I have to say the title is extremely fitting for me this week. In my weekly update, you recall that I mentioned that I hadn't gained any weight for the last four weeks and I was a bit concerned. While I haven't necessarily weighed myself to verify this, I would bet anything I've gained weight this week. I feel as though this baby has grown five pounds and there is absolutely no room in my stomach for him to move around. He is punching and kicking like crazy and constantly moving. I've had cramps and I'm simply just uncomfortable. The last couple of nights have been very difficult to get comfortable and get some sleep.
And the leg cramps....it's not the wake-me-up-with-shooting-pain kind. Instead its the restless-leg-can't-get comfortable-no-matter-how-many-positions-I-try kind. I believe they call them Restless Leg Syndrome, but whatever it is, it's extremely bothersome when you're trying to sleep.
I knew this would be happening soon - all of the baby updates I get on a weekly basis have talked about difficulty sleeping due to all of these factors and more, but I was hoping I would be one of the lucky ones that wouldn't go through it.....wishful thinking I guess and pairing that with the fact that I normally can fall asleep at the drop of a hat and sleep steady through the night.
Oh well...I guess this just means that I'm getting closer to his arrival and I should be happy that he is growing and moving well (which I am). And this blog was intended to be used as a forum to spout off my feelings...even when they are whiney like this post. (Sorry to all of you reading this....but I needed a moment to whine.)
Saturday, October 1, 2011
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Recent Purchases
As much as I hate waiting for my online buys to arrive, I absolultely love when I have a package waiting on the porch. Over the last week or so I've had two great packages to come home to.
The first is the Teamees baseball blanket I purchased from Totsy. I think this will be a perfect "blankie" for Lil Mango. As soon as I opened it up, I fell in love with it - it's the perfect size for a little guy and so stinkin soft!! I can't wait to wrap him up in it! I will say that Morgan gave me a great piece of advice - I definitely will need to buy at least one more of these. If this does in fact become his "blankie," I will need to have a back-up in the event I need to throw it in the wash or (God forbid) it gets lost. I'm definitely going to see if I can get lucky again and they will feature these on sale on Totsy for the 3rd time.....cross your fingers.
The other is the OiOi diaper bag I ordered from Zappos. The process to narrow it down to one bag was a tough one - there are so many options and they are so expensive. However, no matter how much I scoured the internet, I kept coming back to the black Silver Studded Hobo Sack from OiOi. I finally decided I needed to just bite the bullet and order it. A couple weeks ago I pulled into the driveway only to be met with a large Zappos box and I couldn't wait to check this bad boy out! I rushed into the house and ripped the box open, only to find the bag I wanted, but in silver...
I was disappointed at first, but after trying it on and checking it out in the mirror I decided the silver wasn't too bad....plus after calling Zappos to exchange, they told me they weren't getting in any more of the black, so I really don't have any options.
So......the big question is what do you think? Should I keep the silver or look for a different bag in black?
The first is the Teamees baseball blanket I purchased from Totsy. I think this will be a perfect "blankie" for Lil Mango. As soon as I opened it up, I fell in love with it - it's the perfect size for a little guy and so stinkin soft!! I can't wait to wrap him up in it! I will say that Morgan gave me a great piece of advice - I definitely will need to buy at least one more of these. If this does in fact become his "blankie," I will need to have a back-up in the event I need to throw it in the wash or (God forbid) it gets lost. I'm definitely going to see if I can get lucky again and they will feature these on sale on Totsy for the 3rd time.....cross your fingers.
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| Teamees Baseball Blankie |
I was disappointed at first, but after trying it on and checking it out in the mirror I decided the silver wasn't too bad....plus after calling Zappos to exchange, they told me they weren't getting in any more of the black, so I really don't have any options.
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| OiOi Silver Studded Hobo |
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| Different View |
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Quitters
Plain and simple.....there is nothing else to say about it - Nick & I are officially quitters. And what did we quit you may ask? Well, it just so happens we quit our Childbirth Preparation class. Seriously...we quit. I hope you bet the unders if you know us at all....
