tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14756825658172211512024-03-12T20:26:42.856-07:00A Modern Suburbanites LifeTess @ AModernSuburbanitesLifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08235503330683500621noreply@blogger.comBlogger241125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1475682565817221151.post-35287198865189229392016-03-15T19:20:00.001-07:002016-03-15T20:22:33.712-07:00Back.<span style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">Over the past few weeks, I've had time to explore parts of my life outside of being a mom, and I'm grateful for that. First on vacation in Cabo, then for a work trip at #SXSW. </span><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br><div>It's been an awesome couple of weeks, but I was walking around with so much mom guilt. I'm so glad to be back home, on a travel hiatus, and refocused on my family. Oh, and it's spring. Super happy about that! </div></div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">Happy Wednesday, and a few random photos below. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEildRQ8sY5G8t4C9ww1fsKc39Z4npqxZ-S6SyIDmEUdVcVY6pcMpfSMPNGpGXfXjTD7PW1FtIkAApfwySRRfOxdr2oG-Rs1OoODnsLN2pTcJat1_4Eofvgwjwqnqkd7KPVtTDSqdwlPeJ4/s640/blogger-image--1433416575.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEildRQ8sY5G8t4C9ww1fsKc39Z4npqxZ-S6SyIDmEUdVcVY6pcMpfSMPNGpGXfXjTD7PW1FtIkAApfwySRRfOxdr2oG-Rs1OoODnsLN2pTcJat1_4Eofvgwjwqnqkd7KPVtTDSqdwlPeJ4/s640/blogger-image--1433416575.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqk2wIen5sv3ODVlwEsuUTNq2ClrJYOTkPewz51j3pwXaD-nDe5XSI-KMbr_jx62h5T7llSbCpZOz19brvJK7ED1JjEz6waGv4BbX3Q9oVe3Ob6lpqGrVZw4gb37Mmg4FrjgXL2sYngqc/s640/blogger-image--744276008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqk2wIen5sv3ODVlwEsuUTNq2ClrJYOTkPewz51j3pwXaD-nDe5XSI-KMbr_jx62h5T7llSbCpZOz19brvJK7ED1JjEz6waGv4BbX3Q9oVe3Ob6lpqGrVZw4gb37Mmg4FrjgXL2sYngqc/s640/blogger-image--744276008.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEith5tJX_XrNKzImxGeG03CvG9wAuWQPtctuAf2zuMBpdYcNTROa1Bjrn-KLTrRN4pN5xS7qVkj7b5APLfG6yjXkVhRy1H5CoOEjj_ZWww66mym6hsXgRxLxHKcjpb_EB0yNMWRta70ZDE/s640/blogger-image-2075991486.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEith5tJX_XrNKzImxGeG03CvG9wAuWQPtctuAf2zuMBpdYcNTROa1Bjrn-KLTrRN4pN5xS7qVkj7b5APLfG6yjXkVhRy1H5CoOEjj_ZWww66mym6hsXgRxLxHKcjpb_EB0yNMWRta70ZDE/s640/blogger-image-2075991486.jpg"></a></div><br></div>Tess @ AModernSuburbanitesLifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08235503330683500621noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1475682565817221151.post-73407017083048684612015-10-29T08:34:00.001-07:002015-10-29T08:34:31.947-07:00Emerged.<div><br></div><div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNyJBLc1kCFx7AUCJAV7d2yvMUq8kEbpbMUZyDn2BmQsUOCoyammx8DGL6dUb9Rzt_cqmjBmtzSvVkTB3jNJsZmovGw7zIwDdykOKrFPxkn3GwYCCqAHpZ8C6qEyKdfujkBJ1_2Gll8V0/s640/blogger-image-1352598093.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNyJBLc1kCFx7AUCJAV7d2yvMUq8kEbpbMUZyDn2BmQsUOCoyammx8DGL6dUb9Rzt_cqmjBmtzSvVkTB3jNJsZmovGw7zIwDdykOKrFPxkn3GwYCCqAHpZ8C6qEyKdfujkBJ1_2Gll8V0/s640/blogger-image-1352598093.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>The first six months of Coral's life were a haze. A dream-like haze because the lack of sleep and the shiny newness of being of a mom. While sleep-deprived, I was constantly researching what changes she was going through. I soaked up all baby knowledge like a sponge. I wanted to learn, learn and learn. I bought lots of workout clothes because, duh! That's the new mom uniform. I strolled around in my "active wear" with a badge of pride. "I'm a new mom wth no time for frivolous clothes!" is what I would tell myself. I felt like a hamster in a wheel - a very determined hamster. A loopy, happy, tired hamster. </div><div><br></div><div>Then Coral started sleeping through the night and the world started opening back up. Then coral started crawling, holding a bottle, entertaining herself and things got easier again. Still hard, but exponentially easier than the beginning days. By 12 months I didn't give a hoot about research. I learned to trust my gut. And now, 14 months in, I've started coming back to myself. Well, I came back to myself a few months ago. But I finally feel ready to write again. </div><div><br></div><div>I started working out when Coral was 9 months. Now I'm running. I run 3-4 miles now! I mean that's not a lot for running pros, but this is the most active I've ever been in my life. I've bought real clothes! Workout clothes are great, but yes it's time to dress like an adult again. I'm hitting my stride in the work arena. I'm getting closer and closer to what I really want to do. In fact, I am en route to Seattle right now for a marketing/ PR/ social media conference. I'm truly loving my life as a working mama. I can't do it all but I have found balance. </div><div><br></div>My former self and new role as a mom have finally found a way to coexist peacefully, when previously, they felt at odds. This is where I am at today and I absolutely love it. I'm inspired today! <div><br></div><div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">-written from a plane #raganmsft </div></div></div><div><br></div>Tess @ AModernSuburbanitesLifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08235503330683500621noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1475682565817221151.post-10741503309007451292015-09-04T05:29:00.001-07:002015-09-13T08:27:08.487-07:00A Rite of Passage<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs8gwF3SL3WjYCLv655HSEsbGXEgQFCtD4FTxPjimD9Co0TKchqi20Y7Pt2gXywRriUxh42I51_NP_Wy2jANud2IxZANpk_NlJmpMMBP3A20QjW3p3vFxueNj4GAOeyaphE8FH0RR8k98/s640/blogger-image-1679340425.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs8gwF3SL3WjYCLv655HSEsbGXEgQFCtD4FTxPjimD9Co0TKchqi20Y7Pt2gXywRriUxh42I51_NP_Wy2jANud2IxZANpk_NlJmpMMBP3A20QjW3p3vFxueNj4GAOeyaphE8FH0RR8k98/s640/blogger-image-1679340425.jpg"></a></div><br></div>My little bundle of joy is a one-year-old. My once chunka-munka, funny-looking newborn is a the cutest walking and talking little girl! I wish she could stay this age forever, because every day she's learning a new trick that has us cracking up or ohh'ing and ah'ing. Don't ever let anyone scare you away from parenthood. Kids are what life is made of, the best stuff on earth I tell Ya. <div><br></div><div>So what did we do for her first birthday? Oh just throw one of those big (perhaps over the top) birthday parties she'll never remember! It's a rite of passage right?! Pics below: </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYjMB3D-8w1PGA5t_wmNQUWQYkH6Oy00bejsKmrr-_nI4PgHwEkAQx0fDAtHHFt-CzLoV-0W7hYOLugaPl6fh0t5ylz60HXQe_jKCqaVkEXCgJ7n6T8uvMA71kIEl-0X4cpoI6tbT4vtE/s640/blogger-image--1986631495.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYjMB3D-8w1PGA5t_wmNQUWQYkH6Oy00bejsKmrr-_nI4PgHwEkAQx0fDAtHHFt-CzLoV-0W7hYOLugaPl6fh0t5ylz60HXQe_jKCqaVkEXCgJ7n6T8uvMA71kIEl-0X4cpoI6tbT4vtE/s640/blogger-image--1986631495.jpg"></a></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgghukc0DWhnUOIcJGdnsV68SNAUFuBz0ssqZrIFQyS3kpCYNJoRn8CVCaSGJYTdtc2tlXS4GHa1AZIyhprBBJ0OwDstSL5AveWBBlOGfxq53dyhyphenhyphenvAsYdiYHEgIuS5kjZ1dDtGjgrM5-c/s640/blogger-image-516627427.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgghukc0DWhnUOIcJGdnsV68SNAUFuBz0ssqZrIFQyS3kpCYNJoRn8CVCaSGJYTdtc2tlXS4GHa1AZIyhprBBJ0OwDstSL5AveWBBlOGfxq53dyhyphenhyphenvAsYdiYHEgIuS5kjZ1dDtGjgrM5-c/s640/blogger-image-516627427.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVHOfGeDaoAyxmTpKcXJ42irCGdD-Dw2Wpxyz_m5R7ba5sgcI1xoIUKBij4odZX15MSsFDE6_bzfmJTmBWYiPD4TvuWiX0ZpmD96Wjz6EyLe_cY0wfpnh2E7hSiiDv541l0IAgq6QTZkU/s640/blogger-image--729018163.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; 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margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglWvyw10jUhl1cnolNlcmT0x11uifcacBo_f7iNqASASDOa-DW0SSMkQd70OXrf0wjgqBnNNonhMzzWFMWh9mpfOzg2PxtfYJ2s-smPRq_6vR4mRT6QO97RqeIX31TRiAppmG4o8xt7Eo/s640/blogger-image--1414193253.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFrJYQlr1eSJKq0Rso-N1d0us1UDJTTUNcswd2pHsfIOZfw_JZDEiYNWwBwlMdTOf6lA3o6GmSOR6y3IkmzByuwqDUEDZR-3QMjMos-iILLwUjNg9DYmWmAz_CfpvkxLxPNBNBfOoMdRk/s640/blogger-image-2004647816.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFrJYQlr1eSJKq0Rso-N1d0us1UDJTTUNcswd2pHsfIOZfw_JZDEiYNWwBwlMdTOf6lA3o6GmSOR6y3IkmzByuwqDUEDZR-3QMjMos-iILLwUjNg9DYmWmAz_CfpvkxLxPNBNBfOoMdRk/s640/blogger-image-2004647816.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiStPLiSDyEi0lbgr4eXzS6XyjyVkN_S8FpcyfP0-2O_ELT7IM2Q4XtUx1VdtJIQd_i-pkQTKtGuoOwqo6aEtEB62_AlEKFtGiSzbWETthccjmHQhwqxM0WRzXUI313A5RDgO-AE_D5xP0/s640/blogger-image--2060752421.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiStPLiSDyEi0lbgr4eXzS6XyjyVkN_S8FpcyfP0-2O_ELT7IM2Q4XtUx1VdtJIQd_i-pkQTKtGuoOwqo6aEtEB62_AlEKFtGiSzbWETthccjmHQhwqxM0WRzXUI313A5RDgO-AE_D5xP0/s640/blogger-image--2060752421.jpg"></a></div> We love you Coral baby! </div><div><br></div><div>~your mom and dad :) </div><div><br></div></div>Tess @ AModernSuburbanitesLifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08235503330683500621noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1475682565817221151.post-81657866923533493292015-03-16T20:14:00.001-07:002015-03-17T14:09:05.428-07:00Coral Bear | 6 months<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
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AHHH! My favorite age so far. You are sitting up much better, not completely stable yet tho. You are way more into toys nowadays, so it's much easier to occupy you at home. You love jumpers, your pretend cell phone, this water bottle with noodles inside that I made for you. You are pretty attached to mama, although you generally love everyone! You just want me close while you explore. </div>
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We all survived mom and dad's first vacation to mexico. I was having serious wrist pain, and overall just stressed about the whole ordeal but it's so true when they say you really need vacation. </div>
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And you really, really want to crawl. You can get up on all fours as of 3/14/15. You love books, and getting out of the house. You still pitch a fit over getting dressed, and the after bath routine of lotion and the works. </div>
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You are too precious for words. I know I am biased as heck, but I find you to be the most adorable little girl! You have a huge smile on your face all the time. </div>
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Mommy wants to end co-sleeping, but doesn't think you'll comply. I can not handle the dark days of no sleep again (3.5-5.5 months for Coral). So we shall see how this goes in the next month or two. Who knows, makes you'll just sleep with us til you're four! Ha. Psyche. </div>
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Love you so much Coral bear. </div>
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Tess @ AModernSuburbanitesLifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08235503330683500621noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1475682565817221151.post-21669420227374600242015-03-16T20:02:00.001-07:002015-03-17T14:09:48.670-07:00Coral Bear | 5 months<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This little cutie starting sleeping through the night a few weeks after she turned 5 months. Grandma had you overnight a few days before Valentine's as "practice" and she didn't feed you. We never fed you in the night again. We did have a few weeks of you still waking up quite a bit, especially with you attempting to crawl? But you found your tummy sleep position, and that was the beginning of sleep. It did take a little time for me to trust you on your tummy, but once I did boy was it nice! Amen! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Still co- sleeping, and 100% formula starting at 5 months. Mama felt like a human again! Quitting BF was a huge game changer for me. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Our little social butterfly: You love to go out and meet new people. People always comment on how sweet you are when out, and how great you do with strangers. I hope this never changes! In fact you prefer being out and about over staying home. Overall you are a very happy baby during the day, it's just the nights that can be a toss up :) </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You really are becoming interested in books. You love bath time, car rides, naps in strollers, jumpers, your wub a nub, purées - carrots, pears and apples, and co sleeping. My goodness you love our sleeping arrangment! Lol. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You hate getting dressed. </span></div>
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Tess @ AModernSuburbanitesLifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08235503330683500621noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1475682565817221151.post-9684652792615860852015-01-20T09:21:00.000-08:002015-01-20T09:23:36.607-08:00Thanks Ya'll<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Thank you guys for your encouraging comments on my last
post. While my blog has never blown up or become huge (I wish), I will always love
the friendships I have made, and endless stories I have read because they
helped me in my own specific situation. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Coral and I had a great day yesterday. I was off for MLK day,
and it was so nice to just be with Coral all day, to really spend every minute
with her and not feel rushed to do this or that. She was so sweet to me, and I could
tell how happy she was to be with mommy. I got to sleep in a little bit, didn’t
get dressed til 10 am (holler!) so her requests for more attention didn’t wear
on me. I feel so terrible, but it’s just a fact of life. You come home from
work and your patience levels are just lower than they should be as a mom! She’s also finding her feet right now, and I
got to soak in all that yumminess. It’s just the most adorable thing to watch a
baby suck on their toes! Proof below! <o:p></o:p></div>
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Just a tinsy sleep update: Coral’s sleep has gotten better. We
aren’t cured and magically getting sleep, and sometimes it’s a total toss up
and we feel like we are back at step 1 (Like last night LOL). We don’t know why
Coral has so much trouble staying asleep certain nights, but I definitely
rearranged her, or put her pacificer in her mouth about 5-6 times last night to
keep her down. Throw in a feeding at 3:15 a.m., a diaper change and we’ve got one exhausted
working mama! We are going back and forth about sleep training, and decided to
wait a while before we do anything in that arena. I am also going to have my
mom start letting her fall asleep unassisted for naps, and approach sleep
training in a gradual way. Let grandma do the heavy lifting if you will! Removing
me from sleep training as much as possible is A-Okay for me! <o:p></o:p></div>
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And that’s all I got lovaaaas. <o:p></o:p></div>
<img alt=" photo SIGNATURE_zps6b1dcc4a.png" border="0" src="http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b227/krisgym14/SIGNATURE_zps6b1dcc4a.png">Tess @ AModernSuburbanitesLifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08235503330683500621noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1475682565817221151.post-85253434410387766762015-01-16T07:24:00.000-08:002015-01-22T20:04:58.457-08:00The (sleepless) 4th Month<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
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Ohh the fourth month. Hands down the most challenging month
yet, and all because of one thing: lack of sleep. Obviously all mamas expect to
lose sleep in the newborn days, and most likely you’re on maternity leave. You hang
out in your PJ’s, shower at noon, maybe cash in on everyone’s advice “sleep
when the baby sleeps.” and of course, a new baby is just bliss. But for your baby to sleep semi-well for 7 weeks, then
<b>WHAM </b>all the sudden not sleep? <b>AND</b> you have to go to work the next morning?
