Heather's Salt Lake Baby Shower

Heather flew in from Seattle so us Salt Lake folks could throw her a fun shower and see her cute face and baby bump- it was so fun! 

Here we are, just 8 weeks apart! 

Heather and her mom, Debbie- so adorable! Debbie drove all the way from St. George. 

Nicolle is so creative and amazing- she put together all these cute favors and prizes. 

We played the Price is Right and it was hilarious! Everyone should play this at a Baby shower- these girls got into it! So competitive! 

Heather said she was craving Cafe Rio's queso, so we went with it and did mock Cafe Rio salads. Home made dressings, and Milka did an amazingly delicious job on the cilantro lime rice and black beans  AND made the yummiest cookies! Heather has some good culinary friends! 

We couldnt sub the cafe rio chips for anything but the real thing

They let me buy the tins for $2 for 20 of them, and we cooked real flour tortillas. We grilled up seasoned chicken and steak, then had all the toppings! I think they were better than the restaurants, personally. 

It was so fun to see everyone and watch Heather open up her fun presents for George. She is one of my best friends and I'm so happy we get to experience our pregnancies together. I can't wait to get to Seattle to meet George when he arrives! 

Mission: Baby Miller: Second Trimester Moo-cessities

 I have one week left til I am officially in my third trimester- I'm excited and anxious, cause then it's just a couple months til I am full term and can pop this baby out! 

My first trimester was pretty basic. I purchased alot of the necessities right away that would  last me through the whole pregnancy (aside from the jeans thing)  i still wear all of them. 

I did get some extra things though- cause I was excited about the clearance sales, and kohls cash and new stuff ;)  and this all should get me through til the end and beyond.

Boots- Now I know this isn't just a maternity thing- but I didn't want to wear my high heeled boots while pregnant in the fall and winter- so I bought flat boots, and I love them, and they fit around my chubby pregnancy calves and ankles. Zulily- $15 each (YAH!)

Maternity Coat- I read so many things saying don't waste your money on a maternity coat. But I tell you what, its comfy and  fits ALL the way AROUND and I don't have to worry about my underbelly hanging out and getting cold. Plus it's nice enough that even if I wear yoga pants and a t shirt, I put my coat on and my boots and I look all put together- seriously! Motherhood Maternity- clearance $45

3/4 Long sleeve tee's- I wear these all the time. I just have the two colors, black and gray and purple and navy. they are long, they are soft and they fit and stretch. Pea in a Pod  $48 each, but I bought these on a BOGO sale.

Maxi Dresses- I loved wearing these towards the last few weeks of my second trimester. sometimes I'd layer with a cardigain, or slip on a t-shirt over them haha. Kohls, Target and Old Navy

Maxi Skirt- love this with a tank and a blazer. $4 old navy uber clearance

Maternity slip- this was a little more pricey then I wanted originally but it's the best slip! It's almost a pseudo shaper and smooths everything out. Plus I started using coconut oil as my stretch mark preventative and this slip helped protect my dresses and skirt. $35 a Pea in the Pod 

A nice maternity dress- I got this at H&M and I can dress it up or down. I love that it fits around my growing belly and that I have something nice to wear to our events at the Magazine or other places. And it's not one of those gnarly wrap dresses or nursing dresses- bleh!! I also purchased maternity tights if I needed to be formal. $15 H&M Maternity , tights $13 Pea in the Pod

Coconut oil- I read a lot of good things about coconut oil. And I already had it in my pantry, so I didn't want to spend too much on stretch mark creams. And my Dr. said people will get stretch marks whether they use stuff or not- it depends on the girl. So I mainly use it to keep my skin soft and stretchy so I don't get gigantic tiger stripes- if I can help it. So far , no marks on my belly. Some small marks on my hips, thighs and bum is all. It goes on amazingly well and then I just smell good for a while. I also use it as an evening facial moisturizer and on my hair after my hair clarifying shampoo days. $10 amazon 

Snoogle- This pillow has helped me so much. Around 20 weeks I started to get hip pains at night and this pillow helped relieve a lot of that for me. I bought a cover for it so I can keep it clean all the time, however the cover is hard to put on and take off. It kind of reminded me of a condom too, haha. $60 pillow and cover, Amazon and Pea in the Pod

My other second trimester staples included Wes's t-shirts.  They were just comfy to sleep and lounge around in. house slippers and boy shorts underwear- both equally comfy. 

