30 Weeks

Did I type that right? 30 weeks.....THIRTY????!!! I'm trying not to let the fact that I'll be responsible for two more tiny lives in just a few short weeks freak me out, but honestly....

How Far Along? 30 Weeks.

Total Weight Gain/Loss: I'll just plead the 5th from here on out....for my pride, at least! HA!

Genders: BOY AND A GIRL!!! Grayson Wells and Raegan Elise!

Maternity Clothes? Yep!! With the exception of stretchy pants at home and some maxi dresses, I'm in maternity everything.

Stretch Marks? No. I didn't get any with Hudson, so here's to hoping I have the same luck this time around.

Sleep: It's OK. Some nights are better than others. As long as I'm cool at night, I can sleep pretty good. 

Movement: Yes. Anywhere and everywhere!

Food Cravings: I've really been into lemonade, peach punch, lemonberry slushes from Sonic. Fruity drinks are so good to me right now. The sweet tooth has been in overdrive. I try to eat fruit, some yogurt, or even a little cereal when I want something sweet, but I won't lie and say I don't give in to the occasional donut or cookie. ;-)

Food Aversions: Aversions are pretty much gone now. If I get a whiff of something less than appetizing in the morning, that'll get me though.

Labor Signs: No!

Symptoms: Sciatic nerve pain, getting tired out quickly, short of breath, frequent potty breaks, and some head/backaches. I've had a few Braxton Hicks too.

Belly Button In or Out? Pretty much all out there!

Wedding Rings On or Off? On

Miss Anything? Just being able to do things for myself...lift things, etc. I get super worn out after doing the smallest things and have to rest afterward, which makes being a SAHM/homemaker difficult at times.

Best Moment This Week: We had our appointment with the fetal specialist yesterday and it went well.  Our doctor wanted a second opinion on the measurements they took on the ultrasound last week so she sent us to the specialist. They also went ahead and did my weekly OB visit there so I won't go to my normal doctor until next week. They spent a good while looking over the twins and are very pleased with how they look. Baby girl is still bigger than her brother, but the specialist said this is not out of the norm and she doesn't get concerned until she sees one twin 20-25% bigger than the other. Raegan is currently 16% bigger than Grayson. She was measuring appr. 3 lbs, 15 oz yesterday (3 lbs, 6 oz 5 days ago), while Grayson was 3 lbs, 5 oz(2 lbs 15 oz 5 days ago). The specialist just wants the doctor to keep an eye on the growth and possibly even start doing growth scans every 3 weeks instead of every 4.
Other than that, everything looks perfect with the babies. I'm looking very healthy, too, which is comforting to know. My blood pressure has been so good and I'm hoping that continues until they're born.
Another tidbit: little miss, who's been either breach or transverse this entire pregnancy, has suddenly decided to put her thing down, flip it, and reverse it, and get in the vertex position (head down). Was it a smidgen inappropriate to quote a Missy Elliott song about my daughter? Probably so.
Seriously though, her head was under my right ribs just 5 days ago. It's now lower than my belly button, more on left side. Brother has been vertex the entire pregnancy and seems to like it just fine. :)

I also had to share a couple beautiful pics from the weekend. I took this Saturday evening and I could just die over how beautiful it is!

I discovered this little surprise blooming in our backyard. Limelight hydrangeas!!! Y'all. I'm obsessed with hydrangeas, but am terrified to try and buy some of my own to keep alive. (although the plants at the front of the house are thriving, people!! I'm keeping them alive! *pats self on back*)
These haven't fully bloomed, obviously, but they will be so beautiful when they do!! Free gorgeous white hydrangeas to decorate with around the house! Whoop whoop!!

Looking Forward To: Getting started on a few projects for the twins' room...namely, for their (very bare) walls. I'm going to recreate something I found on Etsy that will be super easy (and much cheaper) to do myself. I've really got to get on the ball with finishing up their room and getting things organized before their arrival!!

Have a Happy Tuesday!

Vacation Season is Here! Be Prepared in Style.

Today I'm excited to bring a special guest post to y'all.
We are in the middle of Summer, which means vacations!! 

Our favorite vacation destination is the BEACH!! It doesn't like look we'll swing it this year (I mean, we ARE expecting twins in a couple months) but it's definitely one of our favorite places to be.

Pictures from our trip to Panama City Beach, FL last year.

