What to Expecting When Expecting...Again

At four months pregnant with baby #2, I am finally feeling pregnant. I felt the EXHAUSTION of pregnancy as well as the morning sickness throughout the entire first trimester but now I am into the second trimester of exhaustion, cravings, and those good ol' skinny jeans that no longer button. That baby bump sure comes early the second time around! I look like I did when I was six months pregnant with Stella! As I gear up for the next few months, it is time to bust out some of my favorite pregnancy must haves.

Designer Maternity Jeans - A pair of well-made designer maternity jeans is absolutely necessary. Check out your favorite brands and see if they offer maternity options. I don't wear these jeans on a regular basis, but on those days or nights that you need to be a little sass and look your best, these jeans come in handy. They will allow your lower half to look its best (sometimes hard while pregnant) and more importantly, make you feel good. They may be pricey, but paired with a cute top and some heels, these jeans can do wonders for a pregnant lady. I say the effect is well worth the splurge!

Palmer's Stretch Mark Cream - I know that stretch marks are supposedly genetic but regardless of your genes, the amount your belly stretches during pregnancy is bound to cause at least a few stretch marks. From the looks of other areas of my body, I am definitely prone to some stretch marks. Palmer's Stretch Mark Cream was recommended to me by a fellow mom when I was pregnant with Stella and at under $4 a tube, I couldn't resist. I started using it at the end of my first trimester and escaped my first pregnancy without a single stretch mark! I still had a tube leftover and you can bet that the ritual has begun again.

Pregnancy Pillow - I waited way too long to purchase a pregnancy pillow with Stella. I forgot how comfortable they were until I had a prenatal massage this past weekend that used one on the massage table. I went home and immediately asked hubby to dig mine out of the garage. It's about that time where sleep is starting to become a little more restless, and a little harder to get comfortable. With an almost two-year old running the show, I need to get all of the sleep I can get! There are a number of pregnancy pillows out there so find one that you like; it will work wonders!

Belly Band or Maternity Band -My Belly Band is my best friend when getting through those awkward pregnancy sizes. At this point (and keep your fingers crossed), I can still fit into most of my pants with the exception of buttoning them. The Belly Band is an easy fix to helping me keep those pants up! It also helps me keep my maternity pants up since my belly growing belly is not quite enough to keep them from falling down. Another handy time for the band will be after I have baby #2. These bands come in handy when losing that pregnancy weight (really, the belly.)

Having a little one and being pregnant proves to be more challenging than the first time around. I have yet to find a must have that will help out in this categories. I am sure there are plenty of other must haves that I am missing as well. What was your pregnancy must have? Leave a comment for me to try out some new, haute stuff! I have a feeling I'm going to need it!

4 months going on 6

Published with Blogger-droid v1.7.4

WELCOME WEDNESDAY BLOG HOP

Happy Hump Day and Leap Day! An extra day in the month of Febrauary...I am sure all you moms have plenty to do with the extra time! I am in need of some new bloggy friends and a little inspiration so I hope you join in on the hop! What better way to get over the midweek hump then to kick off your heels and check out some new blogs!





<center><a href="http://kelleyhautemom.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f301/csulbdelta/welcomewednesday2.jpg"/></a></center>


This week's guest hostess is Kristin from I Don't Get Sundays. Be sure to stop by her blog and say hello! If you leave her a comment, she will follow you back as well!

Blog Hop Rules: This is a low key hop. After all...it is Welcome Wednesday, here to get the inspirational juices flowing and find other blogs we can stalk! Put those feet up, relax, and join the bloggy fun.


There are a few rules though:

1. Follow the hostess, Haute Mom and the guest hostesses. Be sure to leave a comment so that I can follow you back.

2. Follow the guest hostess.

3. Link up your blog for all of us to love.

4. Make an attempt to check out at least two new blogs. Don't know where to start? How about the two blogs above you? If you love the blog, become a follower and leave them a comment letting them know.

