Five on Friday

At some point I would love to have a theme to some of these posts, but for now, I'm just thought dumping a few items that tickle my fancy. I hope you enjoy.

1. CND Vinylux

Saw this on Instagram, and when they said it lasted a whole week without chipping, I had to give it a try. It's a bonus that shipping is free on Amazon, there are tons of colors, and it's available on Amazon. I pink puffy heart Amazon. I've found this stuff dries super fast, which is great if you're of the 99.9% who don't enjoy being without your hands for 45 minutes. The top coat is vital in making it last 7-10 days. I really love the Rubble and Rock Royalty colors.

2. Old Faithful
Sometimes I am strayed from a favorite by packaging or sales. I admit, I digressed from my favorite eyeliner. I'm a sucker for marketing and went with a different brand (admitting it is the first step). I recently returned to the Almay Liquid Liner and it was a sweet reunion. The applicator is firm and makes it so.much.easier to apply.

3. Cookie Euphoria
I referenced these cookies in this post and have made it a point to not leave you hanging, because they are SO GOOD. Nestle double chocolate chip. Run, don't walk to find them in the cookie dough section. Running is also helpful, because I think I ate 6 in one sitting. It's like cookies and brownies got married, invited you to the wedding, and gave you a gift.

4. Valentine's Best
After you find the cookies, be sure to pick up some conversation hearts. They are my most favorite Valentine candy, and BREAKING NEWS - this year Brach's came to their senses and went back to the original flavors. That means BANANA instead of lemon. MS and I were seriously questioning their judgment and were overly excited to see they made the research. I'm not convinced MS didn't do some letter writing to Brach's. I would be appreciative.

5. Cha-cha-changes

We've said all along we don't think Namath will struggle with the baby, but the gear. We were recently proven correct. There's been a lot of anger towards Rock n' Plays, car seats and strollers.

But he's taken the opportunity to milk it. Note: he's not allowed on the furniture, and I'm not even sure how he achieved it, but kudos to you buddy. I was too impressed to tell him no. He thought he could and he did. A true tale of triumph over gravity.

37 Weeks

How far along?.37 weeks. 

Total weight gain: 23 lbs.My goal was to stay under 30, so I'm very pleased. Bring on the Fall 2014 races for motivation.

Maternity Clothes: Becoming limited. Accessories are the name of the game. 

Stretch Marks: No. I've used my fair share of creams and oils, but I really think it's just the luck of the gene pool.

Sleep: I think I'm still doing pretty well. Lots of bathroom breaks, and hard to go back to sleep sometimes, but I think things could be far worse. 

Best Moment this Week: Putting the finishing touches on the nursery and making his door hanger for the hospital. I feel like everything is coming together for us to be able to just wait patiently! The doctor estimated his weight this week to be a little above 7 lbs. Was that the best moment or the scariest? Verdict is still out. 

Miss anything? Being able to stand for longer than 5 minutes without being tired. Does that count?

Movement: Yep, lots of fluid movements and body parts. Thrilled to see him still moving and shaking. 

Food Cravings:  Salty wins every time, but Valentines candy is out, so sweet still has a chance in the game. 

Anything making you queasy or sick:  Too much dinner. 

Exercise:  This week I've really noticed things are a lot harder. Too much running makes me hurt all day, so I've had to swallow my pride and make some adjustments. I'm just happy to still be getting out despite being 37 weeks and cold temps. I know the longer I can stay active, the more benefits for D-day. That's my mantra when it's easier to stay in bed.

Gender: Boy!

Labor signs: The day I turned 37 weeks, lots of people commented how much he had dropped. Confirmed at my 37 weeks appointment when despite no progress, she was shocked just how low down he was. I totally believe it. I almost get my daily exercise on the looong walk to the office bathroom. 

Symptoms: I made the mistake of wearing taller heels one day this week and my ankles paid the price. I will need to be creative with my wardrobe to get more flats in these last few weeks - at least 8-5. 

