YOU'RE INVITED!! To My Pink or Blue Party

About a month ago. I was talking to my friend Danielle and (as usual) whining about how long I had to wait until I would finally find out what Spawnie is.. Boy or Girl. She asked me if we were going to do anything fun when we found out and throw a Pink or Blue Party.

"What?" was my reaction. I'd never heard of such things. She then sent me a link to a blog post by a woman who had thrown one.

I was amused... No, FASCINATED by this concept.

Long story short... She and her husband went to the ultrasound but didn't find out what she was having right then and there. The doctor wrote down the results on a piece of paper, and sealed it tight in an envelope.

She gave the envelope along with 25 pink gumballs and and 25 blue gumballs to her grandmother, who was instructed to open the envelope, read the results, and make the cupcakes with either blue or pink gumballs inside based on the result.

She invited friends and family over and people wore pink or blue signifying their guess and making up a "team pink" and a "team blue." They all bit into their cupcakes at the same time revealing BLUE GUMBALLS inside!! Baby boy!

You can also do it with a cake and food coloring like this:Sounds fun huh? Well, at first I thought "I MUST DO THIS" but then moments later when I started dwelling on a guest list, and realized I couldn't think of more than four people I'd like to invite and who would care enough to actually come. I got a little sad and cursed the fact that we don't have family nearby!!

The parties don't have to be a big deal with gifts or anything, it can be a little brunch get together on a Saturday afternoon.. But still... I don't have that many friends who would rather that than a text notification, or reveal from my Facebook status.

I seriously considered mailing cupcakes to friends and family and across a 15-way-phone-call, instructing them to bite in on my count of 3... I even researched techniques to mailing cupcakes (don't try it in an envelope).

But I eventually gave the idea up and brainstormed with Danielle a slightly different idea, and decided to invent attempt a "Virtual Gender Reveal Party." So I could share my exciting news with all of my friends I've "met" online.

Originally we were thinking about doing a reveal at birth, but that would be absolute torture for me to not be able to share Spawnie's new clothes, or nursery plans and progress.

So... You're Invited!!

I find out Monday and Tuesday I'll tell you HERE! Annie from Real Moms will be joining me too and Danielle may hop on the chat as well (she designed this invite by the way). I'd love you to meet her. I'll be broadcasting my results streaming LIVE from my MomTV show and YOU can join in the chatroom, chat with me, play some games, and win! And I'm not just doing a couple of giveaways... Check out these sponsors: The Design Girl, Lillunia, 2 Chix, Storkie, Milian Maternity, EcoStore, GrowShow, Unravelme Designs, Mommy Measure, Spirit of Giving, Dirty Bird Vintage, Valeries Bowtique, CoddleLife, Sewn Inspirations, Jewelry Kaleidoscope, Babies Booty, Sweet Dreams Maternity Wear, B Baby Bling, and more!

There's no signup required to chat with me, you'll just click where it says, make up a username, and go! You have to be signed in the chatroom to win one of the great prizes (more on those details coming soon).

Like the invitation says, type using a pink-colored font if you think Spawnie is a girl and a blue-colored font if you think it's a boy!

So, what do you think? You coming?!
R.S.V.P. in the comments! To be entered for a prize!

Getting Spawnie Some Rhythm: Lullabelly Giveaway!

I love all of the youtube videos of cute dancing babies. In case you missed them all here's one of my favorites:

It's kind of a given that my child is going to have to dance around and be cute for me... Cause it's adorable and funny and that's just what babies are suppose to do!... Bounce around and entertain me in their adorable little diaper bottoms!

I'm trying to give Spawnie a head start now by tuning into good music on the radio when I'm driving in the car. I was so excited when I saw my pregnancy update saying that Spawnie could probably hear now! Then I started to crank up the music some more and picture him/her listening to it.

I started to wonder how I could get Spawnie to listen to music more often (I know, for some reason I'm really into this concept) and I didn't dare break my headphones in half trying to fit them across my stomach, but I found this cool prenatal music belt called Lullabelly. You can listen to music and there's a little speaker in the pouch that points towards your belly and plays the music to your baby too!

I read more about pregnancy music and read that it's good for mommy and baby, plus it's a fun way to bond! I've had several friends tell me while they listened to certain songs, or played guitar/sang certain tunes etc. and their baby REMEMBERED them after birth! Well... Recognized at least, and they'd stop crying or quiet down when they'd hear it. Have you heard of that too? I promise I'm not crazy. I really want to test this out on Spawnie!

Lullabelly was nice enough to send me my choice in color for a prenatal music belt and I choose the green even though they have blue and pink too cause I'm still not sure what Spawnie is (MONDAY people... MONDAY!!). Green is more boyish to me still but since I have a feeling Spawnie is a boy I went with it, plus, I'm wearing it not the baby.

I was SO EXCITED. When I got it in the mail. Right away I was impressed with how soft it was and how big the pouch was. My iPhone fits in it fine, though it's a tight squeeze when I zip it up with the adapter and everything.

The strap is celcro so it's very adjustable. I'm VERY small compared to the average user (for now) so I have to more than overlap the straps a little but it stays on just fine. You can wear it over or under your clothing. I prefer under, and since I wear an undershirt anyway, I put it between that and my top.

I've pretty much worn it every day since I bought it. I can't clean without music and it arrived at perfect timing during this nesting spurt I'm going through so I strapped it on and cleaned out my ENTIRE closet! Then I reorganized it to be color-coordinating!

(proof)

I've worn it out when I'm on walks with Snoop. I dunno why but it's more fun and exciting to exercise, clean etc, when I picture Spawnie dancing right along with me.

I seriously LOVE my Lullabelly... And they aren't paying me to say that. It's probably one of my favorite pregnancy items so far. I think partly because I love music so much but I personally have no musical talent. This is a nice way to get Spawnie accustomed to good music but not have to torture him/her with my singing.

More features:

-Plugs into your ipod or Mp3 player

-Encourages learning, language and memory skills

-Play the same music after birth for better sleeping habits

-Speaker projects volume at a safe level (so much so that I couldn't hear it until I put my ear up to it.)

You can BUY a deluxe package Lullabelly for $55. It comes with the band, the removable speaker, the split adapter for your headphones and a pair of headphones! The Standard Package without the adapter and headphones is just $49.

You can WIN a Lullabelly in a color of your choice right here on my blog! Just leave a comment telling me what kind of music you'd listen to on your Lullabelly or what you'd use it for.

