The Baby Registry Nightmare

Happy New Years Eve everyone!  
Today I had to go to the doc for my glucose test.  Were talking a tough visit...numerous finger pricks, hunger, and guzzling pure sugar in 5 minutes all while sitting in the waiting room for about 3 hours!  I don't think I will ever drink fruit punch again... and sugar?  Well I think I can almost cut it out completely after that...Clean eating shouldn't be a challenge now...lol - YUCK.  BUT...I did it all for Baby A and the trip to Red Lobster that followed :)

After we finished lunch we headed out to finish our registries for the baby shower.  Let me just start by saying that I had NO idea there were so many things a baby could need (or for that matter) have!  Our first realization of the crazy world of baby goods began when we entered the doors of Baby's R Us for the first time.  

Aisles and Aisles of Diapers...

Aisles and Aisles of Strollers...

Aisles and Aisles of Pack and Plays....

Aisles and Aisles of Bottles...

Need I go on?

 NEEDLESS to say registering for the first baby is a little overwhelming.  Thankfully, we had some great people to help us out on this new adventure!  I also don't know what I would do without my favorite new mommy blogs or Pinterest recommendations in this situation!  Can we say LIFE SAVER??

So far I am partially registered at: 

Target, Baby's R Us, Buy Buy Baby, & Amazon
(Gonna try and tweak everything tomorrow for a final proof;)  )

Items I have found MOST Mom's HIGHLY recommend?

Sophie the Giraffe Teether
(supposed to facilitate baby's development! whaaat?? so cool!)

Boppy Newborn Lounger

Avent Bottles & Accessories

aden + anais swaddle blankets (& other supplies)

I am really curious as to see what all the fuss is about with these blankets...

Boon Flair Pedestal Highchair

has a five point safety harness and safety post...sounds like a winner to me!

Babybjorn Baby Carrier/Moby Wrap Baby Carrier

Bumbo Floor Seat

seen this in action and it looks like an essential to me...

The First Years Sound Machine

Pampers Swaddlers Sensitive Diapers

honestly I have no clue about diapers...this is just what I have consistently seen recommended

I think we also found a practical travel system stroller/carseat combo (including the jogging style of stroller I wanted!)...lot's accomplished!  Too bad we can't shell out $800 for the Orbit Stroller (or any other like it)!  It's highly favored and adorable but you gotta be KIDDING me!

It's a STROLLER!

As I wrap up the registry process...What about you...what would you NOT want to do without as a first time mom?  Would love to hear:)
See ya "next year..." so fun to say on NYE!

Baby Madness

Baby A may still be "baking", but he already had enough Christmas gifts under the tree this year to pass as an official first visit from the man in red himself.  I think it comes from all of the excitement of knowing that he is on the way...this is the first baby in our family (immediate family) for 17 years - so...I guess you could say we have all went a little crazy.  While the Mr. and I have only bought two outfits (and a couple of things for his room), our families...well, they have been VERY generous to Baby A - especially during Christmas.  So I thought I'd take the opportunity to share a few of his cutest gifts, while practicing my photography skills with the new camera ;)

The Mr. says he is wearing the Panther jersey home...but I am thinking something from this Christmas collection would be perfect!  Think I can get away with a Christmas baby in March?

The Mr. is NOT happy...but his sister in law thinks different!

GOOO Vols:)

Beautiful PRECIOUS Blanket from my Nana & Papa for Baby A...

Bible verse quilt

Favorite Verses from the Blanket

Look out Mason Disick

A new stylish baby boy is coming on to the scene ;P

Happy Friday Everyone!

26 Weeks

This is Week #:  26 Weeks

Total Weight Gain: 9 lbs

What I am wearing:  The usual…leggings, big sweaters, boots – anything warm and cozy (we're actually getting a little bit of snowy weather here in NC)!

Favorite accessory/piece of clothing:  A festive red striped infinity scarf, wool leggings, and a fur vest.  I have a feeling the new sweater my sis in law got me will be a new favorite…can’t wait to try it out;)

Body woes:  Overeating this week was NOT a good feeling…on top of a tiny human in your belly – excessive food consumption does NOT mix!  Yuck!

Best part of week:  From a 3 day shopping marathon to finish gifts, to spending the days with family and friends…EVERYDAY this week has been great…I have had a great ChristmasJ 

Feel anything in there?  Oh yes…there is a new type of movement that feels like he may be doing cartwheels…who knows!

Gives me the Creeps:  Still probably coffee:/

I miss:  being able to use stomach muscles…I feel like an old lady having to struggle to sit up and reach down – sad thing is I know it can only get worse! Lol…

Zzzzz Pattern:  Pretty much slept like a baby this week

Gender:  Little ManJ

Belly Button Metamorphasis:  Outie

I’m Craving:  My Nana’s fried apples, YUM!

Working Out Regimen:  One day…Oh well, you could say all of the shopping and Christmas visiting can count for something!  Getting back into the swing of things this week, although it is getting more and more uncomfortable (bladder wise).  Think I will be searching for different workout options other than Jillian.

Mood (s):  J  BLESSED

I can’t wait for:  I actually hope this week goes by slow so I can enjoy some down time before I start my clinicals!  But I am excited about our Doctor’s appointment on New Years Eve…and New Years Eve/New Years Day.

Baby A is the size of....

Sparkling Grape Juice!

(so they say...)

Only 364 More Days To Go...

I hope all of you had a great Christmas... 

and if your like me you are already counting down until the next one!  ;)

Special moments were made, memories that will last us until the next Christmas and many more after that.  Now Cade and I are sitting here trying to unwind from the past two days full of family, friends, FOOD, laughter, a little bit of awkwardness (especially when you are the first couple in a long time to be having a baby...baby bump MADNESS), but above all LOVE:)  I think we have eaten enough food to last us UNTIL next Christmas...can we say FOOD COMA??  

