Such a relief...

Another week bites the dust and my countdown is fast approaching the one month mark - only 4 days left and I’ll be ONE MONTH from my due date!!!! OH MY! 

Here’s a run-down of my week... 

It started out on Sunday with a hangout in Guelph with my lovely best friends who I don’t get to see often enough at all! We lunched at Atmosphere Cafe (so so good - definitely worth a visit it you haven't been before!) and caught up on girly talk then did a little bit of shopping. A marvelous start to the week! 

On Monday, I had my 4th ultrasound, which was mainly to check on whether the partial placental abruption previously discovered had improved, stayed the same or worsened. Of course, the ultrasound tech was unable to tell me anything, since there are rules now about how much diagnostic info they can divulge, so I had to wait until my OB appointment on Wednesday to hear. I did get to see the little man’s chubby face though, check it out! I think he looks like my brother :)

On Tuesday, I supply taught for a friend of mine who was sick, in her grade 2 class. There were some crazy boys in that class - so much energy! Teaching really makes me think a lot about the kind of personality our little guy will have. Will he be laid back and more introverted like his dad, or a weirdo hyper child, like I was? I hope he’s a good balance of both! 

On Wednesday, I had my 34 week OB appointment, which I was EXTREMELY anxious about, since I would be getting my ultrasound results. Turns out, my month of worry was for nothing!!! She told me the previous placental abruption was not seen on my latest ultrasound! HOORAY! It was such a relief to hear that my pregnancy is completely normal and healthy and on track. First it was the low-lying placenta found at 20 weeks, then the partial placental abruption found at 30 weeks, now there’s is NOTHING wrong! I can just wait for natural labour to begin and if everything goes as planned, deliver vaginally (LOL that reminds me of a lovely quote this week - “Dev, I really want you to delivery vaginally” - ha ha ha, this statement came out of my friend Chantal’s mouth last weekend, and if you know her, you’ll understand how funny it must have been to hear her say!). Anyyyyyyways, another Biophysical Profile assessment was done, and little man scored 8/8 again - rockstar! He was also estimated to weigh 5lb 2oz, which is awesome and right on track! He’s still head down and “presenting”, which is good - don’t flip little one! 

I taught kindergarten on Thursday which is always completely exhausting, but this was such a good class and they were really “mature” for 4 and 5 year olds! I also got all our newborn and 0-3 month clothes washed, as well as blankets, receiving blankets, bedding, towels and washcloths! All clean and neatly put away in his cute little room! OH, and here’s a “sneak peek” of his nursery - once the curtains and valance are done, I’ll post photos of the entire room! 

Yesterday (Friday), was Dan’s “Badge Ceremony” which is the official swearing in of the new police recruits in our region. There were 15 of them who received their badges yesterday, after a year long recruitment process, followed by 3 months of Police College and additional training at Regional Headquarters. I’m so proud of my husband for working so hard, making sacrifices, and for truly finding his passion! He’ll start “on the road” in a week and a half with a coach officer who will be training him for the next few months, then he’ll be on his own... you know, arresting bad guys and saving the world! LOL. 

Today, I cleaned the house since we’re having friends over for dinner and everyone knows that’s the only time my house gets cleaned (...don’t tell me I’m the only one!?!) After dinner, we’re all going to a Christmas concert at Dan’s parents church. We go every year and it’s always an amazing show! There’s a full orchestra and choir and it really gets me in the Christmas spirit! 

Here’s this evenings outfit - my ‘Outfit of the Week’ for week 35! (Sorry the photos are so awful... we’re running behind schedule and our guests will be here any minute!)

Dress: Seraphine Maternity

Purse: Jessica Simpson (Winners)

Boots: Aldo

Scarf: No idea... the Bay?

That’s all, until next week! Enjoy your weekend! 

Mad nesting...

Nesting: “an uncontrollable urge to clean one’s house, brought on by a desire to prepare a nest for the new baby, to tie up loose ends of old projects and to organize your world.”