Want extra entries? Comment again if you:

-Follow my blog

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-Follow @Lullabelly on Twitter
-Become a Lullabelly Facebook Fan
-Tweet "I'm trying to win a prenatal music belt from @Lullabelly on @FutureMama's blog. Rock on Babies! http://bit.ly/boOvU8" (2Xs per day)

-Give me a pregnancy tip!
-Become my Facebook Fan
-Add my button to your blog!
-Add my Full Terms of Giveaway button to your blog.
-Post about this giveaway on your blog.
-Email Subscribe to my blog (don't forget to confirm your email!) OR Subscribe to my blog through one of these feeds (let me know which one in comments).
-Vote for me on Top Baby Blogs (per day/computer) (just click the link)
-Vote for Baby Makin(g) Machine as top 50 Mommyblog on Babble (once per day)
-Tell me how you heard about this giveaway (you read my blog regularly, saw it on Twitter, etc.)

Contest Ends February 9th at 11:59 PM. Good Luck!

This giveaway is a part of my Full Term Of Giveaways! One a week every week until Spawnie arrives!

Disclosure: I was not paid for conducting this review. I was given a Lullabelly only for the purpose of conducting the review and the opinions stated are my own. Thanks Lullabelly for sponsoring the giveaway!

18 Weeks Pregnant: I Can't Believe It

Dear Spawnie,

You are more than 18 weeks along now. It's really crazy how big you're getting and how quickly this is all going along. We're almost HALF WAY there!! Can you believe it?! I can feel you every day now. I really love it, sometimes you kick harder and longer than other times... Like when I'm at work and reading the news. I'm not sure if you really hate my voice or really like it but you kick a lot when I'm doing that. I laugh to myself when I think about what you must be thinking.

I can't help but wonder if you're strong cause of the vitamins I'm taking. I've been taking them since before I was pregnant with you so I could get my body to stock up on the goods for you. Maybe that's why I can feel you so much already.

Monday your daddy and I find out if you're our son or our daughter. We're very excited to know... Especially me. I can't wait to go out and buy you a little sporty outfit, or a dress. I think I'll go straight to the store after we find out to celebrate.

I already feel a little bad for your siblings after you. I'm so excited and I love you so much already I just feel like you feel complete our family! I hear the first pregnancy is the most exciting. It's hard to imagine being this excited every time. Don't tell your future brother or sisters how excited I am about you ok? They may get jealous!

You are on my mind ALL of the time now! I think about what you're doing, how you're feeling, what I've been feeding you, what you'll look like, how big you're getting, if you'll get here ok... It never ends! I'm just SO EXCITED to meet you and hug you and kiss you, and I can't believe you're actually MINE! It's really crazy to think about it. I love your daddy a lot and it's so cool thinking about you being exactly one half of me and one half your daddy. I hope you get his good looks.

Spawnie, I'm getting huge! I guess that means you are too, but more on that in a moment.

We already have plans for the three of us! Next year, when you're over a year old we want to take you to a football game... BYU vs UT. It's gonna be AWESOME. And we'll get you all dressed up in BYU gear. You need to watch the game if you're going to play it (assuming you're a boy).

You're about 5 inches long now, and you're flexing your joints more, you're also forming this weird skin stuff around you this week to keep you from getting all wrinkly while you're floating around in there.

You're making mommy have to go to the bathroom a lot, and I've been very faint when standing for a long time... I've blacked out twice at work in the past few weeks... But that's another story. The doctors say we're ok, I just need to drink more water and sit down when I feel the symptoms coming on. (Photo from Baby Center)

You're also taking up a lot more space in my stomach now. Last night my stomach was hurting REALLY BAD and I wasn't sure if it was because I was having Braxton Hicks contractions or if you've just pushed my stomach way up to my chest and it was hurting from all of the moving. When I took a picture of my stomach this week I noticed my bump got more stretched out, and it looks like I'm carrying you higher now. According to the wives tales that means you're a girl! We shall see in just 5 days!

I love you Spawnie, keep on growing strong!

Love,

Mommy

***

A word from a sponsor: Learn more about being 18 weeks pregnant from Pregnancy Corner.

Question of the day: Did you feel like your stomach was squished up into your ribs? What did Braxton Hicks contractions feel like ot you and when did you get them?

Your Blog Makes Me Hate Myself

Some days I'll spend hours online browsing around my friend's blogs. I use to mostly browse the blogs of people I know, and read their posts about their growing families, their vacations, their love for being at home with their kids, their excitement over their new homes.

At first my eyes would be wide and oogly. I enjoyed reading about the lives of first time moms, the joys of being a mother and I'd sigh staring at the adorable family portraits page after page. By the end of my browsing my eyes were full of tears and my onlooking husband would be asking what in the world I had seen online that could be that devastating. I'd be practically depressed the rest of the day, sobbing through my jealousy, all the while being even more angry with myself for being so upset when I'm so blessed.

My husband noticed a pattern. Whenever I'd read my friend's blogs I'd find a reason to be in a crappy mood the rest of the day. He told me to stop. Either stop being envious or stop reading the things that would conjure up those feelings.

I know it wasn't my friends' fault. It was my stupid fault for CHOOSING to be jealous. But I can't help but wonder if the "Keeping up with the Joneses" mentality is stronger these days since people's lives are so readily accessible. Back in the day you only heard about things to be jealous of when you talked to the person themselves, or heard it through gossip... Which then you can only half believe. Nowadays you can hear everyone's good news and braggings through Facebook updates, blog postings, Myspace emails (do people still use that?) PLUS everyday chit chat.

As my blog became my escape from life and my personal online column I'd pour my heart into, I searched out to find others who shared the same hobby. As I discovered other blogs I developed Blog Envy. I'd get envious of people having more subscribers. Envious of people who have more hits than me, who have more comments, cool companies sponsoring giveaways, more visibility. Hearing that Dooce makes $40K a month from her blog made me a little jealous.

But as time has gone on I've learned how to control my emotions better but every now and then I still find a way to compare myself. Whether it be a job promotion I read about on Facebook that I wish I had or financial support from relatives, sometimes the sting of jealousy seeps through for a few moments, but they usually don't linger.

I'm not sure how but somehow, somewhere I began to really just let it go, appreciate my blessings and be happy for my friend's happiness. Besides, we don't always know what's going on behind the scenes.

I don't have a big house. We're not a single income family (yet), I have to work, one of our cars has over 160K miles and no AC, our parents can't afford to give us handouts, and after 5 years of marriage we aren't as far along as some of our friends who have been married half the time.

