34 Weeks!

Dress: GAP | Cardigan: Express

Oh, that's just me and the babe in Times Square.  No big deal.

Well, I'm still exhausted from my trip to BlogHer.  I got home super early yesterday morning {I loved that it was so close to home... just a 90 minute train ride!} and then headed straight from the train station to a Baptism and luncheon for a good friend's baby girl {Hi Hannah Girl... you were totally worth it!}  

But I actually think I hit the point of exhaustion when you feel hung over {ahem... without the benefits of drinking.}  So yeah... I'm tired.  And, of course, I walk right into a crazy packed work calendar today.  Woo hoo!

:::4 days til vacation. 4 days til vacation.:::

Oh, and 3 days until my birthday.  Ahem.

Not too much to update as far as the babe is concerned.  He/she is moving around like crazy.  I didn't have an OB appt last week, so nothing to update there.  My BPP on Wednesday morning went well though and the babe actually passed in about 2.5 minutes.  I think I was in MFM for 10 minutes total.  Awesome.

I did, however, have terrible, awful Braxton Hicks contractions basically the entire conference.  And that's probably because I walked over 60 blocks in the 5 days I was there.  At least.  We walked everywhere.  My feet hurt so bad.  But I tried my best to be a trooper and I'm so glad I did because I got to experience so much and meet so many wonderful people.  I even made it until after midnight dancing away at Sparklecorn and stayed up until almost 2am with my roomies on Saturday night, talking and laughing until we almost peed our pants.  It was so fun. {But it wasn't fun when I had to wake up at 5am Sunday morning to catch a train.... let me tell ya. Ahem.}

I have my next BPP and OB appt on Friday and I think I will have my first internal since I will be just shy of 35 weeks at that point.  I will also be missing all of my weekly appts next week because I'll be on vacation, so I'm anxious to get checked out and see if I'm dilated at all yet.  

Of course, I fully expect to be at least 4cm at this point.  Who knows, maybe I'll even break my own record of 6cm!  I kid.  I do not want to walk around 6cm dilated for weeks at a time again... I felt like a ticking time bomb at that point with Brynn.  

A nice 1 or 2 cm would be just fine, thankyouverymuch.

Pregnancy: 34 weeks

Weight Gain: 22 pounds

Weeks until September 10th Induction:  5 weeks from today!

Sleep: My hips hurt now.  Bad.  And if you can't sleep on your sides, your back or your belly... ummm, how are you suppose to sleep??  You're not.  Exactly.

Gender: We're team green, so we'll find out in September!

Names: Reid Joseph or Emerson Mae {see the name post here!}

Feeling: Really tired and overwheled at the moment, but there's only a few more days until we leave for vacation so I can make it!

Health:  I had really bad swelling last night in my fingers, ankles and feet, but I'm sure it has a lot to do with the craziness that ensued over the past 5 days.  It feels a little better today, but my rings and flip flops are really tight.  Hopefully my BP is still okay.  We'll see on Friday.

Movement: Feeling him/her constantly.  I love it!

Belly: Measuring just about 3 weeks ahead right now, have the start of a very light linea negra, and my belly button has been out for awhile.  Here's my standard belly shot for this week {and please excuse my exhaustion...}:

For comparison, here's my 34 week belly shot with Brynn!

Next Appointment: Biophysical Profile & OB Appointment: this Friday, August 10th at 34w5d. 

I'm here! #BlogHer12

Well, I made it to NYC for BlogHer12 and let me just tell you...

 

...my feet hurt.

But.

It's only because I'm having such an amazing time.

Yes, that's Times Square from a atop the Viacom Building, people.  This stuff doesn't happen in real life.

And you know what else doesn't happen?  This.

You know... just me and Torie hanging out with The Pioneer Woman.  No big deal.

I got to talk to her for about 10 or 15 minutes as she rubbed the belleh and told me I was beautiful.  I almost cried.

Oh, oh.  And do you remember that time I told you I was nominated for a BlogLuxe Award and then made the Top 20 Finalists last week?

I won.

Again?  This is not real life, people.

If you're at BlogHer12?  Come and find me! {I'm the girl with the big belleh.}  But if you're not here, be sure to follow me on Instagram, Facebook & Twitter. I'll be sure to keep you thoroughly entertained.

I hope everyone has a lovely weekend!

33 weeks!

Shirt & Shorts: Motherhood

33 weeks.  Whoa.  I actually thought I was turning 32 weeks, so I'm just way off.  This entire pregnancy is clearly moving faster than I can even comprehend.

