Friday Favorites

I don't know if it's because it's summer or because I'm pregnant, or maybe it's a combination of both, but I really have taken a liking to a few things. So since it's Friday and since I can, I thought I should share a few of my latest favorite things with you lovelies.

Maxi dresses...

I absolutely heart dresses nowadays, especially maxi ones. It gets super hot here in Texas and with my ever growing belly, I swear those dresses are heaven sent. They are so very comfy and look great while flattering my growing baby bump. Don't hesitate to wear them if you don't have a belly though. They look amazing on non pregos too.

Massages:

Oh I've always LOVED massages. I make my hubby give me foot and back massages all the time nowadays. Yeah ok, I may take a little advantage of this whole pregnancy thing... However, I really should go and get a professional massage, because as sweet as my husband is, his massages last 10 min tops.

Mangos:

My taste buds have been just over the moon happy whenever I have cold slices of ripe mangos. They have been the perfect summer snack. Now how often can you find a yummy snack that's also healthy? I call this one a winer!

Starbucks Passion Ice Tea:

Have you ever tried this drink? If not, you seriously MUST give it a try! Have it half and half with lemonade. My hubby introduced me to this heaven in a glass cold goodness, and I would drink gallons of it at a time if it wasn't so darn expensive.

And last but definitely not least...

Well, actually my most favorite of all favorites is this one... She just melts my heart every single time she kicks. I'm truly in love ya'll.

I hope all of you ladies have a great Friday and an amazing weekend!

20 week miracle...

How far along: 20 beautiful weeks!

Maternity clothes: I can still wear my own clothes, especially my tops. Actually when I wear my scrubs at work, people can't even tell I'm pregnant. I'm sure that won't be the case in a few weeks. Also, I love wearing my own non maternity dresses. They are so comfy...

Best moment this week: she just makes my day every time I feel her move...

Foods I love: there are endless possibilities here. Food and I are really good friends, I'm glad to say...

Foods I hate: I still avoid most meats and some smells do bother me, but for the most part food and I are doing great together!

Movement: YES! Oh, I absolutely LOVE it when she moves! Each and every time she does it I wish I could just squeeze and hug her. I love this little girl sooo much already!

Gender: Little Lovely girl

Labor signs: None

Belly botton in our out: half way in half way out

What I miss: not a thing! Maybe just not peeing so darn much and being bloated so often, but that's nothing I can't handle.

How I feel: anxious! I just want to meet her already! I honestly cannot wait until December! There are so very many things that are supposed to happen in the next few months, that we are crossing our fingers and praying to God that will. We might be moving away (which I'm super excited about), our family will come to visit, we might be starting a new life next to more family and friends, etc. I'm just too excited and scared at the same time! Please pray for us!

Milestones: I am half way there but 100% ready to meet her! Just another 20 weeks, is what I have to keep telling myself.

A glimpse of my heart

I've been wanting to write this post so many times but I just couldn't figure out how to put all those feelings in writing. Actually I didn't even know how to say them out loud most of the time. Let me back up a few months so you would know what I'm talking about.

Ever since I was a little girl, my heart's deepest desire was to be a mom. I wanted this with all my heart, and was always terrified of the idea that something might go wrong and my biggest dream would be just shattered into tiny pieces. The thought alone made my skin turn inside out. And then last year we decide we were going to try to have a baby. When we made that decision, I could not believe that this period of my life I've been dreaming for was finally here. My heart jumped with joy and excitement at the idea of holding a little one in my arms and smelling that new delicate baby scent. I was going to be some Little Love's mommy... or was I.

As I was getting my body and mind ready for this experience, God was apparently having other plans for us. The first pregnancy test I took was negative. I was ok with that since it was the very first one and not everyone has the Duggar's (from "19 and counting") super human fertility genes. But then, the second was negative too, and so was the third, and forth, and with each negative test my heart was just breaking a little piece at a time. It was getting so frustrating, and confusing, and painful to see all those negative tests. I felt in my heart that God wanted me to have children, but what if I was wrong? What if that was not His plan for me? That idea never set in just right for me. I wanted this so.very.badly! I cried on my husband's shoulder many nights telling him how frustrated and scared I was about this whole experience.

We finally started looking for fertility doctors when the good news came in one very early morning. It took six months of trying, six negative tests (actually many more than that since I was rechecking all.the.time), countless stressful days, and many tears before we got to see that beautiful positive sign that symbolized the beginning of our parenthood journey. I don't think I could ever describe the way my heart felt at that moment. It just melted, and bursted with happiness, and excitement, and fear, and joy! It was just such an amazing moment that I shall never forget.

As I write this, I do realize that there are many, many, many couples who struggle with infertility issues for years, and me crying over six months of trying might seem so incredibly miniscule. However, this was a true struggle for me, and I just want to document it so I can remember where I've been and where I am today, and how much God has come through for me.

Ten months after our initial "trial" started we are in such a different place. We are half way ready to meet our sweet little baby girl, and that is just such a huge blessing to us. I may never know the best timing for us, but God does, and He will never let me down. I do believe that with all my heart.

New Obsessions

Hi, my name is Tatiana and I'm an addict. I'm addicted to finding new and different things for my Little Love, and I'm addicted to Etsy. I find all those adorable things there, and it's so hard not to buy them all! But here are a few that have caught my eye this week...

This tree wall decal is so cute, and it's less than the one I was going to get originally. Oh, and remember my post on our girl's nursery and my bird theme? Well, wouldn't this go just perfectly in her little room? I thing it would! (found here)

I found this on Etsy as well, and I just love it. I think it will look so adorable above her crib!
And how cute is this little organizing bin? I love the colors on it and of course the little bird... It's just perfect for her clothes, books, or anything else I decide to fill it with. (found here)
When I found this little hat I immediately pictured my little baby girl wearing it. She'll be born in December, and I think she'll be the most adorable thing ever rocking this hat! Love it! (found here)
One of my newest obsessions are head bands for little girls! I've been looking at them ever since I got pregnant since I just knew she was going to be a precious girl. Talk about maternal instinct, right? And Etsy has SO many of them! This is just one of many that I love! (found here)

So there you have it; my newest obsessions. I already know I'm in a whole lot of trouble because there are so many things I just "need" to have for her! I will notify you once I went over the limit and my husband makes me join some type of rehab facility as well as Shopping Anonymous, but till then Happy Shopping lovelies!

19 week miracle...

How far along: 19 weeks 1 day!

Maternity clothes: The one in the picture is the first and only maternity top I’ve worn! Still in desperate need for some pants!

Best moment this week: Oh goodness! This has been such an amazing week I don’t even know where to start! I felt my Little Love move for the first time and now she kicks so strong! We also got to see her move around on the ultrasound and find out that she’s a sweet little girl! And, the hubby and I went to try a whole bunch of different baby stuff, like travel systems, pack n’ plays, swings, etc. It’s been a truly blessed week. I loved it!

Foods I love: Still liking lots of food! I’m craving Mediterranean this week…

Foods I hate: still not a huge fan of most meets and fast food smells. Also not a huge fan of my prenatals. I though that since I’ve been feeling a whole lot better I can start taking my prenatals again, but I was oh so wrong. Not even ten minutes after taking them, I puke my guts out. I don’t think it’s worth the experience at this point. It just sucks because I really do need all the nutrients it has.

Movement: yes, yes, yes! I love it when she moves around and kicks! I wish I could just squeeze her!

Gender: Sugar and spice!

Labor signs: Nope…

Belly Button in or out: making it’s way out I believe…

What I miss: Still nothing. I just wish that I didn’t have to pee so darn often.

How I feel: This week my heart has been truly close to bursting out with happiness. I am just so excited about all the things that this year has in store for us. God has been amazing beyond belief and I’m so very grateful!

Milestones: Having our first ultrasound and finding out we have a sweet little girl!

Happy Wednesday!

It's a...

Yes you read that right! We're the proud parents of a healthy baby girl and couldn't be happier!

We had our ultrasound appointment on Friday, and I've been all smiles ever since. The appointment went really well as far as the baby goes; we wish we could just have had a better experience with the ultrasound tech. He rushed through the whole thing and answered about 1/2 of my questions. He looked disinterested and like he was doing me some huge favor for being there. I know that when you do this all day long, it can get kind of monotone after a while, but still, this was the first time I was seeing my daughter and I just wished for a better experience. However, when I saw my daughter's little face any animosity went away. I already love this little girl soooo much. I can't believe how much we've bounded just in the past two days.

Oh... and she even started moving on Thursday! I LOVE feeling her kick my tummy! If she kicks hard enough, I can even see her when she moves. And the most special moment was when Brandon put his hand over my belly and felt her kick! The look in his eyes was priceless!

Also, we're still deciding if we're going to tell everyone her name or if we'll just keep it a surprise until she arrives.

Let me tell you, this little lady is pretty amazing already! I just cannot wait to meet her!

For the Love of Chocolate

Chocolate has always been one of my biggest loves! Now I seem to love it even more! I welcome it in any type, shape or form it comes in....

... like decadent, moist, cakes...

.... when it covers sweet, delicious strawberries...
.... mixed with raspberries for a to-die-for cheesecake experience...
.... or even mixed with hazelnuts for mouth watering cupcakes.
Thank God for making chocolate! I really don't know how us girls would handle life without it! I hope you ladies have a sweet, chocolate filled Friday!

~ We're going to our ultrasound appointment today! I'm totally crazy with excitement! Please pray that we find out the sex and that our Little Love is completely healthy! I'll let you all know what we're having on Monday! Happy weekend!

18 weeks

How far along: 18 week and 1 day… it think… This week when I went to see my OB doc they counted me as being 18 weeks on Saturday (which would put me at 18w4d), but I really think they just made a mistake, because every other time my weeks have started on Tue.

Total weight gain: My OB was really happy to find out I put on some weight. Total of 5lbs since the beginning. I guess I’ve never been this happy to add on 5 lbs especially in my belly area! It’s so strange the things that pregnancy makes you love!

Maternity clothes: Haven’t worn any yet, but I really do need some pants! I can see that happening this weekend….

Best moment this week: We heard little love’s heart beat and we also heard him/her move around. It makes my heart melt every.single.time. I just hate that I can only listen to it for a few second every month. I just try to absorb it all in at once as fast as I can.

Foods I love: I am glad to say that I am realizing more and more each day that food is becoming my best friend again! Now I just love most foods. Today I had a 6’’ Subway Sub, and for the first time in months I pretty much inhaled it and was still quite hungry after. So glad to be back!

Foods I hate: Not too many, but I would have to say fast foods. That may also have something to do with the fact that we have a Mc Donald’s in our hospital (I know… how ironic is that), and it’s pretty much the only food we can have at night unless we bring something from home. I can honestly say that if I never see another McDonald in my life it will still be too soon.
Movement: None…. And it’s driving me CRAZY!!!! I know that she or he is moving in there a lot… we did hear the movement with the doppler, but I still don’t feel anything. I try to pay really close attention to it too, but I guess Little Love is not ready to kick strong enough yet.

Gender: We (cross our fingers) find out this Friday. I have two days left, and the anxiety is slowly killing me. I have nightmares that this child will not be willing to show off the goods! Please of please child of mine cooperate!

Labor signs: None for now, thanks… I’ll be asking for them around 38 weeks though.

Belly Button in or out: I cannot believe how much this belly-button has come out! It’s crazy what a fat belly does to you! I mean, it’s still in, but really making it’s way out fast!

What I miss: Still glad to say that I don’t miss anything! Nothing at all! God is awesome!

Weekly wisdom: Trust in God. He will carry you through anything.

Milestones: We saw our OB doc for the first time, and we’re about to find out how this little love is doing and what he/she is. It’s been a great week! Please pray that Friday will go really well!

Cravings

Oh Cravings.... every pregnant woman has them. Erase that... Every WOMAN has them! And this woman right here has a whole bunch of them.

Let's start with an all time favorite, shall we? Starbucks caramel macchiato! Hot, cold I love them all! However, my long not so hidden love affair with caffeine has taken a back seat drive since little love has made it's introduction in our lives. So yeah, I miss my frequent Starbucks trips. The good thing is, that decaf tastes just about as good so I don't have to go through complete withdrawals for the next five months...

Oh, Panera how I miss you! Panera happens to be my favorite sandwich place and I haven't stepped foot in one since we've moved from Michigan about one year ago. Just the thought of a warm fontega chicken sandwich makes me drool! That's it, my new goal is to find a Panera near me asap!

How cute is this J Crew summer dress?!!?! What you though that cravings come only in eatable forms? Well now you know that they come in all times and forms, like this lovely outfit!
But since it may not fit me for much longer, I will compromise and be more than happy with this super cute prego dress from A pea in the Pod. Love it!
I'm just infatuated with those flats from J Crew! How adorable are they? Cute and functional, and they are just perfect for my tired prego feet!

And last but not least, the biggest craving I've had for quite some time now is a vacation that is far, far away from here! I've been dreaming about bora-bora and it's crystal clear waters and warm sandy beaches! I would really give up all my other cravings for this one! If it was only possible!
So what have your cravings been lately?

17 week miracle

How far along: 17 beautiful weeks!

Maternity clothes: not yet, but I feel like I’m getting closer especially with the jeans.

Sleep: Sleep has been awesome. It’s when I’m awake that I have to pee every hr (especially when I’m at work!)

Best moment this week: I’ve actually been feeling like my belly has been growing this week more than any other. That’s kind of a cool feeling.

Foods I love: I’ve been really, really craving a sandwich from Panera, but they don’t have any Paneras around here. I would LOVE to have one!

Foods I hate: Still meat. Especially beef.

Movement: Not yet. But I really hope it happens this next week.

Gender: We find out next Friday… that’s if this little love will agree to let us take a peek.

Labor signs: Nope! None of those!

Belly Button in or out: Still in, but this week it came out a LOT.

What I miss: Nothing really. This has been the first week that I haven’t thrown up this entire pregnancy, so I really miss nothing right now.

Weekly wisdom: Never miss a chance to tell those you care about how much you love them…

Milestones: We’re one week away from finding out what we’re having! I’m super excited about that!

A relaxing weekend

I hope everyone had a wonderful 4th of July! I know we did! We went over to Brandon's uncle's house and had a good time with his family.

His uncle has a helicopter and every forth he give rides to all the guests. So while he and my brother went on a ride....
... I just watched and took pictures since I knew I would lose my lunch in the back seat if I even tried.
The guys also had fun in the pool, while I just enjoyed the sun before I just got too hot and had to go inside. Yeah, being prego kind of wears me out fast...
After all this, we went home to relax. We grilled and watched a movie and listened to our neighbors setting off fireworks until 1am. I hope you guys had a great forth as well! Happy Monday!