Other Moo-ccessities 

Prenatal vitamins- I took these in my first trimester too, after trying a few brands, they were the only ones that didn't make me nauseous. $20 amazon , cheaper at Costco but they haven't carried them the last couple times I've been there

Prenatal Massages- I feel really spoiled here. I got a package of 8 massages and I look forward to them so much! The lady who is the LMT is also a midwife and she's amazing and so full of information, different information from my Dr, who's a man and is also 70 years old. She is great and I get an amazing foot scrub before each massage and I'm to the point now where I get belly rubs. I really don't know what I'd do with out these massages. There are some studies that show the endorphins released during a massage can last up to two weeks, and that can't hurt anything right? Happy mommy, happy baby, happy husband...?  6 massages for $360 and you get $25 gift card for every $100 you spend so I have a few of those racked up to pay for my other massages, Sanctuary Day Spa 

 

A supportive Husband- I didn't realize how amazing some men can get while their wives go through a pregnancy. It helps so much to have a supportive husband- even if he doesn't understand the hormones and the aches and uncomfortableness. Wes is great at just 'trying' and lends a hand. There are times when he forgets I can't move as fast anymore ha ha, but he's always there to help me get comfortable or tell me I'm the cutest pregnant lady he's seen- even with a basketball game on- that's a big deal ;) . And he's always good for a cravings run :)  He has become very protective of me and our little package, too- he worries just as much as I do about our entire well being and safety. He is going to be a pretty spectacular Dad :) 

Mission: Baby Miller: First Trimester Goodies

I am not a pregnancy  expert, but I thought I would share what worked for me during each of my trimesters. 

As I am approaching my third (YEP! I know- eep!!) I thought it was interesting, the changes I made to make each trimester comfortable for me. I know everyone is different in their experiences, but maybe some of my likes might be the same or be helpful :) I always liked reading about others experiences, as well- and that partly motivated me to also share these things. 

First, my skin care regimen changed a bit as I wanted to make sure all my products were pregnancy safe- there is so much out there to scare the living day lights out of you during the first trimester. Seriously- it makes you wonder about all the other stuff you did pre pregnancy that may affect your developing fetus. 

Belli Acne Spot Treatment- I broke out like crazy my first trimester. I picked this up at Pea in a Pod , you will see as my posts go on ,that's one of my favorite stores. Amazing stuff and I still have a ton left. $15

Dermalogica Active Moist- I was already familiar with dermalogica but it took me getting all facially concerned to make my big purchase. $45

Simple Face Wash- no soaps or parabens, fragrance and dye free. And reasonably priced. $7

Then, I prepared for a body that would be changing- and of course- had a good excuse to go shopping ;) 

Maternity tank tops from Old Navy- I have them in every color and pattern just about, they are long, wash well, layer well, and cover my boobs. Plus they have that elastic side so it just keeps growing with the bump. $12 each or cheaper if on clearance 

Basic Maternity tees from Old Navy. Same stuff as the tanks but with sleeves. I bought them in stripes and solids. $8 or cheaper 

A chambray shirt one size bigger than I normally wear and a basic black blazer and many cardigans in my pre pregnancy size and various colors- these items are awesome to finish a look. And they layer well and go with everything! $20-$50 

Let's talk maternity leggings- they are comfortable! And even better- they are comfortable with or without a bump. But I have a beef with some leggings so I really made sure I spent my money on the right ones- mainly the fabric. You know what I'm talking about- the cheapo ones that you can see your skin through! I feel bad for girls every time I see them fall victim to that.  The ones above are from Target - and they are Liz Lange Ponte Pants. they are thicker and have a dressy feel to them. Better option for the office. $30

My other preference were these from Pea in the Pod. I got black and gray, these are very soft and layer well with long shirts and knee high boots and don't ride up. $40