We started the six week, two-hour a session Childbirth Prep class at Bergan Mercy two weeks ago and this would've been our third class. The classes were ok and I said as long as I learned a thing or two from each night, then it would be worth the time commitment. In the first class, the main takeaway was when I learned that I was having Braxton Hicks contractions - I was finally able to understand the consistent tightening in my stomach. The second class was Labor & Delivery and I learned about different positions to try, the stages of labor, etc, but mostly I just wanted to watch Nick's face as they played the real life labor videos....and it was everything I hoped....the poor guy was so squeamish! Then at the end of each class, we moved to the back of the room and practiced breathing techniques. Everything we did in these two classes seemed to take two hours when it could've been condensed into a half hour each class and we would've gotten the same information from them.
Tonight's class was supposed to be medical intervention and the hospital tour. After she informed us the tour wouldn't be until next week and started the class with the "hee, hee, who" breathing techniques, I decided I couldn't take it anymore. Nick was pretty stoked when I whispered to him that we were going to make up an excuse and leave at break. So we did....(and I got to stop at Dairy Queen for a twist cone as a big thank you!)
Seriously, I think there are good things to the classes and we will still do the hospital tour and the New Parent class, but we will not be going back to the Tuesday classes. There is a lot going on these days and I want to make sure we aren't wasting any of our time unnecessarily. I have to admit I'm pretty impressed with Nick sticking it out for the three classes....I thought he would've talked his way out of them after the first one.
We started the six week, two-hour a session Childbirth Prep class at Bergan Mercy two weeks ago and this would've been our third class. The classes were ok and I said as long as I learned a thing or two from each night, then it would be worth the time commitment. In the first class, the main takeaway was when I learned that I was having Braxton Hicks contractions - I was finally able to understand the consistent tightening in my stomach. The second class was Labor & Delivery and I learned about different positions to try, the stages of labor, etc, but mostly I just wanted to watch Nick's face as they played the real life labor videos....and it was everything I hoped....the poor guy was so squeamish! Then at the end of each class, we moved to the back of the room and practiced breathing techniques. Everything we did in these two classes seemed to take two hours when it could've been condensed into a half hour each class and we would've gotten the same information from them.
Tonight's class was supposed to be medical intervention and the hospital tour. After she informed us the tour wouldn't be until next week and started the class with the "hee, hee, who" breathing techniques, I decided I couldn't take it anymore. Nick was pretty stoked when I whispered to him that we were going to make up an excuse and leave at break. So we did....(and I got to stop at Dairy Queen for a twist cone as a big thank you!)
Seriously, I think there are good things to the classes and we will still do the hospital tour and the New Parent class, but we will not be going back to the Tuesday classes. There is a lot going on these days and I want to make sure we aren't wasting any of our time unnecessarily. I have to admit I'm pretty impressed with Nick sticking it out for the three classes....I thought he would've talked his way out of them after the first one.
Monday, September 26, 2011
32 Weeks: What's New...
Due date: November 21st
Baby developments: Lil Mango is the size of a squash - he weighs 3.75 pounds and is 16.7 inches long - and is taking up a lot of space in my uterus. I should be gaining a pound a week about now with about 1/2 of that going to the baby and he will gain a third to half of his birth weight during the next seven weeks as he fattens up for survival outside the womb. He is getting prepared to emerge and is in the head-down position with his little booty facing up. Little man now has toenails, fingernails and real hair (do you think he will come out with hair or no hair - I just can't wait to find out!)
Weight gain: 0 pounds (14 lbs total pregnancy) - I am slightly concerned that I haven't had any weight gain the last couple of weeks. As long as Lil Mango is growing right, then I'm good with this, but I'm going to talk with my doc tomorrow. I've honestly been at the same weight or even a pound below - and I've made sure to be consistent in how I weigh myself (mornings before my shower) so I'm pretty sure the scale has been right.
Cravings: grapes, bananas and apples are of the good kind....chocolate is the bad. Since I removed all of the really bad snacks from the house, I've been trying to ease my cravings with "better for me" sweets. It's definitely not all that.....I need chocolate!
Aversions: nothing to note.
Symptoms: with my uterus pushing up toward my diaphragm and crowding my stomach, I've been having shortness of breath - Tessa can attest to this because she's witnessed me huffing and puffing when I simply walk to my car. I also experienced my first ever case of heartburn - twice last week - it was definitely uncomfortable, but not as bad as the foot shoved in my rib ever so often.
