, out my hand out straight, etc. hugeeeee issue. I hate it.

Matron of honor

2012-01-17T12:33:00.001-05:00

What are my duties? To make the bride feel special, to help to prepare, and from other weddings I've been in I'm supposed to do whatever she asks me to do. Right?

Well my friend De is stressed and whenever she's asked me to do something I've done it that or the next day.

I don't know what else I can do. And I know she is stressed. But her fiancé just wrote everyone an email asking us to not email her regarding the wedding. That's fine. I normally email her back once she emails me.

But does that mean I should avoid her like the plague? No. She is one of my befriends and we talk daily. Right?

I don't know what to do. I have other things I want to talk about! We were friends before she got engaged and talked all the time!

Kisseo eCards!

2012-01-11T21:30:00.001-05:00

Do any of you enjoy getting cards? What about ecards? I am a HUGE card nut! HUGE! I send them usually by USPS but recently I heard about Kisseo .

Kisseo is the global leader in eCards, with unique eCards for every occasion, such as Birthday eCards, Love eCards, Thank You eCards, Easter eCards, and Christmas eCards, available in 5 different languages.

Kisseo eCards help you stay connected to your friends. They have 5,000+ cards to send for any occasion! And now you can send them directly on Facebook! And who doesn't have Facebook??!?!?! It is called Kisseo ECards App

This is especially great for the upcoming Valentines day – all holiday cards on the app so you can spread the love to all your friends!

There is also a Premium Membership for Card Nuts like me!! :)

A premium account unlocks the doors to an even better experience! You have access to all the categories for all holidays and events, and you can send an unlimited amount of cards. Your subscription lasts for set amount of time (depending on which option you select) and after that time period is over you will have the option to renew your subscription or return to being a free member.

If you are interested in a Premium Membership please message me!

*All opinions for this post are my own.

My fitness pal?

2012-01-04T13:35:00.001-05:00

Looking to loose a few more pounds, and not gain any extra now that the cold weather and comfort food are among us!

So I joined My Fitness Pal! I have around 1200 calories per day to eat! Anyone else doing this?

The How To Guide on Saying "No"....

2012-01-03T12:47:00.001-05:00

My New Years Resolution.... To say "No".

If I do not want to do something, I will say no.

I will not feel badly.

I will not make excuses.

I will tell the truth of why, and will not regret it!!!!!

If I hurt your feelings it was not my intention, I'm looking after myself and hoping that my feelings won't be hurt anymore.

Daddy Love

2012-01-01T20:32:00.001-05:00

Dave came home from the Patriots game with a shirt for Bella!

She was so very excited to see him....

2012

2012-01-01T11:36:00.002-05:00

Today we are feeling a bit under the weather. I am not feeling well, Bella has rosey cheeks and is warm.

We're spending the day cuddling and watching movies while Dave is down seeing the Patriots!

Happy New Years!!!

Let's hope tomorrow we are back to normal!

Happy New Year

2011-12-31T22:10:00.000-05:00

......FROM US....

CRAZY

Party

Animals

XOXO,

(p.s. Keri...I will Miss you)

Dear elderly drivers,

2011-12-30T22:01:00.000-05:00

I want to write you a letter asking you to please get off of the roads. You are going to kill someone. There may be some exceptions, but after a certain age, your license needs to be tested for again.

This my honest opinion. We need to retest after 70, every single year. But if you can not see or hear you should not be driving. Also, if your reflexes are not fast you should not be driving.

Sincerely,
Me (someone who almost died 4 times this week while behind, besides and in front of an elderly driver)

Wow

2011-12-30T04:56:00.000-05:00

I understand that everyone is entitled to their own opinion, especially about certain hot topics....especially Breastfeeding in public. But whatever happened to "if you have nothing nice to say, don't say anything at all"?

I Breastfeed, and when I did it full time, I would nurse in public. I was discreet, I wore more clothes than the average person, because with bfing comes boobs, nursing bras, tank tops and then normally a shirt.

I do not comment on the barley dressed 20, the person wearing too tight of clothing, or the teenager whose skirt is too short, so please really if you have nothing nice to say don't say anything at all. Manners, plain and simple.

Dr appointment HELL

2011-12-28T14:31:00.001-05:00

My pediatrician had changed recently, and with the 15month appointment I met with a nurse practitioner.

The first thing she did was ask me how I was feeling. Good I guess? Idk! Then she asked if I was experiencing ppd? Yes, but again why are you asking me? We're here for A right? I told her I was on medication. I then said jokingly "I'm fine but my husband thinks I'm crazy", no he doesn't think I'm nuts, he gets it, but I was kidding. This is me, I joke around when conversations are leading no where or I'm uncomfortable....she then told me that I'm not perfect, my daughter wont ever live up to my standards, and I need to see a therapist. WHAT????

Then she asks about sleeping, and I explain my "no cry sleep solution" and she gave me the crazy look again. If you don't agree I DON'T FUCKING CARE! So spare me the looks, and the "I think she's crazy attitude", etc. I gave Dave the same look and he took over. I almost jumped on her! Lol! Maybe I do need a therapist.

WE WILL NOT BE GOING TO SEE THAT WACK JOB AGAIN.

But she is right on one account, I need to stop caring what other people think, so I've decided that there are a few people in my life that I know do no like me, but tolerate me because of a group, or that are nice because they "have to be", and I'm not putting in the extra efforts anymore to get them to like me. Make sense? Hope so. Because I'm worth much more than that.

Happy Christmas

2011-12-25T09:54:00.001-05:00

We wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas!!!!!!!!!!!!

xoxo

The Espositos

iPad.....Fun......

2011-12-22T12:26:00.001-05:00

My Christmas gift from the boys I nanny for was the ipad2!!!!!!!

Best job everrrrr!!!

Now I'm off to finish my Christmas shopping!

(p.s. Thank you for emailing, calling, and commenting yesterday. I appreciate you all)

Today

2011-12-21T14:26:00.001-05:00

December 21st will always be a hard day for Dave and I. It was our due date with our second pregnancy. The baby girl that we lost at 18 weeks.

It is hard to imagine that we would have been celebrating a 2nd Birthday today (give or take a few days). Our lives would be completely different.

But today I smiled, I read books, I kissed little stinky feet (they were not really stinky, I just tell her that they are), I cuddled, I watched "Cat in the Hat", I said "I love you" to our daughter. We would not have her if our pregnancy had been a successful one. And I know that things "happen for a reason"....(the only quote I hate to love), and I am grateful for my daughter. She is the BEST thing that has ever happened to me. I would not change anything. She is my life.

Thank you for following my blog, my vents, my rants, and my times of sadness and joy. I started blogging to talk about my pregnancies, my infertility, my losses and my gains. And today, although hard, I am happy.

Very much Obsessed...

2011-12-20T12:15:00.000-05:00

Who wouldn't be obsessed with half of this stuff?

I will be dancing to this EVERY morning to get some MOTIVATION...

I can NOT wait until this comes out....who doesn't love this series...I never thought I would... but HONESTLY I've loved it all 100x's I've read it!

Wicked Funny! Poor Kid!! But I can't stop laughing!!

And one more...
I maybe slightly obsessed with this Movie most of all!!

House/Us

2011-12-19T12:23:00.000-05:00

House: Almost done!

Windows going in Tuesday in our room.
Trim needs to be finished around our windows, kitchen window, attic stairs, and outside where Dave finished the siding.
Paint the big windows white.
Hang pictures.
Hang window treatments.

Us: Things are great!

A is a running machine.
She is saying so many different words now! She has been singing "go, go, go, go" and I didn't know what it was from, and then at my Mom's house the Cat in the Hat was on...and the lyrics to the theme song was "go, go, go, go, on an adventure"...so I guess she likes that song!
She is using a fork and spoon all the time. But prefers her hands.
She has a doctors appt on Friday. I changed Pediatricians...the one we had could not meet on the days we could...so same practice, different doctor.
The "No Cry Sleep Solution" has worked so far...a few days in...and we are sleeping ALL NIGHT in our own crib. I think because the teething has stopped (yes all 16 teeth are in), and we are finally over our cold (I swear it lasted 2 months with the never ending cough)...that she can sleep through the night completely. Before she would wake up from coughing and go right back down...but now...its 8-8 again!
I made another blog. One that I can just bitch on...and not have to worry about anyone who I do not want to read any of my vents!
Dave has been working overtime like a crazy man...it's great because Christmas shopping was super fun!
I am halfway done with my M.Ed.
I find out if I have to re-take my MTEL exams soon..that math one was a doosie...I am not sure when I have ever done proofs...even geometry class I sort of skipped in my mind.

So that is it...just a quick update! I am too busy painting, and writing papers to blog these days...but I do have two reviews coming soon!

Christmas?

2011-12-15T10:57:00.000-05:00

Is it just me or does it not feel like Christmas?

It could be because it hasn't really been cold or snowy here in New England....but honestly, I can not get into the "spirit". I play Christmas music, I have decorated, I have shopped...but I am just a little bit of a "Bahumbug" lately!

I just feel like I am rushing to get things done with the house...and making sure that my classes/tests have been done....I want to be able to sit back and relax! Maybe after the annual Esposito Christmas Party this weekend I will feel better! (or a Xanax...lol)

Please tell me I am not the only one??