                                                                                                                                       - Parenting Weekly

It has begun. So far today, (and its not even suppertime yet), I’ve rearranged the art on my walls (why this was necessary, I don’t know, there are surely more meaningful things I could be doing with all of this energy!), wiped down and sanitized every surface in my kitchen and bathroom, cleaned out my closet, organized the spare room, filed a bajillion bills, receipts and various paperwork, rearranged the books on my bookshelf (again - WHY?), did 2 loads of laundry and the dishes. I still plan on vacuuming and cleaning the floors, windows and coffee/side tables in the family room, cooking dinner and going to my husbands hockey game. And then I will sleep. Sleep until it goes out of style. 

This past week was not so productive. I taught all day Monday and a half day Tuesday, and then I got an awful flu/stomach bug which had me in bed (and hovered over the toilet) all day Wednesday, and part of Thursday. I had my OB appointment Thursday afternoon, by which time I was thankfully feeling better. Everything was fine - My blood pressure was a bit low (which it has been since I got pregnant, so nothing new there), my weight was only up a 1/2 lb (probably would have been higher had I not puked the entire day before) and my fundal measurement was spot on for 32 weeks. I was given a requisition for another ultrasound which will be on Dec 3rd, to check on the placental abruption. I asked my OB what would happen if it looked worse, and she said they would consider bed rest or early induction, so fingers crossed it’s gotten better, rather than worse. As much as I’d like to meet this little guy soon, I think he needs another few weeks of cooking! On Friday, I taught another half day and then Dan came home for the weekend, we had dinner and did some major vegging (the opposite of nesting - go figure!)

Tomorrow, we have our prenatal course from 9 a.m - 3 p.m, which I’m really looking forward to, and will report on next week!

Here is my outfit for today. Over night, we got our first dusting of snow! Lucy was VERY excited so we strapped on her boots and winter coat, and took her for a walk. Add that to my list of accomplishments for the day, LOL... And who says you can't wear red lipstick to walk the dog!?

Hat, Mitts & Scarf: Roxy

Coat: Guess

Top: Aritzia

Jeans: Seraphine Maternity

Boots: Joe Fresh

...and Lucy's coat is from Roots and her boots are from PetSmart :)

Thanks for reading and enjoy the rest of your weekend! (and if you got some of the “white stuff” like us, enjoy the snow!)

PHOTO BOMB!

One of my best friends since childhood, Jacqueline, took our maternity photos this past weekend! Here's a collection of some of my faves :)

*click to enlarge*

And I also used photos from our shoot for my Outfit of the Week for week 32!

Dress: Seraphine Maternity

Jacket: Costa Blanca

Scarf and Tights: not sure! 

Belt: Joe Fresh

Shoes: Primark

(and in case you were curious - Dan's shirt is from Galleries LaFayette (by Marco Serussi), jeans from Banana Republic, and jacket from Primark)

OOTW: Week 31

I love a lazy Saturday! This morning, we went to our favourite breakfast place, Angels Diner, and I ordered chocolate chip pancakes with whipped cream - scrumptious! (I seem to have gotten my sweet tooth back in the last few weeks). Dan is boring and ALWAYS orders bacon, eggs and toast. Don't mess with a classic, I guess! Afterwards, we went to the Real Canadian Superstore, so I could check out the new Joe Fresh baby clothes. I'm obsessed.

Anyways, here's todays casual outfit. (Don't mind my crazy face in the one pic - while taking photos, Dan mentioned my belly was looking bigger, and that was my reaction, LOL).

Jeans: Seraphine Maternity

Tank: Motherhood Maternity

Cardigan: Aritzia

Scarf: Le Chateau

Purse: Spring

Boots: Aldo

Outfit of the Week: Week 30!

Here's my OOTW for week 30! Since Halloween is now over, it's time to get in the holiday spirit! I opted for red lips today and built my outfit around that!

Oh and I should mention my excitement about this black top from Seraphine Maternity (you may have noticed my slight obsession with this brand...) Anyways, it's a maternity AND nursing top! It's hard to tell since its black but the bust has a really flattering sweetheart neckline and a sort of 'criss-cross' thing going on which pulls down really easily for boob access, LOL.