During my frequent bathroom breaks in the middle of the night, I wake up with back pain and an uncomfortable feeling in my stomach - fortunately after I use the bathroom it lightens up a bit.
Sleep: has been good except for the twice (minimum) a night runs to the bathroom. It's been pretty consistent at 2:30am and 4:30am-5am. For the most part, though, I'm sleeping pretty comfortably.
I miss: still missing my regular clothes....I've been trying to figure out what I'm wearing this weekend for our special outing w/ Tessa & Chris. As much as I think a dress is more appropriate, I'm sticking with jeans and a nice (somewhat larger than my normal) top. That will have to do....
I am looking forward to: my doctor's appointment next week and my first (of three!) baby showers coming up back in Emerson on October 9th.
I am loving: that I'm at that point where no matter how hard I try, my belly is out there and I definitely look preggo all the time. I've decided to cash in on it....whether it's at work where the guys will get up to give me their chair when it's standing room only in a meeting or at the mall in their special preggo parking area. Check it out - today I used the "Reserved Parking - For New or Expectant Mothers" parking. It was pretty awesome....although I have to admit I made sure to stick out my belly even further as I was walking in so people didn't think I was cheating by parking there.
I'm spazzing about: being so pale. One positive is that I haven't gone to the tanning salon since finding out I was pregnant, which is great for my skin, but I HATE being pale. I've tried many different sunless tanning lotions and keep going back to the Bare Bronze from Vickie's. I went in today to get another bottle and they told me they wouldn't be selling it anymore until next summer - what?!? why in the world would a sunless tanner only be a spring/summer product? Doesn't it make more sense to have it around in the months where you cannot lay outside to get your sun? Evidently not....so I did what any sound minded person would do - I bought four bottles to take me through the next few months. Let's hope it lasts, otherwise Ebay here I come.
Best moment this week: was definitely when Nick felt the hard kick from little man a couple nights ago. Now he knows what I've been feeling on a constant basis....it's good for him.
Movement: Lil Mango has been moving like crazy!
Milestones: we've made it to the 8 month milestone....only two months away before Cruz gets here!
It's a...: a boy.
Exercise: I didn't make it back to Lifetime this week, but that's only because the weather has held out and I have been able to take Maya out on morning walk/jogs. Tonight was gorgeous and Maya and I had a great run around the neighborhood.
Diet: has been ok.
Goals for the upcoming week: continued over from last week....I need to start my hospital checklist and get a bag prepared. Just in case.... I am also going to call ESC (our employee service center) and figure out my maternity leave. I'm still planning to request the full 12 weeks, but I will more than likely only stay out for 8 weeks. I can't imagine missing that much work - especially at a time like this.
Belly shot:
Baby developments: Lil Mango is the size of a squash - he weighs 3.75 pounds and is 16.7 inches long - and is taking up a lot of space in my uterus. I should be gaining a pound a week about now with about 1/2 of that going to the baby and he will gain a third to half of his birth weight during the next seven weeks as he fattens up for survival outside the womb. He is getting prepared to emerge and is in the head-down position with his little booty facing up. Little man now has toenails, fingernails and real hair (do you think he will come out with hair or no hair - I just can't wait to find out!)
Weight gain: 0 pounds (14 lbs total pregnancy) - I am slightly concerned that I haven't had any weight gain the last couple of weeks. As long as Lil Mango is growing right, then I'm good with this, but I'm going to talk with my doc tomorrow. I've honestly been at the same weight or even a pound below - and I've made sure to be consistent in how I weigh myself (mornings before my shower) so I'm pretty sure the scale has been right.
Cravings: grapes, bananas and apples are of the good kind....chocolate is the bad. Since I removed all of the really bad snacks from the house, I've been trying to ease my cravings with "better for me" sweets. It's definitely not all that.....I need chocolate!
Aversions: nothing to note.
Symptoms: with my uterus pushing up toward my diaphragm and crowding my stomach, I've been having shortness of breath - Tessa can attest to this because she's witnessed me huffing and puffing when I simply walk to my car. I also experienced my first ever case of heartburn - twice last week - it was definitely uncomfortable, but not as bad as the foot shoved in my rib ever so often.