BUT... I have a cute, well behaved dog, a husband who contributes domestically in ways I never could, faith in God, and more blessings than I can count. I know I've been put here and now and given my circumstances for a reason and I know I'm in no position to complain at all. It's easy to compare myself to people who have more than I but I know that we are TRULY blessed and I have no room to be upset.

Your blog may have made me jealous at some point, but I'm over my immaturity now, I'm happy for you, and I'm grateful for my challenges as well as my blessings. I'm way too blessed to be stressed, and when it comes down to it, the greatest wealth in my life is my family and our faith, and nothing can take that away.

Have you every been bitten by the blog envy bug?

My Pregnancy Checklist and Finally Nesting!

I'm a list person... Big time. I like lists so much I will write something on my list that I've already done just so I can check it off and feel more accomplished. My problem is I usually forget where I put them. My checklist are best kept in my binders or on my computer somewhere, though I usually like having them in my purse.

When I first found out I was pregnant (and it was still a secret) I used The Bump's website to figure out what kinds of things I should be doing... When should I set up my appointment, what should I be doing differently. I started using their checklist and have been a little bit of a slacker lately but I went in today to see how I'm doing and where I left off.

We decided not to do the genetic testing stuff so I crossed those off my list today too. It's so weird because at 18 weeks I still feel like I'm just starting, but when I stop and think that I'm almost halfway there I can't believe it! If the second half goes as fast as the first half this baby is gonna be here in no time!!

I've done most everything on my list up to where I'm suppose to be. I've been having my regular OB visits, exercising (for the most part) and preparing here and there. But am I really getting to the point already where I need to start looking for a pediatrician? Signing up for birthing classes? HOLY COW!
Granted I'm still looking a few weeks out, technically that's a month away... But still! I get so excited seeing upcoming things to plan such as maternity photos (I'm soooo getting them done, and if you've had some done I'd LOVE to see them cause I want to have an idea of a theme to go for).

Most of the stuff in the upcoming weeks of my list looks like the fun stuff. Notice my extra excitement for one particular item below:
Yep! It's finally beginning to kick in... The "nesting" mode. I'm turning our guest room into the nursery and I'm SO EXCITED! We find out in a week if Spawnie is a boy or a girl and then I plan to GO CRAZY! I will need a clean slate to start with and that means a clean room. I would put up a before picture of it now so you could get an idea but if you know me you know I'm messy so I won't embarrass myself for those who still picture me as the organizational queen.

I told my husband a few weeks ago that soon my "nesting mode" would kick in and I'd want to clean and organize our house. The conversation went something like this:
Husband: *Silence*
Me: "What?"
Husband: *Laughs*
Me: "What?"
Husband: "I'm sorry but I just can't picture that happening to you."
Me: "No, it's going to happen, it's my instincts. I'll just want to clean and stuff."
Husband: "Yea right, I'll believe it when I see it."

If you know us you know that he does most of the cleaning, the laundry, the dishes and things of that sort, and you'd understand why that conversation went the way it did. But now as my friend Heidi put it, it's a battle of my motherly instincts vs my messy personality.

Last night I told my husband that I wanted to organize the room today and tomorrow (my weekend) and he just gave me the same blank stare... He still doesn't believe me. And granted I'm writing this post out rather than organizing right now but hey... I have the rest of the day!

I know once we find out what Spawnie is I'm going to want to shop and I want to have a clean slate in this room to have a place for everything. So wish me luck my friends! I have 21 weeks and 4 days left if Spawnie comes on time, and today's task... Turning the room from guest room/storage room to a baby room in the making!!

***

Questions of the day:

When do you think is the best time to have a baby shower?

When do you think is the best time for maternity photos? Have yours? Link them please!

***

$145 Fertility Package Winner according to random.org: #14 The Honey B. Congrats! Email me your address to babymakingmachine(at)gmail.com

Spawnie's First Baby Sling- Clementine Rose Giveaway!

The hardest thing to me about not knowing what Spawnie is, that it puts a halt on all of my urges to shop. Sure... This may be a good thing now, but it really just means I'm going to be spending more later. I've been a good girl though. I honestly can't remember that last time I bought something for myself (besides my crazy food cravings) so my normal splurge money has been stored for my mini me (or mini hubs).

When I first started chatting with Lana from Clementine Rose we had talked about working together on my blog but I was so torn. I LOVE so many things in her shop but I can't lunge my favorites into my shopping cart until I know if the little one I'm carrying is a he or a she.

Even silly little things like hooded towels make a difference to me. Call me silly but if Spawnie is a girl most everything must be pink! It's my favorite color and my girl will just have to wear it until one of us tires of it. As I browsed around I found something I thought could work whether boy or girl. I got the Camden Baby Sling.

I know I want to be a baby wearing mama... I have loved the idea of pretending to be a kangaroo since I saw my first baby sling. Now I can't get enough of them. If it weren't for me not knowing what Spawnie is yet I'd probably have several by now, but for my first one I decided to go with my favorite, which happened to be blue (and cause deep down I know Spawnie is a boy).One of my best friends had a baby a few months ago and her little girl is who I like to call my "test baby." She adorable, photogenic, and happy! I couldn't ask for a better model. ...She's also Spawnie's future BFF or girlfriend! First off, Happy Birthday to mommy Heidi! (I had to through that in there). My model friend Heidi bought a baby sling for her baby Zoila a few months ago so I asked her to compare mine to the one she has. At first glance she told me that mine was a lot bigger and softer than hers.When she put Zoila in she said it was really comfortable... And unlike her other sling, baby Zoila likes it!! I couldn't help but snap a few cute pictures.I'm not gonna lie, one reason I'm pretty excited about having a carrier to hold my baby in is so (hopefully) I can still do some browsing online after becoming a busy mom, with Spawnie hanging right on me!I've heard some pros and cons of baby wearing but I think if it works for us, I will definitely be a baby wearing mama!

Here's a little more about Clementine Rose:

Aspiring mother & owner Lana Morgan, spent 10 years building a successful career in financial services. After moving to the NYC area, her fashion senses were elevated to a new level. A true entrepreneur at heart, she knew she had to follow her dream of starting her own company.

Seeing an opportunity in the market place for chic maternity and children’s wear and armed with business savvy and a passion for fashion, Clementine Rose was launched in 2009.

Clementine Rose is an eboutique specializing in lines that are hip & trendy for mom & baby. "We love discovering up & coming designs and innovative products to make life easier & more stylish! We also carry a variety of items that make the perfect gift for the hip mom-to-be!"