Enjoy :)

Pants: Seven

Blazer: Zara

Top: Seraphine Maternity

Scarf: Winners 

Shoes: Walmart

Purse: Target 

Outfit of the Week: Week 29

Outfit of the Week: Week 29! (Can you tell I was feeling the leather today?!) Sorry it's a bit late! This week was crazy.

Dress: H&M

Jacket: Danier

Boots: Aldo

Tights: Seraphine Maternity 

Belt: Le Chateau (I think...)

Purse: Le Chateau

Earrings: Suzy Shier

Updates Galore and Bump Comparison!

So, I think I’ll start off this LONG post of updates, with a belly comparison shot. The first is from 9 weeks when I started “showing” and the last I took today, the start of week #29! Sometimes it’s hard for me to tell if I’m growing since I see myself everyday, but when you compare photos, side by side, I can’t believe how much I’ve changed in the last few months! I’ll probably do another 2 or 3 of these over the next 2.5 months to compare the belly throughout the entire pregnancy! 

Alright so, I had a super productive week and I’m finally starting to cross things off the “To-Do” list! You never know when baby will choose to arrive (HOPEFULLY it’s at at least 37 weeks so we know he’s finished cooking!), so it feels good to get things done now while I can still move comfortably and the weather is decent enough. 

My mother-in-law and I went to order the stroller and car seat last week, and to my surprise, the carseat I wanted was on sale so I bought it in stock and got 15% off! (sidenote: don’t you hate when you write a long sentence and forget enough high school grammar to remember where to put the commas?... Whatever. I’m only an elementary school teacher. Deal with it).  

On the weekend, Dan and I cleaned out the garage and reorganized the furniture in the spare room so we can fit the glider. My large computer screen is in clear view so I can turn on a movie to keep me awake during late night feedings. The bed is also an option if I’d rather just fall asleep.... LOL is that safe?! I’m just resting my eyes, I swear!)

What else... OH, I made a birth announcement (Well, the template really, since we obviously need to wait until he’s born for the photos). I found the idea on Pinterest and just made my own in Keynote. It’s pretty darn cute. We plan on sending it as an email, rather than mailing them out. Who uses snail-mail anymore, let’s be honest!) 

I also wrote a letter to our little dude, during a sentimental moment the other day (I may or may not have just finished a good cry during TLC’s A Baby Story, LOL). I think it’ll be really cool for him to read, when he’s old enough to understand. Dan’s working on one as well (what a good daddy!).

I had my first appointment with my obstetrician on Monday afternoon. It went very well, other than the 2 HOUR wait to see her! I even arrived 15 minutes early (as I always do for appointments... I hate feeling rushed), only to be sequestered in the smallest waiting room known to man with no book to read and, worst of all, no snacks! Talk about a “hangry” preggo lady! Anyways, she seemed lovely and very knowledgeable, once I finally met with her. I’ll be going every 2 weeks until I’m 36 weeks and then weekly until baby is born, so hopefully the wait isn’t so awful all the time. Luckily, Dan’s cousin and her hubby were there as well, so I had someone to chat with. She’s overdue by a few days now, so hopefully their little girl arrives soon! 

I read in “What to Expect When You’re Expecting” to start counting kicks once you’re into the 3rd trimester, so I started keeping track of how long it takes for me to feel 10 movements. I feel him most when I first get into bed, and so far, it hasn’t taken longer than 9 minutes to feel 10 movements! My OB said if I haven’t felt 6 within 2 hours, to go to emerg... so far, I think I’m good!).

Dan and I also registered for a prenatal class at the end of November, which is a 6 hour course on a Sunday. My OB recommended it and it’s run by two perinatal nurses and a lactation consultant from our local hospital. It’s supposed to cover topics related to late pregnancy, coping and pain management techniques for labour, birth and the post partum period, as well as breastfeeding. Hopefully it’s useful and worth the money! 