So link up! You don't have to post about the hop...but you know how we ladies work, the more the merrier. We would love it if you would help us spread the word and help Welcome Wednesday grow! One of you could be next week's spotlight guest hostess!

WELCOME WEDNESADY BLOG HOP

Happy Hump Day! Another midweek lull for me! This baby #2 is draining my energy! I am in need of some new bloggy friends and a little inspiration so I hope you join in on the hop! What better way to get over the midweek hump then to kick off your heels and check out some new blogs!









<center><a href="http://kelleyhautemom.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f301/csulbdelta/welcomewednesday2.jpg"/></a></center>


This week's guest hostess is Jennifer from New Mommy Confessions. Be sure to stop by her blog and say hello! If you leave her a comment, she will follow you back as well!


Blog Hop Rules: This is a low key hop. After all...it is Welcome Wednesday, here to get the inspirational juices flowing and find other blogs we can stalk! Put those feet up, relax, and join the bloggy fun.


There are a few rules though:

1. Follow the hostess, Haute Mom and the guest hostesses. Be sure to leave a comment so that I can follow you back.

2. Follow the guest hostess.

3. Link up your blog for all of us to love.

4. Make an attempt to check out at least two new blogs. Don't know where to start? How about the two blogs above you? If you love the blog, become a follower and leave them a comment letting them know.

So link up! You don't have to post about the hop...but you know how we ladies work, the more the merrier. We would love it if you would help us spread the word and help Welcome Wednesday grow! One of you could be next week's spotlight guest hostess!

WELCOME WEDNESDAY BLOG HOP

Happy Hump Day! Another midweek lull for me! This baby #2 is draining my energy! I am in need of some new bloggy friends and a little inspiration so I hope you join in on the hop! What better way to get over the midweek hump then to kick off your heels and check out some new blogs!











<center><a href="http://kelleyhautemom.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f301/csulbdelta/welcomewednesday2.jpg"/></a></center>





Blog Hop Rules: This is a low key hop. After all...it is Welcome Wednesday, here to get the inspirational juices flowing and find other blogs we can stalk! Put those feet up, relax, and join the bloggy fun.



There are a few rules though:



1. Follow the hostess, Haute Mom and the guest hostesses. Be sure to leave a comment so that I can follow you back.



2. Follow the guest hostess.



3. Link up your blog for all of us to love.



4. Make an attempt to check out at least two new blogs. Don't know where to start? How about the two blogs above you? If you love the blog, become a follower and leave them a comment letting them know.



So link up! You don't have to post about the hop...but you know how we ladies work, the more the merrier. We would love it if you would help us spread the word and help Welcome Wednesday grow! One of you could be next week's spotlight guest hostess!

Published with Blogger-droid v1.7.4

Be Mine

Ah...another holiday. This one is slightly connected to more mixed emotions than the others. When I looked at my Facebook page this morning, I saw more "Happy Single Awareness Day" than I did Valentine's Day wishes to loved ones. And it made me sad.

As I have mentioned before, I am not a huge holiday gal. I try to get into the spirit but I am not the one that is known to all out decorate the house and bake holiday shaped treats. Not that there is anything wrong with that, I just always seem too busy to find the time. Valentine's Day has never been a big holiday for me. I always have fond memories of the day and being in a relationship never seemed to have much to do with it. A memory I hope to pass along to Stella and baby #2.

Growing up, my mom always showered us with Valentine's cards, stuffed animals and sweet treats. I never really saw it as a holiday for couples, but more as a holiday where you show your loved ones how much you love them. As an adult, even my years where I spent Valentine's Day as a single lady, it never depressed me. I was always surrounded by friends or family and was able to celebrate the love that surrounded me in some way or another. It is unfortunate that so many people view it as a holiday against single people instead of a holiday to let all those special people in your life know that you love them.