Here is a little taste of the awkwardness...

I have to say...I have never felt more blessed than this Christmas.  I am literally speechless as to all of the blessings God has given me.  I don't deserve anything, and the greatest gift he could have given me is the reason we celebrate this special holiday -the birth of his son, Jesus...but He still keeps giving, giving, and giving.  Thank you God for all of your blessings on me and my family!

Christmas Breakfast...with annual Mustache picture! 

Even Baby A joined in on the fun:)

CHRISTMAS BLESSINGS...

We are ready and armed for Baby A!  We got an AMAZING camera and video camera to capture every special memory-that is consuming my day today - learning the ropes!  Our sweet little Panther snowman family (Cade approved), A GRILL (WOW), Leopard Sperry's (oh so cute), a Baby boy charm for my Pandora bracelet from my sweet hubby, two candles that crackle like a REAL fire, the CROSS bracelet that has been on my wishlist FOREVER, and cozy snoopy houseshoes.  Not to mention a digital picture frame which is the coolest thing EVER.

Thank you sweet family:)

I'll share Baby A's "Christmas blessings" Friday...he racked up and he isn't even here yet! LOL:)

CHRISTMAS MEMORIES...

Penny loves her Snoopy toy...Thanks Mumsy, Popsy, & Aunt KK!:)

If I didn't get a single gift, I would still be so thankful and happy for my life and the people who enrich it.  Thank you to all who made this season what it is - a time to make memories, remember what life is truly about, and showing God's love to one another.

Baby update tomorrow;)

Enjoy the rest of the holiday spirit this week, I hear the Hallmark channel is still showing Christmas movies:)

Nursery Update: Sneakin' in the Panthers

The Mr. loves is obsessed with the Carolina Panthers.  Ever since we found out that we were having a baby, ESPECIALLY when we found out it was a boy, all I have heard is "we gotta buy Panthers this" and "do Panthers that."  YEAH.  Not exactly the cute little room I had imagined... SO we have come to a compromise.  He can have his Panthers be a part of the decor and I can have my cute little boy room.  How did I do it?

I couldn't find a cute enough stuffed Panther online (nope not even on etsy...) but I DID find a retro-vintage-y pattern for the Pink Panther.  I decided to buy it (for a steal $6) and change his iconic pink fur for a more Carolina Pather-ish hue.  Which leaves us with something special and sentimental mom can make for little man, and a very happy dad.  Grab a couple of cute personalized pieces of graphic art from etsy...place them side by side on a shelf...and wah-lah...it is Panther MAGIC;)

Must say that I'm pretty proud of the end result, no he's not perfect but that is the kind of stuffed animals I like:

The other sporty pieces for Baby A's room...

from thedreamygiraffe
*Baby's name isn't Oscar lol;)

from nelsongifts

Poor little guy...he doesn't stand a chance!  He will HAVE to be a Panthers fan...

And here is a look at what we have for the nursery so far...I am EXCITED:)

25 Weeks

This is Week #:  25 Weeks

Total Weight Gain: 8 lbs

What I am wearing:  Pj’s…lol.  It’s Christmas BreakJ  I’m allowed to not leave the house!

Favorite accessory/piece of clothing:  Hmmm...gonna say the house shoes againJ

Body woes:  I have been feeling the round ligament pains…not a great feeling but comforting to know it isn’t a cyst (it was gone Friday!:)

Best part of week:  Well let's see...Definitely Friday: finding out our great news, and then I finished a new addition for little guys room…I think I am going to share it later this week.  Also-found out I made all A's semester!!  WOOT

Feel anything in there?  I can see him moving through my skin…very cool.

Gives me the Creeps:  Coffee (not Latte’s though…weird)

I miss:  Diet Pepsi…go figure!

Zzzzz Pattern:  Been harder this week because of my right shoulder…it has been hurting:/  So NOW…I’m down to one side to sleep on.

Gender:  Little ManJ

Belly Button Metamorphasis:  It’s out there!

I’m Craving:  I would still say turkey…it is roasting as I type.  Let’s just hope I didn’t waste our money!   I also really want a fruit smoothie too...  think I’ll be making a grocery store run today.

Working Out Regimen:  Three days…hurt my shoulder so have been taking it easy these past few days

Mood (s):  J  I am so blessed

I can’t wait for:  Christmas shopping trip Friday (and we are supposed to get some snow this weekend-fingers crossed!), and Christmas Eve/Day!:)    

This week, Baby A is the size (length) of...

A recorder!
________________________________________________________

AND Today's Christmas Photo Challenge?  Glitter!

#day19 #glitter

7 Days and Counting!

7 Days until Christmas!  Can you believe it?  I want to savor every moment because time just seems to fly by so quickly...especially the holidays.  I wish I could make it last longer...but for now-I am soaking in every second:)

Here's catch up for the Christmas Countdown Photo Challenge:

Day 15 #green

Loved doing this one...Emerald is my favorite color

Green nail polish, My favorite ring (besides my wedding set), and favorite Emerald dress

Day 16 #candycane

Day 17 #ribbonsbows

Our tree topper

Day 18 #cupofcheer

Gingerbread Latte...best cups of cheer :)

AND I wanted to share this BEYOND adorable outfit I got for our little guy in the mail today...  I can already tell I am going to be obsessed with Baby Gap.  I could NOT resist.  I can just see him in this next year with little UGG boots! Now I just have to cross my fingers that he will fit:)

      

25 Weeks coming up tomorrow...so hard to believe I am in my last month of the second trimester.  WOW!