The nursery is coming along nicely! I won’t be showing any photos until it’s completely done, which will definitely be before December! I hope it’ll be worth the wait. Personally, I love it and it’s coming together just as I imagined. 

No OOTW post today because I’m saving my outfit for tomorrow night. My mom is hosting a jewelry party and I have a cute dress from Seraphine Maternity to wear. I’ll post it on Friday, I promise! For now, here’s a picture of my hospital “clothes!”  A new fleecy leopard print robe from Winners and the softest pink PJ’s from Zellers! At least I’ll be comfy... well... as comfy as one can be pushing out a child! LOL.  

Have a great week everyone : )

Mommy Make up!

This week has flown by! Supply teaching has finally started to pick up which is nice because I'm getting bored of being at home thinking about all the stuff I have to do before January... and not doing it. LOL. I did, however, cross a few things off my "To-Do" list from last weeks post! (*Pat on the back*)

Lately, I've been reading a few different blogs which focus and makeup and beauty. I thought it would be a cool idea to figure out a simple and quick "Mommy Makeup" routine that I can do in 5 minutes! I know being a mom will mean less time for myself, but being able to smear on some makeup in a manner that will lead to a half decent outcome, is still important to me! I just feel so much better with a bit of product on! 

So, without further adieu, here is my "5 Minute Mommy Makeup" routine and a photo (Eeek, that's close!) of the final outcome. I think (hope?) it's acceptable as an easy everyday look.

I've labeled the products based on the order I apply them. Some of these products I use on a consistent basis, others are just what happened to be on sale or in my makeup case! The brushes are as follows:

MAC Kabuki Brush #182

MAC Angled Blush Brush #168

MAC Eye Shadow Fluff Brush #213

Smashbox Angle Brow Brush #12

Pink and Black Bronzer Brush - no idea!!! (it's ancient!)

Here is my "Pregnancy Journal" entry for week 28!

Size of baby: 2.25 lbs and 14.8 inches long! 

What's baby up to?: He can blink his eyes, which now sport lashes. With his eyesight developing, he may be able to see the light that filters in through your womb. He's also developing billions of neurons in his brain and adding more body fat in preparation for life in the outside world.

Total weight gain/loss: 22 lbs (It seems like a lot to me but average is 17-24 lbs at this point, so I’m good. Phew!)

Pregnancy symptoms: Knock on wood... not much other than a sore back and fatigue. 

Maternity clothes? Yep - pretty much everything I’m wearing is maternity now with the exception of a few stretchy tops, and some of my “fat” pants. I’ve busted out the winter jacket this week since its starting to get really cold, and it BARELY zips up... 

Stretch marks? Nothing yet! Thank you Palmer’s Cocoa Butter! 

Sleep: 8-9 hours (but not very deep sleep -  I wake up at least twice each night)

Best moment this past week: Starting the 3rd trimester! January will be here before we know it! 

Miss Anything? Coffee and modeling and wearing my non-maternity clothes! 

Movement: Tons! I started doing a kick-count before bed and so far it hasn’t taken longer than 9 minutes to feel 10 movements. His kicks are getting stronger and are more visible now. 

Food Cravings: Fruit! (can’t complain about that one!)

Anything making you queasy or sick:  Nada

Gender predictions: Predict no more -  IT’S A BOY! 

Labor sigs: Nope

Belly Button in or out: It’s pretty much completely out

Wedding rings on or off: On

Happy or Moody: Both? I'll admit it, I had some minor "freak outs" this week and last (Sorry Dan!). I'm definitely nesting and when the house isn't perfect, it's apparently the end of the world to me!

Looking forward to: Ordering the stroller this week and my first visit to the OB (I’ve been seeing my family doctor up until now). A doctors appointment is probably a weird thing to be looking forward to but whatever! 

Lastly, my "Outfit of the Week" posting! It was a rainy, miserable weekend so we got a bunch of errands done and cleaned the house. Woohoo for comfy clothes! When the rain stopped, we quickly ran across the street to the little playground and snapped away! (I've featured these pants in a previous OOTW, but I love them, so here they are again!)