Jeans- I bought a wide leg, a skinny and black. I only wore these my first trimester- I didn't pay an arm and leg for them thank goodness, cause when I reached my second trimester- I didn't even want to look at them anymore. I got them from Pea in the Pod and Destination Maternity on sale. As soon as I noticed my widening hips- these jeans weren't comfortable anymore. $20-$30

Maternity Cargo Pants- What I still love are these! From Pea in the Pod- they go from capris to full length and I wear them still. I don't think the white pants rule applies seasonally to pregnant women ;) they have them in khaki too. I just got the white ones cause they were on sale. $15

I was able to still wear some normal clothes for a while, too. The fluffy loose shirt like this one I got from Bohme, helped me stay comfy and feel like I was hiding that " not quite showing yet but bloated like hell" phase.  Shirts and pants both from Bohme $30 and $40

I can't wait to share my second trimester goodies- I sure did change a lot! 

Our 2013

I have everything below summed up in this Flipagram (obsessed over this app) or you can read on below :)

I think 2013 was full of lots of adventures for us. Not stating the obvious about getting pregnant, but lots of other memory making type of moments that we will always look back on, especially for me and I think “I’m glad I did that, tried that, went for that, attempted this..etc”  

 I feel like I really put myself out there in 2013 with everything and I think it was a positive experience overall for us and others to see or be involved with.

We started 2013 off with a kiss, of course and a very memorable NYE gathering at The Listons!

And a few weeks later, with a visit to the fertility doc. Had a series of tests, got on hormone treatments, went through some emotions and even painful moments. I remember doing everything  to supplement my diet with fertility teas, smoothies, certain fruits and vegetables- just took up so much brain space!  

 To occupy the head drama, I went for the wedding planning and really experienced so much with this side, extra side, job of mine. Then the whole baking blog popped up, with a facebook page and everything! I promise- we still bake, we have pictures ready to go, just haven’t posted them haha. Then I had an obsession with the farmers market over the summer and fell in love with fresh and local flavors.  

 Fit in some good quality friends and family time- baby’s first birthday parties, holiday get togethers, adult birthday parties and some R&R in Mesquite even.

Through the middle of all this, Wes just stayed by my side, supported me, provided guidance and reminded me to keep things light hearted. He just always knows things will work out, and it does. He just is always happy. Sometimes he ‘man’struates though, but shhhh….don’t tell him I said that. Wes also got this great advancement opportunity with his current job and he continues to keep his bowling team in the running for the championship again.  Often, he sends out a group text on bowling nights to his team mates to pump them up for the games. He has let me read a couple of them, and they are pretty hilarious. 

Out of nowhere- bam! We’re pregnant! We were surprised, happy, excited… feeling blessed.  And let the Pregnancy cravings begin! 

Then we bought a house! Smeeh! I became occupied with baby stuff- buying it and making it…lol!

***

2014 is off to a great start already- got a nice trip in to St. George and Las Vegas. Wes had to work the time we were in Vegas, but we fit a show in, Zumanity. I was kind of hesitant, cause if you know me- im not into people just flaunting their shit. But this show was fun, and funny and entertaining as heck. Short, but good.  

 I love that while in St. George- Matt and Tyce came down for the weekend. They came spur of the moment to get out of Salt Lake and celebrate Matt’s 30^th Birthday.

We also go to visit with Justin, Cassie and Jackson- so fun! I did a lot of shopping in both cities. Mostly baby shopping- I can’t help it- I love little girls clothes and a great deal! Wes got to fit in his golfing, two courses in two days and he was in heaven!

 
While in Vegas and St George I was able tosqueeze in a couple spa days. Don't ever underestimate the power of a good foot and hand rub...and massaging chairs. These things are heaven! I loved Vegas, even though I only got to hang out with Wes for a little bit. I had a lot of me time to just recharge and hang with my Charlotte :)

25 Weeks pregnant!

I think I m going to miss this bump when all is said and done :(

          

Wes trying the local stuff

Virgin Pina Colada's for me

We went to the best spots we could find time for and on our way home I just felt so happy and lucky to have so  much already in our lives, and so much more to look forward too!

this song popped up on Pandora  ( the pic even looks like Wes) on our drive home and I love it now! and, I was typing up this post, my pregnancy app reminded me I am 26 weeks today- 98 days to go!