During my frequent bathroom breaks in the middle of the night, I wake up with back pain and an uncomfortable feeling in my stomach - fortunately after I use the bathroom it lightens up a bit.
Sleep: has been good except for the twice (minimum) a night runs to the bathroom. It's been pretty consistent at 2:30am and 4:30am-5am. For the most part, though, I'm sleeping pretty comfortably.
I miss: still missing my regular clothes....I've been trying to figure out what I'm wearing this weekend for our special outing w/ Tessa & Chris. As much as I think a dress is more appropriate, I'm sticking with jeans and a nice (somewhat larger than my normal) top. That will have to do....
I am looking forward to: my doctor's appointment next week and my first (of three!) baby showers coming up back in Emerson on October 9th.
I am loving: that I'm at that point where no matter how hard I try, my belly is out there and I definitely look preggo all the time. I've decided to cash in on it....whether it's at work where the guys will get up to give me their chair when it's standing room only in a meeting or at the mall in their special preggo parking area. Check it out - today I used the "Reserved Parking - For New or Expectant Mothers" parking. It was pretty awesome....although I have to admit I made sure to stick out my belly even further as I was walking in so people didn't think I was cheating by parking there.
 |
| Preggo Parking! |
 |
| Victoria's Secret Bare Bronze Sunless Tanning Lotion |
Movement: Lil Mango has been moving like crazy!
Milestones: we've made it to the 8 month milestone....only two months away before Cruz gets here!
It's a...: a boy.
Exercise: I didn't make it back to Lifetime this week, but that's only because the weather has held out and I have been able to take Maya out on morning walk/jogs. Tonight was gorgeous and Maya and I had a great run around the neighborhood.
Diet: has been ok.
Goals for the upcoming week: continued over from last week....I need to start my hospital checklist and get a bag prepared. Just in case.... I am also going to call ESC (our employee service center) and figure out my maternity leave. I'm still planning to request the full 12 weeks, but I will more than likely only stay out for 8 weeks. I can't imagine missing that much work - especially at a time like this.
Belly shot:
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| 32 Week Bump |
Friday, September 23, 2011
Feeling the Bump
Not a ton of time to type this morning, but had to share....Nick "officially" felt Little Mango kick last night and I love how excited he was!!
On the night of our anniversary in early August he felt Cruz kick for the first time but back then the kicks were much lighter and harder to confirm. Lately this baby has been kicking and jabbing like a mad man...to the point where yesterday during our big presentation at work, I could see him kicking through my dress! Last night we were laying in bed and I was telling him about how crazy he was moving at work and he put his hand on my stomach and Cruz delivered a hard kick right in the same spot. Nick was in shock and couldn't believe how hard it was. I can tell he was impressed by the strength of our little guy.
I love little moments like that - it makes me feel that Nick gets a better chance to connect with Cruz when he can feel him move or hear his heartbeat. I have to believe it's hard for Nick to understand how "real" this is since he isn't going through the body changes and movements on a daily basis, so I'm happy when these things happens. And I love how excited it makes him!
On the night of our anniversary in early August he felt Cruz kick for the first time but back then the kicks were much lighter and harder to confirm. Lately this baby has been kicking and jabbing like a mad man...to the point where yesterday during our big presentation at work, I could see him kicking through my dress! Last night we were laying in bed and I was telling him about how crazy he was moving at work and he put his hand on my stomach and Cruz delivered a hard kick right in the same spot. Nick was in shock and couldn't believe how hard it was. I can tell he was impressed by the strength of our little guy.
I love little moments like that - it makes me feel that Nick gets a better chance to connect with Cruz when he can feel him move or hear his heartbeat. I have to believe it's hard for Nick to understand how "real" this is since he isn't going through the body changes and movements on a daily basis, so I'm happy when these things happens. And I love how excited it makes him!