Most looking forward to: Besides birth day, I've been holding onto a deluxe pedicure gift card from Matt to use in the next week or so. I can't wait to be dipping my feet in that hot water soon!

36 Weeks

How far along? 36 weeks. Baby is packing on weight, at the rate of about an ounce a day. He's also shedding the waxy substance that covers his body, getting ready for all those first newborn snuggles. Can't. Wait. 

Total weight gain: 22 lbs.

Maternity Clothes:Feeling large and in charge and most comfortable at home in some leggings and sweatshirts. 

Stretch Marks: Nope.

Sleep: Not super tired, but I can sleep if I make myself stop nesting projects and go to bed. A lot of bathroom trips, and if I wake up, it's sometimes hard to go back to sleep. I've been catching up on lots of I Love Lucy reruns (4-7 a.m.) or Golden Girls if it's earlier in the morning. 

Best Moment this Week:  Dinner with Matt's parents to discuss plans for baby's arrival. Things are starting to get real, but at the same time, my mind cannot comprehend we will be loading the car and heading to the hospital in a matter of weeks.We also had Matt's work shower and were so excited to receive such sweet and thoughtful gifts. We are loaded and ready (as best one can be) for baby boy's arrival! 

Miss anything? Beer. It doesn't help MS has made some sort of campaign to try every craft beer in Birmingham. Sigh. 

Movement: Yes. I've been instructed to keep a closer eye on it, and some days he makes me a little nervous, but for the most part, he's pretty consistent and graceful, I might add. 

Food Cravings:  Hello, conversation hearts. Glad you've made your way to the point of purchase section of my local grocer. I heart you. 

Anything making you queasy or sick:  Too much ice cream at night makes me queasy. I battle through. It's a serious problem, but one can't dial back the Blue Bell Cookies n' Cream. I'll argue with anyone they make the best.

Exercise: Still doing what I can. Losing a little motivation, but I'm oh so close.

Gender: Boy!!

Labor signs: None whatsoever. Keep cooking.

Symptoms: Stomach has gotten really heavy, so I've had to slow way down. This is hard for someone with a new vacuum cleaner to play with and a dog that sheds constantly. 

Most looking forward to: His birthday!

35 Weeks

A little sneak peak of the nursery!

How far along? 35 weeks. Measuring length this week, and he's as long as a head of romaine. I don't think I realize how large I am until I see these pictures...

Total weight gain: 22 lbs.

Maternity Clothes: Is it even necessary to answer this anymore? But I have reached the stage where I've started to think about what I will wear post-baby. It feels like a whole new world!

Stretch Marks: Still winning the battle.

Sleep: Sleeping pretty well. Trying to follow everyone's advice of getting sleep now while I can. I've become best friends with the Snoogle. 

Best Moment this Week: Baby shower! I have such sweet friends that made his shower so pretty and special. Post to come. He is set up with everything he needs and we are just about as ready as one can be when your world is about to get turned upside down. 

Miss anything? Nope. 

Movement: He likes to roll and get those feet up in my ribs.

Food Cravings:  Eaten a lot of cookies and cream ice cream this week. Blue Bell is the taste winner, in case you were wondering. 

Anything making you queasy or sick:  Eating too much. 

Exercise:  I've about reached the point where running is getting uncomfortable. I think I'm going to experiment with adding in some more walking, since I'm so close to the finish line. 

Gender: Boy!

Labor signs: Had my first check this week. No reason to think he'll come early. Good thing. Mama needs her roots done first.  

Symptoms: A little more achy some days, but still feeling good! 

Most looking forward to: The nursery is done, the freezer is almost stocked. Just a few more things to check off my list and we'll just be tapping our fingers. 

34 Weeks

An unflattering picture is better than no picture at all. That's my motto. New Year's Eve 2013.

How far along? 34 weeks. Baby is the size of a cantaloupe!I believe it. He's a heavy little thing. 