Today is one of my twelve-hour work days. I won't be home until 7:00 p.m. The hubby is always very aware of holidays and making them special, but I told him that simply ordering some food will be plenty for me. Last year, our first Valentine's Day with Stella, we had a romantic dinner for four at one of our favorite restaurants. Stella brought along her uncle as a date. I couldn't have been more happy than if I had been showered with flowers, chocolates, and diamonds. Valentine's Day is not about gifts, it is about being with the people that you love.

Teaching Stella what holidays are all about is an important duty. I have debated whether to shower her with kisses today, like I always do, or to get her a card and a fuzzy little animal to show her that I love her. I asked myself, "Would these actions be different than any other day?" and the truth is, it wouldn't be. Stella gets showered with love, kisses, and fun little gifts daily. I know she would absolutely LOVE a cuddly little bear but, in the long run, will she understand what it is for? I have no doubt that her ability to understand this holiday is a little premature and I also know, that whatever she gets today, tomorrow, or next week will bring her the same amount of joy.

However we choose to celebrate this day with our loved ones, let's remember to remind our little ones, and ourselves if needed, that this is a day of love. Send your loved ones a text, give your babes some extra kisses and hugs, and let everyone know that as long as they have someone they love in their lives, then it is their day too. All this is much more meaningful than a box of chocolates...and easier on the waist.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Be mine

Published with Blogger-droid v1.7.4

The Dreaded "Take Home" Project

It has begun. Stella’s first “take home” project was sent home from day care. My inner most type-A, strive to make things perfect personality has been challenged.

As a teacher, I am strongly against projects that are obviously parent made and not student created. It is important to help children develop their skills and this cannot be done when parents step in and do things for them. A second grade project, for example, is supposed to look like a second grader made it, however that may be.

When a heart came home for Valentine’s Day accompanied with instructions to encourage our children to use arts and crafts, I knew I was in trouble. I am no artist but I definitely have a strong urge to make things as perfect as they can possibly be. I set out in search of arts and crafts reminding myself that this was Stella’s project, not mine.

As we sat down together to decorate her heart, I allowed her to choose what colors she wanted, and where she wanted to stick things. I assisted her with gluing things down and holding the glitter, but I really let Stella decide what went where. This was hard for me. And when she was all done, I wanted to fix it. It is such a surreal experience to now be on the other side of the situation. As I once found myself frustrated with student projects that were clearly done by parents, I now found myself wanting to take over and fix up Stella’s precious little Valentine’s Day heart. She is months shy of being two-years-old and any artwork of hers is going to be chaotic and random, but I wanted it to be “pretty.” I wanted more colors, decorations spread more evenly, etc.

I was proud of her when she finished her heart project. I gave her a big hug and told her how beautiful it was. I am proud that I did nothing (I swear, not a single thing) to change what she chose to do. Following her direction, I glued and stuck things where she told me to. I took a picture of the heart before I brought it to day care. The first at-home art project that she completed. More importantly, the first of many projects that will require my support and assistance but not my doing. I can help her do her best, but I cannot make things better for her. This was a learning moment in parenting, more so for me than for Stella. I am happy to report, I can graduate to the next level.

The finished project

WELCOME WEDNESDAY BLOG HOP

Happy Hump Day! Another midweek lull for me! I am in need of some new bloggy friends and a little inspiration so I hope you join in on the hop! What better way to get over the midweek hump then to kick off your heels and check out some new blogs!






<center><a href="http://kelleyhautemom.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f301/csulbdelta/welcomewednesday2.jpg"/></a></center>


Blog Hop Rules: This is a low key hop. After all...it is Welcome Wednesday, here to get the inspirational juices flowing and find other blogs we can stalk! Put those feet up, relax, and join the bloggy fun.

There are a few rules though:

1. Follow the hostess, Haute Mom and the guest hostesses. Be sure to leave a comment so that I can follow you back.

2. Follow the guest hostess.

3. Link up your blog for all of us to love.

4. Make an attempt to check out at least two new blogs. Don't know where to start? How about the two blogs above you? If you love the blog, become a follower and leave them a comment letting them know.