Oh...and here is our Christmas Picture....I am not extremely happy with it...but it was the best out of the few we took!

Somone FINALLY heard the news...

2011-12-14T13:44:00.000-05:00

Kim Kardashian's wedding was a spoof....

and Pretty Little Liars was picked up for another season...

Now back to your regularly scheduled blogging!

Family Picture Post!

2011-12-08T08:33:00.001-05:00

We are kind of late posting these...

they were supposed to be our "Happy Turkey Day" Post

....but that is the night I made Dave move into our house!!

Here are a few!!

We have a photo-shoot on Friday at 11:40 *strange time frame*. I bought that Groupon the one from JCPenny that was $40! We have decided to not dress in our Christmas clothes...Just nice clothes...that way we can have them hanging all year round! :) I wish it was at the beach and the park like we originally wanted...but with the crazy fall we had...and with the busy winter I am surprised we have time Friday!

I will post them AS SOON AS POSSIBLE!

Back At It...

2011-12-06T11:03:00.000-05:00

Arabella:
Is a talking machine...she is running...and singing....anddddd well...lets just say she is a VERY busy girl!

Me & Dave:
All is good in the "relationship" area. The house has been a huge stressor. But, with things coming to an end in the house area I know that we are good! We have even spoken about when we will be trying again for another baby.

Recently I had an altercation with a women inside of JoAnn Fabrics....it was about A's bedtime (she fell asleep in my arms at the store on a Saturday night at 7pm. She JUST fell asleep while I was walking around, I get it, the women thought that she should have been in bed...but A doesn't go to bed until 8-8:30 and sleeps until 8-8:30 the next day...and I am not about to let some RANDOM stranger comment about my parenting. I am not for confrontation...but HELLO...CUSTOMER SERVICE MUCH?

The House:
We are in. Hence the lack of posting. We have been there since Thanksgiving! Everything is coming along! Dave fixed the wood floors, we have painted (all except the downstairs bathroom, the beam in the kitchen, and the 6 large windows in front), we have cleaned, ordered countertops...and I might even start hanging pictures!!

We have to unpack still...I have unpacked a lot...but I didn't realize how much we had!

Christmas:
I am overwhelmed. I have bought three big things for A, and I have to figure out Dave now! With the expenses for the house, we have decided to just do stockings for eachother! That, and he just bought me the iphone4 (the new one, in white) that I will be getting before Xmas due to me killing my droid :( But I am excited about the new phone!

SO that is it for now....I will be posting as much as I can. I am having an issue with Comcast but I will be back ASAP!

Wednesday it's Wednesday....the third day of the week.... (says the Wiggles)

2011-11-23T09:49:00.000-05:00

Today...is Wednesday...the day before Thanksgiving...and here is another update!

Arabella has a bit of a cold. She has a runny nose, etc. I am not sure if it is because the eye teeth are coming in, or because everyone I know has a cold right now. She is not a very happy person....and when that happens, she wants her Mom! Lately I am the only one that she wants! I do not mind it, because I love her being a momma's girl, but I wish that it wouldn't hurt Dave's feelings though. He is not "sad" or "upset", but you can tell that when I leave and she is crying her eyes out it hurts his feelings just a bit!

We have not completely moved in. All of our stuff is "there", all the rooms are painted...but we are still at my inlaws. I am not happy about it...but there is still some work that needs to be done. We are supposed to stay there tonight....but I have to talk Dave into it. Everything is almost done, just a second coat of paint here and there...but I am ready to NOT be here.

The stove is there, the stove is built in, the microwave is built in...andddddd the sink, the dishwasher...is there...and I have the fridge coming in FRIDAY! We decided on the French door fridge with the freezer on the bottom!!!!!!!!!!!

Here is a picture to hold you over:

That is a corner area for the stove, and the microwave is also built into the corner!!! :) I love them so much! We have our counter tops coming in very soon too!! They are butcher block!

Moving has been pushed & a Bella update!!!

2011-11-18T22:24:00.000-05:00

We have fired our contractor, hired a new one. We are and have been waiting for our windows to go in. NOT acceptable.

We have decided to fix the floors instead of carpeting the entire living room. Found out that the current existing room has BellaWood, a very expensive wood floor, well, at least that type, and only having to buy one box of wood works out...for me!

All I need to paint is the TRIM everywhere....everywhere. And also I have to paint the downstairs bathroom, but who is really keeping track! LOL!

Kitchen should be completed tomorrow...1st contractor is actually doing it, not his sub. Then 2nd contractor will be doing the windows.

Bella News: She is a MOMMA'S GIRL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :) :) This is great, and fun and amazing. She loves daycare. She loves other kids...she loves play-doh. She says: Up, down, tickle tickle, baby, dog, the letter C (as in ABC's), uh-oh, kitty, teeth (because she loves brushing her teeth), and a whole slew of words that are just jumbled...but they are starting to make more and more sense.... I love that she is getting so big, but I hate that she is getting so big at the same time...

Some updates!

2011-11-14T14:35:00.001-05:00

We should be moving in this weekend!

Things to do before move in:
Paint our room, paint hall, paint ceilings down stairs, paint 1st floor bath, paint living/dining room, build railing.

Yes, a lot.

Things to do when we're living there:
Siding, one strip of gutters, 2 new windows, power-wash, new mail box, knobs for cabinets, install counter-tops...

Yes, a lot.

Ahhhhhhhh! Help!

Happy Halloween!

2011-10-31T21:13:00.000-04:00

Before...

2011-10-30T21:53:00.002-04:00

Here are some "before" pictures....

Before:

During:

And now for some MORE before:

These are of our room...we are painting, replacing windows, etc.

Hallway upstairs...to the left our room, behind me is the upstairs bathroom,

to the right the 3rd bedroom, then A's rom...then this strang nook...

Part of our basement...it is the part were we will put coupon stuff and storage!

A's built-ins...We will be painting her room PINK

The island...or what will be the island.

And we will be getting rid of the lights and wallpaper...

YUCK

So....these are some before...and as soon as I take "during" photos I will post...and then will be posting "after" photos too!

THE NEW HOUSE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2011-10-29T15:54:00.000-04:00

We CLOSED on our HOUSE yesterday!!!!!!!!!!

Here are things that we have committed to:

Tearing down the wall between the living room and backroom. We are making a half wall so that it is open, and I can put my couch against the half wall!
We are replacing the existing heating system, well half of it, and putting in a hot water heater, electric, so that I do not use the oil heat as much...the oil will just take care of the heat...nothing else!
We have to paint, and picked out our colors! Very neutral.
We picked out our flooring, lighter tile with dark grey grout.
We measured windows...we need to replace two in our bedroom.

We ORDERED:

These cabinets (the Ivory is awesome)!

This counter-top for the cabinets (not the island):

Stainless steel appliances from GE (the Adora Series), that we got from HomeDepot because of their huge sale right now! I wanted a dishwasher that did not have the buttons on the front...and really wanted to have a full basin wash, so I LOVE the Adora series!

This Washer (By LG): Oh it is sooo amazing!!!!!!!!!!!!

A dryer from GE (did I mention that not only did we get discounts because Home Depot is having a buy more get more sale? AND that Dave gets a discount from GE!?!?!? WAHOO. Yes, I did buy ONE appliance that was NOT GE..but I wanted that washer...I realllllly wanted it, and I didn't order the matching dryer...so pshhh....Dave can NOT get mad!).

And that is it so far...I think...So wish us luck! :) We should be moving in TWO weeks from now! Let the count down begin!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

Closing

2011-10-28T11:47:00.001-04:00

We are on our way to closing!

Budget & Meal Planning

2011-10-23T13:40:00.000-04:00

I know that things are tight everywhere and for everyone. So I am looking for new ways to continue to save money or cut corners somewhere so we can rebuild our nest egg (having a baby and buying a re-construction house can really hurt your savings account)

I am a crazy coupon person that is on a break (living at my inlaws and couponing wont work, and I have missed so many amazing deals, le sigh); I don't spend my money on frivolous items (I used my birthday money for a snowsuit for my daughter...and the rest on my new ugg slip-ons); and I am not going on lavish weekend retreats (I wish I was...le sigh x2).

So until we can coupon like crazy, and freeze meals in bulk....I am going to be putting myself on a tighter budget. How do you all make meal plans? How can I use/reuse my food/leftovers for new meals? I am going to give this a try and hopefully get it going for the rest of the time that we are living here...and really do it when we are at our own home.

SO HELP? Where do I start?

Calling All Weekend Moms

2011-10-22T13:41:00.001-04:00

I live in NH (well, I will again soon), I have a husband who works weekends so we do not need daycare during the week when I work, and I have plenty of friends. But I can not find ANYONE to hang out with on the weekends... because all of my friends have husbands who work normal hours they are home on the weekends and they have their family time (like Dave and I used to have)...

I really want some other babies for A to play with. I want her to socialize more, and understand that when babies go to daycare they socialize, but it is expensive. Dave can have an opportunity that most dads do not have and spend more time with her soooo daycare is out.

So what do I do?

