#Preterm Contractions

That's right.

Last night I had an hour and a half of lying in bed, drinking water, timing contractions that were about 5 minutes apart. I should have gone to Labor & Delivery, however, I had just gotten Fuss to bed and refused to go if I didn't have to. I drank at least 20 ounces of water, maybe even 32 in that time. I also started watching one of my favorite shows, "Haven."

I called the doctor's office this morning and they told me (surprise, surprise) if the contractions come back AT ALL with regularity to go directly to L&D. I am currently 30 weeks. Little Boy needs to to bake at least 6 more weeks and be equal with his sister. So, today, I managed to get a few groceries after I finished my transcriptions. I walked slowly and didn't lift anything heavy. I have had about 4 or 5 contractions all day, so I have been resting as much as possible. Dishes and laundry can wait. Shopping for Fuss's new jeans is going to have to wait as well.

I have 67 days left of this pregnancy. I don't want to spend ANY of it stuck in bed! So, I need to slow down. I pushed too hard Saturday while trying to deep clean my kitchen - scrubbed the stove, swept the floors, tried to mop, and ended up in tears from my pelvis hurting - and I paid for it on Sunday night. Guess I just have to accept that I am not Superwoman as much as I want to be.

#ProCook #Giveaway She Said Yes Event!

We're celebrating a special event in honor of two blogging soon to be brides, Larisha from We're Parents and Alex from Mommys Craft Obsession! Each day we will be debuting a special new giveaway or post so make sure you check back frequently! 

ProCook is a family owned company specializing in cookware and kitchenware. They offer the finest quality cookware, bakeware, cutlery, bakeware, dinnerware, flatware and stemware along with a large selection of cooking tools and kitchen essentials. They are positive that you will not be disappointed and you'll be amazed by their incredible value prices! All their products are exclusively designed and manufactured for ProCook from cast iron casseroles and non-stick, anodized, tri-ply or stainless steel cookware to knife blocks and kitchen accessories, and they support all their purchases by an extensive guarantee.

When it comes to registering for your wedding, cookware seems to be the most requested item on the list. I found out while I was registering for my wedding that there are an overwhelming amount of choices for you cookware and it's important to choose a brand that will last for years. Thankfully I had already been introduced to ProCook and I was excited to try out their amazing Gourmet Non-Stick Cookware seven piece set along with their Lock & Fresh Square Storage Set and the Splatter Guard!

I think every family deserves a GREAT set of cookware! I really am jealous that all of you get the chance to win this cookware set and I don't! lol. C'est la vie, I suppose. ;)

Love the cookware above and want to win your own? Visit Mommys Craft Obsession to check out the review then enter to win $75 worth of ProCook cookware below! ProCook is a must have on the for the wedding registry!

Entry-Form

The Giveaway will close late on the evening of October 14th. The winner will be chosen at random through Giveaway Tools. The winner will be announced both on Giveaway Tools form as well as notified by email and announced on Mommys Craft Obsession’s Facebook. The winner will have their prize sent to them by Candice Cunha, Mommys Craft Obsession is not responsible for prize shipment. Must be 18 years and older. Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Google are in no way affiliated with this giveaway. No Purchase Necessary. US Only.

*This blog has not been compensated for the promotion of this giveaway*

Click here to check out all of the other awesome posts and GIVEAWAYS during the She Said Yes! Event!

#Giveaway for a #KeurigMini She Said Yes! Event

We're celebrating a special event in honor of two blogging soon to be brides, Larisha from We're Parents and Alex from Mommys Craft Obsession! Each day we will be debuting a special new giveaway or post so make sure you check back frequently! 

Keurig is brewing excellence, one cup at a time.  Started in 1998 they strive for excellence and you will see it in all their work.  Their patented single cup brewing technology and gourmet brands of beverages all show their promise to excellence. Keurig is the leading single cup brewing system in North America and they believe coffee should always be served fresh just as if you were in a gourmet coffee house no matter where you are. In less than one minute, with their innovative brewing system, you can have the perfect cup of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate. No grinding, no measuring, no filters--it's as simple as it gets. 

Coffee Machines are a go to items on many people's registry, however, for us we wanted something more than just a simple coffee maker.  We actually aren't coffee drinkers ourselves, but both of our families are and we knew we would be inviting people over.  With the Keurig Vue, we have the option to make tea and hot chocolate for ourselves that we do enjoy, but also make a wide range of individual coffee selections for our guests without having to worry about throwing away a whole pot of coffee.

My hubby loves coffee, but I can't stand it (aside from the delicious aromas!). We don't yet have a Kurig, but I have considered buying him one for his b-day in October. Wouldn't you love to win one!?

Want to win your own? Visit We're Parents!? to check out the review then enter to win a Keurig mini in your choice of color  below! Keurig is a must have on the for the wedding registry!

Entry-Form

The Giveaway will close late on the evening of October 12th. The winner will be chosen at random through Giveaway Tools. The winner will be announced both on Giveaway Tools form as well as notified by email and announced on We're Parents!?’s Facebook. The winner will have their prize sent to them by Keurig. We're Parents!? is not responsible for prize shipment. Must be 18 years and older. Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Google are in no way affiliated with this giveaway. No Purchase Necessary. US Only.

*This blog has not been compensated for the promotion of this giveaway*

Click here to check out all of the other awesome posts and GIVEAWAYS during the She Said Yes! Event!

