Baby Shower number 2

This past weekend (September 25, 2010) was my second baby shower, given by my best friend Courtney. It was good to see old friends and I really had a good time. Everything turned out great and i am forever grateful to courtney and brooke for doing that for me.
- I can't believe that I have 5 and 1/2 weeks left!!! We went this past tuesday to the hospital and took a tour of the birthing center. I'm glad that we went, it really gives you insight on what to expect and what they can offer for you.
I have already completed my birth plan. Thank God for the internet to give you tips on how to write it. I was a little lost at first! but it's complete and one more thing checked off the list.
The room is almost complete, waiting on a decal to put on the wall and my bedding. Everything has been washed and put away, crib, pack and play, bassinet, etc are all put together. I hope to have a pic posted of the completed room soon.
I'm so ahead of myself that I even have my bag pretty much packed and get ready.....get ready, my Christmas tree is up!!! I've already got "Maria you're crazy" for that but, for some reason I have had a lot of energy to get this stuff done, and that is really rare, so I am going to take advantage. So now I don't have to worry about any of that.. just enjoy the holidays and my beautiful baby:)
Now to get that Christmas shopping done and I'll really be ahead of the game!!!!
- I still have a few things left to do... but I think if the baby came today, i would be ok.
-I plan on doing one more session of my belly probably next week when I turn 9 months! I can't believe it!! ahhhh and then next post will probably pics of my son!!!

Here are some pics from the shower and some cute things I got.The Cake:)
The Diaper Cake Courtney made!
The hosts Courtney and Brooke
I think he's set on the rockstar gear!
The diaper bag my mom got me with his name!!
How cute are these boots!!!
CROC SOCKS!!!!!!!!!

Great Weekend

just wanted to share a great day that I had yesterday with my hubby:)
It's getting down to the wire and I know that our lives are going to change dramatically..
So Robbie and I, (even though work has been great but busy) have been trying to go on "dates" as much as possible. So we finally had a day off and left town for the day.

We went to the mall and just walked around.. we didn't buy anything we just walked around and talked. I really hadn't felt that relaxed and stress free in quite a while and we just enjoyed eachother's company. Then we treated ourselves to the rocky mountain chocolate factory!! YUM! and got ourselves a apple pie apple. Let me tell you it was amazing!!!

Then we had a great dinner at my fave restaurant, Olive Garden!!!!! Love that salad!

I really cherish these moments but i'm ready to make new memories with the three of us:)

Pregnancy Must Haves

Since I've been pregnant I've learned that there are a few things that you will need throughout this journey. I thought I would share them with anyone who might be interested. Here are my picks in no particular order.



1. TUMS! -they are always nearby. Everyone is different, so tums might not be needed..but even if you don't have heartburn, it's a great source of calcium.


2. Body Pillow- around 6 months, your sleeping positions will start to get uncomfortable, a body pillow is really helpful. A regular pillow will do just fine but I like to hug on my body pillow:)

3. Memory foam pillow (and mattress top) - If your bed is uncomfortable...which mine is! a memory foam mattress top really made a world of difference. The memory foam pillow tops any pillow for me, I just love how the memory foam feels. Mix these two items and a body pillow and you will be good to go!!!

4. Jug- I recently bought a 2.2L bottle to hold my 8 glasses of water that I need every day! That way I know that I am getting enough!

5.Old Navy Maternity Skinny Jeans- Who says you have to wear ugly mom looking jeans before your even mom! (not that I would wear any as a mom, lol) I scored a $10 dollar pair of maternity skinny jeans from Old Navy, and that's really all I wear! They are the only jeans that fit me in all the right places. My other Maternity jeans are baggy and too wide at the feet and makes me look bigger than i really am.



6. Cocoa Butter- while there is no proof that cocoa butter actually prevents stretch marks, I do know that it makes my skin feel so soft. I put it on my stomach twice a day, sometimes three.
I prefer the little stick over the lotion. With only 2 months left to go, I do not have a single stretch mark, but I also know that according to the doctor, as long as you gain your weight at a normal pace, and not really fast, stretch marks shouldn't appear... but you never know:(

7. Sports Bras- They are just so much more comfortable.. I just can't deal with an underwire right now! I really like Hanes, they make this one where you can use the straps in all sorts of different ways.

8. 3lb weights- I love my 3lb weights, its just enough weight to work on my arms. Exercise is very important during pregnancy. I went through a blah stage where I had no motivation(that usually happens during the 1st trimester) but by the 2nd trimester you get your second wind but the cravings set in too.. It's ok to eat what you want, but make sure you drink plenty of water and if you don't have the motivation to exercise.. at least walk. Walking is just as good and really important.


9. pedicure- just because your pregnant doesn't mean you should stop pampering yourself. A pedicure every few months is so worth the money. Plus they massage your feet and legs and you just feel so much better. Especially since you cant really reach your toes at this point anyway to do it yourself!

10. Support- a good support team is very important. I am fortunate enough to have a great husband that is always there for me... whether I have a weird craving, a sore back, or just some reassurance that i dont look like a beached whale.. :)
It could be your mom, your sister, your best friend... or all of them. Just have someone that can be there for you during this journey. It is life changing and we definately need reassurance every now and then or motivation to keep going.. 9 months is a long time! and we have crazy hormones to go along with it. But I wouldn't trade this experience for anything:)

Maria :)

Latest Maternity Pics

I have been trying to post these pics for some time now. I don't know why but it just wasn't letting me!! So now these pics are kind of old. I was 29 weeks here and I am almost 32 now. I am probably going to take some more around 8 1/2 and another right near the end and that will complete my portrait sessions.. It has really been exciting to see the progression and also a blessing to have a photographer husband who can capture these great memories:) <3

Latest Craving: ICE CREAM
Total Weight Gain: 18 lbs
3rd Trimester is: not bad, getting sleepy in the afternoons
uncomfortable to sleep at night, but that's about it
just ready for fall so I'm not in this heat anymore!
I love: feeling not only kicks but big movements from the baby, its definitely been my favorite part