That completely blindsided me, and to be honest, left me feeling worse for wear
all month. I definitely had a meltdown or two and lost confidence in my ability
to mother. I spiraled myself into reading sleep blogs and questioning <b>EVERYTHING</b> we were doing. It was really, really tough.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Fortunately I had some adrenaline to run on because it was baby’s first Christmas. I mean, I was making
outfit lists and coordinating plans weeks in advance. I was so excited about Christmas, and I gave myself some grace (thanks for that line Darby). Decorating and over-the-top gift giving/wrapping was just not important. All that
mattered was Coral’s first Christmas! And me surviving zombie-mode. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Anywho I'll stop rambling. But to all first time moms, the 4-month-sleep regression is definitely not a
joke. Hopefully I'll get my act together to implement a routine
followed by some sleep training. </div>
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<b>and some stats to remember:</b></div>
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<li style="text-align: justify;">14 lbs 7 oz, 26 inches long. 60th percentile for weight, and <b>95th for height!</b></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">size 3 diapers </li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">3-6 m clothes are too short. 6-9 m are a little baggy and need to be cuffed</li>
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<b>Coral's likes:</b></div>
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<li style="text-align: justify;">bath time! she loves to splash</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">mirrors</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">fingers! staring at them while moving them, sucking them, chewing them. Holding onto our fingers. her hand movements just make me melt daily.</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">mam teething ring. putting everything in her mouth.</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">being sung too. she loveeeees music. </li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">getting out of the house. Coral is much more calm in new places. </li>
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<b>Coral's dislikes:</b></div>
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<li style="text-align: justify;">getting dressed</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">cold milk. </li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">eating in the morning </li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">playing by herself</li>
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<b>Sleep:</b> mostly bad. lol. co-sleeping from midnight to the am. in crib all other times/naps. Although it has recently gotten better, this post is late and it happened in the 5th month. (to get technical)</div>
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<b>Eating: </b></div>
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<li style="text-align: justify;">Still breastfeeding, and supplementing 4 oz of formula a day. We give her two half and half bottles a day basically. </li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">This helps me not feel so stressed if I miss a pumping session, and eases my mind that she can take formula if needed for an emergency situation. I also can quit pretty easily when I decide to end our journey. <i><b>Supplementing has overall taken the stress out of breastfeeding/pumping for me. </b></i></li>
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<b>Milestones:</b> </div>
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<li style="text-align: justify;">giggles. not laughing spontaneously, but we can sure make her laugh if we tickle her! </li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">sitting up with support very well. great head control. </li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">her movements just became so fluid this month.</li>
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<b>Mom & Dad:</b></div>
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<li style="text-align: justify;">Matt has turned into superdad this month. I finally broke down and asked for him to step it up, since naturally I was carrying a lot of the load on maternity leave. Once I went to work I just needed way more help. Especially since pumping is quite the ordeal. </li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">on the topic of pumping: exclusive pumpers deserve a serious shout-out. I tried to pump / bottle feed coral breastmilk very consistently when I went back to work. even on weekends and holiday breaks. She had developed a snacking habit when nursing and we just needed to get her out of that mode. and once she got it, I didn't want to go backwards. </li>
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Tess @ AModernSuburbanitesLifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08235503330683500621noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1475682565817221151.post-34427869390600771472014-12-27T11:36:00.001-08:002014-12-27T13:19:31.326-08:00That's a wrap!Christmas season 2014 is all done! I vacillated between excited and exhausted all month long. Here are some of our best moments. <div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ39RkMeweaEVCDHA0jFBN2rwUzr_J6yKTpl-3s_9hL4DMoO5nxXBoNmw1c43uaLni671x-Vegyh0p3xqRHCtDP5Sk3EUFv6YzXFM_ZLGKZYGVENJhKJMXP-ceh_Z0BaE5vnz31QU6aR4/s640/blogger-image--1980743271.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ39RkMeweaEVCDHA0jFBN2rwUzr_J6yKTpl-3s_9hL4DMoO5nxXBoNmw1c43uaLni671x-Vegyh0p3xqRHCtDP5Sk3EUFv6YzXFM_ZLGKZYGVENJhKJMXP-ceh_Z0BaE5vnz31QU6aR4/s640/blogger-image--1980743271.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4egYpHJFZjbEJGzFDcFXXpwPIj6o-4FFte1gqYqA8Ul22N3JHg3AhHetunxHnHonQeVENVXGac79Va1d4YL-eWp94qb3xhBQ-prvCCmr77EoI3z-LAeTksgSqMj9ikMeR91CAfkNO3pE/s640/blogger-image--751038305.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4egYpHJFZjbEJGzFDcFXXpwPIj6o-4FFte1gqYqA8Ul22N3JHg3AhHetunxHnHonQeVENVXGac79Va1d4YL-eWp94qb3xhBQ-prvCCmr77EoI3z-LAeTksgSqMj9ikMeR91CAfkNO3pE/s640/blogger-image--751038305.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9_BCnT5obLwwohLQWQlwHJSL-dqjARiksQCDmBvBxJv88AjW80Cu71JpV5QzGw0Znuud-KaMefBbkoWC5MyzjLj5Vuma84ERDNPiwPEbLeIwL8dQ8J9WZMy8-sigZbF4OyTRjkj5FRsk/s640/blogger-image-466627365.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9_BCnT5obLwwohLQWQlwHJSL-dqjARiksQCDmBvBxJv88AjW80Cu71JpV5QzGw0Znuud-KaMefBbkoWC5MyzjLj5Vuma84ERDNPiwPEbLeIwL8dQ8J9WZMy8-sigZbF4OyTRjkj5FRsk/s640/blogger-image-466627365.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGhPd4JHxXF0Nj6IdzJgOE8_k6sxmT6PxIA3QCxeFt28VRa4c4cudkI7eXfC6AiG82FozgdszOxxxDNOWsm5VnjiPY9yvUNYAfjTMzRI1hXYZambD5PvaKhWH9sh-O0rk4vZ8RYSCZt-0/s640/blogger-image--1094916783.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGhPd4JHxXF0Nj6IdzJgOE8_k6sxmT6PxIA3QCxeFt28VRa4c4cudkI7eXfC6AiG82FozgdszOxxxDNOWsm5VnjiPY9yvUNYAfjTMzRI1hXYZambD5PvaKhWH9sh-O0rk4vZ8RYSCZt-0/s640/blogger-image--1094916783.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghCXeLrLch9qHOJv_2Y6KpuaFAjlR4-bVE6k_eRr_ZRgoy0195uVh9Oa9r9U6kE05KY3WVec4Pu99f-su1TwdALgYgVzM4o6uowabfJk0dtzLLkV3F3sgOSu2Hj-PJ1B3m2AwtH7P4Zyw/s640/blogger-image--379870445.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghCXeLrLch9qHOJv_2Y6KpuaFAjlR4-bVE6k_eRr_ZRgoy0195uVh9Oa9r9U6kE05KY3WVec4Pu99f-su1TwdALgYgVzM4o6uowabfJk0dtzLLkV3F3sgOSu2Hj-PJ1B3m2AwtH7P4Zyw/s640/blogger-image--379870445.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwABbIBvnB_AXb-gfIyCOKoKpD-466RruIT4CE_77LpPzIiaUxmKP8eQb7huH2P5Qv-_jOiaOshFQxTcko5qYEXs1G7p5Xn8Z5KBC8YfaLvwM1DCNN3OakkeBTU88KtchroPKI3C1RKok/s640/blogger-image--2041345673.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwABbIBvnB_AXb-gfIyCOKoKpD-466RruIT4CE_77LpPzIiaUxmKP8eQb7huH2P5Qv-_jOiaOshFQxTcko5qYEXs1G7p5Xn8Z5KBC8YfaLvwM1DCNN3OakkeBTU88KtchroPKI3C1RKok/s640/blogger-image--2041345673.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMgpxHEV1oAcHodyh_r42KwAfRgLJ6ybS71BcCFEcWwQKG57p5KmOHUFz2aDhsM1PUkxnBQGEWr0-VSO9YWckPLm0i4zT5Jev9Tug6gYipFSXYNxkrXaVhYzaQ3Ke0CFA_BIqDZv-GARY/s640/blogger-image--719321953.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMgpxHEV1oAcHodyh_r42KwAfRgLJ6ybS71BcCFEcWwQKG57p5KmOHUFz2aDhsM1PUkxnBQGEWr0-VSO9YWckPLm0i4zT5Jev9Tug6gYipFSXYNxkrXaVhYzaQ3Ke0CFA_BIqDZv-GARY/s640/blogger-image--719321953.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0L6BijRVfeXsw1RJJHiT5CoeZg9Z2mrcHsMNO2_nNMw1rn7Lzj6_B6gGsla4HMCscMV-qopv_2qoyqhfZlha_LxTBA1V154JaTjajKYiiRE-s66iTfHSH25JJqfukKSSl_i4TmL6t9TU/s640/blogger-image--503777833.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0L6BijRVfeXsw1RJJHiT5CoeZg9Z2mrcHsMNO2_nNMw1rn7Lzj6_B6gGsla4HMCscMV-qopv_2qoyqhfZlha_LxTBA1V154JaTjajKYiiRE-s66iTfHSH25JJqfukKSSl_i4TmL6t9TU/s640/blogger-image--503777833.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsX2pKUaqrR931-cInsoAIP1evCxoi1xBCJ-7PCDtyCQwkyel4QodmV3383vUMiQtkdmWiSrqrndTazi5LpzSdNksaQe2f395j7wJ5m89A72GM-_6JsbwmRhVozq1zoYLa2JCoisINpN0/s640/blogger-image--1667558881.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsX2pKUaqrR931-cInsoAIP1evCxoi1xBCJ-7PCDtyCQwkyel4QodmV3383vUMiQtkdmWiSrqrndTazi5LpzSdNksaQe2f395j7wJ5m89A72GM-_6JsbwmRhVozq1zoYLa2JCoisINpN0/s640/blogger-image--1667558881.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0IBkPqnxhpbryoTHnUHNNROZfvaSqLP_a5ycz8V6hIRinNshiz0utnGvHf9gyGcIDIyuwnaRzNS2zuZe5W5O1lRAOO-7OQemxVAzsYC3e1rflLxOM1Ctx0MfaBa-NxY3cRrojySuolPc/s640/blogger-image--1197882744.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0IBkPqnxhpbryoTHnUHNNROZfvaSqLP_a5ycz8V6hIRinNshiz0utnGvHf9gyGcIDIyuwnaRzNS2zuZe5W5O1lRAOO-7OQemxVAzsYC3e1rflLxOM1Ctx0MfaBa-NxY3cRrojySuolPc/s640/blogger-image--1197882744.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifQnZQmIyd8b8I9EWU0kA4bURhZELR5r-8j8lUQ43Pi1TcccwBi35UeztY95IrBkGDuo1Eg9YLL6WSwM1HbMs8iBiMY74ky4fWctknBSd43NU7PKX5kvINRD2Ap82unqJYIcQb4Z1iO-4/s640/blogger-image--798930111.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifQnZQmIyd8b8I9EWU0kA4bURhZELR5r-8j8lUQ43Pi1TcccwBi35UeztY95IrBkGDuo1Eg9YLL6WSwM1HbMs8iBiMY74ky4fWctknBSd43NU7PKX5kvINRD2Ap82unqJYIcQb4Z1iO-4/s640/blogger-image--798930111.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyvbddj9IgqP9h7teuhr_8mjWVX_Fs9PVZ8WqIQabhOMQ-LHOkTxsieI-0oXDv7g5Rw-HmOah1hL0a4VNYCeu-OFaXzgiCgaSzydI99-o5PvBMnI1521FHUlV1vp_0nl0kaF6S70KQHJU/s640/blogger-image-1681774379.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyvbddj9IgqP9h7teuhr_8mjWVX_Fs9PVZ8WqIQabhOMQ-LHOkTxsieI-0oXDv7g5Rw-HmOah1hL0a4VNYCeu-OFaXzgiCgaSzydI99-o5PvBMnI1521FHUlV1vp_0nl0kaF6S70KQHJU/s640/blogger-image-1681774379.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs-NrPTLjZuuf0TNX-W_T35nPzNr3gDk5oXQCvh-8a0vCy8cgFruuTHzjCMZb8eWUhMvOnSQ78zim7tcoEnwF1bhyphenhyphenv-HiSG_53U-gITzlMjnGCkbsabRjEYfowoopg9VsduZLRoLLPqHA/s640/blogger-image--1213194753.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs-NrPTLjZuuf0TNX-W_T35nPzNr3gDk5oXQCvh-8a0vCy8cgFruuTHzjCMZb8eWUhMvOnSQ78zim7tcoEnwF1bhyphenhyphenv-HiSG_53U-gITzlMjnGCkbsabRjEYfowoopg9VsduZLRoLLPqHA/s640/blogger-image--1213194753.