Want a cute sling like this or something else from the shop? You can buy the Camden Baby Sling for $54 on Clementine Rose.

Or if you can WIN a $55 gift card to Clementine Rose here, and choose a sling or another cute item from their store.

How to enter:
Visit Clementine Rose and in the comments section tell me what you'd like to buy if you win the $55 giftcard!

Want extra entries? Comment again if you:
-Follow my blog

-NEW: Vote for which baby monitor I should get on ModernMomTV

-Follow @ClementineRose on Twitter
-Join Clementine Rose's mailing list
-Tweet "I'm in it to win a gift card to the chic @clementinerose boutique from @FutureMama's blog http://bit.ly/6jWtzt" (2Xs per day)

-Give me a pregnancy tip!
-Become my Facebook Fan
-Add my button to your blog!
-Add my Full Terms of Giveaway button to your blog.
-Post about this giveaway on your blog.
-Email Subscribe to my blog (don't forget to confirm your email!) OR Subscribe to my blog through one of these feeds (let me know which one in comments).
-Vote for me on Top Baby Blogs (per day/computer) (just click the link)
-Vote for Baby Makin(g) Machine as top 50 Mommyblog on Babble (once per day)
-Tell me how you heard about this giveaway (you read my blog regularly, saw it on Twitter, etc.)

Contest Ends February 7th at 11:59 PM. Good Luck!

This giveaway is a part of my Full Term Of Giveaways! One a week every week until Spawnie arrives!

Disclosure: I was not paid for conducting this review. I was given a sling only for the purpose of conducting the review and the opinions stated are my own (and my friend's who tried it with me). Thanks Clementine Rose for sponsoring the giveaway!

You're 17 Weeks and Gave Us a Big Surprise!

Dear Spawnie,

This week, without a doubt I know you are one strong little cookie. I wasn't so sure about your kicks before and people joked it could have been gas but this week I know without a doubt that I feel you kicking... A lot! It's really quite surprising to me actually. You’re kicking right now as I write this out. I say kicking but I guess technically it could be you flinching/ spazing out.

Last week I asked a few people how early they could feel you from the outside and most seemed to say sometime in the 20th weeks. One friend said her husband could listen and hear her baby move before then so I told your daddy to try to listen for you. He couldn’t hear anything but between you and me I don’t think he was trying very hard... And I don’t think he has such good hearing.
A few nights later though I felt you moving and I put my hand over you to see if I could feel you on the outside. To my surprise I could! So I went over to your daddy and had him keep his hand there cause I knew you’d move again and I wanted him to feel it. Once I felt you kick I looked over at your daddy and I saw his face light up. I knew he felt you, his face said it all. He said he did feel you and that it was crazy thinking that you’re actually in there moving around.

Since I'm only 17 weeks along it makes me wonder who big you are in there. I've told you before your dad was 10lbs 2 oz so it makes me think that maybe you'll be bigger than normal. Or perhaps you're just stronger which I think will help you win the Heisman... hehe. Kidding kidding!

I had a root beer the other night and you started moving around like crazy! I hadn’t had much carbonation since being pregnant so I think it was new for you. I am excited to feel you more and more as we get bigger and bigger!

This week your skeleton is changing soft cartilage to bone, and your umbilical cord is growing stronger and thicker. You weigh about 5 ounces now… About as much as a turnip, and you’re around 5 inches long from head to bottom. You can move your joints, and your sweat glands are starting to develop.Mommy can’t sleep as comfortably anymore. If I try to sleep on my stomach I feel a little queezy, probably because I’m squishing you. If I lay on my sides my hips hurt, I think cause the weight of you pulls me more forward. I’m using a pillow between my knees for now to help but I’m getting a nicer one soon! Don’t worry though; my lack of sleep is totally worth it for you!

I can’t believe we’re almost half way there and get this… Just 12 days until I know if you’re a boy or a girl! I really hope you cooperate for the cameras cause I don’t want to leave until I see what you are!
I really don’t mind either way. If I were to guess based on mommy’s instincts I’d say you’re a girl, but based on all of the tests I’ve taken I’m thinking you’re a boy. Obviously it’s one or the other! I’m just so excited to know so I can start shopping for you. Call me picky but the unisex outfits just aren’t as fun or cute to me. I do have little outfits in mind for you already though on way or another don’t you worry! You’ll be a very stylish baby!

Keep cooking Spawnie, I can’t wait to meet you!

Love,

Mommy

****

A word from my sponsor: To learn more about being 17 weeks pregnant visit Pregnancy Corner.

How Do You Blog and Not Neglect Your Kids?

I pulled out my laptop today for the first time in... Oh I don't know... Three or four days. Not that it's a big deal or anything for a normal person to not blog or tweet for several days... But for me it's a bigger deal than I thought.

Sunday night I made a list of things I'd blog about that night, and the following week. I have a list of things on my mind and giveaways I need to post. In order to not get "behind" I'd need to post daily.

I felt a little anxious after the first night when I didn't meet my goal. I didn't even reach for my laptop that night to write a post. Instead I watched Big Love with my husband and started a new book (The Boleyn Inheritance).

But the more I pondered why my lack of internet time was bugging me so much, the more I realized how sorta insane it was.

Gone are the days where I'd post a paragraph or two, or a simple photo... I'd do that when I felt like that was all that was on my mind, but it was still enough for my daily journal update. ...That's what this was. My journal update. But somehow, somewhere, I got sucked into some sort of blogging, competitive phenomenon where I feel bad if I'm not posting get this... "content" often enough.

No no no... We must nip this in the bud (or nip it in the butt as I use to mistake the saying for)! I don't want my blog to turn into a stress for me. This is a fun hobby, a journal for me to relieve my inner thoughts on being a mom. This isn't a job. I already have a job, I don't need two. Plus, with a baby on the way, I'm asking myself HOW IN THE WORLD do women do it? I don't want to miss out on LIVING my life because I'm blogging about it, and sometimes I think there's a fine line, and I wonder with a new baby, if that can happen.

I don't want to start a huge debate but I hear a lot of women say how hard being a mom is... Especially hear about it from stay at home moms. I read about it a lot. And from the sounds of all of the "Mommy Needs a (insert alcoholic drink here)" blogs it can be wearing to be at home with kids all day. I can see how having a blog as a place to vent can be nice, but what I'm wondering is if it's so time consuming... How DO you have time to blog?