Renting Textbooks

2011-10-21T23:01:00.001-04:00

Being in College again for what, the third time (yes, I got my Bachelors, did a stint for a year in Law School, but am back at it again to get my Masters in Education), I know how expensive text books are...seriously expensive...and then when you are done with the class (one that probably doesn't even apply to your major but have to take...yeah I am talking about you Philosophy 101) you go to re-sell your books to the book store and you basically get nothing. You can sell your books online yourself, but really, who has the time for that!?!?!?!?!

So there is another option:

Renting textbooks saves you money plain and simple and gets the same result in your classes as buying your books. Rent textbooks without the risk of your books becoming worthless by the end of the semester. Rent college textbooks from the comfort of your home or office. Don't lose money at your school bookstore anymore. Rent textbooks along with customers on over 4,000 college campuses that have used our service so far. Join the movement.

Campus Book Rentals offers new and gently used textbooks for typically less than half the price you'll pay in your school bookstore. Search for the college books you need and save money today!

Not only that but there issss...

AND being a mother....I am in love with the fact that CampusBookRentals.com supports The Children of Operation Smile!

Operation Smile is an organization that performs life changing cleft lip surgeries on children whose families could not otherwise afford it. The long term Improvement in quality of life for the children that receive these surgeries is almost incomprehensible. CampusBooks is committed to donate enough to cover a minimum of 1,000 life changing surgeries. For EVERY book rented they donate a portion of those proceeds to Operation Smile.

So go check them out! They might be the answer to your "I don't have any money because I am in college" blues!

*I was compensated for writing this blog post.

Farm Rich Review

2011-10-21T22:31:00.001-04:00

I recently tried Farm Rich's Cheese Sticks.

Who does not love mozarella sticks? Really, I know, they are amazing. Add your own marinara sauce or eat them plain...And now you can have them at home thanks to Farm Rich!

They are:

- Made with 100% real mozzarella cheese 
- Breaded and seasoned to perfection
- Good source of calcium and protein 
- 0g trans fat per serving

They also come in 10 oz snack pack or 52 oz value pack, so you can have as little or as many as you want!
I am a stickler when it comes to appetizers. I need them to be easy to make, not greasy, tastes amazing and I would not feel bad giving it to my child!

Well, it was easy to make! I could make them in the oven or in my toaster oven (geared to big or small amounts, obviously if I was to feed a large group I would be making them in the oven, but because it was just A and I ...we put them in the toaster oven)!
It was not greasy (so right then and there I thought, wait a minute, how can these be tasty if they are not greasy), and when I tasted...I was very VERY glad that I had!
Also, A loved them! The girl really is mine, we love cheese...so of course...fried and cheese....amazing! :)

I would differently recommend this product for others to purchase! I was able to pick up the Farm Rich product in my local Market Basket (grocery store) and although we have not tried other Farm Rich products, we will be trying the Mini Philly Cheese Steaks, and the Stuffed Pretzel Bites!

* I was provided a sample of a Farm Rich Product and all opinions expressed in this post are honestly and truly mine.

I quit.

2011-10-19T13:50:00.001-04:00

I am NEVER posting about closing again. After being told that we were closing at 4pm on Friday...we are NO LONGER closing...

Unfortunately our well water test came back bad...so we had it treated...and when it was retreated....it didn't clear out all of the bacteria. So now we need to add a UV treatment to forever scan and treat our water before we use it. This is a $2200.00 extra. BUT this means that the bacteria will be gone. And we will just have to have them come out yearly to change the filter, etc. I am glad that we are taking care of it now though....but this means that we need the bank to say that they are going to pay for this...or at least give us that much more at closing. So now closing has been pushed to next week.

I am really having a hard time with this. I have almost had a complete breakdown. I miss our townhouse. I almost feel like we should have forever stayed there.

SO tonight I will be meeting with our contractor who was MIA for a few weeks to discuss what he will be doing when we do close. And crying. LOL... or atleast watch The Wiggles and drink LOTS of wine tonight ...(does anyone else sing "play the guitar with Murray" song while they are in the shower? Thought so...LOL)!

Closing

2011-10-17T09:57:00.000-04:00

We should close this week. There. I said it. We should close on the house THIS WEEK.

The NEW appraisal came and we are walking into SO MUCH equity! We are very THANKFUL! This means we are getting the house for a steal, putting money and sweat into construction for fixing it up....add that construction and the appraisal price and in 6 months when the appraiser comes back we should be looking at a HUGE investment return!

THANK GOD!

Keep us in your prayers that we close!

October 15th... Pregnancy Loss and Infant Loss Rememberance Day

2011-10-15T21:38:00.000-04:00

Today is Pregnancy Loss and Infant Loss Rememberance Day.

Today I did not think about our losses more than I normally do, because everyday I think about our losses.

I have received so much support from my family, my friends and even strangers here on my blog, my previous blog and on my twitter account. And I hope that someone who also is going through a loss, or has gone through one and just needs some support can come to me.

Our story has a happy ending. We were able to conceive, I was able to carry a full term pregnancy and give birth to our healthy daughter Arabella . I thank God everyday that she is here. And we are hopeful that when we decide to try again for another pregnancy that we will be able to have another miracle.
Our story can be found in the About Me section of my blog.

A great resource and a great support system can be found at Remembering Our Babies
(Remembering Our Babies was created to provide support, education and awareness for those who are suffering or may know someone who has suffered a miscarriage, an ectopic pregnancy, a still birth, or the loss of an infant)

Working for the ...(next) weekend?

2011-10-14T17:00:00.000-04:00

Like I've said before, I am in classes to get my M.Ed. So that means one weekend a month I am taking classes Saturday and Sunday 8-5. This class is stressing me out, and I am so excited to almost be finished with it! With Dave working on the weekends my Mom will take her for me, which helps me tremendously... but again....stresses me out, and makes me sad because I don't get to see A! And so I am not looking forward to this weekend...but I am looking forward to next weekend!

But today was a great Family Day! For my Birthday my boss gave me a bunch of amazing things, one being a Longchamp bag (in black, a color that I already have) so I went back to Nordstrom to return to get something else...I wasn't sure what to get...a different bag, new shoes...and so I thouggghhhtt I new just what to get....

BUT instead of getting these with my store card:

I decided to get A this North Face winter coat and snow pants:

Pink side....

Yes...reversable!


Adorable and I am in LOVE!

So...yes, instead of spending money on myself, and using my money for me...I just like other Moms I know now spend all of my money on my baby! :) She is worth it!!

My Birthday

2011-10-09T20:24:00.001-04:00

Tomorrow is my birthday. My 26th Birthday.

Tomorrow I want to sleep in, get a pedicure, relax, and maybe JUST maybe do what I want to do.

But, I know that sleeping in, and getting a pedicure probably wont be happening at all. And let's be honest...that is okay now becuase I am a MOM! I wont get to sleep in, I wont get to get a pedicure...

BUT I WILL:

Get extra cuddles, loves and kisses from my baby and my hubby!!!
Get to see my family (Dave decided that we should have our family dinner birthday party here....yup...so no dinner out.. but I do get a cake. Maybe I will even make it myself so I don't have to eat a store bought one, because most people don't know...I hate cake and frosting).
(At lunch because dinner is out), Get a Margarita. Everyone knows that this is my drink of choice. I love tequila.
Get to go to the movies! Dave and I used to go to the movies EVERY SINGLE weekend. That was our thing. We loved it. And we used to do this after A was born on date nights. Well, we don't do date nights at all anymore. At all. And although it has only been a few months, I miss it.
I will eat A LARGE Bucket of popcorn! :)

I know I probably sound crazy, and selfish. But, it is my Birthday. Dave gets one every year too...and that day he gets to have fun, sleep, eat, and have a day for himself....soooooo it is MY turn tomorrow! :)

...my favorite things...

2011-10-08T21:03:00.000-04:00

There are a few things right now that I am loving....

My crockpot. Lets get real, it is hard to cook dinner when you are not home in time. And since I am stuck at my inlaws and my crockpot was in my moving pod I went out and bought another one. The same one that I had before....but the newer version. So far I've made potroast, lemon chicken...and have a lot of other amazing things I am going to be cooking from my BIGOVEN app!
The scale. Yes, I am loving that my weight keeps going down!
Under the Tuscan Sun...it is and has been one of my favorites...but I saw it again today...so obviously I am dreaming about Italy... Ciao Bella!
How I scored $6 jeans! Yes...only $6!
The colder weather! Fall is here...(well, not this weekend, but it is here)....and I love love LOVE this weather!
That my Birthday is MONDAY...and that I have only requested ONE thing for my Birthday...a nap. And I willllll get one!

Those are my favorite things! :) As of today...

Everbody's working for the WEEKENDDDD! (a Birthday weekend at that)

2011-10-07T21:12:00.000-04:00

{well...Dave is actually working on the weekend...unfortunetly that is what always happens in our household...}

BUT I don't have to work on the weekend.....but I can tell you...spending the start to my Birthday WEEKEND at the doctors office while A got 4 shots...and then 2 1/2 hours at the DMV was NOT fun! Yeah...SERIOUSLY 2 1/2 HOURS....so today was an "ehhhhh.....maybe tomorrow will be a better day" kind of day.