Sweater: Dex

Tank: Jacob

Jeans: Seraphine Maternity

Shoes: Walmart!

Alright, that's it! I'm off to order the stroller now :)

Have a great week! 

3rd Trimester and Photo Overload!

So, here we are - THE THIRD TRIMESTER! 3 months to go. 10 weeks until I'm considered "full-term". And, I feel like I have done NOTHING. Crap.

Ok, so that's a bit of a lie. We HAVE painted the nursery, bought and set up the crib and change table, ordered the bedding, registered at 'Babies R Us', and pre-registered at the hospital. But that's a tiny list compared to what we still have left to do.

Since I'm a type-A list maker, I put together TO-DO BEFORE BABY ARRIVES list, broken down into mini timelines based on what needs to be done first. I'd like to have everything accomplished before Christmas because by then, I'll be 37 weeks and theoretically, baby could arrive at any time! 

And here it is! (In case you're curious, which, who am I kidding... NOBODY CARES! ha ha, anyways....)

To-do Before November 1st

Buy fabric for window valence and closet door curtains in nursery

Have window valence and closet door curtains made and installed in nursery

Hang paintings and bunting (made by my super-talented friend Chantal!) in nursery

Order stroller, bassinet, carseat

Start to monitor baby movement with “Kick Count” method

Clean out garage

Order diaper bag

To-do Before December 1st

Pick up glider from the in-laws

Reorganize furniture in spare room so glider will fit (it doesn’t fit in the nursery - friggin’ small bedrooms!)

Make birth announcement postcards (obviously without pertinent info yet!) and pre-address envelopes

Put winter tires on my car

Buy and wrap Christmas presents

Donate old clothes, shoes, purses, coats to make room in closets

To-do Before December 25th

Launder all baby clothes, towels and blankets

Stock nursery with diapers, wipes, and other essentials

Pack bags for hospital

Install carseat

Take a pre-natal weekend course with Dan

Finish reading “What to Expect the First Year” and “The Happiest Baby on the Block”

Have 9 month maternity photos done

Write and mail thank-you notes for shower gifts

Create “labor and delivery” playlist and load onto i-pod

Write a letter to our “little man” about how excited we are to meet him :)

Replace batteries in smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors

Make meals and freeze them!

Get Lucy groomed

Clean the house (thoroughly!)

Get a hair cut and pre-natal massage (the last “me” day for a while!)

Apply for EI benefits

OK, breathe Devon! You can do it. 

Alright, moving on (since that's enough stress for one day!)

I did an amazing maternity photo shoot earlier this week with Anthony from Chung Photography, and I'm SO pleased with how the photos turned out! Here are a few of my favourites :)

                                

        

    

    

 

                                                       

We're going out this weekend to order the stroller, bassinet and car seat (it takes 6-8 weeks to arrive), and here is what we decided on! 

               

It's the Peg Perego "Skate" system. This stroller is amazing because it allows you to attach the bassinet for long walks when the baby is young, transition to an upright stroller when he's a bit older, and of course, you can attach the carseat as well! We plan on also using the bassinet on a rocking stand in our bedroom for sleeping the first few months until we move him into his crib/room. 

After much deliberation, I also decided on my diaper bag! It's the Charlie II convertible diaper bag by Timi & Leslie. 

Cute right? It also comes with all kinds of useful items (change pad, wipes case, insulated bottle tote, "mom clutch", etc) so if I want to use a different bag for spring and summer (I've got tons of oversized handbags), I can just use all the same accessories.

For this weeks Outfit of the Week, I put together a "Casual Autumnal Dog Walk Look". HAHA. Dan and I took Lucy on a nice walk through the ravine across the street from us, so we decided to incorporate our fur-baby in some of the photos! 

Jeans: Habitual

Top: Seraphine Maternity

Jacket: Primark

Purse: H&M

Shoes: American Eagle

Alright - that's it until next time! Have a great week!