Total weight gain: 19 lbs.

Maternity Clothes: When I'm not rocking Matt's oversize sweatshirts and t-shirts, as seen above.

Stretch Marks: Still winning the battle.

Sleep: Sleeping really well still. If this keeps up, I'll consider myself lucky. For a few more weeks.

Best Moment this Week: Spending NYE in with pizza and some good friends. 

Miss anything? Vacuuming without needing to sit down and catch my breath afterwards. 

Movement: Lots of rolls.Lots of body parts. It freaked me out a lot at first, but now it's kind of fun.

Food Cravings:  I really hoped this area would be more exciting, but I just like food. It's going to be hard to get back in line after February - I've been much more lax with my calories and sweet intake. All for a good cause.

Anything making you queasy or sick:  Eating too much. Prenatal vitamins. Haven't quit either.

Exercise:  Still going strong. Really trying to stay motivated, and it's hard.

Gender: Boy!

Labor signs: Nothing yet.

Symptoms: Just getting tired/achy easier than usual. But overall, I cannot complain one bit.

Most looking forward to: Baby shower! This Type A is ready to get everything organized.

33 Weeks

Shamefully no picture again. Sad trombone. 

How far along? 33 weeks. Baby is losing his wrinkly appearance and gaining fat. From here on out, he's just putting on the pounds. What a job.

Total weight gain: 19 lbs.

Maternity Clothes: It's how I roll.

Stretch Marks: Still winning the battle.

Sleep: Vacation has meant staying up later (read: past 9 p.m.) and sleeping later (7 a.m.) 

Best Moment this Week: Having all day to do as I please. I finished the letters for his wall this week and even got a freezer meal made. 

Miss anything? Vacuuming without needing to sit down and catch my breath afterwards. 

Movement: Lots of rolls. I think he's graceful.

Food Cravings:  I really hoped this area would be more exciting, but I just like food. 

Anything making you queasy or sick:  Eating too much. Hasn't slowed me down.

Exercise:  Still at it. Even had some warm days this week where I got to wog in shorts and a t-shirt. Got to love the Alabama winters. 

Gender: Boy!

Labor signs: Nothing yet.

Symptoms: Just getting tired/achy easier than usual. But overall, I cannot complain one bit.

Most looking forward to: Finishing the nursery and our baby shower. 

Over Christmas Hiatus

I had very good intentions of blogging over Christmas vacation. You know what they say about good intentions.

Hanging out with this guy won over. He has relaxing down to a science, and I was happy to be his student. Only a few pouts when USPS/FedEx/UPS over promised and under delivered on his Christmas presents. You know what they say about promising and delivering.

Ironically, (most) of my presents came on time. One of my favorite: a next best thing to gel nail polish. More to come on that. The nail polish is good, but no one promised I can paint nails better than a 5 year old. Maybe a skill I will work on in the new year. With all my free time.

A sweet friend sent these, and Oh. My. Gosh. If I wasn't jealous of everyone that lived close to a Trader Joe's, I am now. They were a huge hit at our house.

We didn't let the season go by without our annual Christmas Eve Eve Chinese food and Christmas Vacation tradition. Up to bat this year: Sesame Chicken with stir fry veggies and brown rice. Topped off with eggnog and chocolate chocolate chip cookies (more on those later as well).

I had a nice view from the couch.

Just the next night we managed to find the Griswolds in our town. My camera couldn't even capture it all. I should have employed the panoramic feature, but I was too in awe, and curious as to their power bill.

Christmas morning brought gifts for everyone. Except Namath. It really was so sad. Thankfully, the grandparents came to the rescue with his very own deer antler. Yes, we live in Alabama.

I bought some more nail polish.

Namath got a closer look at the Pioneer Woman's dogs. He was not a fan. Clearly he hasn't had her cinnamon rolls.

We joined Prime and haven't looked back. I made good use of my one month free and shipped as much stuff as I could. Anything you order off Prime I'm not thinking about?