BUT I do have to say...from what I can see on the temporary license...it's a GOOD picture...Not the best...but good! I did do something horrible today though....I lied on my license...only a few small lies...like MY WEIGHT.......but when they asked about hair color...I said light brown...even though I am blondish...yea...I know...rebel.....

This weekend will be fun! First tomorrow we are meeting up with a bunch of the girlies that I love! All of us have little girls....and the best part is that our girls share September as their BIRTHDAY month (except Natalie...but she is part of our group if she likes it or not...and she shares MY Birthday month....so she is in!) and we decided that instead of going to all the parties that we would just have our own big one! So we will exchange gifts, eat, drink...and have fun!

I am so excited to not only see the babies play together, but actually get to talk to other moms that I get along with so well! Not being originally from S.NH...it was important for me to make friends, and after A was born, our Breast-Feeding group was the best thing! I got out of the house, connected with other moms...and now not only do we do Girls Night Out's, we have playdates (we try for monthly or everyother month), butttt we email daily!!!!! I love these girls (and yeah, they read my blog...so HI ladies! Very excited about tomorrow!)

Then I get to have my birthday breakfast with my Dad, his fiance and A! He always takes me to breakfast on my Birthday (or around it). See my mom and get my present...which is my yearly membership of AAA! Andddddd then Monday will be my birthday celebration...and Dave and I will do dinner and a movie I think (my pick, my favorite, my movvvvvvie)!

And then...did I mention that I have to test on Monday for ...you know....pregnancy.... (just keep wishing...but could it be that easy)

I will keep you updated! :) It will be a great weekend!

Autumn is fun!

2011-10-06T21:36:00.000-04:00

Arabella and Dad had the day at the park!

Hope you enjoy the pictures!

So WHAT Wednesday

2011-10-05T09:00:00.000-04:00

Today is Wednesday!!!!!!!!!!

And I am participating in

Over at Shannon's lovely blog:

Life After I "Dew"

So hereeee we go....

"SO WHAT", if:

A isn't using her sippy cup full time. Honestly, my friends have their babies trained to drink everything out of the sippy. We are good with water and juice for now! There is so much going on, the last thing we need is for her to have a complete and total melt down because she is drinking her breastmilk/cows milk concoction from a bottle.
I put the television on when A wakes up so early in the morning...seriously...momma needs some extra winks every once in awhile!
My husband and I both take turns rocking or singing our baby to sleep every time she goes down. She doesn't cry. We get extra cuddle time....and lets be honest, it is easier...she goes RIGHT down!
I schedule long car drives for nap time...yeah, if we have to drive for a few hours or even justtttt an hour, I wait until A needs a nap to go. I don't call that anything but SMART.
I am 25 (almost 26), and still don't know what to do with myself! I am in school to get my Masters, but I miss Law School, and I want to have more babies....yeah...I am a fullll mess!
It takes me oveerrrr a year to loose the rest of my baby weight. WHO has time to loose it? Well, I have 13lbs left to go to get down to BEFORE I was EVER pregnant.
I too NEVER get things dry cleaned...or hand wash things....lol....following along with the guest post...I always use the gentle cycle...and the large huge blankets that say dry clean...they make it into the wash and are NOT ruined for it!

Hope you enjoyed! :)

Worries about NOT closing...

2011-10-03T19:05:00.000-04:00

I was worried, upset, sad, in denial...you name it because TODAY we found out that we are NOT going to be closing on Friday.

We had an appriasl last week, that we waited two weeks for...and the lady who did the FHA 203k appraisal WAS NOT LICENSED IN NH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

SERIOUSLY...the waiting was enough to drive someone batty...but paying $550.00, waiting for them to write the report, talk to them about part of the report, revise our 203k plans due to the appraisals findings, getting estimates and then REsubmitting everything HOPING to go to underwriting AND THEN FINDING OUT that she was A MORON....well...that did DRIVE me batty!

She KNEW that she could not do this appraisal but did it anyways. I thought that the listing agent was horrible for not doing what she said she would on time...but for this to happen? Oh deeeeear gosh golly I am just tuckered out. I just want to call the ~~EVILBITCH~~ nice lady, and ~~screamatheruntilIamblueintheface~~ ask her why she did this....

I need a Xanax

It's been hectic

2011-10-01T22:00:00.000-04:00

Can now find her nose, and feet when you ask her.
Is obsessed with books, babies and her dad! :)
Is on 3oz of cows milk and 1 oz of me when she is with Dave and my mom...but when she is with me, she eats from just me.
She likes juice...but LOVES water with ICE in her sippy cup.
Has been eating EVERYTHING from meatloaf to cantaloupe.
She is now a size 4w in shoes! (Stride Rites)

School:

My M.Ed is starting to get CRAZY!
I am very stressed out about my Literacy class. My teacher has been great...but I am still stressed. This is the first class that I am feeling it. The past classes were a lot of work, but this one is the hardest so far.
I went for an observation and met an amazing teacher, who makes me feel excited to get into the classroom, but also nervous that I wont be a good teacher.
I started tutoring...this has to do with school because she is in the 4th grade and my degree will be 1-6. She is currently working on study skills, but I am also helping her with all of her homework...today we worked on her book report and the teacher did not give her clear directions...so I made up a form...and we did it! :)

House:

We had our appraisal. We are going to underwriting (we should have on Friday), and should be cleared to close on FRIDAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Cabinets are picked out.
Appliances picked out.
Color for paint....PICKED OUT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Me:

My birthday is 10/10. I will be 26. EEK! 26!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
We have not started "trying" to have a baby, but we have decided to let things happen the way that they will happen. It took us a long time to get pregnant and have a viable pregnancy...so I do not want to wait too long to start trying again. I am not tracking my schedule...and it is off anyways because of nursing...so we shall see what happens! AND...I will be testing on my birthday to see if I am pregnant.
It is hard to not get excited...but at the same time.....we have mixed emotions. We are so excited about the house...and are excited to have our family there. But we want to work on the house (being pregnant wont allow for me to really help)...AND then there is Arabella. Do we want to wait and have a baby now, or spend more time with just her? SO like I said...if it happens it happens.

I am one of THOSE parents!

2011-09-30T18:34:00.000-04:00

I am one of those parents....the one I said I would never be. A is only 1...lets see what else I say I wont do next year! LOL

I let my daughter watch television....especially movies....movies that I like...preferably Tangled or Rio. Yeah, we watch shows too...again ones that I like...such as Phineas and Pherb....And iit s not like she is even watching it, lets get real. She only pays attention when there is singing involved!
I let her rip apart my underwear drawer! Yeah, so when I am getting ready in the morning, or need to make the bed, I let A go through my bottom drawer at my INLAWS house. And that ladies and gents is my undie drawer (panties...lol...horrible word)
I give her Gerber Graduate meals... yeah...I breastfeed, cloth diaper, yadadadada but every ONCE in awhile a girl has got to do what a girl's gotta do..she loves them...and they are 30 seconds in the microwave!
I have not once, but maybe 12x's given her mac'n'cheese from Panera....yeah...and I share it with her!
Whoooo lets their child play by herself. I am in the room...and there are only so many hours in a day....so when Momma has a lesson plan or a paper to write...I mayyyy empty her toy bins, put on Rio and let her go to town! (of course if she needs something I do it...but it gives me 5 minutes of time to type or research...and SHE IS IN THE SAME ROOM)...she actually plays with her baby dolls a lot and there is only so many times I can record it without seeming creepy!
I buy her something EVERY SINGLE TIME I enter Wal-Mart. I go into the doll isle and have bought alllll the Disney Baby Princess dolls....obsessed me...yes...her...she loves her babies...but it is ALL me...

So, you may hate me, you may love me...but I am being honest...this is me...and she may be eating a frenchfry and watching Rio as I type this! :)

If

2011-09-20T20:38:00.001-04:00

I saw the "if" post over at Life After I "Dew" and had to copy it...but of course put in my own "ifs"

If I were to get pregnant again I would have to stop taking my happy pills....and I just tried to do that...and it didn't go very well. But not a serious note IF I was able to get pregnant again, I would be the exact same...nervous, anxious, and well....babies cost a lot of money, so I'd be broke! Ecstatic, but broke!

If I had a day to myself I think that I would go crazy. But I know that my eyebrows wouldn't be touching, my hair wouldn't have roots, and I would not have a mustache. OR maybe I would...but I would NOT have dark circles under my eyes. I would SLEEEEEP! Teething babies make for a sleepless night!

If I married my high-school sweetheart I would probably be an amazing dancer (yeah I used to West Coast Swing Dance), be a stay at home wife, live in an amazing looking house, be extremely skinny....but would never have had children, care more about my appearance so my husband wouldn't leave me, and feel badly because of where I came from....a middle class family. I am glad that this didn't happen....

If I could live anywhere in the US I'd probably choose somewhere warm. Lets be honest, I love the weather changes, NH is great...I can swim in the summer, ski in the winter, and enjoy the spring and fall blooms and changes! BUT I want to be someplace where it is 60-100...and does not snow. I can visit here if I want to ski! I promise I would!

If Arabella was a boy her name would have been David (after my husband) or Maximus (called Max).