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTA__ixXLs27Agf0500lVZXY2enIgjDNLDlBs0t9uWGjIqBnBql9FpqDXsili4hA41-BHXy9VA2ZLqczIWue_X9h0I9tCvP6XxsvNgtQNSRb-ZBSbuKq618BGB6oERftsF_Ee9nHK7Ksg/s640/blogger-image--429073949.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTA__ixXLs27Agf0500lVZXY2enIgjDNLDlBs0t9uWGjIqBnBql9FpqDXsili4hA41-BHXy9VA2ZLqczIWue_X9h0I9tCvP6XxsvNgtQNSRb-ZBSbuKq618BGB6oERftsF_Ee9nHK7Ksg/s640/blogger-image--429073949.jpg"></a></div><br></div>Tess @ AModernSuburbanitesLifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08235503330683500621noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1475682565817221151.post-1073723957349350082014-12-12T08:06:00.001-08:002014-12-12T08:06:28.227-08:00Furniture Friday | Amateur Furniture Refinishing<div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYYNeuc0zqbPb4dlaNSdL9Du2NFlwAXFeHQz1Up-tWkXPLidWwPz5gabMbYxe8fgvxUXSn0ZwM1b6MRNoL1VHN01zkLJjXylj7vS4BUXwPmI0whv3CwW_WVnIOqiuOm3nS66YTwBOO7wk/s640/blogger-image-898645638.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><font color="#000000"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYYNeuc0zqbPb4dlaNSdL9Du2NFlwAXFeHQz1Up-tWkXPLidWwPz5gabMbYxe8fgvxUXSn0ZwM1b6MRNoL1VHN01zkLJjXylj7vS4BUXwPmI0whv3CwW_WVnIOqiuOm3nS66YTwBOO7wk/s640/blogger-image-898645638.jpg"></font></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Happy Friday y'all. I sure need this weekend. Coral isn't sleeping well lately, but that's a post in itself. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">So, not much home decor things are happening in casa de cook lately, but I've kinda got a back log from Coral's nursery. For once in my life I actually finished a room! And really, really loved it. My favorite piece in the room is her dresser pictured above. It was one of those rare times that I didn't look at the finished product and go, "hm. Something didn't go quite right." </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">We used a superrrr old dresser, painted that baby "Swiss coffee" by Behr with primer. I'm lazy and always get primer in the paint so I can skip sanding. I'm not necessarily recommending that, but we skipped it and don't really mind the few nicks on the paint here and there. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">My favorite part of this dresser is the hardware. I searched high and low, and was very picky about hardware. Coral's room is shades of coral (duh), muted pink/peach and gold. So the gold handles were incredibly important to me. We bought 4 from ansaldi hardware, (the modern pull) and 6 from Lowes that we very carefully spray painted with a brass finish color. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><font color="#000000"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirCV3hS2tsr-e-l98fH4pu77N0Dlp39YWsdRrhWXjQ4iXEFOaAWKRWf7HreUSR8FZFq8S2q9UV_wWZSyjY9rdh76iMPruyQpVj7-PmEwNOA2rOu24yw3iGwM65hABxwhWj-xgU50SP-nc/s640/blogger-image-2065037781.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirCV3hS2tsr-e-l98fH4pu77N0Dlp39YWsdRrhWXjQ4iXEFOaAWKRWf7HreUSR8FZFq8S2q9UV_wWZSyjY9rdh76iMPruyQpVj7-PmEwNOA2rOu24yw3iGwM65hABxwhWj-xgU50SP-nc/s640/blogger-image-2065037781.jpg"></a><br></span></font><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I'm gonna post more pics later, but am currently rushing from task to task. Have a good weekend! </span></div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div></div></div>Tess @ AModernSuburbanitesLifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08235503330683500621noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1475682565817221151.post-18418719059497580772014-12-10T09:21:00.005-08:002014-12-10T09:21:54.113-08:00Winter White Inspiration <div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
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I always have fun with holiday outfits, and since I have darker skin winter white is my go to. It's just so elegant & timeless, and not overly bold like a red pick. Here are some pieces I'm lusting over this holiday season. Also, this is my first polyvore collage. Stuff is addictinggggg. Happy Hump day!<br />
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<a href="http://www.polyvore.com/winter_white/set?.embedder=4017855&.svc=blogger&id=142855140" target="_blank"><img alt="winter white" border="0" src="http://cfc.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/.sig/Wyo2yME2LTWuH3EjA4nA/cid/142855140/id/iJz3I5CA5BGDyYWw7EzHKw/size/c600x549.jpg" height="366" title="winter white" width="400" /></a></div>
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<small><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/winter_white/set?.embedder=4017855&.svc=blogger&id=142855140" target="_blank">winter white</a> by <a href="http://tessytessio.polyvore.com/?.embedder=4017855&.svc=blogger" target="_blank">tessytessio</a> featuring a <a href="http://www.polyvore.com/white_coat/shop?query=white+coat" target="_blank">white coat</a></small></div>
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<small><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=4017855&.svc=blogger&id=124493265" rel="nofollow">Long sleeve mini dress</a> / <a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=4017855&.svc=blogger&id=116103813" rel="nofollow">Ann Taylor white ivory dress</a> / <a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=4017855&.svc=blogger&id=124210150" rel="nofollow">White coat</a> / <a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=4017855&.svc=blogger&id=123899356" rel="nofollow">Polka dot skirt</a> / <a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=4017855&.svc=blogger&id=123959508" rel="nofollow">TOMS foldover boots</a> / <a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=4017855&.svc=blogger&id=121844450" rel="nofollow">Charlotte Russe bracelet</a> / <a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=4017855&.svc=blogger&id=124282931" rel="nofollow">Gorjana ring</a> / <a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=4017855&.svc=blogger&id=124285624" rel="nofollow">Jules smith earrings</a> / <a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=4017855&.svc=blogger&id=122362588" rel="nofollow">Ted Baker stud earring set</a>, $33 / <a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=4017855&.svc=blogger&id=121834952" rel="nofollow">Kate Spade post earrings</a> / <a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=4017855&.svc=blogger&id=124067179" rel="nofollow">Nars cosmetic</a>, $32 / <a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=4017855&.svc=blogger&id=124859972" rel="nofollow">Essie pink holographic nail polish</a></small></div>
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Tess @ AModernSuburbanitesLifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08235503330683500621noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1475682565817221151.post-46622072352245801642014-12-09T11:28:00.000-08:002014-12-09T11:31:29.715-08:003 monthss for my wittle baby!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Phew! This month as been the most hectic, yet the most fun
thus far! Coral wakes up babbling, and doing her fake cough (I think she thinks
she is laughing?) and runs her mommy and daddy in circles all day! She
absolutely loves to be talked to. She kind of demands it actually. “Talk to me,
look at me mommy and daddy!” is what she would be saying all day. <i>IF</i> she could
talk ya know? It’s the cutest thing and
we just stare at her and love on her all day. We often call her our spoiled
firstborn, and we wouldn’t have any other way. We just adore her. And know we
won’t do half of these things with our subsequent children ;)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So super big deal, I did go back to work this month. I opted to
go back the Thursday before Thanksgiving week to “ease back into” it. I highly
recommend this for any other working mamas (Thank goodness for my mommy-guru-neighbor-BFF,
Jessi, and all of her advice). I worked a 2-day week, a 3-day week, then POOF
it was Turkey day! This really helped me get the hang of pumping at work (during
a very slow time workload wise!) and still felt energetic after work to see how
she was transitioning at home. I can tell this balancing act is going to get
much harder. After my first full 5-day week and a fun weekend in Galveston this
mama was E X H A U S T E D. Sunday night I could barely keep my eyes open, but
you bet your bottom dollar I stayed awake for HOMELAND! Who else is watching?!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So a little bit about Coral:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Stats: no update on weight, but size 2 diapers (loving
swaddlers still), and mostly 3-6 or 6M clothes. Sometimes she doesn’t quite fill
them out, but there is no point in buying 3M anymore, especially since the
pants are usually too short. We also want all the clothes we buy to last her
the entire winter season, which is only until February in Texas! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Likes: kicking, talking, chewing on things, pulling mommy’s
hair, her wub-a-nub, getting out of the house! I swear she’s so bored of our
house. Being looked at and talked to, and being sung to. Daddy has a song he’s
been singing to her since the hospital days and she smiles every time he sings
it. Baby girl LOVES bath time. Sleeping in motion. Watching TV? she turns her head from wherever she is to look at it. (eek?)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Dislikes: Diaper changes and getting dressed. Waking up
alone. Not getting attention. The Carrier. Cue the tears on that one!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Eating: Coral is still exclusively breastfed/bottle-fed
breastmilk. She’s mostly getting bottles during the week, and I nurse on the weekend
(to get a pumping break), but not excessively so we can keep up with her
weekday bottle routine. She also has a snacking problem when we nurse, so
bottles are really best. She usually takes 4 oz a feeding. Even though we run
through the drop-ins quickly, the Playtex nurser is still her favorite bottle.
She won’t take a full feeding out of a Medela bottle, and I refuse the 4-part
bottle. We did give her a few formula bottles before I went to work just in
case something happened to my supply, but it mostly just made her gassy. And
nothing happened to my supply - SO- the breastfeeding journey continues. Quitting
seems like more work than continuing on, and it sure is convenient to nurse
your baby on the go! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibyXTeRBBZo5mm-eriDQuFl3Z6U1FNrJPv5a4THNgJsK41ilWKsaPJ7ae9XUHq2sJw9tDj2DqZlT0sk6lbSijm1AeDAXeqGRx2I-2ahgFiQTblmG_rgbVCvzmj3tDqpYE8lpC_4TaH5yg/s640/blogger-image--1538824991.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibyXTeRBBZo5mm-eriDQuFl3Z6U1FNrJPv5a4THNgJsK41ilWKsaPJ7ae9XUHq2sJw9tDj2DqZlT0sk6lbSijm1AeDAXeqGRx2I-2ahgFiQTblmG_rgbVCvzmj3tDqpYE8lpC_4TaH5yg/s640/blogger-image--1538824991.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">how my thanksgiving looked</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sleep: We’ve regressed here. Coral now tries to roll out of
the newborn boppy lounger, so she is no longer sleeping in it from 10p-4am.