Traveling isn't always easy, especially when you have kids in-tow. Kendra reached out to me about sharing some great travel tips with you guys and I thought the timing was perfect, with a lot of us embarking on travels with our young'uns over the next month or two. And if you don't have kids yet, you can keep these tips in mind for the future. :)

I hope you enjoy what she has to share. I'll see you guys back here tomorrow.

Kendra Thornton: Travel advocate, TV spokesperson, PR businesswoman, proud wife and mama of 3. 

I am a long time travel expert who has been packing my bags and traveling the world since I was 3 months old! I've found my utmost desire in life is right here in my own home. I have taken my excitement for travel and brought it to you with some of my favorite travel tips and tricks. Enjoy!

How to be a Super Cool Mom on Vacation:  5 Tips on Being Prepared in Style

Vacations in my family are times of great adventure.  I love watching my kids discover new places and enjoy seeing all of my plans come together.  For me, half the adventure is figuring out ways to infuse my style into everything so I feel an extra jolt of satisfaction. 

That is why I’ve included 5 tips to help you stay stylishly prepared for your next trip.

1. Start Planning Early 

The prices for many accommodations vary throughout the year.  The closer the departure date, the higher the cost of plane tickets.  Hotel and resort rates differ based on the time of year as well, so timing is key for these reservations.  Book wisely and you could find yourself in semi-exclusive luxury hotel for off-season prices.  Visit websites, read reviews and talk to other traveling families to help determine the best way to pack, since a room with a kitchenette requires different planning than a room with just a microwave.  Use sites like Gogobot to get the inside scoop from other parents who have gone before you.  They have a great list of Orlando hotels right outside of Walt Disney World that can help you find the best choice for your family in any price range.

2. Keep Your Adventure Structured

Maintaining routines helps traveling go more smoothly.  Remember to eat, sleep, give your kids time to play and yourself time to relax.  Try to plan some driving stretches during nap times, then set up comfy sleeping arrangements in the backseat using pillows, blankets and their favorite bedtime stuffed animals. Don’t forget naps throughout your vacation either – having a well-rested family will make everyone much more amiable.

3. Keeping Essentials Close

When traveling it is best to keep your essentials available.  Packing a bag that allows easy access to entertainment, diapers, snacks, or other needs is key to keeping your entire family happy during travel.  For me, an airport is much easier with a backpack that frees up my hands for kid wrangling.  Polyvore has a variety of styles and sizes in a variety of price ranges.

4.Remember the Small Details

Keep in mind that traveling requires organization and most people do this electronically.  Whether checking your itinerary, the weather, or keeping your children entertained, you probably need your phone or ipad nearby.  Don’t forget a charger so your device will be there when you need it.  If you’re road tripping, don’t forget your car adaptor!

5. Stylize Memories

A great way to help kids explore their new environment is through travel journals.  Designer Cynthia Rowley gives her daughters travel journals for each new trip so they can collect and document their adventures.  Nothing encourages a child to explore a new place like collecting treasures.  From ostrich feathers to pressed flowers and of course an abundance of pictures, these tangible scrapbooks are great souvenirs.  By adding them to their journals, they can relive their happy memories from home.   

Use these tips to get started on your vacation and be the coolest mom around.  Have fun!

Happy Monday, and be sure to follow Kendra on Twitter for more great tips!

5 on Friday

First of all......WELCOME, FRIDAY!!! This week didn't creep by or anything but it's exhausted me and I'm so ready to have Joseph home the next two days. That 3rd trimester exhaustion is setting in, 

and honestly...

Yes, I realize that's extremely old by now. It's still fitting at times.
Moving right along with the 5 on Friday...

{ONE}

I haven't really had any strong cravings much lately but one night I just had to have my favorite salad from Newk's! 

I mean...the "Favorite Salad"...OK, it's called The Favorite Salad but it's also my favorite. Follow me?

While I'm on the topic, I should mention that everything they have is good and if you've never been, you should go there right now! You're welcome.

{TWO}

Hudson and I decided to hit up the pool yesterday. 

The weather was perfect, the pool wasn't too crowded, and we had a great time. Hudson didn't hesitate at all to get in the water this time and most certainly did NOT want to get out of it. For once, I didn't mind having a crying child, because it meant he loved the water and didn't want to leave. We'd go back today, but we'll wait until daddy's with us tomorrow so momma has some help. Momma can also focus on her tan a little more with daddy there to watch Hudson. ;-)

I can also get more pictures, instead of just one of him taking a snack break.

We're getting quite the farmers tan.