Monday, September 19, 2011
31 Weeks: What's New...
Due date: 9 (short) weeks away! November 21st
Baby developments: Little Mango is the size of a squash - he measures over 16 inches and is 3.3 pounds and heading into a growth spurt. This week he's going through major brain and nerve development. His irises now react to light and all five senses are in working order - except he won't pick up any smells since they are transferred through air, not amniotic fluid. He can turn his head from side to side and his arms, legs, and body are beginning to plump out as much needed fat is accumulating under the skin.
Weight gain: 0 lbs (14 pounds total pregnancy)
Cravings: grapes, apples, bananas and sweets have been calling to me this week!
Aversions: I've stayed away from meats this week....definitely not feeling them, so I'm trying to make up for the lack of protein with hard boiled eggs, etc.
Symptoms: so I've heard about Braxton Hicks contractions and figured I hadn't had them yet....and then after our first Childbirth Class last week I realized I've been having them for quite some time! I figured if it were a contraction then it would hurt.....actually these bad boys are more of just tightening sensation where my belly gets hard for around 30 seconds or so....too bad real contractions weren't this easy!
Oh and I got this nice little cyst on my face about a month ago....I thought it was going to be a pimple, but then it never came to a head so I finally went to get it checked out. My derm gave me a cortisone shot and thankfully it's going down. If it doesn't I have to get it cut out an I really don't want to do that and risk scarring on my face.
I'm definitely more out of breath than normal during activity (exercise, walking up stairs, etc), obviously due to this little guy growing and taking up room inside me. During exercise that dang Round Ligament Pain has been killing me, causing me to walk more than I can jog.
Sleep: I have still been sleeping well and I feel like at times too much. Regardless of how much sleep I get, I'm tiiiiired.
I miss: I know this has been the common theme, but I would love to be in my skinny jeans and cute tops with boots this fall. The weather is changing and I'm jonesing for these types of clothes. I did buy a pair of maternity skinny jeans, but its definitely not the same.
I am looking forward to: I just want to see this little guy! I had asked my OB about my next ultrasound and she said since he's developing in line and so well that we may not have another ultrasound. That's great because they are expensive, but I would love to see our little guy.
I am loving: I have definitely become a very productive woman these days. I don't waste my time going out (what a fuddy duddy I am!) and it leaves me more time to get things done around the house, baby related or not. Cooking, laundry, cleaning....you name it!
I'm spazzing about: he is going to be here just a few short weeks from now.....I can't believe it and while I can't wait to meet him, I'm getting nervous.
Best moment this week: spending time with Tessa and having her help with the registry was great....its nice to have that completed and checked off the old list!
Movement: Little Mango has been moving like crazy! Whether I'm laying down, sitting at my desk or walking around...which is a great since his moving is a sign that he will be healthy and active.
It's a...: boy
Exercise: I'm thinking I need to head to the gym and start back up on the elliptical so there is less stress on my body versus running outside.
Diet: I threw out all of the junk food and replaced it with good food. I need to make sure I'm eating better because he is eating everything I eat! I'm going to try to make more of an effort at this.
Goals for the upcoming week: nothing of note, but I'm sure I will find plenty to keep me busy. I need to start my hospital checklist and I would like to hang the pics in the nursery. I did get a new nightstand for his room and I love it!!
Belly shot:
Baby developments: Little Mango is the size of a squash - he measures over 16 inches and is 3.3 pounds and heading into a growth spurt. This week he's going through major brain and nerve development. His irises now react to light and all five senses are in working order - except he won't pick up any smells since they are transferred through air, not amniotic fluid. He can turn his head from side to side and his arms, legs, and body are beginning to plump out as much needed fat is accumulating under the skin.
Weight gain: 0 lbs (14 pounds total pregnancy)
Cravings: grapes, apples, bananas and sweets have been calling to me this week!
Aversions: I've stayed away from meats this week....definitely not feeling them, so I'm trying to make up for the lack of protein with hard boiled eggs, etc.
Symptoms: so I've heard about Braxton Hicks contractions and figured I hadn't had them yet....and then after our first Childbirth Class last week I realized I've been having them for quite some time! I figured if it were a contraction then it would hurt.....actually these bad boys are more of just tightening sensation where my belly gets hard for around 30 seconds or so....too bad real contractions weren't this easy!