Not too many updates this week.  I had my weekly Biophysical Profile on Friday morning and the babe passed in literally 3 minutes.  He/she is doing really well in there :)  No mass update... they only check for growth/blood flow at my growth ultrasounds and I don't think I have another one of those for a few weeks.  I'm rather enjoying the break, actually. {And by "break" I clearly mean that I have a week or two off from seeing it. But it's nice not have it all up in my face for a bit :}

Because of BlogHer this Wednesday- Sunday, I had to reschedule all of my weekly Friday high risk appointments for different times.  Unfortunately, they were mostly booked solid on Wednesday {right before I leave} so I only have a BPP this week instead of my bi-weekly OB appt as well.  I talked to my doc though, and she was fine with that, because the babe is still being checked :)  I'll then go see her next week {on my birthday, fun!} before I head out to OBX for 7 days... woo hoo!! More to come on this :)

As far as my upcoming trip to BlogHer in New York City, I'm a tad nervous {but not enough to stop me from going... clearly.}  Although my schedule is jam-packed the entire 5 days, I have to remember to take lots of breaks and make sure I'm not running around the entire city like an 8 month pregnant crazy person {don't worry honey... I'll be fine! <- Bob's worried.}  

Oh, but also?  I had my roomies brush up on their L&D skillz.  You know, just in case. {I kid, honey.  Sort of.}

Pregnancy: 33 weeks

Weight Gain: 22 pounds

Weeks until September 10th Induction:  6! <- ahhhhhh!

Sleep: I have good nights and bad!  Hoping to get some solid sleep this week at BlogHer!

Gender: We're team green, so we'll find out in September!

Names: Reid Joseph or Emerson Mae {see the name post here!}

Feeling: Excited!  Looking forward to spending time with some good friends :)

Health:  My BP has been fine this week, from what I can tell.  My swelling is getting bad, so I'll have to really watch it in NYC... I have cute shoes to fit into, damn it!

Movement: Feeling him/her constantly.  I love it!

Belly: Measuring just about 3 weeks ahead right now, have the start of a very light linea negra, and my belly button has been out for awhile.

For comparison, here's my 33 week belly shot with Brynn! {<- from my maternity session with her!!}

Next Appointment: Biophysical Profile: this Wednesday, August 1st at 33w3d. 

I'm going to #BlogHer12!

Can you believe it?  Yes, me.  At 34 weeks pregnant.

I will be roaming the streets of NYC, going to sessions, eating lots of food, party hopping like it's my job {because really? It will be my job while I'm there.  And it's hard work ;} Oh, and you best believe that I will be keeping up with everyone {maybe sometimes waddling a little behind, but still} because I get to see these lovies from BlogHer11 again...

Andalso?  I get to see and meet even MORE girlies.  You know, the ones that live in my computer.  Girls that I've been talking to for years.  And I finally get to meet them in just a few short days.  SQUEE!

I really lucked out that the conference is in NYC this year though, otherwise, I probably wouldn't have been able to go {um, no more flying for this mama.}  I get to road trip it up from Philly to NYC with this awesome girl.  And I will be rooming with her, her and her and I simply can. not. wait. to squeeze them.
Packing will be a bit rough this time.  It's not that I have to limit my baggage or anything {though, I'm sure everything will fit into 1 wheely suit case} it's that I feel like I don't have a ton to wear.

Being 8 months pregnant and walking around NYC in August, I'm obviously shooting for comfy summer dresses or skirts during the day a few nicer dresses at night.  But, since this is likely my last pregnancy and I'm nearing completion here, I also don't want to spend a lot of money on clothes that I won't get much use out of.

So I figured, instead of going out and buying this dress... {how perfect is that for Sparklecorn? Sigh.}

I could be a good girl {darn!}, save some money, and just accessorize some of the dresses I already own.  So?  I went shopping in my closet.  {Um, and my sister's closet too.}  Here are some of the dresses I picked out...

And I stole this one from my sister... {a shot from her maternity session with Steph!}

It's orange.  I love it.  I also stole a hot pink dress and an orange halter top maternity shirt as well.  Thank gawd she's pregnant too ;)

And with a few fun accessories like these..

 ...along with some glitter, sparkly shoes and a few surprise elements, I think I'll be just fine. {And it's okay that the necklace rests right on top of my belly right?  Almost like it's sitting on a shelf.  Okay, I thought it was fine too.}  I'll also pack a few casual outfits as well- capri's, tanks, jeans, comfy shoes (!!!) and a few skirts- and I'll be on my way!

Oh, and one other thing I want to add {that I am super excited about}... Jenni from the Blog was just named as one of the Top 20 Finalists for the 2012 BlogLuxe Awards!  Ahhhhhhh!!  There were nearly 200 amazing blogs nominated for the awards, and I am so honored to be among the top 20.  I mean, really!?!  How did that even happen??  Thank you to all those who voted for me!  The 5 winners will be announced on Thursday night, August 2nd at the SocialLuxe Party!  Can't wait =)

So, if you're going to BlogHer12, SAY HI!  I'm not scary. {Well, maybe a little.} And you certainly won't miss me.  I look like this...

...and I'm the girl with the big belleh. =)

Sending a huge thank you to Medifast. The program helped me lose 30 pounds of baby weight after Brynn and I'll do it again after delivering this little peanut!  If you are interested in starting the Medifast program or have any questions, feel free to ask me!