Yup, she’s in our bed full time! I’ve been putting her in the crib some nights,
usually until midnight, and my mom naps her there during the day. I’m planning some
serious sleep training over the Christmas holiday since I’ll have 6 nights to
try to get her out of our bed. I’m putting decorating and gifting as 2<sup>nd</sup>
priority this year so I can focus on her sleep. The good news is I really enjoy
sleeping with her (hello dream feed!), and have gotten used to fragmented
sleep. She’s just so adorable, but I do think we need to cut the cord now. If
not, I’m afraid she’ll be sleeping with us until she’s 3. I also have no idea why Coral hasn’t dropped
feedings and just started sleeping through the night on her own. I’ve tried
holding her off, blah blah blah and nothing seems to work. We may try a tinsy
bit of cereal in the nightly bottle in a week or two to see if that helps.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOYIwNpFhBnK4Aq5tF4DwjfoGlzHZLB3FB5kbHzliwGkUQ6TVaaDN_uqcK6_peTFy7YDwvJ2xppt2kE1XefVAyIvJyEdY6JaLkosfbBcxRgik_E2JvlfIVDjCkC5VssQrnKvfOPVnvJbg/s640/blogger-image-1260322297.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOYIwNpFhBnK4Aq5tF4DwjfoGlzHZLB3FB5kbHzliwGkUQ6TVaaDN_uqcK6_peTFy7YDwvJ2xppt2kE1XefVAyIvJyEdY6JaLkosfbBcxRgik_E2JvlfIVDjCkC5VssQrnKvfOPVnvJbg/s640/blogger-image-1260322297.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Milestones: She rolled over! The day before she turned 3
months actually. I’ve already lost track of smaller milestones.. need to get
better at tracking! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What a month it has been. Love ya girl! </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<img alt=" photo SIGNATURE_zps6b1dcc4a.png" border="0" src="http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b227/krisgym14/SIGNATURE_zps6b1dcc4a.png" />Tess @ AModernSuburbanitesLifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08235503330683500621noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1475682565817221151.post-4742795579815335192014-11-25T13:08:00.002-08:002014-12-11T07:46:48.744-08:00Working Mom Life so Far <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjTnlCFoAVLPAEeQ1CMZaZ04p3o-ZCgeW8ZJReaIAwIuE2UbrkWnMJiQb7W5BiBfg9FnNMueKPGQ45luK9yb6VVPeL2k18fCARCVfYYBcrXuO9qTlvUWuvGjpyLYnvbhqbgFy5LW5YY7M/s1600/IMG_1402.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjTnlCFoAVLPAEeQ1CMZaZ04p3o-ZCgeW8ZJReaIAwIuE2UbrkWnMJiQb7W5BiBfg9FnNMueKPGQ45luK9yb6VVPeL2k18fCARCVfYYBcrXuO9qTlvUWuvGjpyLYnvbhqbgFy5LW5YY7M/s1600/IMG_1402.JPG" height="424" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">one of my favorite pictures from the hospital </td></tr>
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I haven't been a mom, much less a working mom for very long (going on 5 days to be exact, actually). But here are some random thoughts so far.. :<br />
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<ul>
<li>Real clothes, adult conversation, and generally just needing to be somewhere is an amazing feeling. </li>
<li>I now know about this thing called <i><b>Mom guilt. </b></i>Yup, I've felt it now. Every day I worry she won't remember me, or not like me as much. But nope! she loves me all the same. It truly is such a relief to see she still loves me at the end of each day! </li>
<li>I also feel odd being out and about. Like what? I have this much freedom? No way! Moms don't get to eat sushi midday! I went to target on my lunch break and not lugging a car seat just felt straight up wrong. LOL.</li>
<li>Pumping at work isn't really that weird. </li>
<li>Your job never stops, your at home job is just much more fun :) by 10 p.m. I'm W I P E D.</li>
<li>You miss your kid so much. It's kind of a lovesick feeling. </li>
<li>You feel like you are doing everything, but not doing anything that well. </li>
<li>There's no time to be a pinterest mom. I mean there is, but I'd just rather not spend my time like that. This is the weirdest one for me, since I thought I'd love being creative for my little. Turns out I'd rather cuddle her instead of planning amazing Christmas tablescapes.</li>
</ul>
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I could go on and on, but the past few days have confirmed what I thought all along. I'd love being a working mom! I never thought I was wired to be a SAHM, and the past couple days have confirmed this. I am just not a suzy homemaker! I raise my hat to moms who can do it all day in and day out. Truly. Since I could hardly keep up with basic tasks after Coral's arrival, being a SAHM for 11 weeks left me feeling depleted and bad at my job. I miss her like crazy, but I think is right for us!<br />
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And that's all folks. <br />
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<img alt=" photo SIGNATURE_zps6b1dcc4a.png" border="0" src="http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b227/krisgym14/SIGNATURE_zps6b1dcc4a.png" />Tess @ AModernSuburbanitesLifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08235503330683500621noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1475682565817221151.post-21716910970998071712014-11-03T12:22:00.001-08:002014-11-04T13:01:11.313-08:002 months<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRJuW3-1i0bEDdsbP1UzngEiwebodpsV0bEEImnMAZI8Q2IcSbdQz4hPh89waH6nbs6wK4ZOwCmYrVDUQo-PSqegB97jCMe5YMgsk5P7evHpBmB8S8Xsh_1snyIlc11g7of60teb4DCYE/s640/blogger-image--2092231257.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRJuW3-1i0bEDdsbP1UzngEiwebodpsV0bEEImnMAZI8Q2IcSbdQz4hPh89waH6nbs6wK4ZOwCmYrVDUQo-PSqegB97jCMe5YMgsk5P7evHpBmB8S8Xsh_1snyIlc11g7of60teb4DCYE/s640/blogger-image--2092231257.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitOUSgrJMS19t82xjIS8pCC0rg_iE6YZ7owSrHddkzhP8hsS0zpiOcOe7Zx-REdeEiFO0bMygzoCJY7-IO6_2Ro-OzNYoJUCDWlPMOsBMW8aywpSJxIj855Q3R3v36npENi2qKsw_hfZg/s640/blogger-image-1498217054.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitOUSgrJMS19t82xjIS8pCC0rg_iE6YZ7owSrHddkzhP8hsS0zpiOcOe7Zx-REdeEiFO0bMygzoCJY7-IO6_2Ro-OzNYoJUCDWlPMOsBMW8aywpSJxIj855Q3R3v36npENi2qKsw_hfZg/s640/blogger-image-1498217054.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdeMj0nG5oQ7E1v9tmU8iOPluRAYRy1HQ7oJsmzddUaeiR46aWkmXKXpH8QKcndHBFHLUMVURwusiJEspkUyg3AKyTxdMujsa2OIX2oGIqT860HWtEiIPO9br3YCSEG05z3vOo5EAKtw0/s640/blogger-image--589268118.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdeMj0nG5oQ7E1v9tmU8iOPluRAYRy1HQ7oJsmzddUaeiR46aWkmXKXpH8QKcndHBFHLUMVURwusiJEspkUyg3AKyTxdMujsa2OIX2oGIqT860HWtEiIPO9br3YCSEG05z3vOo5EAKtw0/s640/blogger-image--589268118.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div></div></div><div>Stats: 11 lbs. 10 oz. (65%) 23.5 inches (93%) and head circumference of 15.25 inches. Mostly Size 3-6 months in clothes, although we can still squeeze into 0-3 if we must. Size 1 diapers, but not for much longer I'm afraid! <div><br></div><div>Feeding: Coral is still exclusively breast fed/ bottle fed breast milk. She's down to 7 feedings a day (a la babywise). She gets a daily bottle during the last feeding of the day (930 pm ish) with daddy. This feeding seems to be getting earlier and earlierr (her request) and we hope it gets elimated soon. </div><div><br></div><div>Likes: playtime! Coral really enjoys being put down for 30 min spurts to enjoy her activity mats, the swing, and most recently TV! She loves the lights. She likes napping in her jogging stroller, and sleeping near mommy and daddy. She really likes her grandma and nana. And oddly enough, is usually very content on her changing table. Still loving the newborn boppy lounger too. The car if it's in motion. Staring at things. </div><div><br></div><div>Dislikes: the car if it's not in motion, Sleeping or waking up alone. Sleeping on her back. (We are clearly having sleep problems!) When I mess up her midday nap (drama queen alert), and being put down when she's tired. Being swaddled. </div><div><br></div><div>Sleep: well, I never thought id find myself saying this, but we are flirting with co- sleeping. Coral falls asleep in our bed around 10 pm and we move her to her boppy lounger when she's out cold. After she wakes up around 4/5 am she either is still sleepy enough to go back in the lounger, or comes into bed with us til 730 am. Trust me, it's not ideal! But baby girl really hates sleeping by herself, <i style="font-weight: bold;">and we all get good sleep this way. </i>We have a nap routine and coral is doing great with eat, play, sleep so I'm pretty happy with those items. Overall, I'm happy with our sleep. </div><div><br></div><div>Firsts: </div><div>-week 5 she started stringing syllables like al-goo. Very chatty girl!</div><div>-week 5- first time to go for a six hour stretch from feeding to feeding </div><div>-week 5- started reaching for things </div><div>-sucking on her fingers </div><div>-grunted on Halloween </div><div>-week 6- discovered patterns (leap 2) </div><div>-recognizes people other than mommy and daddy </div><div>-she can track an object but rarely does it. Unless that object is me :) </div><div>Week 8- mom and dad's first date night </div><div>-she whimpers when she wants us to put her to sleep </div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">-Halloween! She was a fish and we wore fishing shirts! </span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt0YYrQAz4whiyioUoLMeOfQymKDAP9z5_m0Vu7mP2ALJafXNdZN7VfG-62kjQmweYGRO137pGV6Q-NTzBAYMXJ7SUB8fo7OAJwGQeDhvRI9HkfYtoQ_Bw1GAA8t-8t70FFRZjE9QDt_o/s640/blogger-image--1870818465.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt0YYrQAz4whiyioUoLMeOfQymKDAP9z5_m0Vu7mP2ALJafXNdZN7VfG-62kjQmweYGRO137pGV6Q-NTzBAYMXJ7SUB8fo7OAJwGQeDhvRI9HkfYtoQ_Bw1GAA8t-8t70FFRZjE9QDt_o/s640/blogger-image--1870818465.jpg"></a></div></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdDw4uG9rWAvK8YBuwVC7DfIOUqj2WK00W3Zmarp0ufpNspIAbWCMUWF-Sk-dWQwVaTDTpGkDHDsf0VChl1DtMut65GjfCmKHh03p_J35YVH5f3pQVkBHviSx7URk0f3yVrExNTmDqE6s/s640/blogger-image--115797481.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdDw4uG9rWAvK8YBuwVC7DfIOUqj2WK00W3Zmarp0ufpNspIAbWCMUWF-Sk-dWQwVaTDTpGkDHDsf0VChl1DtMut65GjfCmKHh03p_J35YVH5f3pQVkBHviSx7URk0f3yVrExNTmDqE6s/s640/blogger-image--115797481.jpg"></a></div></span></div><div>How mom/dad are doing: </div><div>- I actively tried to implement a schedule this month. It started in week 6, fell apart in week 7, then one really emerged in week 8. Crazy stuff. I'm sure it will change soon! </div><div>- soooooo. This month was a lot harder for me because I stopped running on adrenaline and the newness wore off. I started to really feel the effects of sleep deprivation if ya know what I mean. This motivated me to get on a schedule, which has helped us all tremendously! </div><div>-we survived our 2 months shots! </div><div>- I'm becoming more lax about germs and going in public </div><div>- we went on our first date! We were so worried about her the whole time tho lol. She did wonderful with grandma. We were kind of sad that she didn't miss us! </div><div>-week 7 was really tough because coral sleep regressed, but the wonder weeks books reallllly helped me understand what she was going through. According to the book, Coral went through leap 2 in her mental development. I can't recommend this book enough! </div><div><br></div><div>That was a lot. Phew. And I still need to write her 1 month as a catch up. </div></div>Tess @ AModernSuburbanitesLifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08235503330683500621noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1475682565817221151.post-25944301228756923552014-10-29T11:44:00.001-07:002014-10-29T21:47:27.101-07:00Birth Story Part 2 - Laboring on Labor Day<div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="text-align: start; clear: both;"><font color="#000000" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjD-R9rsOUejI-zBs7cpaFPEsl3_nRa4EXMUDpRnw857-O1ET3c5-JfXiGHUnpPtXikYhfATKW1MSMksdr3g22rJ3yU3sVy12Kf4dj3RX9jbnYvrYJdVWN5eJZklMbZjsvAqcBko74XZo/s640/blogger-image--530753265.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjD-R9rsOUejI-zBs7cpaFPEsl3_nRa4EXMUDpRnw857-O1ET3c5-JfXiGHUnpPtXikYhfATKW1MSMksdr3g22rJ3yU3sVy12Kf4dj3RX9jbnYvrYJdVWN5eJZklMbZjsvAqcBko74XZo/s640/blogger-image--530753265.jpg"></a></font></div><div style="text-align: start;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I know this took forever, but I was having some serious writers block about the end her of birth story, and other issues about how much I should share. But since I can't possibly rewrite this for the 100th time, here is her story. It is as honest as possible, since that's what I enjoyed reading as I was preparing for Coral's birth. So basically, if you are a dude, you might want to click away.</span></div><div style="text-align: start;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div style="text-align: start;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Sept. 1, 2014 - I was having Braxton hicks contractions very regularly in my 40th week. Usually for 3-4 hours, every ten minutes during the evening and through the night. They started at 38 weeks, but I didn't realize it was brax until 39w4d. It finally dawned on me that the rock hard feeling on the right side of my stomach <i>+ back pain</i> was a practice contraction - NOT my little baby curling up in a ball and sticking her butt up against my stomach. </span></div></div></div><div><div style="text-align: start;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div></div><div><div style="text-align: start;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Well in the wee hours of Labor Day morning, I kept stumbling to the bathroom mid-slumber as usual. I'd wake up with a rock hard stomach, want relief, then pee to make it stop (going to the bathroom relieves Braxton hicks). I was really out of it most of the night, but at around 5:30 a.m., I realized I felt different. I woke up a little more and thought wait a minute,<i> this is pretty painful. </i></span></div></div><div><div style="text-align: start;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div></div><div><div style="text-align: start;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I didn't want to make a fuss about it, with the whole crazy cancelled induction thing happening the day before. I went and laid down to see if maybe I was right. After an hour, the contractions still felt painful, so I whipped out the contraction timer app. The contractions were all over the place, but after listening to my body I decided this is really it. I still didn't want to tell anyone, not even my husband, just in case it was another false alarm. </span></div></div><div><div style="text-align: start;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div></div><div><div style="text-align: start;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">So. I took a shower, put a full face of make-up on. Straightened my hair, paid my credit card bill and send an email to my brother. Then finally around 9 a.m I woke Matt up. "Babe I think I'm having real contractions." Matthew was very aware of my 'practice' brax contractions.</span></div></div><div><div style="text-align: start;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div></div><div><div style="text-align: start;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">He looked at me and fell right back asleep. Since I was still half in denial myself, I let him sleep. He finally got up 30 minutes later and registered what I said. "Are you writing them down?" "Yes, babe. I'm tracking it on an app." "Let's go walk" he said. "Nope, everything I read says to relax and rest." We had this conversation a few times until I snapped. "I'm not walking!"</span></div></div><div><div style="text-align: start;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div></div><div><div style="text-align: start;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Then I conked out. And I was out cold. Matt tried to come talk to me and I snapped at him to leave me alone.