I ask honestly because I'm becoming a mom myself in 6 months and for the first three official months of motherhood I'll be at home. I picture my blog going dark... Offline... Out of commission, whatever you want to call it because in my head I have envisioned that my baby will be crying/screaming/pooping/eating 24/7 (partly thanks to some of the blogs I read) and having me reaching for some (insert alcoholic drink here), which would be quite interesting actually since I haven't drank a day in my life.

I know the toll blogging can take on a couple. Since getting my iPhone I have constant access to reading blogs in my reader, tweeting, replying to emails... All the while my "auto me" is responding to my husband. During our evenings together I'm required to surrender my phone to him... Or keep it in another room. I don't mind though, we need that real alone time together.

I've asked bloggers and tweeters before how they do it with children and they jokingly say "neglect" but I wonder if there's some truth to that. I mean really... These are women with big HUGE blogs and little children. I'm assuming they mean they use this technique when their child is a little older and can maybe sit in front of the TV awhile while you blog away in the other room and pray it's not the case with a screaming toddler in the background.

But really, how do moms find time to be online so much? Especially moms who do reviews and giveaways all of the time and make it their business? That's time consuming! I'm sure I'll figure out a balance in this enjoyment and motherhood eventually and that it'll take practice and experience, but it's sometimes really hard for me to squeeze the time in after work and spending time with my husband. Adding a baby into the equation makes me wonder if I'll have to set his hobby aside indefinitely.

Pumping 101: A Blogtastic Giveaway from Simplisse

Blogtastic Extravaganza!

A Pregnant Birthday and Helping Haiti

It wasn't a birthday of glitz and parties, but it was my kind of day... Well, besides the 10 hour shift at work.

I wrote about some of the things I did a couple of days ago so I won't bore you with all of the details. But a few of my highlights were:

-Feeling Spawnie move throughout the day. I felt like I wasn't alone when I was out and about at work. I even caught myself talking to him/her a little bit.

-My birthday dinner. I wanted TGI Fridays and I got a yummy virgin strawberry daiquiri.

-Lighting the fireplace, and snuggling

-Watching Snoop beg for a little bit of cake (no he didn't get any)

-Begging my husband to get 24 candles cause I hadn't got to blow out candles in years!

-Enjoying my last birthday as a "future mama" but SO looking forward to the next big birthday in our family... THE birthday of Spawnie!

The day after my birthday I got my birthday wish, I WON the grand prize for the Holly Jolly Belly Photo Contest by Bellybar and AVENT, so THANK YOU so much for voting for me!! I'm so excited and glad that my constant begging for votes paid off, and hopefully I didn't annoy you to much. A breast pump is another thing I can cross off my list! And hopefully it'll work well for us!

My birthday had me thinking A LOT about how I am SO BLESSED. I have SO MUCH to be grateful for, and blessings really have just been pouring in lately. I'm so grateful for that. Seeing the tragedy in Haiti really had me thinking how I should NEVER complain. There's so much poverty in that country to begin with, then the earthquake disaster on top of that has just done so much damage! The story I did on my birthday was about efforts here in my part of town. There's also a few efforts online I wanted to let you know about.

Kolcraft:

"Pctures of children crying in the streets of Haiti haunt television screens. Reports of a death toll over 100,000 leave many feeling helpless. At Kolcraft we are rolling up our company sleeves and reaching out to Haitian children in need and we want you to help!"

They're having a Facebook auction for baby products for great prices! All of the money raised in the auction is going to the KIDS Relief fund for the children of Haiti. It's a win-win, a great way to get a deal, AND help Haiti! I'm bidding on a bassinet right now.

OpenSky:

"OpenSky is influencer and relationship driven commerce. At OpenSky we’ve decided to donate 100% of our profits from now through Sunday to help the Haitian people. Together, we can make a significant difference. You have worked incredibly hard to build a loyal following; now you can use that influence to give to those in desperate need of our help."

Check out The OpenSky Project. For more information.

Also, my blog designer Danielle, The Desgin Girl is raffling off a free design and other things in exchange for donations.

I Just wanted to let you know about these opportunities in case you were looking for ways to help. Of course there's tons of other ways you can donate in your community or by giving to Red Cross as well.

My Birthday Wish!

I've had a wonderful birthday so far (hey... I still have 2 hrs left to enjoy!) I spent it at work most of the day, but my husband surprised me with a sweet card and one of the last two Disney movies I need for my collection. We went to dinner and now we're sitting my the fire.

Throughout my day I've been sneaking votes at the Bellybar Philips AVENT Holly Jolly Belly Photo Contest. I'm safely in the top 5 and the judges vote tomorrow, but I'm in 2nd now and I have a feeling being in first place going into judging can only help me!

So if you haven't voted for me yet today (you could vote once a day this week) please head over and give me a vote! I'll love you forever and you could help me win a trimester of Bellybars, and a really nice electric breast pump among other things. Oh, and I didn't mention this before but if I win, one of the things I get is an Mp3 player, but since I have one already I'll give it away to one of you! So if you weren't motivated enough before hopefully that'll help ;0)

Just click the "thumbs up" next to this photo here! Thank you! Voting ends Friday morning. I'll let you know if I win tomorrow!

The Road from TTC to Pregnant

When I first began my journey to try to have a baby I was so anxious, excited and scared. In my journey of preparing and researching fertility I realized how not-easy it was for so many people. It seemed as though many friends I knew in college were able to get pregnant easy enough but for many, I didn't know the story behind their baby story.

As I learned the challenges some of my friends faced I began to wonder what my journey would be like.. I wondered how long it would take for us to get pregnant. I didn't know why I'd feel so confidant about it being the time to try to have a baby then it take years to happen... But maybe it would just be a trial for me to overcome. I wondered if we were secretly infertile. I knew, and know so many people who didn't know why they weren't conceiving, why their cycles were irregular, why they had to wait a year to get professional help.

I sorta knew way to much to begin with. My cycle was 28 days exactly but I knew that didn't guarantee my fertility. What if the problem wasn't with me, but with my spouse? I prepared as best as I could, but all I could do was hope for the best and prepare for the worst.

I know some thought my ramblings of insecurity were premature... And perhaps it was, but it wasn't a mockery I was portraying... Rather my true feelings on the topic of trying to conceive. And I imagine they're similar feelings of any woman who wants to become a mother... A woman who has compassion for friends she knows has struggled but wonders what her fate will be.