If I could have any talent in the world I would love to sing. I have a raspy voice, yes, it is deep. It makes me sad...and I know that it makes my parents sad especially since I used to have a cute voice when I was a little girl...I was even in singing lessons...sorry folks...

If you met me in real life you would be surprised how I really care about what people think about me. I want people to like me. And I've been told that I am "too" happy....yeah...ok...you don't really know me then!

If I could go back to school and get a different degree I would love to go back to Law School. I miss it so badly. But with having a family, lets be honest, Law School wont work. Being a lawyer wont work. I want to be home....so that is why I decided to get my Masters in Education.

If money were not an object I'd drive a VERY LARGE SUV. Like a HUGE one...that I wouldn't have to worry about the snow! And I would have room for all the stuff that comes with having with a baby.

If I could meet one celebrity I think I would want to meet Julia Roberts. I love her. I want her to be my friend.

If I could only shop at one store for the rest of my life it'd be Walmart. Yeah, they may not have the best quality clothes, but Dave gets a pretty nice discount...soooo I am still shopping there for everything I need!

If we were to ever get another dog...Dave would want a small dog....I would get another large dog. I miss having big BIG dogs, so I would get a Doberman!

If I could go on a trip, RIGHT NOW, I'd want to go to North Conway, NH. It is our favorite family get away that is only a few hours away

If I had to chose between a house cleaner and a personal chef, I'd pick a personal trainer. Seriously. I need to have someone yell at me and get my butt out.

If I had the option of plastic surgery I'd get LIPO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

XOXO,

Birthday DRAMA

2011-09-18T22:44:00.000-04:00

....yuuuuuuppppp (that was my impression of Dave on storage wars....tehehehehe I am such a nerd....I love that show)....

We had drama today....drama as in we had to call the police...

I rented the parks pavilion, and with doing so I had to email, get confirmation, fill out an application and then give a donation of $45.00 to the PODW (Park and Art Department).

I had the park pavilion rented from 1-4 *you can only rent it for a 4 hour slot. I had confirmation AND PROOF that I rented it.

So, today when I showed up there were people using the pavilion, and wellllllll they were not nice, and basically told me ~~innotsomanynicewords~~ that I had to share the unit with them. She said that she rented it at 1, and then said 2, and then said for a few hours. And then she said she paid $50 to the Chamber of Commerce. All of these things that she said led me tooooo want to rip her head off. But I didn't. I just went to my car and called my MIL and cried....LOL!!!!!!

She showed up....and decided that we needed to call the cops. She was very nice, and I was still teary. So yeah, I had to call the cops.

And as soon as I said that I had rented it, could prove it, and that I called the cops they alllll of a sudden decided that they would "eat the cost" of the rental. WHAT? I mean, $50 is $50! I wouldn't eat the cost if I paid $1!

The cops showed up. But the other people already moved along.

So that was my BABY BIRTHDAY drama.....lets hope that we get into this house so I can bail on having to deal with people and BIRTHDAY DRAMA!

Arabella's First Birthday

2011-09-18T21:15:00.000-04:00

XOXO,

2lbs down....and hating Etsy.....

2011-09-17T12:17:00.000-04:00

I am 2lbs lighter today...do I feel it? Nope! Do I look it? Nope. BUT when i am down another 16 I will feel and look it! It's all about the "big" picture today folks! Lets focus on the future!

We are about to be done with the planning and buying for the birthday this week! I ordered a banner last week...and it is still not here. I even asked the lady on Etsy if she would be able to have it to me on time..and said "yeah no problem"...problem is, well, it's not here!

Here was our convo:

sunsh1ne144

September 6 2011 9:42pm EDT

Is it too late to order this to have by September 18th?

Listing: www.etsy.com/listing/72452476/bumble-bee-cute-name-banner

62Cards

September 6 2011 9:50pm EDT

Hi! No, just be sure to leave the dates in teh notes! Thanks!

um...............yeah........STILLLLL NOT HERE! And now the party is tomorrow and it is too late to get another one! :(

Hair do....or don't?

2011-09-15T21:52:00.000-04:00

So...who isn't bored with their hair everrry once in awhile?

I tend to get bored easily and quickly!

But I am thinking about getting my hair done soon! And I found some great inspiration on Pintrest anddddd really would like to try some of the ideas....

Like:

And:

So....now to decide what color to do....I am now a blonde with brown/honey and some lighter blonde pieces. I really like the darker honey color, but I don't know if I would want it for my whole head...so maybe double the honey and then add the lighter blonde in as well....

Wish me luck...I shall be getting this done soon....and maybe even trying one off these hair-doo's for A's party on Sunday! :)

XOXO,

The House...in pictures

2011-09-14T16:10:00.000-04:00

Here are the stairs to go up the porch!

Back yard (half of it)

Our room (half of it)

The other half!

The stairway (built ins and part of A's room)

The entire length of the house FOR COUPONING


This is where we are putting our cabinets for our island/peninsula

A's built ins! Like the wood floors???

COMPLETE overhaul!!!! We are ordering our cabinets ASAP!


The back porch...it's a 3 season that will be a playroom (on the outside new siding and inside new paint)

I hope you enjoyed the pictures!!!

There are more to come with the rehab happening SOON!!

We close on the 30th!!!

XOXO,

It has been a long time....

2011-09-13T11:41:00.001-04:00

Here's what's new:

» I recently started weight watchers again, in hopes of loosing the remainder of the weight I've added on with all three of my pregnancies.

My goal is 20lbs. But lets be realistic.... I know it will take awhile...so I'm not getting my skinny jeans out anytime soon!

» The house had been inspected, and now our quotes are coming in! There was freeze damage drama, but thats fixed now. We close on the 30th.

We're thinking of having a Halloweenish type home warming party to invite people over to see the house!

»A is turning 1 on Sunday! Holy moly! I ordered her cupcake-cake and yep....had to call back and deal with cake pricing drama! Oh boy was that fun!

Her party is this weekend at the park! We are very excited!

....but thats it....lost my blogging mojo, but I'll be back with house photos and reviews! :)

Wordless Wednesday

2011-08-31T12:53:00.001-04:00

The best years....

2011-08-30T19:01:00.001-04:00

We recently started talking about the best years of our childhood...and how, well, we're old now.

If you haven't guessed I'm not like most 25 year olds. I struggle with infertility, pregnancy loss, ppd, have a family, own almost 2 houses (one a condo), have gone and left law school (which I miss), started a M.Ed program which I have a 4.0 in, and instead of contemplating which bar I'm going to....I worry about which washer has a larger capacity, etc.

So, yes I'm young in years, but in older in comparison to others my age.

The best year of my childhood is a mix between being little and living with both my parents to just having memories of my mom, brother and I.

My favorite teens year was the Summer of my going into sophomore year in college (yes, I was 18). It's when I met Dave, had amazing friendships, and had no worries (and could wear mini skirts lol).

Now, I'm happy. I love 24 because A was born, but love 25 because she had her first year. I bet I'll love 26 (come October).

What were your favorites?

Teething Sucks!!!!

2011-08-27T13:48:00.001-04:00

You would think that after 8 teeth I would be "used" to teething?

But alas...I forget every time...

So here are some video's to help you get through this time with us...

and then I remember how adorable and cute she is...

Gotta love her!!!

She thinks my tractors ....

2011-08-25T21:56:00.001-04:00

Well....unlike the Kenny song...she does not find it sexy....but she thinks that it is super fun!

This is A on my brothers tractor from when he was little! My mom tied a rope around the steering wheel and pulls her around the backyard!

She doesn't reach, and can't be strapped in (I know, bad mom), but she LOVES it SO much! She even beeps the little horn!!

She is a chugalugalugin 5 MPH.....as an international harvesterrrrrrrrr!!!!!!!!!!!!!

XOXO,

First birthday plans....

2011-08-24T09:43:00.001-04:00

My husband thinks I'm crazy for having a party and spending so much money on my daughter who is only going to be one....

I honestly don't think I'm being over the top...he keeps saying that she won't remember it...but I will (and pictures will show how great it was).

She only turns one once, and it took us a long time to have her....so basically I win! My response is "once you carry a baby for 40 1/2 weeks and push that huge head out of your you-know-what then we can talk".

It is a BEE theme!!! Yellow and black decorations, a bee cake/cupcakes, a bee outfit (tutu and all), and of course the queen bee (thats me) has made the invites and the decorations herself!!!!!! :)

Now I just ned to schedule the first birthday shoot....and buy an outfit for me!

Xoxo,

Common fucking courtesy

2011-08-23T11:36:00.001-04:00

Yeah....so I am part of my condominium association. And there is this other person on the board that hates me. I know it is because I basically make her life hell (I dont vote with her, not on purpose but because I have a brain and dont feel the need to spend money on things we dont need, & long story short she was part of the original board that I was removing before most quit).

Our vent begins with our monthly meetings. I can do any day but mondays for our meetings due to childcare issues (she has a child she just brings him to the meetings...which is a huge distraction), she called me "inflexible".... She can't do tues or thurs because she wants to go to "bootcamp" at her gym. Hmmm....I'm inflexible? Where are your priorites??? Seriously?

So I agreed to have a meeting yesterday. A monday. But at the last meeting I voted with two others to not allow children at the meetings. What did she do on her monday meeting, not show up.