</span></div><div style="text-align: start;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div style="text-align: start;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I woke up at 2:30 p.m. with drool all over my face and thought, oh no they are gone! The contractions are gone!! I was so pissed at myself for falling asleep instead of walking the neighborhood. I prayed my body was just "taking a rest." I had been googling "what does labor feel like" all morning, and lots of articles said the body knows you need a break before the real deal. Then at 3:30 p.m. again. Bam. Another contraction. And this one felt more intense than the rest. </span></div></div><div><div style="text-align: start;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div></div><div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I went downstairs and told Matt they were back. This is really it I said! So I laid down some more and kept tracking on my app. Around 3:30 pm my contractions were about 7 minutes apart. Then by 4:00 the famed 5 minutes part. It was time to call the doc. I called and the nurse told me to get in a hot bath, drink 3 glasses of ice water. When my contractions get 3-4 minutes apart to call back. Matt was pissed and wanted me to lie. But I just followed instructions and climbed into the bath.</span></div><div style="text-align: start;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: start;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Meanwhile.. we had plans to eat BBQ with my in laws. </span></div><div style="text-align: start;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Funny right? We still hadn't told anyone I was in labor, and when they called us to finalize plans, Matt told them we couldn't make it because I was sitting in the bath tub having contractions. I think his mom was like "what?! Why aren't you heading to the hospital?!" They headed to our house in a frenzy with BBQ in tow. </span></div><div style="text-align: start;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div style="text-align: start;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">So back in the bath tub....My contractions got down to 3-4 minutes apart, Matt fed me BBQ in the bathtub, (so romantic, I know) and I called the doc back. My contractions were getting really painful, to the point that I couldn't speak, and it was time to go. </span></div><div style="text-align: start;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div></div></div><div><div class="separator" style="text-align: start; clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOiNmbtUv52tx0lWH2xQC8weCiFYrRgE4oaat6aFSb00QONcKuG_wVmSB1Vaj7MfAGECBCTvNbBo1jvZ0WFSjGMFiGR4tZ6t5Y1125_PVgF3nL3Egf5cm8KAE85ehyphenhyphengiG1Qo1I013VxlA/s640/blogger-image-2045356597.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><font color="#000000"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOiNmbtUv52tx0lWH2xQC8weCiFYrRgE4oaat6aFSb00QONcKuG_wVmSB1Vaj7MfAGECBCTvNbBo1jvZ0WFSjGMFiGR4tZ6t5Y1125_PVgF3nL3Egf5cm8KAE85ehyphenhyphengiG1Qo1I013VxlA/s640/blogger-image-2045356597.jpg"></font></a></div></div><div><div style="text-align: start;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: start;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I got dressed and we headed out. I checked into the hospital (in a wheel chair!) and took blurry iPhone pics like a loser. Everything that happened after this was like watching a movie. Our own movie. So incredibly surreal! We got into my room and I was 4-5 cm dilated. it was definitely time to have a baby. I called my family and told them it was the real deal. Head up to the hospital. </span></div></div></div></div><div><div style="text-align: start;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: start;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The shift changed, I met my new nurse Brandy and requested my epidural. In hindsight, I really wish I had waited, because the epi most definitely slowed my labor down. Otherwise getting the epidural was painless. I felt the cool sensation running down my back. Then Dr. Baird came in and broke my water. They do this with a stick. how weird. She told Nurse Brandy not to put me on pitocin, that she thought I'd progress on my own. <i>(Ha. that was a joke). </i></span></div><div style="text-align: start;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div style="text-align: start;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Then I got superrrrr loopy. I had a blast saying hi to all my family members. We took lots of pics and I was so excited. It was a baby party! </span></div><div style="text-align: start;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="text-align: start; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td><span style="font-size: 17px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1w8pyB5mBqwFWehC5k7t9epqjQlU3qdj14y8Eho_-ZaDF2ThQXdwxl6wlXygWHbE8v6KBs6q3ZRDYSF6aN1hjaaSPoadovj8inF7rwQoFhp0Z7ZvT5qn_u_WP13ZGGSzf6S0rAeC7a2Y/s640/blogger-image--373570762.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"></span></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption"><span style="font-size: 17px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Being super hyper</span></td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><div><div style="text-align: start;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">It was probably 10 p.m. at this point, family members started to file out and a very long waiting game began.</span></div></div><div><div style="text-align: start;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div></div><div><div style="text-align: start;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Around 12 a.m. my blood pressure shot up to 165, and Coral's heartbeat was baseline 175. I was running a borderline fever too. They told me I had an infection, and the nurse seemed really concerned. More concerned than she was letting on. She kept hurriedly walking in and out of the room saying "I'll be right back." I asked brandy if I needed to have a c-section and she kind of deflected. She left again. When Brandy came back, she told me the if Tylenol doesn't bring my fever down "be prepared for things to go in that direction." She wouldn't say the direction, but I knew what she meant. Be prepared for a c -section.</span></div></div><div><div style="text-align: start;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-W35lH2BT6xQMLQSa4IZYvKILHEqtQbE2aQi0ULFvw8IY3qw7FpDDkiNVzyflUpbcLPEFZF5r7GIuSm3kWWToOTYEknaXPKMN_wULL7vc-EgZUT4pF-Vboyn-ihmtFw5bbIfS0TnSY4I/s640/blogger-image-1061151149.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-W35lH2BT6xQMLQSa4IZYvKILHEqtQbE2aQi0ULFvw8IY3qw7FpDDkiNVzyflUpbcLPEFZF5r7GIuSm3kWWToOTYEknaXPKMN_wULL7vc-EgZUT4pF-Vboyn-ihmtFw5bbIfS0TnSY4I/s640/blogger-image-1061151149.jpg"></a></div></span></div></div><div><div style="text-align: start;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I shut down at this point. I stopped talking, except to ask what the heartbeat monitor read. I'm not sure why I was so anti c-section, but I told them her heartbeat was usually at 150-160, so why was 175 so scary? I look back at this in hindsight and feel guilty. What if Coral was in danger and I was being so stubborn? What if something bad could have happened? But then sometimes I'm proud of myself for not letting them push me in a c-section. There is nothing wrong with c -sections, I just believe they are over performed in modern medicine. </span></div><div style="text-align: start;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div style="text-align: start;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">So.. After I took Tylenol everything stabilized around 1 a.m. The Doctor decided she was having prolonged accelerations after each contraction, and her heartbeat was fine. </span></div></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="text-align: start; clear: both;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5WWsu9Y3cSJmcXtpcNoWe4JCjdBGMigW2eiJusteZ29MfLR80HwFbbM4lcHpeufUcZQTmw9HlhChsAFnxGDN4puZR3vNYOpINqwFWARPF8cvVmAE7nD4PxV33eabhOJNjxgcz7NwDK7Y/s640/blogger-image-1812269328.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5WWsu9Y3cSJmcXtpcNoWe4JCjdBGMigW2eiJusteZ29MfLR80HwFbbM4lcHpeufUcZQTmw9HlhChsAFnxGDN4puZR3vNYOpINqwFWARPF8cvVmAE7nD4PxV33eabhOJNjxgcz7NwDK7Y/s640/blogger-image-1812269328.jpg"></a></span></div></div></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: start;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">As one problem resolved itself, another problem arose. The epidural was wearing off. Around 3 a.m. I pressed the button to get another dose and within 5 minutes was puking my brains out. There was officially nothing in my stomach, and I remember getting so tired after this. Things definitely took a turn for tough, and it wasn't a baby party anymore. Most of our family had left, Except my sister, mom, and none of us were getting any sleep. I had no clue how I going to continue, <b><i>much less push. </i>I </b>was so discouraged at this point, I started thinking about asking for a c-section. Quite the 180 right?? I had been 7-8 cm for what seemed like 4 hours and was so over it. We all finally decided to get some sleep, and I slept 4 -5:30 a.m. </span></div></div></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="text-align: start; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXl9qrZxr26SS60zDuKhgnBFKe0wMUOysZpGY0KCTiTe7myevyrb20z6redrrjDQzJzqlrJZGImL-1PGSkaCc4M8vCSW5FXXVr50Bd6hHKElvVZDfKkKDaJwhXek54IywZFshrwgTloUI/s640/blogger-image-72056837.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; font-size: 17px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><font color="#000000"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXl9qrZxr26SS60zDuKhgnBFKe0wMUOysZpGY0KCTiTe7myevyrb20z6redrrjDQzJzqlrJZGImL-1PGSkaCc4M8vCSW5FXXVr50Bd6hHKElvVZDfKkKDaJwhXek54IywZFshrwgTloUI/s640/blogger-image-72056837.jpg"></font></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption"><span style="font-size: 17px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">trying to hold it together</span></td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: start;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1byLiyKEZHdFMmnt7keZfDFJuOmbdxtR-nCXndZ66VwXHKjh-3cF8-Vy1Pme-KgUcpGJg0xlKfMJMPWtHoZOy7WaTUryZLLaoSJo5lB7f49oA6U-90q_D01tZfrX5k3sblHGC30hfLG4/s640/blogger-image--1456227684.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1byLiyKEZHdFMmnt7keZfDFJuOmbdxtR-nCXndZ66VwXHKjh-3cF8-Vy1Pme-KgUcpGJg0xlKfMJMPWtHoZOy7WaTUryZLLaoSJo5lB7f49oA6U-90q_D01tZfrX5k3sblHGC30hfLG4/s640/blogger-image--1456227684.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuNya93Fx_u2XXAMYkZNZBFdK64yES4SCOCmnIHWAAPFR78B2pn7Q1sHABRBnn2UCkJ8NwI5CKESZtWdiwpyil0p7OlE3QmLX6RFG-gk97l2KNTb4lbzb9r6nrWm_tHGxKCr7e46PG4J4/s640/blogger-image-873552160.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuNya93Fx_u2XXAMYkZNZBFdK64yES4SCOCmnIHWAAPFR78B2pn7Q1sHABRBnn2UCkJ8NwI5CKESZtWdiwpyil0p7OlE3QmLX6RFG-gk97l2KNTb4lbzb9r6nrWm_tHGxKCr7e46PG4J4/s640/blogger-image-873552160.jpg"></a></div></div></span></div><div style="text-align: start;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Before I knew it it was 7 a.m., which meant time for another shift change. I had to say good-bye to Brandy, meet a new nurse and my own Doctor would be able to deliver me. I wasn't 'complete' (10 cm dilated) until 7:45 a.m., and even then there was some kind of 'lip' left. The epidural was wearing off again, and I was in so much pain. It was all in my back. I did not want to hit the epi button again fearing that I would puke, but did anyway. My sister tried to play Britney Spears music to cheer me up, but I told her to turn it off. I started shivering a lot, which freaked me out but apparently meant my body was almost ready. I remember feeling like a lifeless person laying on a bed. At this point I really wanted her out. Really really wanted her out. </span></div><div style="text-align: start;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div style="text-align: start;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Then my doctor came in. They cranked up the pitocin, which should have happened a long time ago. "We're putting the car in drive. You're just sitting in neutral" she joked. I asked my mom and my sister to leave the room (which I regret, because I'm lacking in pictures) and I told Matt I don't think I can do this. I had never felt so depleted and lifeless. On one hand, laboring for forever, then ending up in c-section was exactly what I wanted to prevent going into this. But for a while there, I just wanted to ask if they could just take her from me. Just cut her out were the only words running through my mind. </span></div><div style="text-align: start;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div></div><div style="text-align: start;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">So around 8 a.m., I asked if I could just start pushing, and apparently morphed into the crazy pregnant lady you see in the movies. The only way out this was to try, whether my cervix was ready or not. The nurse, whom I had already decided I hated, told me that was fine. She was really rough, had no tact and I could never really get a good read on her. I felt she flat out lied to me at times just to get me to push harder, and she seemed a little lazy on checking vitals ect. But I was a crazy woman in labor, so who knows?! "You can let the uterus do the work and labor down, or try pushing." I said let's push. After a few pushes, we decided to stop and let my uterus labor down. She laid me on my right side even though I told her that position hurt my back. She pretty much ignored my request to not lay on that side (scank). After 30 minutes I asked her to check if the head had come down more. She said not much, and I said let's just push. I was so pissed off and so tired of waiting. </span></div><div style="text-align: start;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div style="text-align: start;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">So we started pushing every other contraction. I could hardly tell when I was contracting, so is feel for the ball on the right side of my stomach, in the same spot as my Braxton hicks. I despised this nurse, and everything about this situation. Matt was all cheer leader, go go go, you can do it, this is the most amazing thing I've ever seen honey! and the nurse was like, "oh that push wasn't good enough. The first push, that was good. The 2nd and 3rd, you lost it. Push like your pooping." I couldn't wait to get away from this devil woman nurse. I finally told Matt, I know you are trying to being positive, but please - SHUT UP. I wanted everyone to just shut up and leave me in peace with my struggle! </span></div><div style="text-align: start;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div style="text-align: start;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">At some point Coral started crowning, and said nurse and Matt were getting super pumped. I was still mad as hell and convinced they were lying to me. I asked the nurse, "ARE YOU REALLY OPTIMISTIC ABOUT ME HAVING THIS BABY VAGINALLY?" I guess my instincts told me Coral was big, and I seriously doubted it would happen vaginally. "Yes girl! you think I'd be doing all this if I didn't think it was gonna happen?" So I reluctantly took her word for it, and we kept pushing every 3rd contraction. I was too tired to push every other contraction at this point, and would make up weird excuses to skip contractions. I think I was also scared/nervous.. like oh shizz this is happening. 10 months of waiting and preparations were culminating, and I was quietly freaking out in my head. </span></div><div style="text-align: start;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: start;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Then finally Tiffany announced she was calling the doctor. I was ready. "what, I'm ready? Are you sure?" "Yes I'm sure." Everything after this happened so fast and it took days of replaying it over in my head (and asking Matthew for details) to remember. </span></div><div style="text-align: start;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div style="text-align: start;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Suddenly 4 people barged in the room and Dr. Leeds introduced me to April, the delivery nurse. "April will catch the baby" she said. I remember being completely fixated on this woman. I've never been so focused on a complete stranger. She looked Hawaiaan to me, and had a stocky build. I pushed for my first contraction with my doctor, and immediately crazy devil nurse mentioned I was farther along than this when she called. I thought oh hell no, this aggressive, lying nurse called too early. I got so pissed, and on my second push I gave it all had. I made a c position and pushed so damn hard. Apparently that did the trick because everyone starting saying 'okay, okay, okay' and assuming their positions. Then my doctor told me she was cutting my episiotomy (2nd degree, it turns out).