Seriously. I lather him up repeatedly with sunscreen but he still tans. I'm the same way, and tanned especially easily when I was young. At least he's not burning.

{THREE}

I have about 2 months(hopefully they'll hold out that long) until the twins get here and still have nothing, nada, zilch, on their walls or anything. We've got cribs/mattresses, dresser/changing table, chair we're moving from Hudson's room....oh and a lamp! I've got the bedding ordered and it should be here in a few weeks, am still debating on whether or not I want to repaint the dresser a different yellow, and have GOT to figure out what's going on the walls. I'm not sure if I just have so many ideas that I can't decide, or if I have no idea what I want to do and am at a loss.

Yesterday, I gathered a few ideas and started working on a couple things.

I've also got a great DIY project idea for something above their cribs. I found something on Etsy that was adorable, but they wanted $100 for it. Well, I need TWO. This girl ain't paying that kinda money for something she can easily make herself. It just involves a couple pieces of wood, fabric, and some letters. I hope to start on that in the next week or so.

{FOUR}

No words necessary. Unfiltered and gorgeous!

{FIVE}

I made my meatloaf muffins and squash casserole for dinner the other night. (if you haven't tried them, you must. SO easy and good!)

Hudson has never been a meat fan. He'll eat chicken, turkey, and hot dogs but will not entertain red meat. I decided to let him try the meatloaf and what do you know....the child ate it!!! He has a slightly unsure look on his face here, but he really did like it and ate most of what I gave him. Winning!!

 

Happy Friday!

Have a stupendous weekend!!

Midweek Minute - 29 Weeks

OK, here's a whole lotta info in one quick post...

My 29 week checkup was this morning. (I'm going weekly now. Yes, I thought it was early too.) 

I'm also having non-stress tests at each weekly visit. Again, a little earlier than I expected, but it's cool.

Our appointment went great this morning, even if we were there for THREE hours! This is no exaggeration. Most of this time was spent waiting or doing the NST....or waiting some more. 

A little ridiculous, nonetheless, no?

The important thing is that the twins and I both look great, we're all growing (I mean, have you SEEN this belly??!?!)

It does look we have a little chunky sister on our hands. Miss Raegan is weighing in at 3 lbs, 6oz while brother Grayson is weighing 2 lbs, 15oz. She's about a whole 1/2 pound ahead of him and is measuring 29w, 5d. She's in the 75th percentile for weight, while he's just in the 32nd. This was the only thing that concerned the doctor in any way. And I wouldn't even go as far to use the word concerned, but she likes to see twins closer in size at this point. (4 weeks ago they were both 1 lb, 12oz) She is, however, sending me to their fetal specialist on Monday for a second opinion and second set of measurements. She said that these measurements aren't always accurate and they may find that she's not as big as their ultrasound was showing today. 

This is just to rule out any issues with his placenta so we know he's getting the proper nutrients and she's not hogging it all. Basically, we want to make sure they're sharing well. Bless 'em, having to share before they're even born! I mean he IS taking up most of the room in there so I don't blame homegirl for stealing a nutrient here and there, ya know what I mean?

The tech also noticed that Raegan is breathing, which means her lungs have developed. They tend to develop faster in girls than boys.

I found their monthly onesie stickers waiting for me in the mailbox today. Precious.
Little things like this make it all the more real that I'll have two tiny newborns(not to mention the rowdy 2 year old who lives here as well, ha!) in a couple months.
Excuse me while I go rest up!!

Etsy, y'all. Etsy's where it's at. Between Etsy and Target, I can get into a LOT of trouble. 

I'm not sure which one my husband hates worse. HA!

Happy Wednesday!!

"Hot Pocket"

I totally forgot to share this in yesterday's post, so I had to share it today!

Joseph and I love Jim Gaffigan, especially his "Hot Pocket" skit. It's SO funny...even for the 111th time. And because we're weird, we often go around the house singing "hot pocket" randomly. The phrase "That's what she said" has been known to pop up around here too, but that's another post for another day.

Sunday, we were just hanging out in the living room and Hudson was consumed with Joseph's iPad. We somehow got into the whole hot pocket thing and Hudson caught on.

Watch for yourself.

OK, I guess we need to work on lengthening our act with more material.

Here's the original skit. Watch out, Jim Gaffigan!!

"I'll have the Caesar salad...and the hot pocket!" Seriously never gets old!

I hope this bit of ridiculousness brought a smile to your Tuesday!! :)