According to another member we have discriminated against her....eventhough I have a child and dont bring my child.

So common courtesy, don't bring your kids, dont bitch about not getting to go to the gym, and if you feel like missing a meeting scheduled to accommodate you SHOW UP!

Thanks for letting me vent. I honestly think shes a miserable person, and instead of giving in to make everyone happy....I'm putting my big girl panties on and becoming a bitch that I know I can be.

Bella Walking

2011-08-22T21:02:00.000-04:00

Help!!!!

2011-08-22T10:12:00.001-04:00

Help....send chocolate or tequila....it will only last for a few hours so maybe send both!!!!!!

Today is Monday and I am already begging for the weekend!!

Maybe it is because I had a great weekend with the baby, or because I want to fast forward past the last 6 pages of my paper due the 28th...

Whatever it is has me singing the iwantmyweekendback blues!!!!

Anyone want to go get a choco-tini???? :)

11 Months

2011-08-20T11:23:00.001-04:00

So, Arabella is 11 Months old now. WOW...the time flies when you are having fun. Although I am happy, like I said in an earlier post, I am sad that this year is coming to an end with one month left of having a "baby". We are planning her 1st Birthday party...and well, it is sooo fun to plan, I am stressed out about it! I want it to be amazing (but really, it's a 1st Birthday....and she wont remember it...but I will).

She is the most amazing baby in the world (I know, everyone says that about their babies), and I think that if things had not happened the way that they did, I would not have this amazing baby with me today. God works in mysterious ways, and he made this little girl very special just for us.

Here is a list of the NEW things that Arabella can do:

Walk! August 7th she started with a few steps! But now we take 7+ steps at a time! (but still prefer to crawl because of how fast we are)
Her new words are "hi" (and if you don't say "hi" back...she keeps saying it), "Nice" (for when she pats the dogs, or pulls my hair, we always say nice and move her hand gently...so now when she walks over to the dogs she automatically says "niceeee"), "Gizze" (my in-laws dog), "up" (this is for us to pick her up or switch people holding her), "grampa" and "No nonononono no".
She knows what she wants when she wants it.
She shares with everyone, but things that most people wouldn't want. Like a piece of hair that she found on the floor (yeah, my hair is still falling out...thanks postpartum! lol)
She eats EVERYTHING but tomatoes *we still breastfeed full time, but she eats like a piglet with "real" food too*
Her favorite food is still watermelon.
Her favorite show is "the Price is Right" (seriously...she gets a huge kick out of it, and claps and laughs at the tv! I swear she even boo's when she thinks that the contestant is wrong!)

When we move into the new house Arabella will no longer be "co-sleeping". She has been sleeping in her own bed in our room here at my in-laws, but will be sleeping in her own room, in her own crib without us at the new house! So, I have to make it a big girl room. But still keep the crib, etc....so I am ordering the entire PotteryBarnKids catalog! lol! I will miss her in our room, because it is so easy just to pull her in to get a few more minutes of sleep (because she attacks Dave...and leaves me alone). But she is a big girl now!

I will be updating as the month goes on with pictures, etc. OH and as soon as I get somewhere with WiFi I can upload the videos of her walking!

XOXO,

We got the house!!!!!

2011-08-17T23:33:00.001-04:00

Long story short....we got it!!!!!!!!! Yeay!!!!!!

Now the wait for them to dewinterize so we can have an inspection and appraisal.

Tomorrow we go and get quotes for our new kitchen and bathrooms....and to measure, etc.

If everything works out....then this whole experience would not have been for nothing....

Please keep us in your prayers and post that it all works out!!!!!

Here is our rehab home!!!!!

Wordless Wednesday

2011-08-17T10:21:00.001-04:00

Almost 11

2011-08-16T19:53:00.001-04:00

Out took my husband 2 days shy of 11 months for him to "understand" my commitment to breastfeeding.

Uhhhhh.....yeah.....11 months.....

I have a bad cold, and refused medicine because I wont dump my milk....and he finally gets it. He finally gets it......

Seriously?

I am having a problem understanding how he didn't get it sooner.

Annoyed

2011-08-14T16:00:00.001-04:00

Ever just have one of those days? Everyone and everything has just annoyed me today. Annnnoyyyyed me. And don't go grocery shopping when you're annoyed.

I fell in in the biggest puddle because I didn't see it and slipped....I fell over two...not one but two baby gates. Fell down the stairs....

Could you please please please also tell my husband not to say that I don't look like a runner...its not nice to say to someone who is trying to run and loose weight

Can you also tell my friends to call me....I am not in the calling mood....but I get lonely if they don't call me back!

Thanks!

Radio Relationship Advice...

2011-08-10T08:26:00.001-04:00

I recently called into the radio station that I listen to every single day. They had a woman there who gives relationship advice.

My problem...when do we start trying to have another baby?

My dilemma: Dave wants to wait.

There is always a different excuse....no money, wait until we buy a house, what about domestic adoption (which we have already started before A was born), when I'm done with my M.Ed and teaching for a year, etc.

But what if in 3 years we start trying and we go through similar experiences to our past. We have a 1 in 4 chance for something to go wrong again. And so now...we could wait three...then take three years to get pregnant and A is now 6????

That doesn't work. We always said we wanted our kids close in age..... So what do we do?

The radio host special relationship guru said to talk to my dr....seriously?????? Bad advice. I know exactly what shes going to say...and I'm already doing all of what she will say.

So I come to you....Any advice?

Breast Feeding Covers

2011-08-09T16:14:00.000-04:00

Not sure if this is still valid or not...but I thought I would share! :)

3 Special World Breastfeeding Week Promo Codes

Free Nursing Covers at UdderCovers.com!
Free Baby Carriers at SevenSlings.com!
Free Breast Pads at UdderCovers.com!

Use Promo Code "Breastfeeding" at Both Websites TODAY!

1.  Go to SevenSlings.com and/or UdderCovers.com.
2.  Click on "Shop Now" and select any baby carrier, nursing cover and/or breast pads you like.
3.  Once you have made your selection, you'll automatically be directed to the shopping bag.
     Enter the promo code " Breastfeeding " and both companies have agreed to deduct 100% of
     the cost of the carrier or nursing cover - all you pay are the shipping fees!

Remember: the promo code is " Breastfeeding " and you can use it more than once - just open a new browser window each time you do.

* I received this message in an email and was told in the email to "Have a Great World Breastfeeding Week, feel free to pass this promotion on to your friends!", so this is why I decided to write about it in my blog! :)

House Hunters...forrrrr the Espos

2011-08-09T12:22:00.001-04:00

So, we've been searching and searching for a long time for a house...and today after many houses we found one.

Not just any house but the house that fits almost all of our requirements. Three + bedrooms, unfinished basement, front yard, backyard that is level for playset & room for the pool we want. And the best part is the neighborhood (and town we will be STAYING in....from one neighborhood to a new one, and the schools are good!!!)

And today if we get bad news, I know Dave will be sad.

So keep us in your thoughts!!!! We are beyond excited!

Arabellllllaaaa

2011-08-08T13:25:00.001-04:00

My baby is quickly turning into a toddler. This makes me sad but also very happy. Everyday she changes and grows, and everyday I think I couldn't possibley love her more but I do! I think my heart grows overnight!

She now is walking! Last week she would take one step and then sit.....but yesterday we saw 4 steps in a row! Eeeeee!!!!! Her striderites are on now to help and she is so adorable!!!!

Here are some pictures of her to get you until the next time I post!!!!

It has been a long time

2011-08-08T13:13:00.001-04:00

I am sorry for not writing lately....we've moved, been house hunting and had life get in the way!!!

Here are some pictures of our move!

I will be back soon to post more about Arabella!!!

Enjoy!!!!

Liquid Diet.....not by choice

2011-07-29T07:01:00.000-04:00

Yup....I was told to try a liquid only diet to see if I stop getting so sick...and so far I have not gotten sick since yesterday at or around noon!

But todays liquids aren't settled yet...it's only 6:20am so we have some time yet!

What are good liquids other than Gatorade or powerade ...which I have refused to drink???

Sick and Stressed

2011-07-27T09:16:00.000-04:00

So...we're waiting for the bank to come back still about the house. They will reduce or fix everything. I just hope they don't just say that they wont do anything! We are moving into my inlaws tonight and that will be an adventure! It is in Newburyport and we will have our own floor (they are well, how do I say have a whole downstairs they just don't use!). I am happy they are going to help is out! It's a huge relief!

On another note, I caught the flu or had food poisoning. I have lost 10lbs in 2the days ...but it is not worth it! I am still really sick and can't keep anything down or in! Lol! I am just hoping this goes away and soon!!

Today is a CHICKEN POT PIE kinda day

2011-07-24T17:28:00.000-04:00

I love chicken....and since I have to move and use all that I can in my pantry...I decided to make a chicken pot pie...well...two of them! My recipe makes two pies....so if you want you can freeze half to save until another day...or you can make two like I do! I usually take the other for leftovers!!

Dave's Chicken Pot Pie (and I don’t care)

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

2. Boil two boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Chop up and set aside. (we like to shred)

3. ½ cup carrots (chopped).

4. ½ cup onions (chopped).