</span></div></div><div style="text-align: start;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div style="text-align: start;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">We waited for a strong contraction, which felt like an ETERNITY, and gave it one more go. I pushed 5 times for 10 seconds each, then I heard a loud POP (probably her clavicle fracturing) and saw Coral in my doctor's hands! In one instant, I felt the biggest relief physically and I could finally focus on something besides discomfort. </span></div><div style="text-align: start;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div style="text-align: start;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I'll never forget how Coral looked. So squirmy already! Then I saw April carry Coral over to the baby station. I asked her why she wasn't crying yet. She told me she was ok, and not to worry as she used that blue suction tool to get fluid out of Coral. She used this tool so fast, and carried her like a chicken. After about 10 seconds I heard Coral cry and immediately started crying myself. She was ok. I was ok (debatable). April lifted her up and shouted "my, this is one sturdy baby!" I asked, how much does she weigh?? "oh we'll scream it out when we know!" </span></div><div style="text-align: start;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="text-align: start; clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhAsB1Sxg7nvokqHj-aeN_VTmiiCWlzzQedT-C51CnE1SKDybAXTv_vDx3SyLFiZE6mP-TvWyMD1-iHW48EVGcdMwxgcX1kNlX49_MWnFj0E9DBCpABKos3PF9JM2yCdMbJyDSmcj0Xw0/s640/blogger-image-1117910065.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><font color="#000000"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhAsB1Sxg7nvokqHj-aeN_VTmiiCWlzzQedT-C51CnE1SKDybAXTv_vDx3SyLFiZE6mP-TvWyMD1-iHW48EVGcdMwxgcX1kNlX49_MWnFj0E9DBCpABKos3PF9JM2yCdMbJyDSmcj0Xw0/s640/blogger-image-1117910065.jpg"></font></a></div></div><div style="text-align: start;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div style="text-align: start;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Then April started shouting "4070, 4070!" Everyone else started screaming too. "4070?" "4070!" April repeated back. I said what does that mean?? "Oh we measure them in grams." April said casually. "She's 9 lbs. 9 lbs even!" I'm not gonna lie, I felt proud as hell. I just delivered a 9 lb. baby. And my instincts was right, there was a big baby in there! Trust your instincts first time mamas! (You won't believe how strong they are immediately)</span></div><div style="text-align: start;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><br></span></div><div style="text-align: start;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;">I could hardly focus on anything but Coral, but then my doctor was hollering at me to push one more time. I looked at her like she was crazy, and she said "your placenta. We have to deliver the placenta" So I pushed one more time and it all fell out, which again, felt amazing. Then they stitched me up, and brought Coral over to me. Matt snapped this picture of me, my favorite picture of our entire birth and hospital stay.</span></div><div style="text-align: start;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="text-align: start; clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsCJtawv-OCSlCos2jtSzr76kTJCpM_dD_dbppqUxIkuG_EYVtRzAiMkzOZUmuksMsM7ruiBHJ5vpOXGc0LFsMAmPm-NrC3F0GO6n4OeWbePOopVRQGtCNBIe3nujRotH5T9Tr_-gzlHY/s640/blogger-image--305568241.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><font color="#000000"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsCJtawv-OCSlCos2jtSzr76kTJCpM_dD_dbppqUxIkuG_EYVtRzAiMkzOZUmuksMsM7ruiBHJ5vpOXGc0LFsMAmPm-NrC3F0GO6n4OeWbePOopVRQGtCNBIe3nujRotH5T9Tr_-gzlHY/s640/blogger-image--305568241.jpg"></font></a></div><div style="text-align: start;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I wish I could say all those mushy things about meeting Coral for the first time but honestly I was in a daze. I could barely register what happened, and apparently I told a post partum nurse that she was overwhelming me later that day. </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;">It wasn't until a few hours later when my family pleaded with me to send Coral to the nursery and get some sleep that I realized how much I loved this girl. I cried that I didn't want her to leave me. I loved her too much and didn't want to let her go. </span></div><div style="text-align: start;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><br></span></div><div style="text-align: start;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;">And the love and happiness just kept coming and coming as I arose from the fog in the next 36 hours. </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;">Those two days are the happiest of my life. I can say that with 100% certainty. :) </span></div></div><div style="text-align: start;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: start;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The rest of our time at the hospital was a complete circus, but I've never been so excited, so proud, so scared, so OUT of it, and so attached all at once. I felt like pregnancy warrior woman (which I'm sure all moms feel no matter how their babies arrive. you just added a human being to the world, birth certificate and everything). She's my greatest work ya know? My little precious Coral. Thanks for reading, if you actually made it down here. You must be some kind of blog-reading warrior if ya know what I mean! Over and out. </span></div><div style="text-align: start;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div style="text-align: start;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Ps. I barely have any pictures of family visitors because day 1 was such a blur. :/ but here are some of my favorites. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"></div><div class="separator" style="text-align: start; clear: both;"><font color="#000000" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvrKy4IMjjEg3no-jc00p7Gp_eUGf2U2DNzGuqW41KomqfcK6S1Zb1KrQPUUIbUKY6vwBYIStRWU8eAoI0llJ3shRcN7UnfQyAIwjBfub9VloteKLjepsmpdkIehy4vhP-Jg7ao-2KTOY/s640/blogger-image--827642615.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvrKy4IMjjEg3no-jc00p7Gp_eUGf2U2DNzGuqW41KomqfcK6S1Zb1KrQPUUIbUKY6vwBYIStRWU8eAoI0llJ3shRcN7UnfQyAIwjBfub9VloteKLjepsmpdkIehy4vhP-Jg7ao-2KTOY/s640/blogger-image--827642615.jpg"></a></font></div><div class="separator" style="text-align: start; 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Now that we've been home and have had a chance to test out all our toys, I want to update on our favorite baby products. It's always so overwhelming as a first time mom (or a mom who has not had a newborn for a while) to sift through all the latest and greatest baby products. I'm still constantly searching! </div>
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I have to say, the first few weeks felt like baby Christmas. Lots of items were still packaged up (I'm a chronic returner), so we were turning the house upside on the daily ripping open boxes, reading instructions, placing batteries in ect. Ect. It was kind of hectic, but I am definitely glad I could easily re-package and return all the items that have not worked for us. </div>
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Here are Coral and I's favorite registry items! </div>
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1. Boppy newborn lounger and regular boppy. Homegirl loves to sleep in her lounger, and does so every night. I use the regular boppy religiously to nurse too! I hated the nursing boppy, and returned it. I found it to be super uncomfortable. </div>
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2. The playtex nurser bottle with drop ins!!! It is the seriously the best bottle for nursing mamas who don't want to spend so much time washing 4 part bottles at the sink. I never thought I'd be so in love with a bottle, but tis true my friends. After a quick bout of nipple confusion, this bottle saved the day, and the pre-sterilized drop ins are my best friend! </div>
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3. Also the playtex bottle storage thing. I have the grass too, but I like this thing better cause it dries pump parts like a champ. </div>
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4. Boppy liners for her changing table. To save you from a an accidental pee or poop. Or to carry on the go in your diaper bag. </div>
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5. Aden and Anais everything. Bibs, blankets, burp cloths, towels. The blankets don't over heat coral, and if I'm swinging a loose swaddle for nap time they are just right. My changing pad cover is also Aden and Anais (picture above) ^^</div>
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6. Speaking of swaddling, the summer swaddle sack was a night time must for us since Coral had some wild arms. But now Coral busts out of a tight swaddle, so last night we retired the sleep sack. But we did use it religiously the past seven weeks. If she still needs something, we may try the magic sleep suit, but I'm gonna see how she does without much bundling. </div>
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7. California Baby bath products. I'm obsessed with the calendula lotion. Coral has sensitive skin, and also had a bad case of newborn acne/cradle cap. I wish I had saved myself a headache and used more gentle products from the get go. I don't think less gentle products caused her skin problems, but they certainly didn't help. </div>
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8. Lanisoh breast pads. Other brands are not that good IMO. And this brand can be found at drug stores and the grocery. No trip to baby stores needed. </div>
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9. Babyganics sanitizer wipes. I have them everywhere. Lol. Just fighting those germs on the daily. </div>
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10. A glider you love! I swivel around to hit the lamp switch, noise machine, reach for items in my nursing cart.. And on and on. I spend so much time here. Here's Emmy in it with Coral! </div>
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I didn't register for these items but I love them nonetheless: </div>
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Simple ikea shelves next to her changing table! </div>
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Pottery barn baskets and storage: </div>
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I hope to keep updating on our products! And we are off to a fancy lunch, wish me luck! </div>
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Tess @ AModernSuburbanitesLifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08235503330683500621noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1475682565817221151.post-51005039287540749112014-09-28T17:57:00.001-07:002014-09-29T19:28:41.080-07:00Birth Story Part 1<div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Coral's birth story starts on Sunday, Aug. 31st, the day before Labor Day in my mind. I was scheduled to be induced that day, and would have been 40w3d pregnant. We were ecstatic, nervous and all other sorts of emotions. It was super trippy to think we were becoming parents the next day. Or so we thought. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">We had a few Saturday plans to get ready for baby, but mostly wanted to relax. I was so ready to be in labor, minus the small fact that I was terrified of pitocin. Not sure why, but otherwise, bring on baby was how I was feeling! </span></div><div><br></div><div>I walked with Jessie and the girls. My sister, BIL and niece and nephew were coming into town from Austin so we cleaned the house. I was so excited that a UT skirt from 2006 fit me and took this picture. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_l988KL1T0c3UFna6-9Fbphw8vsJeMIARU_01S3PWKMJmVqkAFiDYi4QaGD5FvhBHFxKtrEolv81Y4fVa8aJ1o8EXb7_nuwEdEGGQDxR-2qxiVFSfIH_FAZDnnjUNHo50Ymyln5mziuE/s640/blogger-image--490657086.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_l988KL1T0c3UFna6-9Fbphw8vsJeMIARU_01S3PWKMJmVqkAFiDYi4QaGD5FvhBHFxKtrEolv81Y4fVa8aJ1o8EXb7_nuwEdEGGQDxR-2qxiVFSfIH_FAZDnnjUNHo50Ymyln5mziuE/s640/blogger-image--490657086.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>I ALMOST posted it with the caption "we are becoming parents tomorrow!!!" on social media but luckily did not. I decided announcing my induction date to the interwebz was a lot of pressure. We told all immediate family members, and most close friends what the deal was - and I was happy with that. </div><div><br></div><div>Matt grilled steaks for my last meal since I was instructed to start fasting at midnight. I wanted lots of protein to keep me energized. We watched college football all by ourselves and had a calm night. Bags were packed, and the hospital could call us as soon as 4 am. If we had not heard back from</div><div>them by 6:30 am, we were to call them and get our time slot.</div><div><br></div><div>Believe it or not I actually fell asleep at 11. I woke up every hour to check the time, and by 5:30 am I was fully awake. I laid there and waited til 6:30 am. Then I went to the nursery and nervously made my first phone call to the hospital.</div><div><br></div><div>"No we dont have a bed at this time, Call back at 9 am." </div><div><br></div><div>Okie dokie. I did just that. </div><div><br></div><div>"No we don't have a bed right now, but things should begin to lighten up around noon. We are working on it, have talked to Dr. Leeds-Richter, and we'll call you." </div><div><br></div><div>Noon came and went, and at this point I was antsy and a bit pessimistic. I told Matt "let's just go to the movies. Let's pack everything up, and wait it out at the movies." He said ok, but then dodged the request which clearly meant, no Tess, that is crazy. I got the hint and dropped it. Finally at 1 pm we cracked and called. </div><div><br></div><div>That's when things got sketchy. </div><div><br></div><div>"It is not looking good, we will check with ginger, and give you a status update. We'll get you a firm answer within 30 minutes." </div><div><br></div><div>1 hour later. Still no call. We called them again, since they clearly were in no rush to call us.