BlogHer11 | Because, why not.

The catch phrase for the week. Because, really? Why the hell not. And? Settle in folks, it's a long one. There will be a completely separate post about my sessions, likes & dislikes so hang tight if you're waiting for that one. This is basically my recap. And a shit ton of pictures.

San Diego. What a beautiful place to hold this conference.
They were actually the very first pictures I took when I arrived on Wednesday {best. decision. EVER.} and they were taken from this room...
...with all these wonderful bloggers that I was finally meeting in real life. Ya know... the ones that live in my computer.

We talked. We laughed. We drank straight out of wine bottles....after all the laughing. And the talking. And the wine. We went to dinner.
I felt like I've known these girls forever, but I had actually just met each and every one of them. A year ago that may have seemed crazy to me. But now? Not so much. It's amazing.

Chelsey, Torie, & I stayed in a hotel a few blocks away on Wednesday night. It was SO NICE and I wish one of us would have actually taken pictures of it. I guess that's what happens when you stay up for 24 hours straight.

On Thursday morning, we checked out of our hotel and checked into the Marriott where the conference was being held, and where we'd spend the remainder of our trip. Around noon, we had realized that we hadn't eaten yet {yes, you forget to eat at BlogHer} so we headed to breakfast.
And it? Was yummy.

Once we got back to the room, we took pictures of our gorgeous view. It was unbelievable.
We seriously had the best room ever. I don't think the balcony door closed once during the day. If we were awake? It was open. The cool breeze, boat horns and laughter below were perfect. At night, the pool bar would have live music that we could hear as we got ready for the many parties we attended.

Thursday night, we checked into the conferenceand then got ready and headed to the Clever Girls party a few blocks away. It was fabulous. I didn't take many pictures at any of the parties because that would require me to carry my camera around. {Yeah...not happening.} Thankfully Chelsey brought hers to a few parties, so there is some evidence {besides iPhone pics} that this stuff actually happened....and the pedi cab home...We were up bright and early on Friday morning, excited for the conference to officially begin! We headed to breakfast, then went to a few great sessions... {separate post to come!}In between sessions, we cruised the expo hall. Here I am in the Retail Me Not booth trying to win me some money! {Or an iPad2}
..I love this pic...
I was so excited when I was finished. I had high hopes of winning the kind of money {yes, they handed you CASH} that everyone else had won after going through the booth. $62. $46. $23.

As they counted my monopoly money I got more and more excited and dreamed of all the bottles of wine stuff I could buy with it

Except? When the counting was done. I won effing $2. All the monopoly money I grabbed was blank on the back {the stamps on the back determined the amount that you won.}

Eff you Retail Me Not. {I will still search you for wonderful coupon codes, however.}

After my dreams were deflated a bit, Kel and I headed to some of the sponsor suite's to see what they had going on. And what's more uplifting than s'mores at the Hershey suite?
Outside the convention center...

On our way back to the room, we ran into Wendi from Reno 911.After dinner, Chelsey, Torie, and I headed to a few local parties, including the Eden Fantasies Suite.{That's Chelsey, so feel free to give her the side eye, mmkay?}

Yes, that really happened.

And then? It was finally time to get ready for Sparklecorn. And yes, it's as amazing as you've heard.We danced for 5 hours straight. No breaks. 5. Hours.
It was wonderful, but boy let me tell ya? On Saturday morning, my feet/legs were killing me. I think it took me a good 15 minutes to lift them up and force myself out of bed.

We headed to breakfast bright and early. {Yep, we were up at 7am!} But we were disappointed to find not the wonderful eggs, bacon, hashbrowns, bacon and bacon that they had the morning before. No. It was oatmeal. The morning after Sparklecorn. Oatmeal. Ew.

The Expo Hall was a fabulous place to go in between sessions, or just to waste some time. Due to the oatmeal fiasco, we headed straight to the Jimmy Dean booth for a breakfast sandwich. And the sun."Can you tell me how to get..."
I only headed to one sesison on Saturday because (1) I was tired (2) there was only one that interested me and (3) I was tired. So I did a lot of this......and this...
...and this...
We decided to actually eat dinner on Saturday night, so we headed down to the hotel bar/pool area to hang with some pretty awesome people.

My Retail Me Not bottle {the one that I basically won out of pity. Effing $2!!} came in good use for Chelsey and I. It may or may not have been filled with red wine. Probably not. But it just may have.We then headed to a few parties, including CheeseburgHer. Epic.
I loved this party, but at the same time it was so sad. It's the last party of BlogHer and it's basically where everyone must say goodbye. And it's where I said goodbye to some of the greatest people I have ever met.

So, until next year...
Thank you to Medifast and Boudreaux's Butt Paste for sponsoring my trip to BlogHer'11. I was so honored to represent two amazing companies and none of this would have happened without you!

Vote if you plan to go to BlogHer'12 in NYC!!
Or? Even if you don't =)