5. ½ cup celery (chopped).

6. Peel and cube two potatoes (cut in half the long way, then cut so there are four long, thinner pieces, then slice long – like French fries – then cut into cubes).

7. In a large skillet, saute onions, celery, carrots, and potatoes in butter until soft. (or buy all your veggies canned...and saute onions to make soft)

8. Pull Pillsbury Pie Crusts out of the frig to bring to room temp.

9. Add one can of chicken broth.

10. Add salt and pepper to taste.

11. Wisk in one can of cream of celery and one can of cream of chicken.

12. Add ½ can of milk.

13. Add cubed chicken.

14. Mix all ingredients together.

Ø Mixture should be juicy. Potatoes, etc. will soak up some of the liquid, especially when baked.

Ø To your taste/liking…… If mixture is not juicy enough, add one can of cream of chicken and ½ cup of milk. My mixture was perfect after Step 14. I did not have to add more liquids.

15. Spray foil 9-inch pie pan.

16. Place one uncooked pie crust down first.

17. Add mixture/filling.

18. MmmmmmmMmmmmmmmmmmm – Can you taste it!

19. Place second uncooked pie crust on top and pinch sides all the way around.

20. Brush on egg whites over the entire top.

21. Bake for 30 minutes or until the top is brown!

YUM YUM YUM! I hope you enjoy!!

XOXO,

And we are BACK in ACTION!!!

2011-07-23T08:29:00.000-04:00

Like the new domain?

So....the lovey Sass....(my Aussie friend....who is amazing...and knows that I will be moving there if anything was to happen to ahem....me and Dave...lol). She fixed my blog! I didn't know what the heck I was doing....I should have just had her do it from the beginning....but....I thought it was broken and gone forever....but the amazzzzing Sass fixed it and now we are BACKKKKK!!!!!

What you've missed while I broke my blog:

We had a Pod delivered.....We are packing all our belongins INTO the Pod and MOVING into my In-Laws downstairs *it is vacant...it is free....and well...they are going to be on vacation while we are there....sooo....it works for now! Oh and did I mention...It is in NEWBURYPORT! So I get to see my friend Cara (and stalk her..lol)*.
We had our Home Inspection....and it went bad...we need to replace half of the roof, and the sheathing under that side of the roof due to mold..from the bathroom fan venting INTO the attic instead of outside. We need to replace or fix the 22 year old boiler...I am voting for REPLACE...and we need the bank to do all of this before we can move on.
A TURNED 10 MONTHS! And is ALMOST taking a step. When I say almost I mean, does and then doesn't balance and falls...soooo my baby is ALMOST walking!!!!!
I had an interview with a School District (not sure how it is going..but we are hoping that I am in), and if I do, I need to find care for A. This is so hard! There are so many daycares/homecares around here but none of them meet our standards. One is dirty (the homecare) but I could tell that she really cared about the kids! One is expensive and out of the way (but we like it the most and one of A's friends goes there!!!) And one has a webcam (awesome idea...but scary at the same time) BUT they are expensive and they REQUIRE three days. We wont need three days! At most we need two! But in all reality we only need one....

So that is it.... my life is in shambles thanks to packing and moving...we still have no idea when we are moving...andddd unless we close shortly after we move into our inlaws I will go crazzzzyyy (I think Dave would go crazy at my moms MUCH sooner than I would go at his parents...so that is why we are moving there for a week...or three at the most)

Ecstatically Pregnant....meeet Ecstatically Us

2011-07-18T22:41:00.003-04:00

Your blog is in transition

Your blog's new address is http://www.EcstaticallyUs.com/. Since it takes time for this new address to be available all over the Internet, you can still get to it at http://ecstaticallypregnant.blogspot.com.
Your new address should work for everyone after at most 3 days. At that time we will redirect your readers from your old address to the new one.

So...if you are redirected...this is why!!!! :)

XOXO,

A year is almost here....and I'm NOT done yet

2011-07-17T16:03:00.001-04:00

Breastfeeding is not always fun, enjoyable or even life fulfilling like most moms will tell you. It is hard work, takes time, and you are constantly latched or pumping!

Now, don't get me wrong, I love it. I love being close to my daughter. I love not having to spend extra money on formula {and if you formula feed all the power to ya...I have friends who use formula, coconut milk and goat's milk...and I love them all the same}.

But why would I continue to feed her after a year by breast? A lot of people ask me daily when I will stop...and I always have things to say back...most recently:

When she is in college...but I will still pump and send it to her via fedex if it isn't local!
The average age worldwide for weaning is 4.2 years old!
When she feels like weaning...(and I still throw in when she is in College)
Why would I? I haven't had my period in FOREVER...lets keep this a common trend.
And..... Seriously? Why do you care how long I do it for? It is my body, my baby...

Have any of you dealt with this? Any of you have anything to say back? Or any of you still breastfeed? :) How long have you been bfing?

MY Diaper Cake

2011-07-15T21:29:00.000-04:00

I made a diaper cake for a baby shower that I am going to on Sunday!

What do you all think?

The funny thing is....I am NOT the creative type...AT ALL...

BUT I had such a fun time making this!!

Aint takin it.....so stop shakin it!!!!

2011-07-14T21:48:00.001-04:00

So...A is the most miserable baby to change ....it's like mission impossible every time we pull out a clean diaper ...(cue music)

So here's the deal baby....shaking your bum is only going to get poop allllll over everyone and everything!

So what the hell do I do? How do I stop this little girl from shaking her booty???? Any advice from parents with kids????

Full Year of Parents Magazine for $4

2011-07-13T11:28:00.000-04:00

Yes please!!!!!!!!

Here is an Exclusive offer from Purex:

A full year of Parents Magazine for just $4!

Parents^® Magazine knows what’s important to moms and dads: raising happy and healthy children in a safe and loving environment.
Parents makes it a priority to answer questions, share ideas, celebrate all the milestones, and create a community where kids are number one.

To qualify, you must enter the promotion code from where you learned about the promotion.....so go here:

https://www.purex.com/parents-promo

And then put in PX1877 for the Promo Code!!

Enjoy!!!!! :)

XOXO,

Wordless Wednesday {Beach Baby}

2011-07-13T10:54:00.000-04:00

Disgusted

2011-07-11T16:20:00.000-04:00

While pinning (yea I am a HUGE pintrest freak) yesterday, I ran into this site with a girl who showed her miraculous transformation....within only a few months her body transformed from what I look like...to what I used to look like....now, just as every skeptic in the world...I clicked on it....

IT WAS A GIRL WHO IS ANOREXIC! And it led me to her website...a PRO-ANA website! THIS IS DISGUSTING...this is one of the reasons why I think that the world wide web is disgusting.

This poor girl. I just wanted to hug her. Where are her f-ing parents!!!! Where are her friends? It did have a disclosure about how she is now 105lbs and seeking medical help..SEEKING HELP? NO GO RUN DRIVE TO YOUR NEAREST HOSPITAL!

I understand that many of us "moms" struggle with just those few more pounds, and I am the first to say that I obsess about it....but not to the point that I would stop eating... And a family member actually told me the only way to loose the weight is to "starve myself for a few weeks"...Um....NO...I love my food WAY TO MUCH. There is a healthy way to do this....and I am going to show how it can be done!

So I made a promise to myself....A will NEVER hear me say that I think that I am fat, feel big, etc. Absolutely not! I promise to have/create a better self-body image STARTING TODAY so that she has a good one of herself!!!!!!!!!!

The crying....wont stop....

2011-07-09T17:26:00.000-04:00

My baby has been whining and crying since I picked her up at my moms house today.

My mom watches her when I am in school...I am in a M.Ed program one weekend a month...and my mom graciously accepted to take her...

But this means I have a MOODY baby. I don't know why. She didn't cry when I was there, when I dropped her off...or when I first picked her up. It started in the car and hasn't stopped since! Please tell me why? She is PISSED at me!

We're Going to be HOMELESS

2011-07-08T08:53:00.000-04:00

No no no no no....not really...don't get your "panties in a bunch" (that word is one of my least favorites), we are not "homeless" per say, just for a few days!

We close on our house on the 15th of August....and we gave our 60 day notice at our current townhouse on the 1st...well, they just told us that they can rent it as of August 1st! HOLY COW! So...that means...we have 15 days of homelessness! (or 15 days of Dave living with his parents andddd me with mine...and trust me....I haven't lived with my parents since I LEFT for College in 03...that will be fun...NOT....maybe they will give me a curfew!! But at least they will feed me...that is the best part of having an Italian family! YUM!!)

We can hope that they close sooner...and because our "stuff" went to underwriting already we are looking mighty fine! (I seriously wrote the biggest check of my life the other day for the down payment, etc...there goes my savings account)...

But that means that we don't have a mortgage payment until October 1st! Sooooooo we have no rent due Aug or Sept...and we get out deposit back from where we are now! So....instead of buying semi-ok appliances...I can get the ones I really want!!! YIPPEE!!!

Wish us luck that we can sign on the dotted line sooner!!!

XOXO,

Wordless Wednesday (x2)

2011-07-05T19:50:00.000-04:00

XOXO,

Happy 4th of July!

2011-07-04T09:24:00.001-04:00

We hope you are all enjoying your 4th of July together!