</div><div><br></div><div>"We officially need to cancel. There simply isn't any room. Be at your Doctors office at 9 am on Tuesday morning. Resume eating and monitor fetal movement." </div><div><br></div><div>I then shared some not so nice words with said hospital staffers, and hung up on the stupid lady named ginger mid- <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">sentence. </span></div><div><br></div><div>We called our parents to let them know; nope- Today is not baby day. We texted everyone else. It was pretty much the most awful news to share, especially while our phones were blowing up with "good luck!" "Can't wait to see the baby," "keep us posted!" ect ect. I didn't want to respond to anyone, but after a few hours I forced myself to let people know. I copied and pasted the same text to all folks who had inquired. It was all I had the energy for. </div><div><br></div><div>After moping around for a solid 3 hours, we decided to go eat spicy food and see a movie. Just to get out of the house. My picky eater husband chose a Cajun restaurant in highland village. We talked at length about the day. We were both emotionally exhausted, and decided that maybe the scheduled delivery was too much of a production for us. Since everyone would be off for Labor Day, it seemed a parade of people were ready to meet us on what would have been day 2 of our hospital stay. We were feeling overwhelmed by it all, so maybe this was for the best. </div><div><br></div><div>We also talked about how little Coral was probably stubborn and slow like her daddy, and we truly didn't think she'd come on her own. She would need to be evicted on Thursday (the rescheduled induction date). We weren't even going to hope for anything sooner. </div><div><br></div><div>Well... apparently Little Coral was listening and laughing at us.. Because not even 12 hours later little girl decided she was coming into this world. All on her own... </div><div><br></div><div>Part 2 coming soon! </div><div><br></div>Tess @ AModernSuburbanitesLifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08235503330683500621noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1475682565817221151.post-56146940139958213742014-09-19T13:54:00.001-07:002014-09-19T14:06:12.804-07:00Furniture Friday | Nursery gliderTGIF people! Coral and I have had a wonderful night and day. Matthew really took care of us yesterday evening, including feeding Coral her first full feeding of breast milk from a bottle! (Whoop, whoop!) We've only given her an ounce here and there, mostly when we were supplementing with formula so this was a HUGE step for us. It was also a much needed break for me since I was running on fumes. <div><br></div><div>But onto other things. Like Furniture Friday! I searched high and low for a glider for a month so I thought this post might be helpful to any pregos still shopping! </div><div><br></div><div>.. If you're new Around Tess is my name and bargain furniture shopping is my game! Here is how our experience went down.. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVMrOsv1PmLxYqlVILrdWsp-yfi1emxq13veh8PBix6P15zxiMbs_VzSlG4aPo_ihkSPEEEUaiQeVLrVbF8OYRL6JWuixUaSFIMPz2PVCOHBIpj7dkRUD8zcPd0bkKUppitwUoyA7Wwy4/s640/blogger-image--1290759538.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVMrOsv1PmLxYqlVILrdWsp-yfi1emxq13veh8PBix6P15zxiMbs_VzSlG4aPo_ihkSPEEEUaiQeVLrVbF8OYRL6JWuixUaSFIMPz2PVCOHBIpj7dkRUD8zcPd0bkKUppitwUoyA7Wwy4/s640/blogger-image--1290759538.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgctLKY_oiDVzri0YhZ27pqfthizax3Q5-2ESelqVp0xjPJ5U0Y04dEDygpLMzONdDodwYdPK2MOjzDQi5wcj_uIlrYYDO9xhu7tn6meKvRilVg4Zxf74pxv3bNGY6AU9ikc-SY4uhi8Eg/s640/blogger-image-47221883.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgctLKY_oiDVzri0YhZ27pqfthizax3Q5-2ESelqVp0xjPJ5U0Y04dEDygpLMzONdDodwYdPK2MOjzDQi5wcj_uIlrYYDO9xhu7tn6meKvRilVg4Zxf74pxv3bNGY6AU9ikc-SY4uhi8Eg/s640/blogger-image-47221883.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>After endless searching, I bought this bad boy from Wal Mart. "Wal Mart you say?!" Is probably what you are thinking. Yea, I was thinking the same thing too! But lemme splain'! Little Castle, one of the best glider brands out there, has a line of gliders on walmart.com for a deep discount. </div><div><br></div><div>I am not sure what the difference is, besides about say $400 bucks when comparing to a store like Buybuybaby. I got this glider and ottoman for $534 total (we picked up from the store for free shipping), and the same exact glider alone was $599 before tax at Buybuybaby, no ottoman included. Im 100% positive it's the same exact one! You know I hate me some furniture mark up, seriously how do stores get away with this!!? Walmart.com also had other gliders that were out of stock at babies r us. And again, for a cheaper price. </div><div><br></div><div>This was the best option for us because: </div><div>-it was cheaper. And an awesome brand. Little Castle gliders are very comfortable. You can compare them to The PB glider, which is the holy grail of gliders IMO. </div><div>-we didn't have to wait 10-12 weeks to custom order, and I found most gliders available immediately to be gray toned. </div><div>-you generally can't use coupons when you custom order. </div><div><br></div><div>And Boo on that. Ain't nobody got time for coupon-less purchases! </div><div><br></div><div>If you are still searching.. Check Walmart.com. The end. <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i> No I didn't get paid for this post. </i></span></div><div><br></div><div>Happy weekend! </div><div><br></div><div>Tessy </div>Tess @ AModernSuburbanitesLifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08235503330683500621noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1475682565817221151.post-79840318919020735332014-09-18T12:29:00.001-07:002014-09-18T16:10:29.087-07:00Hey, hey hey! Says Baby Coral<div>Ah I've been writing 5 different posts in my head the past couple of weeks, so I figure. Let's just start with one Tess. </div><div><br></div><div>The past two and half weeks have easily been the best and most challenging weeks. It's crazy to feel such polar opposite emotions during the whole process of having a baby, and even harder to write about. Simply put, "nothing can prepare you for the love and fear you feel" for a little one. </div><div><br></div><div>We are all doing great over here. Our birth story is a little crazy, but I am so in love with how Coral came into this world. I am also dying to share it here in this space. Hopefully in the next few days. </div><div><br></div><div>Our hospital stay was great, but definitely included a few speed bumps. We found out our baby girl broke her clavicle coming out of the birth canal, and I cried a lot over her little arm hurting her. It made every needle prick and vital check that much worse. </div><div><br></div><div>But we survived, and coming home was fabulous, and then our breastfeeding journey began. More on that some other day, but let me just say, it ain't for the faint of heart :) </div><div><br></div><div>We've also been to the pediatrician twice, mama has been out of the house solo a few times, but Baby Coral has only made it through a drive-thru thus far! </div><div><br></div><div>Well I will wrap it up here. And because everyone tells me I don't post enough pics, here's my little bear:</div><div><br></div><div>Coral Cristine Cook - Born 9/2/2014 at 10:22 am - 9 lbs. 0 oz. 21.5 inches </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIDv4X-8OPohsdAkhq3SAikAGINK-M6YIGB0CB7XzkidlpChbBAUEBOInzfH_Dr1PebIABrSRbUqRnHNY9Kun0IsbXtYuSZTaB2owBBbfCQzIYugqhNYZFuRx7q2IC-B7nG-D3K9_bVlE/s640/blogger-image-751669371.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIDv4X-8OPohsdAkhq3SAikAGINK-M6YIGB0CB7XzkidlpChbBAUEBOInzfH_Dr1PebIABrSRbUqRnHNY9Kun0IsbXtYuSZTaB2owBBbfCQzIYugqhNYZFuRx7q2IC-B7nG-D3K9_bVlE/s640/blogger-image-751669371.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHZLANydO5cakL2mV-tcVWNKduLHQut4AQ4YrEho_QDdEEV1k1aTF2F174E8woxV7LIY20QPTV1fGlGda1HdWDNflSzVeJn8IjbelEqR9LIN6HgBPrPiLpwu7QwRSM1ZY_9wbKl8WkwHs/s640/blogger-image-330095241.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHZLANydO5cakL2mV-tcVWNKduLHQut4AQ4YrEho_QDdEEV1k1aTF2F174E8woxV7LIY20QPTV1fGlGda1HdWDNflSzVeJn8IjbelEqR9LIN6HgBPrPiLpwu7QwRSM1ZY_9wbKl8WkwHs/s640/blogger-image-330095241.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi52L3UsG-WYaldea7VMje47sAwGIjp2-3CFxVSYh_F9LBh-Qw3SN4Atv8J7_bWQ4CI5ukfL44Tnqg2tuzF_EwdMFdHQF7YyFSvBMN-bQiyKZTxUgZSSphPXvCOwnHp3OPN3dKLa82N2VI/s640/blogger-image-1694954383.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi52L3UsG-WYaldea7VMje47sAwGIjp2-3CFxVSYh_F9LBh-Qw3SN4Atv8J7_bWQ4CI5ukfL44Tnqg2tuzF_EwdMFdHQF7YyFSvBMN-bQiyKZTxUgZSSphPXvCOwnHp3OPN3dKLa82N2VI/s640/blogger-image-1694954383.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDq0inPeJ85ftobT27IesuEOZCVNh1RRM8behXkMYMXJw0nrbl3if7ALKc2Gc6TeqSyvcxE0jTTDX40TchXdN8BZnzYv4CHXvLJdn2_ZJzcHG8nAO2GjcR6bt_t6LBeKx89w_uqM4j6Js/s640/blogger-image-856374931.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDq0inPeJ85ftobT27IesuEOZCVNh1RRM8behXkMYMXJw0nrbl3if7ALKc2Gc6TeqSyvcxE0jTTDX40TchXdN8BZnzYv4CHXvLJdn2_ZJzcHG8nAO2GjcR6bt_t6LBeKx89w_uqM4j6Js/s640/blogger-image-856374931.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijmZgDd42hlL6FwgRYZCKzfbyGVrMAO45bsoZFv8FPh1ithdHHnioPck-oPoSFITO714I_Ub0ZQ__1EHLt3PBgUsQQGdbACGlMO0pBXEYqNwRLAmpI_y9JNjcX6pRT6ln_QJvfuqMIdXQ/s640/blogger-image--1072128031.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijmZgDd42hlL6FwgRYZCKzfbyGVrMAO45bsoZFv8FPh1ithdHHnioPck-oPoSFITO714I_Ub0ZQ__1EHLt3PBgUsQQGdbACGlMO0pBXEYqNwRLAmpI_y9JNjcX6pRT6ln_QJvfuqMIdXQ/s640/blogger-image--1072128031.jpg"></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Over and out! -Tessy </div><br></div></div>Tess @ AModernSuburbanitesLifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08235503330683500621noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1475682565817221151.post-42646330432233507682014-08-18T05:00:00.003-07:002014-08-18T06:50:28.992-07:00Maternity Pictures So I attached my maternity pictures to a whiny 38 weeks post last week, and well, that's just no fun. So I'll give this another stab. If you are seeing this twice - lo siento mi amigo.<br />
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Half our maternity pictures were taken at home, and you can find that <a href="http://amodernsuburbaniteslife.blogspot.com/2014/08/at-home-maternity-pictures.html" target="_blank">post here</a>. These are the outdoor pictures, taken at 11th street park in The Heights. I was legit melting, so I am really glad I had plenty of indoor pictures to choose from!<br />
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The headboard and blanket scene were all Chesney's idea. I originally wanted Matt and I to read books in our own bed, because we are dorky like that, but thought this was a great idea when Chesney mentioned it! She took our home idea outside and I really, really love that. </div>
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Now I've always wanted to wear a flower crown in a photo session, so I am glad I checked that off the list! I do wish that my flower crown was a bit more subtle, but for 15 bucks worth of flowers and my own hazard flower arranging skills - I'm pretty happy with the results! just one thought to all you pregnant mamas out there, I took these pictures around 36 weeks, when I was already feeling gargantuan, and really wish I had done them closer to 31 weeks. If I have any advice, don't be a procrastinator like moi!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjecu_2JA4JL6Wi2VFmy4pzeS_9fjtkF02l4iKUg5e18OdbTlMLQ0NB1g_C7W5Lou7zNAUwBP5yOejTdtlKbBj3b2-STE78KhjMBeHlNMmHec2SQbvpwSU8r9mxhFGivK7ijZgUCx4P6PA/s1600/Cook-69.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjecu_2JA4JL6Wi2VFmy4pzeS_9fjtkF02l4iKUg5e18OdbTlMLQ0NB1g_C7W5Lou7zNAUwBP5yOejTdtlKbBj3b2-STE78KhjMBeHlNMmHec2SQbvpwSU8r9mxhFGivK7ijZgUCx4P6PA/s1600/Cook-69.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">//<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><a href="http://us.asos.com/ASOS-Maternity-Body-Conscious-Dress-With-Drape-Knot/13afvn/?iid=4061500&r=2&mporgp=L0Fzb3MtTWF0ZXJuaXR5L0Fzb3MtTWF0ZXJuaXR5LUJvZHljb24tRHJlc3MtV2l0aC1EcmFwZS1Lbm90L1Byb2Qv" target="_blank">dress</a></span></td></tr>
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Happy Monday y'all. And oh, I'm still pregnant. Going on about #100weeks. Lol. Xoxoxo </div>
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More on that lates. </div>
Tess @ AModernSuburbanitesLifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08235503330683500621noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1475682565817221151.post-22405630067524072562014-08-15T10:02:00.000-07:002014-08-18T05:02:31.776-07:00Week 38 I went to the Dr. this morning. A little bit of progress can be noted, but nothing to write home about. I'd be lying if I didn't admit I was a bit glum about my lack of dilation progress. And even though I just said my progress was nothing to write home about, I guess I'm gonna write about it anyway. I am almost dilated to a 1, but still not quite there yet. This is the same status as last week. We started talking about induction protocol and I've decided I will probably schedule on her due date, Aug. 28th. Might as well get on the books since you have to schedule 7 days out, and they only induce on Mondays and Thursdays. I want to be patient and give her the time to come when she's ready. But I do not want to wait past 40 weeks, and she said she has no concerns about my cervix being favorable by then. So back to the waiting game we go.<br />
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Alright blog friends, I took the day off so I'm gonna go try to cheer myself up! I foresee car shopping, pedicures, or a prenatal massage to do the trick!<br />
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Tess @ AModernSuburbanitesLifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08235503330683500621noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1475682565817221151.post-75447649715289498472014-08-13T13:35:00.000-07:002014-08-13T16:36:26.464-07:00"at home" maternity pictures<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Here are pictures from our 'at home' maternity session two weeks ago. This is a new style of photography that seems to be cropping up, and rightfully so. Really, so much about pregnancy, and raising a bambino from what I hear, is about the home. You put so much energy into creating a household, and I loved capturing the authenticity of the "nesting" journey that is pregnancy. Matt and I have spent so much time binge-watching TV shows, and I 100% wanted that in our shoot. I also love the 'favorite foods' scene. Although I'm a froyo girl all the way, that ice cream bucket was in the fridge. So maybe a tinsy but of truth stretch there. BUT I probably ate 50 boxes of Special K during my pregnancy - ESPECIALLY when I had morning sickness. And I love me some Annie's Macaroni. </div>
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Anywhoo, I love this style of photography, and <a href="http://www.chesneylayne.com/" target="_blank">Chesney Layne</a> did so SUCH an amazing job for us. I had over-propped myself and changed 4 times, but she was so excited to make the shoot what we wanted. I felt really comfortable telling her my ideas, and she had great suggestions to go above and beyond! If you're in the market for a Houston photog, definitely check her out. I will post again tomorrow with our outdoor session favorites. Also, my sweater and rainbow shirt were from my go-to maternity wear site: www.asos.com </div>
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<img alt=" photo SIGNATURE_zps6b1dcc4a.png" border="0" src="http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b227/krisgym14/SIGNATURE_zps6b1dcc4a.png">Tess @ AModernSuburbanitesLifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08235503330683500621noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1475682565817221151.post-63514184695447264392014-08-11T06:56:00.001-07:002014-08-11T09:36:45.585-07:00Officially full term<div>
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Gosh I've been quiet lately. I always get a little more introspective when big milestones are coming, and I definitely had one of "all up in my head" moments last Thursday / Friday. When I get like this I blog less, text less, social media less. I retreat into myself essentially. But I'm back now. So what was the milestone? Well duh, if you read the title of this post: I officially became full term last Thursday! Holy canoli I have made it almost 9 months into pregnancy. I'm so proud of what my body has done so far, but I know the hardest part is coming. I'm excited/nervous/scared/prepared/prepared to laugh at all my preparations that get thrown out the window.... You name the emotion, and I've felt it the past couple of weeks! </div>
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<b>Some Things I don't want to forget: </b></div>
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- I can't stop obsessing over her dropping. I ask Matt every morning "did she drop any?" Since my baby "is potentially big," they will take her not dropping as a sign that she can't make it out of the birth canal (double negative? sorry). So I obsess. And sing "drop it like it's hottt" in a Snoop Dog voice all day.<br />