I was shocked, to say the least to find out I was pregnant... And so quickly. But I also felt like I had immediately become a traitor to my friends who were still in the trenches of TTC. I had only gotten a taste of the trial and already I was rescued from the pits... Leaving them behind. I felt so bad at first, I didn't know how to be excited, how to share my excitement while not causing pain. I KNOW how that feels. I didn't know it to the same extreme, but there were so many times... Even before we were trying that I wished we were in the right time and place to have a child. Then after beginning to bring a baby into our home, I got just a taste of the sting when a friend shared the news of their new baby. I could only imagine how that feeling is magnified by YEARS of experience and pain.

I knew what NOT to do... I knew how much I hated people telling me time and time again just to "relax." All of my research and preparing could have come across as stressing but I really was just trying to be informed. I know that's not a piece of advice I'll give to someone who is TTC. ...Because I'm sure they've heard it enough already. I know I did and we weren't trying for years and years. Actually I don't think I'd give anyone advice... Unless they specifically ask me for mine.

I didn't know what to do but blog on, as I had always been... Express my fears, excitement, frustrations, everything as I always have, and hope not to offend or hurt anyone. All the while I'm praying my friends trying to have a baby aren't far behind. Sometimes I don't know what to say, if I've said too much. All I can do is be myself, be honest, and hope I'm not hurting anyone, and hope that anyone struggling knows I'm not doing anything inspite of them.

My situation of expressing my journey has been unusual to say the least. I think most women start documenting their TTC journey once they've been trying for awhile... Maybe even once they've been diagnosed with infertility. I loved helping other women who were in the same boat as me, or not yet TTC but getting ready.

I know I'm not alone with this feeling either though because as some of my TTC friends cross over to the pregnancy side with me, they secretly message me with their excitement, I assume feeling the same sense of worry for expressing their happiness. It's such a quick and drastic change, and sometimes difficult to absorb and explain.

I want my friends on all sides of the TTC fence to know I love you, I support you, and I'm here for you in whatever way you want me to help!

I know my tone has changed based on what I'm going through but I'm still thinking and praying about my TTC friends daily.

Before I found out I was pregnant Fertilaid contacted me about doing a review and giveaway. I found out I was pregnant shortly after but still wanted to offer this Little Bundle Pack to one of my TTC readers... If you still read.

Here's info about the Little Bundle Starter Pack:

The Little Bundle Starter Pack helps ensure proper nutrition, promotes hormonal balance and improves cervical mucus production; all of which play an important role in the conception process.

FertilAid for Women is a doctor-designed supplement that takes a dual approach to aiding conception. It contains a full prenatal vitamin supplement (including folic acid) as well as an herbal blend of fertility enhancing herbs that help to regulate the hormones and normalize one's cycle. This "Just Right" formula of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and herbs (such as vitex) is designed to improve your odds of conceiving.

Without fertile quality cervical mucus, sperm have a difficult time making their way to the egg. FertileCM is designed to improve both the quantity and quality of a woman's cervical mucus. In addition to mucus production, FertileCM helps to strengthen the uterine lining for better implantation of the embryo.

FertilAid for Women and FertileCM complement one another and were formulated to be taken safely together. Both are natural, non-prescription supplements designed to improve overall reproductive health and help you conceive.

But I'm going to up the prize a little. You get a Little Bundle Starter Pack PLUS goodies from me.
I'm throwing in my 4 Pulling Down the Moon Fertility ARTeas (I've only used a few table spoons of each) the containers are practically full!

Pulling Down the Moon ARTeas Cleanse ($10.95)
Pulling Down the Moon ARTeas Implantation ($10.95)
Pulling Down the Moon ARTeas Nourish ($10.95)
Pulling Down the Moon ARTeas Ovulation Support ($10.95)

A tube of Conceive Plus ($16.50)

A Clearblue Easy Digital Pregnancy test! ($8)

Self Fertility Massage DVD ($29.95)

1 FertilAid for Women
and 1 FertileCM ($45)

So about a $145 Value!!

Also, everyone gets a free download to Circle + Blooms Fertility Relaxation program for cycle days 1, 5, and 13. They recently lowered their prices and I HIGHLY recommend checking it out. It's the one thing I used religiously the month I got pregnant, and it really is relaxing. Try it for free before you buy!

You can also use coupon code "newyearsavings" to receive 10% off at www.fairhavenhealth.com.

I know it's not much, I wish I could do more, wish I knew what to say and that I could make EVERYONE pregnant (wouldn't that be nice?) But this is a little something I wanted to add to my Full Term of Giveaways for you. Consider this your TTC Kickoff Package. Whether you've been trying awhile or not, this is Baby Makin(g) Machine's good luck baby dusting basket of goodies!!

All you have to do is leave a comment to enter telling me why you'd like to win.

That's all! If you would like extra entries here are ways you can enter (leave a comment for each):

-Vote for Baby Makin(g) Machine as top 50 Mommyblog on Babble (once per day)

-Follow my blog.
-Visit Fertilaid and tell me another product you'd like to try
-Follow @Fertilaidamy on Twitter
-Tweet "I'm in it to win a $145 fertility package from @FutureMama including Fertilaid from @FertilaidAmy http://bit.ly/7Zwk2j" (2Xs per day)
-Give me a pregnancy tip!
-Become my Facebook Fan
-Add my NEW button to your blog!
-Add my Full Terms of Giveaway button to your blog.
-Post about this giveaway on your blog.
-Email Subscribe to my blog (don't forget to confirm your email!) OR Subscribe to my blog through one of these feeds (let me know which one in comments).
-Vote for me on Top Baby Blogs (per day/computer) (just click the link)
-Tell me how you heard about this giveaway (you read my blog regularly, saw it on Twitter, etc.)

This giveaway ends January 22nd at 11:59pm. I'll choose a winner using Random.org Goodluck!

16 Weeks: Dear Spawnie... I'm Sorry.

Dear Spawnie,

I think there's something very important you should know about your mom... See, I'm a little crazy sometimes. Now don't get scared, I don't mean crazy like screaming and yelling and things of that sort... You won't hear me yell very often if ever. But I guess what I mean so say is that I'm a little goofy, and I'm really competitive. I think this is a good quality for the most part but sometimes I wonder how much of this will rub off on you, and how much pressure I'll put on you.

I keep telling your daddy that you're going to be a football player and win the Heisman.. Oh yea, did I mention I think you're a boy? I'll be really surprised if you're not, then we're gonna have to rethink this Heisman thing. But anyway, you dad says most professional players don't win that and that the percentage of people who do is like sooooo small. I just tell him someone's gotta win it, why not you? The fact that your dad and pretty much no man in our family has played college football may hurt your odds but I don't think it's impossible.

Don't worry I'm not gonna be one of those crazy moms that's yelling at the refs at the game. I don't like those people now so I'll work hard to make sure I don't end up becoming one. I'll also let you choose the sport you want to play. Just PLEASE don't choose golf. It's not that fun to watch. I'm not a big baseball fan either, and your dad doesn't like soccer. So I think that leaves you with football and basketball. Just kidding... Choose what you want (just not golf!).

I'm thinking about my competitiveness right now because we're (me and you) in a competition to win some cool stuff. The main thing for you is a breast pump... You've gotta eat right? I'll need one of these when I go back to work. I think I've been driving some people crazy begging for votes but ya know what? It's ok! Here's a lesson for you Spawnie: "Those who mind, don't matter, those who matter don't mind." But only use that for noble causes ok? That saying doesn't work if you're doing something ridiculous.

Next, I'm just so excited to meet you! I know you have a lot more cooking to do, but it's just the craziest thing being pregnant. I'm so grateful for the opportunity and I really don't want to take it for granted. I told you last week I feel you move sometimes now. Most of the time it feels like tiny bubbles popping but once the other night it felt like a muscle spasm. I'm not sure if it was my muscle or you kicking like crazy!

I'm already thinking about the things that we're going to do once you get here. I can't wait to carry you around in different kinds of wraps and take you on trips with me. I'm really hoping we'll be able to save enough money so we can spend the whole 12 weeks off together. I hope to take you to see family in Utah and Georgia and maybe even friends at a blog conference in New York!

You're about the size of an avocado now... It seems as though my different sites are agreeing on the food you're equivalent to this week. You're about 4 1/2 inches long now, but in the next few weeks you'll go through a BIG growth spurt and in the next few weeks you'll DOUBLE your weight from about 3 1/2 oz right now. I have a feeling you're bigger. I was 7lbs 3 oz and your Dad was 10 pounds 2 oz. I'm hoping you're not that big. I'm sure that would make you cute and chubby but possibly painful to push out. Either way I'll be happy to see you and grateful that you're healthy.

One thing I read that you're developing this week is your sense of hearing loud noises. Our smoke alarm went off a couple of times this week (mommy's cooking) and I was thinking you probably heard that. I'm going to start playing music to you soon so you can start to get some rhythm. I'm also curious to see if you're recognize the songs after you're born.
We had an appointment today and got to hear your heartbeat again. I remember to record it this time so I could hear it over and over again and I LOVE the sound. I can't stop smiling when I listen to it. Last time your heartbeat was in the 160s this time it was 148. You kept swimming away though so we had to chase your little heartbeat around. The nurse said you're very active. We scheduled our next appointment for three weeks from now and we'll find out if you're a boy or a girl! I can't wait!!

People at work say I'm showing now. I think it's cause I was so small to begin with and you have no place to go but out. Oh! I gained 4 pounds this last month!

I'm so overly excited about you and everything about you and it's really feeling more real. My friends tell me you're going to start kicking a lot more and keeping me up and night and stuff but I don't mind... I can't wait! I can't wait to show you off and play with you and kiss your cheeks!

Although you're not even a pound yet I'm already so proud of you! If when you're growing up I act a little crazy, and over protective, and overzealous I'm sorry. But don't worry... You're mom is a little crazy but it's because I love you!

Love,

Mommy

******

Question of the day: Did you play music for your baby while you were pregnant with them? Do you think they remembered any songs after?

For more information about being 16 weeks pregnant visit Pregnancy Corner.

Winner of the Mom-to-be Lamaze gift set according to Random.org: Commenter #37 Mariana! Congrats! Please email me your info to babymakingmachine(at)gmail.com.

So, I'm Kinda a Sore Loser

I'm always amazed when I watch the Academy Awards. The glitz and glamor is quite impressive. Never is there so much hype over who's wearing what and who's arriving with who. But that's not the part that impresses me the most. What takes the cake for me is the composure the losers keep on their faces just as they realize they didn't win.

It usually goes something like this:
Halle Berry, Angelina Jolie, Sandra Bullock, Anne Hatheway and Julia Roberts are nominated for Best Actress. ...(I know this has never been an actual match up but just try to follow me).

The video plays snippets of each of them in their starring roles, then cuts back to a five shot of them just before they announce the winner. All of them staring with painted smiles as the host opens the envelope... And reads the name printed inside... JULIA ROBERTS! And everyone claps. And they keep the cameras rolling on the 1st 2nd 3rd and 4th place losers because... Well, because it's heartless, and we're all waiting for one of them to crack. But that you won't see... Because they're actors. That's what they DO.

Now me on the other hand... I couldn't act if you paid me. I was in a play once after taking acting classes in the fourth grade. When it was time for me to recite my lines I froze, and perspired. My parents asked themselves why they decided to shell out money for these classes. AND SCENE... That was the end of my acting career.

But it's not just on stage that I can't pull off a different character. I can't lie with a straight face, I suck at poker... Or a slightly more childish version of the game which I prefer... Old Maid. You can read my face like a billboard.

So when it comes to my emotions... Disappointment to be more specific, I'm not good at it. I broke out in hysterics after I didn't make the 8th grade dance team. Tears. Wailing. Snot... The whole nine yards. So needless to say if I was up for an Oscar and my loser face was planted on the big screen a split second after my heart being ripped out, it wouldn't be a pretty sight. I'd probably step on the gown of the chick who beat me as she's walking to collect her award. Or maybe I'd pull a Kanye, stand up and tell her I'mma let her finish but I really was the best actress of the year.

I can play the scenarios in my mind all night long but it doesn't really matter cause I'll never be up for best actress... Or an acting award of any sort. But if I was, and I lost, I'd probably be a sore loser. Sadly that's how I am. I like to win.

And I say all of this to tell you that I'm trying to win a photo contest this week. It's for the best Holly Jolly Belly Photo. I don't have as much of a belly as some of the entrants even though I ate as many cheeseburgers as I could before this photo. But even though Spawnie isn't as big as some of the competition yet... Quite honestly I think mine is one of the cutest ones in the bunch, and after all of the torture I put my husband through in helping me capture this photo I will be pretty ticked off sad if I don't win.

What am I up for you ask? Well... if I win I get a trimester worth of bellybars for one thing, but the BIGGEST thing I REALLY REALLY want to win is the AVENT Twin Electric Breast Pump. Yes... a breast pump. I never thought I'd be dying to win one of these but I guess that's just goes to show how grown up I'm becoming... Or that I'm really excited to see what being milked like a cow feels like. Either way, I'm in it to win it and I'd REALLY appreciate your help! And guess what? My birthday is Thursday, the last day of the contest. So consider a vote your birthday present to me! Because really... I'd hate to spend the evening of my birthday doing something like this:Except picture a beautiful Macbook Pro, sadly destroyed by my hysteria, and me behind the camera... Tears. Wailing. Snot. Luckily I'd be in the privacy of my own home--No big screen to display my horrid reaction. But my husband and dog would fall victim to my violence.

Please don't let that happen to me them! Go to Bellybar's Facebook Page and vote for this adorable photo. Your kindness would be greatly appreciated! Oh, and I just saw you can vote for more than one, so while you're there also vote for Gena Morris. She has an adorable picture with bells around her tummy!Oh, and if you're feeling extra kind and want to give me a second birthday present, give me a "thumbs up" for Best Mommy Blogger here.

UPDATE: THE POLL IS OPEN NOW... VOTE HERE. You can vote once PER DAY!!

HELP! I Need Your Recipes!

If you know me, you know I'm NOT a cook. But as my appetite grows bigger and bigger the more I'm realizing I need to find more things to cook and fast, or I'm going to turn Spawnie into a double cheeseburger meal! I'm not a big chef... Not in the least. Usually the thought of cooking a new recipe sends me into a mild panic attack to be followed by a migraine as I try to decipher the steps to make it.

Last year I took a stab at making more foods. I joined a frozen meal making group with my church, and made 3 frozen meals to store... Two of them are still in my freezer. At least when I'm ready to make them the directions are on the bag as there's no way I'd remember how to cook what's in them.

My friend gave me a recipe for stomboli, and it's become one of my favorites to make. The first couple of times I made it, it took me several hours to translate the ingredient: "A clove of garlic"? what the heck is that? "Genova Salami," as opposed to regular?.. I had no idea there were so many kinds of a simple meat. I bought my first bottle of olive oil to make that recipe, and it came out really good!

About my third time making it for us I got a little cocky and rushed it. I accidentally turned the oven up an extra 100 degrees and sadly, this was the result:Luckily I have such a sweet husband cause although it was burnt black, he ate it anyway and told me the inside was good.

I've gotten a little more confidence since then and started making things that I was craving from scratch. Like beignets and peach cobbler for example. And I was beginning to stock up on what are basic cooking and baking essentials for many.While I haven't personally felt like I've succeeded in accomplishing my goal of "learning how to cook" I have crossed off the Baby Bucket List the desire to "feel more comfortable in the kitchen." Now that I'm more comfortable, I need to know what else to make.

Cookbooks intimidate me. I usually judge a recipe by:
1. How pretty the picture looks
2. How many ingredients I understand.
3. How many ingredients there are (more than 5-8 breaks me into a nervous sweat reading it).
4. How long it takes to make.

Usually flipping through books I only spot a select few that fit my immediate qualifications. I was getting good at eating healthy when I had the goal of getting pregnant, now I've been slacking a little. As a part of my "Future Mama" journey on Modern Mom, they hooked me up with nutritionist, Julie Hammerstein, and she was able to give me A LOT of good tips on what types of meals are good, and what to make sure I'm eating, so now I'm more inspired to MAKE stuff.

So I've decided to turn to you... My fellow blog friends! Please please please leave your recipe ideas! I've started using allrecipes.com which is great, but it's sometimes hard to use if I'm not sure what I'm looking to cook, and daunting when people leave all of those extra comments about what to add/take out.

So if you know something that would be easy for a culinary talent-deprived mom-to-be please share! I'm hoping to get quite a few recipes down pat before Spawnie gets here! If you have some already written on your blog I've put up a linky for you to add it. just put the name of the recipe in the title and link to that post!

Also please let me know book ideas and anything else you think would be helpful!

We've Got 15 Weeks Down!

Dear Spawnie,

I have such exciting news to report this week. Babycenter tells me you now measure about 4 inches long, crown to rump, and weighs about 2 1/2 ounces... About the size of an apple, and APPLE! Can you believe it?!

You're already busy moving amniotic fluid through your nose and upper respiratory tract, which is helping the air sacs in your lungs develop. Your legs are growing longer than your arms now, and you can move all of your joints and limbs.

Although your eyelids are still fused shut, you can now sense light! Apparently if I were to shine a flashlight at my tummy, you'd be likely to move away from the beam. Don't worry though, I won't torture you with that... Maybe not until you start kicking my ribs.

If we did an ultrasound this week I'd probably be able to see what you are... Boy or girl that is, but sadly I won't know for four more weeks. I know you know but to me, this is torture not knowing. So far all of the tests are telling my boy, so I'm pretty much convinced you're a boy, but your daddy still thinks you're a girl.

As far as your mommy goes, I've been gaining some weight. We go in for another appointment to hear your little heartbeat on Monday so I'll also get weighed then and see how much I've gained. Last month I had gone down, and back to my origional weight, but this month I'm sure I've gained... Maybe even 5 pounds! We'll see.I've had a stuffy nose and cold this week but I guess... Like everything else, that can be seen as a pregnancy symptom too. Another crazy thing that happened this week... You kicked my belly button out!! Just look! I can't believe it. I hear it only gets bigger as my tummy does. Your daddy is already making "outtie" jokes. You're going to have to poop on him or something later to get him back for me.
Your daddy and I decided not to get the tests done to see if you may have any genetic problems. We decided we'd love you either way, but we're sure you're perfectly healthy.

I have a lot more energy lately and the biggest news of the week... I felt you move around!! It was New Years Eve, and you were about 15 weeks old exactly and you felt like a slow moving bubble in my stomach. I felt you then, two days ago while we were riding in the car, and last night. I think you're a night owl like mommy. I can't wait until I feel you every day, and when your daddy can feel you too.

Sleep well little baby, and grow strong. We're doing our best to get ready for you and we're really excited to meet you!

Love,

Mommy

****

For more in depth information on being 15 Weeks Pregnant visit PregnancyCorner.com- Sponsored by Pregnancy Corner.

Questions of the day:
1. Did your bellybutton pop out during pregnancy? Did it go back in after?
2. Which one of these baby monitors should I get? Please vote for your favorite, the one with the most votes, I can win!