We went to Old Orchard Beach in Maine yesterday

...Arabella LOVED the sand!

Only once did she put it in her mouth

{but I was there to make sure it didn't go in}!

While walking to the pier she waved at everyone who passed her stroller!

She is such a ham!!!

Today we spent time with our little family and took some great pictures!

XOXO,

We Did It!!!!!

2011-06-30T20:17:00.000-04:00

We accepted a counter offer! We are proud owners (well almost) of a house! We own a condo that we rent it out...and now we will own a house in an amazing neighborhood! That is what sold us...not the house...it needs work, but we can do it room by room!

The neighborhood is private, has a playground, a field, a pond *with a beaver dam* and trails that are paved that lead to the elementary school!

I will post a picture...but don't judge...it is a foreclosure that we will be renovating!!!

So the window in front is actually in the kitchen....not sure why the bank didn't leave it...but we will find out soon! Also....we will be doing some MAJOR landscaping!
:)

Ahhh---I am a bad parent

2011-06-26T17:59:00.000-04:00

So, I missed the "we are 9 months" post....whoops...BAD parent....

So...here is what Miss.A has been up to:

We can crawl, hands and knees with the belly off the ground
We can pull ourselves up to a standing position
We can now get down from the standing position without falling down (she crouches, and then goes onto her knees...wicked cute)
We walk when mom or dad (or anyone) holds our fingers.
We snap, clap, wave, blow kisses, the finger on the lips thing (whatever its called), plays peek-a-boo, and starting to play patty cake (she sings along in her baby babble, and thinks the "rolllll" part is hysterical), and she claps whenever we say "yeay"!
We eat everything... those magical baby puffs (which I too enjoy), lunch meat, chicken, veggies, anything that is moms food...but still breastfeed (and pump) AND STILL seems to hate any "puree".
We say: Mamma, Dadda, Yeay, Yaya, Gegege (I am not sure what this means, but says it when she is mad), EEEEEEEah EEEEEEah and Yahehehehe (again....when she is pissed).
She plays well by herself...butttt we need to work on playing well with others (really, my baby doesn't share...and thank gosh my friend sand their babies are patient because my baby is going to be the mean one..(thanks Emily, Maggie, Jenn and Nicole I do NOT know what I would do without you ladies).
We have 6 teeth!
We are still extra cuddley
AND we still Co-Sleep (She sleeps in our bed for night...and in her own crib for naps...but we have been putting her in her own crib at night until she wakes up, I nurse her and she goes back to sleep in our bed)

She was 17.13lbs this past week at her doctors appointment, and when they pricked her finger to check to see if she was anemic she didn't cry (and wasn't anemic)!

XOXO,

What's on my DVR

2011-06-25T17:58:00.001-04:00

So I am a TV crazy person....yes...I have a TV in my living room, kitchen and bedroom....the three places that I am the most...(and the extra bedroom...but I am never in there).

I have two dvr's....yes, TWO!

Right now I am sporting:

Jem and The Hollograms (yes, I have 10 episodes from the HUB channel...it was my favorite show when I was little. When I am done watching it from the beginning I will delete)
Drop Dead Diva
Pretty Little Liars (Ah-mmazingg)
The Bachelorette (If I hear ONE more time the name Bentley I am going to scream)
The Rivals (MTV at its best)
House Hunters
Cover Affairs
Extreme Couponing (Because hellloooo I coupon)

And I just caught up on...

Brothers and Sisters and Desperate Housewives!

Anyone else a TV junkie like ME? :) The only thing is...I never get to watch any of my shows...I am never home....but today....and tomorrow....my butt will be on this couch if it continues to rain!!!!

XOXO,

Happy Father's Day!

2011-06-19T11:07:00.002-04:00

Today is FATHER'S DAY....

and so we wanted to wish ALL the dads
{especially A's dad and my dh DAVE}
{ahem..fur babies count too}

a Happy and WONDERFUL Father's day!

XOXO,

What was I THINKING?

2011-06-17T16:49:00.001-04:00

So I normally get waxed...{don't go there} for my face....brows & upper lip! So...being me...I waited until the last moment before going...and of course, she can only fit me in when I can not go...sooooo I decided to take a new route...and get "threaded"..yeah...WHAT THE HECK WAS I THINKING? Waxing doesn't hurt anymore...but today...at the mall... I was KILLED!

So....for anyone who has or is about to go get threaded...head my advice...It hurts...really!

BUT it lasts longer than waxing...and looks great! :o) Beauty is PAIN my friends!

Bella blows kisses!

2011-06-14T20:44:00.000-04:00

My Coupon Deals {5.1-5.7}

2011-06-13T11:08:00.001-04:00

This week I shopped at Stop & Shop....for a HUGE savings!

What you can't see here...is that there is a can behind the steak sauce....as well as:

FULL HUGE bags of red and white potatoes... as well as 4 packages of Perdue Chicken Breasts, 2 packages of Ground Turkey's...2 (which has 2 in a package) Pillsbury Pie Crusts....AND 12 Graduation cards! Alllllllll for $35.29!!!!!! My total bill should have been $138! Savings...offfff $102.71! HOLY CRAP! :)

So...

2011-06-10T08:30:00.002-04:00

This week has been busy...followed by an even busier weekend (class for my masters)...

But I am doing a huge coupon trip....don't worry I will make sure to post!

But this is not a post to talk about coupons {even though I'd love it to be, because I am AMAZING at it}

...this is a post to say "thanks" for making me feel better about my "baby weight" ...I have always had a body image issue and need to work on this so A doesn't ever develop one!

So again....thanks! :)

Just when I thought...

2011-06-06T20:38:00.000-04:00

That I was feeling and looking good....someone asked me if I was pregnant.

This was the first time this has happened to me. I didn't even realize it at first. And wow....to say that it didn't and doesn't bother me is a LIE.

This is me:

Do I look pregnant? I know that I am not as little as I was when this person met me, I was 110lbs for god sakes! I am 140lbs now...and although I don't feel good about myself, I didn't realize I looked pregnant still! :o/

I need HONEST answers. Depending on what brand I range from size 5 to a size 8/9.

I am upping my workouts....UGH

Why can't it be Sunday forever....

2011-06-05T20:17:00.001-04:00

So...this weekend was a blast...

I WORKED OUT! (YEAH GO ME.....GO ME....)

I liked the whole "I worked out to feel better...but only ended up with sore EVERYTHING". And I know that I have to continue to work out...but seriously...can't I just be like I was when I was 18...and do it all without any pain!!! Oh my goodness! I never realized how much pain I would be in! I did Stroller Strides in Manchester, NH on Saturday morning! It was awesome! It was in a park....and I was with a friend....and yeah...lets just say....the instructor kicked my ass! She was this VERY pregnant woman (such a sweet woman at that), and she was in better shape then I was! Holymolywassheinamazinglygoodshape....
But we did have fun....and then.......

I went with my momsiepoo to ChowDAH festival in Portsmouth, NH as well! There were tons of different restaurants showing off their stuff! I loved the lobster chowder! :) And so did A! She of course only ate the potatoes that I smooshed....but she had her favorite bowls (if they were too spicey, she didn't eat the potatoes).

AND TODAY I hung out with another fellow blogger and her daughter...we went for a walk...and a play in the park....MADE SOME AMAZING (I say amazing a lot) CHILI and finished off this evening with a birthday party!

I love Sundays...I love cuddles with A, I love birthday cake....and I love the warm/nice/fun weather! {but we did miss Dave a lot}....

Here are some pictures of my little HAM! :)

Swimming

2011-06-04T16:44:00.000-04:00

Here are some pictures of Bella swimming in her pool!

Have a good weekend everyone!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

TaDahhhhhhh

2011-06-03T13:24:00.000-04:00

So....I caved...and my closet is done....all clothes are washed/dried AND

FOLDED {or hung up}!!!!!!!

I also went through all of my clothes and so did Dave! We are giving 4 HUGE trashbags full away!

There is NO WAY that my clothes from when I was 21 will ever fit me again! I love my size 4 items...but lets be honest...if I do ever become a size 4 again...I wont a. want to wear little miniskirts with the pockets hanging out because they are so short {and I am a mom now} and b. fit like they ever did...because now I have hips!

How I caved....

2011-05-30T17:16:00.000-04:00

I tried to teach Dave the life long lesson of...if you clean it...please fold it! I can not keep up all of the time..and your clothes don't just appear nicely folded and on hangers or in your cabinets! I am the one who does it! With my clothes and her clothes...towels, rugs, dog blankets and then HIS clothes....I just have a hard time. So I asked for help. WELL....this was my closet before I caved today. For the last two weeks I have not folded ANY laundry (other than A's). I just opened up my walk-in closet and dumped the clothes.

I knew that I was starting to cave when I started to sort it...and then start to fold my own clothes...and then...yes...today I opened up the closet and couldn't do it anymore! I am not good at this! How will I EVER teach A a lesson if I cave so quick! ...Two weeks was A LIFETIME!

Here it was:

And when I am done folding and putting everything away I will take an after....

{and yes...I have a HUGE beanbag in my closet...as well as A HUGE mirror and my ironing board!

UGHHHHH MEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :)