Tuesday Topics- 10 Things That Make Me Happy

BTW  I don't know why there are two different fonts in this post.  I have tried to change it numerous times and it wont change back.  Since I have a screaming baby in my arms i am posting as is.



1)  My Boys
These two little guys make my heart just melt.

 

 

2) Tommy

It's been a rough couple of weeks as we adjust to life with two and I couldn't ask for a more supportive husband.

 

3) Vacation  

This is the first year in a looong time that we aren't going to a beach.  Even if we don't end up going to Cape Cod with my family we always managed a weekend getaway somewhere.  The thought of traveling with two kiddies makes me want to break out in hives so better that we take a summer off.

 

4) Slurpees
Seriously, I can be in the worst mood ever and a slurpee just cheers me up.  Oh, and they taste even better when they are surprises from the husband.

5) Sleep

Since this is harder to come by I really really appreciate getting to sleep.

 

6) Music

 

It can totally change my mood and I love having dance parties with Little Bear.  He does this crazy dance that he learned from Pocoyo (kiddie show on Nick Jr.)

 

7) Pizza

Hands down my favorite food.

 

 

8) TV

Reality TV, Soaps and Comedies to just name a few.  Oh, and if your wondering how the hell I watch so much TV, I have one word ....DVR.

 

9) Disney

I don't want to just limit it to Disney World which is the most magical place on earth, but Disney stuff in general just puts a smile on my face.

 

 

10) Flip Flops

I adore flip flop weather!!!

 

 

 

 

 

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Luke's Birth Annoucement From Tiny Prints

Have I mentioned how I am obsessed with stationery?  Seriously, if I had lots of money I would own so much high quality stationery. 

And the sad thing is writing letters is a dying art and the stationery I do have goes untouched.  It doesn't stop me from buying a box of stationery every year when we go to Cape Cod.  My sister and I can spend hours in a little stationery store called Jules Besch and I always buy note cards.


To say I am picky about things like cardstock is an understatement.  I know I am being a total stationery snob and I own it.  So when I was deciding on Luke's birth announcements I wanted to purchase them from a place that I knew had high quality announcements.

I have ordered from Tiny Prints before and even did some invites for a work function through them so I knew that the cardstock quality was excellent.  The hardest dilemma was narrowing down my choices of announcements since they were all so cute.  I went through all the pages and tested out about 6 different announcements before I chose this one.

I really loved the photo effects that they had where you could change your photo to black and white like I did with the tiny pics on top.

So these announcements have been sent and now I am on a mission to pick a christening invite. Oh, and if it has a matching thank you note I would be in heaven!

* I did receive a discount on my Tiny Prints order in exchange for my mentioning them on the blog, however I would have ordered from there regardless because I truly love the quality of the product.

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My Baby Is A Ginger

It was inevitable that one of my children would inherit my red hair, but for some reason Tommy is in denial that Luke is a ginger. 

I get it there aren't too many hot red headed guys.  Actually the only one I can think of is Prince Harry and part of what makes him hot is the royal title (just keeping it real).

Tommy can be in denial all he wants but you just can't deny this picture of Luke showing off his reddish hair.

Sad that I torture him by taking 9000 pictures

Tommy - do you need further proof of our ginger baby? Check out his hair in the picture below.

Granted, there are lots of pics of Luke where his hair isn't so red looking but I do like to tease Tommy about it.

And since I brought it up earlier, can you think of any hot redheaded guys? 

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Old School Blogging

So when Misty from Monkeys and Tutus tagged me in this Old School Blogging Post I was in the hospital giving birth to Luke.  I'm excited to answer these questions especially some of it I never have written about on the blog.


1. How did your husband pop the big question?

I worked for a hotel company and we decided to get a hotel room in NYC to celebrate Valentine's Day.  Tommy popped the question in the room and than we went out to dinner.  Who can eat after that? 

The next morning we headed to my parents house to show off the ring. 

I think this was a week after we got engaged.  <sigh> To be young and skinny :)

2. What are the 3 most surprising things about married life?

- It's work to stay connected. 
Between work, children and household chores it can be hard to find that connecting time.  Tommy and I try to go on a date every couple of months, but I do miss the days of dating and just being focused on us.

- We are very traditional when it comes to $$
I know lots of our friends who have a more modern approach to finances and marriage but I love that Tommy and I are so traditional.  We pool our money together and really take the stand of what is mine is yours.  Sure, we had to work out kinks in living on a budget but we did this well before we had kiddies.  This has made the transition to being a stay at home mom so much easier. 

- We have a more modern approach to household chores.

When I look at my parents marriage they have what I consider a traditional marriage around both money and household chores.  Meaning my mom handles the day to day around the house and my dad works.  He would handle things like lawn care (now they have landscapers) and "manly" chores.

What I love about Tommy is that he can do it all.  He swiffers every night!  He vacuums the couches to get rid of dog hair multiple times a week.  He handles outdoor chores and he works full time.  I got myself a keeper :)

3. How did you find out you were pregnant for the first time?

We were trying to get preggers so I took a pregnancy test 3 days before my missed period and it came back negative.  I was disappointed but it was only our first try.  On the day my actual period was due I took another test and thought I saw two lines but wasn't sure.  Tommy ended up taking me to CVS where we got the good pregnancy test (the one that says pregnant/not pregnant) and that confirmed I was preggers.

4. How did you choose your first babies name?

Tommy actually picked Collin (aka Little Bear's) name.   When he suggested it I loved it and just knew that was the name.  The second time around we had a harder time choosing a boys name.


5. Describe where you see yourself in 10 years?

Wow with a 13 year old and a 10 year old.  Tommy and i toss around the idea of moving somewhere more affordable.  As hard as it would be to leave our families I picture our life in the future away from NY.

6. Describe how you find bliss using words or images?

My happy places are


Cape Cod

and Montauk

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Tuesday Topics- Why I blog

Linking up with Tiffany and Lauren for Tuesday Topics.

Blogging is an outlet for me.  I have always needed some sort of creativity in my life.  For many years I was all about scrapbooking and than I had a kid and time became more precious.  I was never going to have whole weekends to take out all my scrapbooking stuff and work on a few scrapbooking pages.

In a way blogging took the place of scrapbooking.  I now keep a record of my memories and pictures but it's online.

Blogging has also let me connect to other bloggers and for that I am super grateful.   As I transition to being a stay at home mom I am not prepared for the feelings of loneliness I feel.  By blogging I feel connected to other adults.

If you blog what made you decide to write that first post?

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Mother's Day

I'm so thankful that I get to be a mama to these two precious boys. 

Sure, there are days that make me want to pull my hair out of my head , but when I  look at this picture I realize I have truly been blessed with the best gifts in the world.





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Finding Me Time - Leslie from Violet Imperfection

So excited that Leslie agreed to do a guest post for me while I am enjoying my new little man.   If you haven't checked out Leslie's blog you need to hit it up.  She blogs about everyday life, shows off her craftiness and her love of Disney World (kindred spirits).  Isn't Violet the cutest?

 

 

Hello everyone! I'm Leslie and I blog at Violet Imperfection. I am so happy to be helping Sara out while she is loving up on her new baby.

My little girl Violet is 13 months old and I am still struggling to carve out some "me" time. I have a really hard time feeling ok leaving Violet with my husband or even my parents. I feel guilty.

My brain knows it is ridiculous but my heart feels otherwise. Being a stay at home mama, I feel guilty leaving her with my husband when he works over 50 hours a week to enable me to stay home. My husband has no problem with me getting out of the house, it is all me.

When I do get out if the house I feel lost and not sure what to do with myself. It is amazing how quickly the identity of being a mama takes over. I have found a few things either out of the house or at home that give me some of that much needed ME time.

* Make an appointment for a hair cut or pedicure.

We don't always have the extra cash for these but I find having an appointment to go to gets me out if the house for some pampering and relaxation.

* Wander around Target

There is nothing better than a wander around Target alone. It almost feels like a mini vacation.

* Take a Walk

I can do this with or without Violet and it still feels like me time. Violet is very content in the stroller. I put in one earbud, turn my music on and take a walk.

* Zone Out

I'm practicing this right now actually. Marc just got home, I can hear Violet crying upstairs but I know he is handling it. This has taken a lot of practice to be able to zone out.

* Playdates

At this stage I think I get more out of play dates with other moms and kids than Violet does. I love getting the chance to talk to other moms. We vent about the same sort of things, dealing with the same struggles. It's a nice way to get some me time and playtime for Violet.

* Sleepover at Nana and Grandpa's house

Violet has spent three nights with my parents and it is such a nice break. Marc and I get some quality time together and I know that Violet is perfectly safe. I miss her but I know it is good for all of us.

What do you do to carve out me time for yourself?

I hope to see you over at Violet Imperfection where you can find posts about Book Reviews, Activities for Kiddos, Crafts and everyday life.

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Tuesday Topics- Must Do Bucket List Items

Linking up with Tiffany and Lauren for Tuesday Topics.

I LOVE this topic.  I have a mental bucket list of things I want to do, but never really put anything down on paper.  Here are two items from my bucket list.


1) Eat at a Cracker Barrel

Source: Wikipedia

I know this is weird to have on a bucket list, but we do not have a Cracker Barrel in NY.  Well, at least where I live.  We have passed some in PA and when we were visiting Charlotte, NC.  Tommy is well aware that I am DYING to hit up a Cracker Barrel.  Oh, and my sister in law tried it last month and raved about it.  Now I really need to go.

2) Visit Prince Edward Island


Source: PEI Tourism

It started as a little girl dream.  I wanted to go and visit Prince Edward Island because my favorite book Anne of Green Gables took place their.  As an adult I have researched going there and it looks gorgeous!  There are so many places that Tommy and I want to travel and see so this may not happen for years and years, but it is on my bucket list of places to visit.
 

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Monday Mingling- Co-host

Welcome to the fourteenth week of Monday Mingling! Please take the time to introduce yourselves to our co-hosts! If you are new to this blog hop, please leave us a comment letting us know you are following and we would be happy to follow you back. Due to the changes with Google reader, I changed the rules to follow either GFC or Bloglovin'. Thank you for joining us this week, and don't forget to link back to us by grabbing our button. Happy Mingling!



<center> <a href="http://www.southernsunflowersandcoffeebeans.com"><img border="0" src="http://i47.tinypic.com/2ii7sye.png"></a></center>  

Danielle @ Sew Much Crafting

Blog | Facebook | Pinterest 
I'm passionate about crafting, sewing, cooking, organizing, blogging and everything of the sort! I'm a stay at home wife to my husband of almost three years. I have a degree in Christian Education and love teaching a preschool class at our church. You'll find me sharing our adventures at Sew Much Crafting.
Sara @ Confessions of a Redheaded Mama

Blog | Twitter

I blog about life as a mom but I also like to share recipes, craft ideas and random thoughts.

Rules:

1. Follow both of your hosts via GFC or Bloglovin'.

(first 2 links below)

2. Follow your co-hosts via GFC or Bloglovin'

(next two links)

3. Link up your main blog URL, not a specific post.

4. Link back to us by grabbing our button.

5. Tweet, Facebook, and Pin this blog hop. The more you spread the word the more people will link up, and the more success you will have! 


Tweet

6. Be sure to visit other blogs! Don't just link up and wait for others to find you. 

Let's get this party started!!...

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Luke's Birth Story & Preeclampsia Awareness Month

Before I write out Luke's birth story, I wanted to give some background on Little Bear's birth and how preeclampsia played a factor in both births.

The month of May happens to be Preeclampsia Awareness Month so it's only fitting I tell our story. You can find lots more info on preeclampsia here at the Preeclampsia Foundation.

When I was pregnant with Little Bear I had an amazing pregnancy. No morning sickness, had lots of energy and just felt really good for the first 6 months. Around the fifth month I started to have swollen feet. Yes, swelling is part of being pregnant, but this was early for it to happen and it got progressively worse throughout my pregnancy.

When I was 38 weeks pregnant I was diagnosed with preeclampsia. There are three factors that need to be present to be considered preeclamptic. They are swelling, high blood pressure and protein in urine.
Preeclampsia can be dangerous for both the baby and mother. If untreated it can lead to seizures, organ failure and even death. Most recent numbers show that their are 76,000 maternal deaths a year due to complications with preeclampsia and 500,000 deaths among newborns.

My blood pressure was so high that I was put on a magnesium drip to prevent seizures and Little Bear was born that same day via c-section.

The amazing thing about preeclampsia is the only "cure" is to deliver the baby. In the operating room my blood pressure returned to normal as soon as Little Bear was born.

Flashback 3.5 years when Little Bear was in the NICU for a week after I gave birth

Fast forward three years to being pregnant with Luke. My pregnancy this time around was different. I had some morning sickness, lacked energy and all around felt crappy. However, I passed that 6 month mark and had no swelling. I thought for sure I was in the clear and would not have preeclampsia for this pregnancy.

Around 32 weeks ,my blood pressure started to sky rocket. I also had some lovely swelling, but no protein in my urine. We tried to control the blood pressure with some meds so I would be able to carry Luke to as close to full term as possible.

At 35 weeks I ended up in the hospital due to my high blood pressure. Lab work confirmed what I already knew that I was preeclamptic. The hospital sent me home and wanted to continue to monitor the baby in the womb.

At this point, I was upset and angry. Of course, I wanted Luke to have time "to cook" in the womb, but I was also thinking of my health. I felt like a walking time bomb. Basically, we were waiting until my pressure was sooo high to justify taking the baby out before he was full term.

At 36 weeks 5 days, I had an appointment with the head of Labor & Delivery at the hospital to see if we could potentially move up my c-section due to my preeclampsia. My blood pressure was 160/110. I was admitted into the hospital and several hours later Luke Thomas was born.

I was exhausted and out of it for Luke's birth, but I do remember Tommy telling me that Luke was a big baby. We later found out he was 7 pounds 11 ounces. Can you imagine if I carried him to full term? He would have been a giant. Oh and a cute random story. As I was laying there waiting for my c-section to begin I mentioned to Tommy I was sooo thirsty (nothing to drink or eat for hours) and the only thing that would cure it was a slurpee from 7-11. How funny is it that was Luke's weight?

In recovery we realized that my blood pressure wasn't going down despite having delivered the baby. This is when I found out that you can have preeclamptic signs up to 6 weeks after delivery. I spent the next 4 days in the hospital trying to medicate my pressure where it was safe for me to come home.

The first 24 hours after birth I was on a magnesium drip for seizures. If anyone has experienced the dreaded magnesium drip they know it's pure hell. One nurse described it as feeling like your blood is boiling and your cooking from the inside out. Basically you are so hot and miserable.

My first week home has been spent at lots of doctors appointments and labs for blood work as we keep close tabs on my blood pressure and liver enzymes. It's not the ideal week I pictured in my mind, but I am so thankful that both myself and my little lion are okay.

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