Oh and I got this nice little cyst on my face about a month ago....I thought it was going to be a pimple, but then it never came to a head so I finally went to get it checked out. My derm gave me a cortisone shot and thankfully it's going down. If it doesn't I have to get it cut out an I really don't want to do that and risk scarring on my face.
I'm definitely more out of breath than normal during activity (exercise, walking up stairs, etc), obviously due to this little guy growing and taking up room inside me. During exercise that dang Round Ligament Pain has been killing me, causing me to walk more than I can jog.
Sleep: I have still been sleeping well and I feel like at times too much. Regardless of how much sleep I get, I'm tiiiiired.
I miss: I know this has been the common theme, but I would love to be in my skinny jeans and cute tops with boots this fall. The weather is changing and I'm jonesing for these types of clothes. I did buy a pair of maternity skinny jeans, but its definitely not the same.
I am looking forward to: I just want to see this little guy! I had asked my OB about my next ultrasound and she said since he's developing in line and so well that we may not have another ultrasound. That's great because they are expensive, but I would love to see our little guy.
I am loving: I have definitely become a very productive woman these days. I don't waste my time going out (what a fuddy duddy I am!) and it leaves me more time to get things done around the house, baby related or not. Cooking, laundry, cleaning....you name it!
I'm spazzing about: he is going to be here just a few short weeks from now.....I can't believe it and while I can't wait to meet him, I'm getting nervous.
Best moment this week: spending time with Tessa and having her help with the registry was great....its nice to have that completed and checked off the old list!
Movement: Little Mango has been moving like crazy! Whether I'm laying down, sitting at my desk or walking around...which is a great since his moving is a sign that he will be healthy and active.
It's a...: boy
Exercise: I'm thinking I need to head to the gym and start back up on the elliptical so there is less stress on my body versus running outside.
Diet: I threw out all of the junk food and replaced it with good food. I need to make sure I'm eating better because he is eating everything I eat! I'm going to try to make more of an effort at this.
Goals for the upcoming week: nothing of note, but I'm sure I will find plenty to keep me busy. I need to start my hospital checklist and I would like to hang the pics in the nursery. I did get a new nightstand for his room and I love it!!
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| Mirrored nightstand |
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| 31 Week Baby Bump |
Friday, September 16, 2011
Armed and Dangerous....with a Registry Gun!
One thing you can't give to a girl with a shopping problem is a little registry gun that gives you an opportunity to add a bunch of items to a wish list! Seriously....I don't even want to look through our registry lists because I know I'm going to find plenty of items that we probably didn't really need, but today at the time while I had that gun in my hand I justified needing every last thing!
Fortunately I was able to have my "go to" girl to help answer some of my questions (some I'm sure were utterly ridiculous....) and with getting everything we need for Little Man. Besides, Tess, her little guy Aaysen joined us and he was instrumental in giving us sustenance to continue on during our four hour spree....in the form of frosted animal cookies. Of which he chose to bite the heads off each of the cookies he gave to me...
Fortunately I was able to have my "go to" girl to help answer some of my questions (some I'm sure were utterly ridiculous....) and with getting everything we need for Little Man. Besides, Tess, her little guy Aaysen joined us and he was instrumental in giving us sustenance to continue on during our four hour spree....in the form of frosted animal cookies. Of which he chose to bite the heads off each of the cookies he gave to me...
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| Ace: the best shopping buddy |
Besides the items that actually made it onto the registry list, you have to believe if you know me at all there were some items that made it into my cart and came home with me. I actually found some Puma tracksuits in size 3-6 months (I have only seen 12mo+), so I had to get them....as well as a couple other fun things....I tell you this little boy is going to be one stylin guy!
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| Green & navy Puma tracksuit |
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| Gray Puma tracksuit |
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| Red & black Puma tracksuit |
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| Gray & black plaid coat |
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| Adidas booties |
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| Tan skull loafers from Target |
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| Gray, purple & yellow cap |
Then another surprise was waiting for me on the porch when I got home tonight.....my Bibi & Mimi leg warmers! Yes, I know leg warmers seem a bit girlie but just look at these......so dang cute!
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| Bibi & Mimi Leg Warmers |
I love having good days like these and it makes me even more excited for Little Mango to get here!
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