So link up! You don't have to post about the hop...but you know how we ladies work, the more the merrier. We would love it if you would help us spread the word and help Welcome Wednesday grow! One of you could be next week's spotlight guest hostess!

Accomplishments for the Right Reasons

One of the things that we know as parents is that we have a crucial job of a role model. The biggest question isn't "How can I be a good one?" but should be "What do I want to model to my children?"

I decided a few months ago to raise money for The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society by running with their Team in Training at the Inaugural Tinker Bell Half Marathon at Disneyland. As I have said before, I used to be a runner and had slowly been trying to get my way back to where I used to be after having Stella. I thought this was a fitting goal and a great way to raise money for a wonderful cause in honor of a friend who had recently been diagnosed with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

I started training at the beginning of October and immediately had reservations. I'm always complaining about how little time I have as it is, and I began to question by sanity by taking on another task; one that would require a lot of time training. After talking it over with hubby, we decided that it was something that I should do. Nearly every Saturday morning for four months, I rose at 6 a.m. to meet my group for our runs. During the week, I got out of bed in the dark or ran late into the night in order to squeeze in my mid-weeks.

Days before Christmas, we found out that we were expecting baby number two. Hubby and I were overjoyed, and I again questioned whether or not running a half marathon is something I should be doing. Since quitting is not in my nature, with our doctor's blessing, I continued to train through first trimester exhaustion and morning sickness.

The half marathon was last Sunday, Jan. 29 th . I was really nervous in the days leading up to the event, but found myself excited while waiting in the corral Sunday morning at 5:30 a.m.

After a great run, passing the 13 mile marker, I had renewed energy knowing that Stella, hubby, and my brother were waiting at the finish line. Heading towards the finish, I caught a glimpse of my hubby holding Stella high above the crowd, trying to point me out. I stepped over to the side and called her name, waving, emotions rushing over me as I saw her, and knowing that after many months, I had completed the 13.1 miles (three months pregnant, no less.)

After making my way through the chute, Stella jumps into my arms. I have never seen her so excited as she says, "Mommy running." I asked her what she thought of seeing mommy run and Stella responds, "I clapping." and gives me a giant hug.

I knew at that moment that the training, the fundraising, and the completion of my half marathon were well worth it. As a mother, these are the things I want to model to my children, working hard, making sacrifices, perseverance, and mostly importantly, successfully accomplishing the goals that you set for yourself.

A memorable morning view

Stella admiring my medal

Published with Blogger-droid v1.7.4

Almost Wordless Wednesday

The best reason to accomplish your goals...your loved ones waiting at the finish line.

Published with Blogger-droid v1.7.4

WELCOME WEDNESDAY BLOG HOP

Happy Hump Day! It is officially February! I am in need of some new bloggy friends and a little inspiration so I hope you join in on the hop! What better way to get over the midweek hump then to kick off your heels and check out some new blogs!






<center><a href="http://kelleyhautemom.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f301/csulbdelta/welcomewednesday2.jpg"/></a></center>


Blog Hop Rules: This is a low key hop. After all...it is Welcome Wednesday, here to get the inspirational juices flowing and find other blogs we can stalk! Put those feet up, relax, and join the bloggy fun.

There are a few rules though:
1. Follow the hostess, Haute Mom and the guest hostesses. Be sure to leave a comment so that I can follow you back.

2. Follow the guest hostess.

3. Link up your blog for all of us to love.

4. Make an attempt to check out at least two new blogs. Don't know where to start? How about the two blogs above you? If you love the blog, become a follower and leave them a comment letting them know.

So link up! You don't have to post about the hop...but you know how we ladies work, the more the merrier. We would love it if you would help us spread the word and help Welcome Wednesday grow! One of you could be next week's spotlight guest hostess!