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- I'm trying to close lose ends at work. I'm setting up meetings with team members to officially transfer things over, and hoping to help my boss find an intern or two.</div>
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-It's hectic but calm at the same time. I, err, my family works on the nursery, and then helps me shop for things that I need. We are so close to being done in terms of decorations, but the room is completely functional as is. Now am I bottles sterilized ready? No. But do I really feel like I need to be that ready? No. I'm kind of superstitious and see this as an overly prepared type of thing. Especially because I plan to nurse, and my mom said she'll do this kind of stuff while we are at the hospital right before we get home. Thank god for moms.<br />
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-Speaking of moms, becoming a mom has made me so reliant on my own mother. It's really cool to see motherhood come full circle. I love my mommy so much and couldn't appreciate her help more at this time.<br />
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-I want to see my gf's one last time before my world completely morphs. I've been making appointments here and there, and plan to have one last date night this weekend. I've got a new maternity "body con" dress ready and everything ;)</div>
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<b>And some survey-like questions for all the bumpdate aficionados: </b><br />
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<span style="text-align: start;">-the symptoms that stick out the most are definitely my swollen hands and feet. They hurt when I wake up in the am, and tingle throughout the day which feels so weird. I can't wait to ditch this whole water retention thing. </span></div>
-wedding rings are most definitely off. </div>
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-Stretch marks are still small and only on my hips. I'm very happy about this, and crossing my fingers it stays this way. </div>
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-I've been 75% effaced for two weeks. No Braxton hicks or dilation yet. Baby has dropped more since last week, but not a ton.</div>
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-tmi but I think I found some colostrum on my shirts a time a two this week... Shizz is getting real </div>
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-Weight gain is clocking in at a total of 26 lbs. My sister and Matt have both told me, "you've done way better than I thought you would." I'm like ok?! Thanks for the compliment! Haha. Im not that sensitive, so I really do take it as a compliment. </div>
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And that's all I can word vomit for now. That was a lot! Tata blog world. </div>
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Tess @ AModernSuburbanitesLifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08235503330683500621noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1475682565817221151.post-76931687457127589172014-08-04T10:49:00.000-07:002014-08-06T08:57:39.342-07:00Scenes from the Week/end<div class="MsoNormal">
The state of master bedroom is kind of atrocious, and sadly, we have actually made a lot of progress in the past 5 months. We bought a headboard,
nightstands, dresser, bedding and bed skirt and full length mirror. Hung curtains and painted the whole
room. BUT, the walls are still virgin, and the entire room looks like a neutral
blob…..I digress: Here are some belly pics I took after our maternity picture session
on Thursdays. I love this dress, and can’t believe how big my belly is!</div>
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Dress is from asos.com / <a href="http://us.asos.com/ASOS-Maternity-Body-Conscious-Dress-With-Drape-Knot/13afvn/?iid=4061500&mporgp=L0Fzb3MtTWF0ZXJuaXR5L0Fzb3MtTWF0ZXJuaXR5LUJvZHljb24tRHJlc3MtV2l0aC1EcmFwZS1Lbm90L1Byb2Qv" target="_blank">find here </a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtLiUHJbfEPMmCasGLli-0s4kXsBhsHKe2M4Po52sxD31GVmBKmQHfkFSfWQ5M2alullwUesXtK2AkIvPsD2FWIwerBY9uiafqdPHbjes-M19Qhn5f1d8RMFrhtMtvjxrr0tr672e3K60/s640/blogger-image--1863690406.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtLiUHJbfEPMmCasGLli-0s4kXsBhsHKe2M4Po52sxD31GVmBKmQHfkFSfWQ5M2alullwUesXtK2AkIvPsD2FWIwerBY9uiafqdPHbjes-M19Qhn5f1d8RMFrhtMtvjxrr0tr672e3K60/s640/blogger-image--1863690406.jpg" /></a></div>
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Here is a sneak peek shot from said maternity session:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpZh8F9YFeDadNb4DdAlfycG9kfr4n96MXIav04MIpubXXHYOmvsf3_D9xKyxFQloqjPpM-LfyqJAbxj7swQPrHmJeF-Z2xWe6tjpQeXl67I5Kv5zj4t6uW1ojTcX3d6F5BWrZHOFWmTo/s640/blogger-image-41287984.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpZh8F9YFeDadNb4DdAlfycG9kfr4n96MXIav04MIpubXXHYOmvsf3_D9xKyxFQloqjPpM-LfyqJAbxj7swQPrHmJeF-Z2xWe6tjpQeXl67I5Kv5zj4t6uW1ojTcX3d6F5BWrZHOFWmTo/s640/blogger-image-41287984.jpg" /></a></div>
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^This was the eat ice cream in the kitchen scene! And I wanted all my favorite pregnancy foods to be captured as well. I’m still a little surprised at how different a DSLR camera and an iPhone camera make me look. DSLR’s definitely add 10 lbs if ya know what I mean.^</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_-wIrqfA7T2tlVrCe0x57CXSXSiNlZQuK1-OneC0_kPentdYYo5Dhjpzkt43o0YqH6X4KlWI3bm_umPxGIXC64kNr5DsBb3EBh7-5V2xKnjnR7Fd2St1sMtvU8tim_v6sL3Psc37jQZk/s640/blogger-image--1904433347.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_-wIrqfA7T2tlVrCe0x57CXSXSiNlZQuK1-OneC0_kPentdYYo5Dhjpzkt43o0YqH6X4KlWI3bm_umPxGIXC64kNr5DsBb3EBh7-5V2xKnjnR7Fd2St1sMtvU8tim_v6sL3Psc37jQZk/s640/blogger-image--1904433347.jpg" /></a></div>
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^Matt and I went to infant safety and CPR Saturday night. Then we gorged down at outback steakhouse. I was craving crab legs and baby got what she wanted! Nothing fancy, but we sure did eat a lot on Saturday night.^</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9_6MFOfpoOwVWFRzqlwL4gtsGeI_mDI_XEVK0JiptLTX2TEyeH16zX0wOJuC0wSLnWQJc94WPDNHd2STrBkhNORmq1HbtriDOhcOp84hKxGmqwQl9fT6437d4XZ_mNyfhIhY9A7EZodw/s640/blogger-image-1183440143.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9_6MFOfpoOwVWFRzqlwL4gtsGeI_mDI_XEVK0JiptLTX2TEyeH16zX0wOJuC0wSLnWQJc94WPDNHd2STrBkhNORmq1HbtriDOhcOp84hKxGmqwQl9fT6437d4XZ_mNyfhIhY9A7EZodw/s640/blogger-image-1183440143.jpg" /></a></div>
Then I trekked out to Ikea on Sunday to meet my mom and stepdad, and we finally solved all my shelving issues! We worked on the nursery all day after that.. and I have to say it’s really, really coming together. FINALLY. It has been stressing me out for a while, and I’ve waffled between pushing through or just finishing it after she is here. I’m so darn glad it might be finished before she is here. I'm planning a sneak peek here pretty soon! Stay tuned!Tess @ AModernSuburbanitesLifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08235503330683500621noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1475682565817221151.post-3321907294902572442014-07-30T13:59:00.000-07:002014-07-31T07:47:53.255-07:00Maternity Picture Planning<div><div>Top of the morning! Today I am 36 weeks, and I head to the Dr. for my first exam. I leave that vague purposely. If you've been preggers, you know what that means. If not, then ignorance is bliss! </div><div><br></div><div>We also take our maternity pictures later this afternoon. Now these pictures have been stressing me out. Any photo session stresses me really. But at 36 weeks prego? I'm huge and rocking some serious bags under my eyes! I am ultra prepared tho, have a shot list, and tons of props. This isn't like me, but the shoot has been rescheduled twice. My favorite part about the shoot is my flower crown! </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbEG3J06s60IWMTrBN3Tx3NrNHFWoaEGYxZM-_fI4D7P9f3WJCifmltJeDMxhoFFHUxVmLjyWGzCFWJfVb66WAmM1DXceDBU0GTome19FGwSDv70BOsGqx4bUzsi8hkqslWSKDwNB22Q8/s640/blogger-image--935365194.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbEG3J06s60IWMTrBN3Tx3NrNHFWoaEGYxZM-_fI4D7P9f3WJCifmltJeDMxhoFFHUxVmLjyWGzCFWJfVb66WAmM1DXceDBU0GTome19FGwSDv70BOsGqx4bUzsi8hkqslWSKDwNB22Q8/s640/blogger-image--935365194.jpg"></a></div></div><div>Now a little bit about the shoot, we are using <a href="http://www.chesneylayne.com/blog/" target="_blank" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Chesney Layne-</a> a Houston-based photog who just shot my bestie's announcement pictures.</div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihpUCJU6sEwhT3i1T9d9X7Qea-sDZAttegdy_lOqKjmyXouMOxZO-dPTGJ2Y-O2WRlTB8oRt8yitacAdSEWJPQTq8rp4tzYlZ_aAdyO6rLM6sgc8pAnYWvxkQiVZKl4uD8TyaqPt993zo/s640/blogger-image--1908094638.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihpUCJU6sEwhT3i1T9d9X7Qea-sDZAttegdy_lOqKjmyXouMOxZO-dPTGJ2Y-O2WRlTB8oRt8yitacAdSEWJPQTq8rp4tzYlZ_aAdyO6rLM6sgc8pAnYWvxkQiVZKl4uD8TyaqPt993zo/s640/blogger-image--1908094638.jpg"></a></div><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">I have been waiting for Emily to tell the interwebz she's prego for about 6 weeks! We've been gabbing baby all day, every day for a while. "Did you see so and so is prego!?" "She's having a girl!" "What do you think of this bedding?" We go on and on. So now that that cat is out of the bag, a big congratulations to her and Stan! She's going to be the cutest pregnant girl. </span></div></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">So back to the session. We are going for a lifestyle or "at home" maternity session. I've always wanted maternity pictures at home and in comfy clothes. Pregnancy is very much about the home in my opinion, </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">and we have some great plans to capture this. </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">But Chesney also suggested recreating the lifestyle shoot outside, with props and all this cool jazziness, turning my at home concept right on its head. I'm excited! And hope a picture or two hides my double chin! Now I must get some sleep. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Oh, and if you are wondering how I'm feeling ... My standard response is "hanging in there!" ... Aka I'm slightly exhausted and getting through the day is kinda painful. 4 weeks people, 4 weeks! </span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqnwCHQE3s2NSunICdCN_ED0ZkSEAerez0sOzl0bQzz8laSlUf_tkrvaAdZyOXENg0jCU5JXUuXyPwOYXxRDM3N52wb7hzB0rWvKZoejeVhu9WhsR9qvfCmWfwgfpZteu-DEVQevvY5SU/s640/blogger-image-350963050.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqnwCHQE3s2NSunICdCN_ED0ZkSEAerez0sOzl0bQzz8laSlUf_tkrvaAdZyOXENg0jCU5JXUuXyPwOYXxRDM3N52wb7hzB0rWvKZoejeVhu9WhsR9qvfCmWfwgfpZteu-DEVQevvY5SU/s640/blogger-image-350963050.jpg"></a></div></div><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Tata lovas. And thanks for the comments on my last post! This girl needed some empathy! </span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><br></div><div><br></div>
Tess @ AModernSuburbanitesLifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08235503330683500621noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1475682565817221151.post-8359444003432558872014-07-28T11:26:00.000-07:002014-07-28T12:29:30.922-07:00a BIG update<div>
Phew. Last week was a roller coaster. I went from super excited, to straight up achey and grumpy to be so pregnant, to super productive this weekend. My moods were all over the place. I even went to a work happy hour on Wednesday (not something I do often), and had a blast. It was completely random. My poor husband bears the brunt of this crazy emotional roller coaster, which duh he should, because this pregnancy thing is a serious business. Men owe us a lot for carrying their children. I definitely stand by this statement as I'm winding down in this crazy pregnancy journey. </div>
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So straight up ketch-up style, here's what's been causing all the roller coaster-ness in Tessy world. </div>
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-last Monday we had our last big ultrasound, and we found out the baby is big! She was clocking in at 6.5 lbs and in the 88th percentile with 5 weeks to go. We were ecstatic. I have no issues with my whale status because I know there is a big ol' healthy baby in there! I was 8lbs 13 oz. so I am not really surprised. And she was head down & practicing her breathing. For 34 weeks that was a really, really good sign! Proof of this big baby: </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHjbOfNb2ONwFv6C7RMqbqfz_9aCsAKvrp4DrF1JvBcp4DrPK0PzPIDn8-mlMwma5hxJLxxdVxbmnPSaHYdm70WvkYZgsUHfWY6_GJJzZhsBmC9kLNABYvRu5V4mawaVbRvj9LblcS0Pw/s640/blogger-image-23915685.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHjbOfNb2ONwFv6C7RMqbqfz_9aCsAKvrp4DrF1JvBcp4DrPK0PzPIDn8-mlMwma5hxJLxxdVxbmnPSaHYdm70WvkYZgsUHfWY6_GJJzZhsBmC9kLNABYvRu5V4mawaVbRvj9LblcS0Pw/s640/blogger-image-23915685.jpg" /></a></div>
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- of course this news set the stage for what could happen in terms of delivery. I kind of took a step back from the 'what shelves do I want for her room' type questions and really started to focus on labor and delivery. I started researching effacement, dilation, stripping of membranes and inducement options like a crazy woman. I'm trying to be as informed as possible so I don't get pushed into a c-section at 40 weeks because the "baby is so big." I have nothing against c-sections. If there is a medical reason for it,then it is what it is. But just because she is big? I'm ready to be proactive to prevent that scenario from happening. Again, all this news really brought everything into perspective. A baby is about to come out of me, the shelves can wait.<br />
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-I realized at some point last week that my hips are doing some serious adjusting my friends. They ache all night while I sleep on my side, and I even have a few new stretch marks to prove it. It hurts like a biatch, but any signs that we are getting closer gets me pumped.<br />
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-another gripey symptom: my feet feel like they've been running marathons. Every morning they ache for a solid hour. Just a general point of advice: just say 'hanging in there!' when strangers ask you how you are doing. Strangers ask a lot of questions (which I have no issue with, I'll talk to anyone about baby cook that will listen :)), but I'm sure they don't <b><i>actually</i></b> want to hear, "well my feet feel like bricks and my hips are spreading." Just a thought.<br />
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-I've been a stressed out mama about maternity pictures. Why didn't I book these sooner?! Our session is finally all planned out, and I can't wait to check this off the list tomorrow. I'm so ready to be done with tasks like this. I've debated canceling but everyone says you'll want the pictures later. Puffy face and all. </div>
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-we had our family baby shower this weekend! We are feeling ultra prepared in the baby stuff department. After said maternity pics, we can pack our bag and then set up as much as our time allows. I Love this painting we got from our sister in law, and the diaper cake from my sister. No other pictures because of said puffy face.<br />
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A lot has happened in a week. Emotionally and physically. I'm so ready to meet our baby. I have my first labor and delivery exam (TMI perhaps, but this is <b><i>my</i></b> blog) on Thursday. I can't wait to know even more about how this journey will end! And that's all she wrote. Which was a lot. If you are still reading drop me a line and I'll send you a cookie.</div>
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Lates. </div>
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Tess @ AModernSuburbanitesLifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08235503330683500621noreply@blogger.com11