$75 Vitabath #Giveaway She Said Yes! Event

We're celebrating a special event in honor of two blogging soon to be brides, Larisha from We're Parents and Alex from Mommys Craft Obsession! Each day we will be debuting a special new giveaway or post so make sure you check back frequently! 

Vitabath has been offering luxury bath products for over 55 years. They offer unparalleled skin cleansing and conditioning products that offer rich fragrances and high quality ingredients that give you a relaxing and invigorating at home spa experience. In 2011 Vitabath rebranded themselves with the introduction of a new moisturizing, sulfate, and paraben free body wash line that offered fresh and fun fragrances.

For brides and the bridal party, Vitabath makes an absolutely amazing gift. Why spend the money at the spa when you can get high quality bath products from Vitabath and enjoy them in your own home!

What woman doesn't love a little pampering? And it's even better when it's FREE! Scroll down and enter to win this amazing giveaway!

Interested in getting entered to win $75 worth of Vitabath Products? Visit Mommys Craft Obsession to check out the review then enter to win below! Vitabath is a must have on the for the whole bridal party and it makes the PERFECT gift to give a soon-to-be bride!

Entry-Form

The Giveaway will close late on the evening of October 10th. The winner will be chosen at random through Giveaway Tools. The winner will be announced both on Giveaway Tools form as well as notified by email and announced on Mommys Craft Obsession’s Facebook. The winner will have their prize sent to them by Candice Cunha, Mommys Craft Obsession is not responsible for prize shipment. Must be 18 years and older. Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Google are in no way affiliated with this giveaway. No Purchase Necessary. US Only.

*This blog has not been compensated for the promotion of this giveaway*

Click here to check out all of the other awesome posts and GIVEAWAYS during the She Said Yes! Event!

Great news!

Well, I had my ultrasound yesterday. I found out several things. 1) My placenta moved up from 2.5 cm to 4.5 cm, so we are still on track for a VBAC! 2) There is less risk of having a placenta accreta because the placenta itself looks smooth and noninvasive...although there are no guarantees. And 3) Baby boy looks AMAZING! He was literally folded in half during the entire exam with his feet by his head! LOL.

#Scentsy #Giveaway She Said Yes! event

We're celebrating a special event in honor of two blogging soon to be brides, Larisha from We're Parents and Alex from Mommys Craft Obsession! Each day we will be debuting a special new giveaway or post so make sure you check back frequently! 

Scentsy began with a simple idea;  safe, wickless alternatives to scented candles. The idea took off and  quickly developed into one of the most successful direct selling companies in the world, giving people everywhere the opportunity to be their own boss. In 2004, Scentsy joined the Direct Selling Assoication and enrolled its first Independent Consultant. They have now grossed more than one billion in revenue in just over 8 years and is now offered throughout the United Stats, Puerto Rico, Guam, Canada, and Europe. Scentsy products include decorative ceramic warmers that melt scented wax with the heat from a small light bulb, scent bars, room spray, air fresheners (for cars), and many other fantastic products! 

I have had the pleasure of working with an amazing Scentsy consultant named Candice and she has been an absolute doll to work with! When I work with independent consultants I like to get to know them a little better so that I know who I am supporting with their business! Here's a little bit about Candice!

I am a twenty-something working Mommy...Full time working Mommy. Our one year old daughters is expecting her baby brother the end of September!  My goal is to be a stay at home part time working Mommy by 2014!!  While brain storming ways to accomplish this goal, I was at a Scentsy party and got excited about Scetnsy.  The products were so welcoming, I figured hey, this is a great way to make a little money - so I forked over my $99 for my starter kit and set off on an adventure. Three months into selling Scentsy things really kicked off, and I can see myself being able to do this for some extra cash when I reach my goal of being home with my kids during the days. Scentsy is a great product, their scents are amazing and the warmers both plug-in style and regular style are perfectly designed to accompany anyone's taste in décor! Scentsy is not very well known in our area of Massachusetts so between my social media updates and people spreading the word I hope to expand my team of Scentsy consultants and become a Lead Consultant! Besides rocking it as an Independent Consultant for Scentsy - I work in the construction industry doing project management.  I adore my daughter and cannot wait to meet my son.  I love all things Disney and Apple.  I have been happily married to my best friend for four years and look forward to what the future holds for us and our family.  I spend my free time doing the dishes and folding the laundry, that is after bedtime of course... and when I am not doing that I am promoting my Scentsy business!  Join my team!  Place an order! Book a party!  

I have a Scentsy warmer and I just adore the Eucalyptus scent! I use it all the time when Hubby, Fuss, and I get colds or sniffles in the winter. It really helps clear things up and make it easier to rest!

Interested in getting entered to win $75 worth of Scentsy Products? Visit Mommys Craft Obsession to check out the review then enter to win below! Scentsy is a must have on the wedding wish list and it makes the PERFECT gift to give a soon-to-be bride!

Do you have a bride or someone else who you're ready to snag a Scentsy gift for? Join the She Said Yes! Scentsy Party hosted by Alex of Mommys Craft Obsession! 

Entry-Form

The Giveaway will close late on the evening of October 7th. The winner will be chosen at random through Giveaway Tools. The winner will be announced both on Giveaway Tools form as well as notified by email and announced on Mommys Craft Obsession’s Facebook. The winner will have their prize sent to them by Candice Cunha, Mommys Craft Obsession is not responsible for prize shipment. Must be 18 years and older. Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Google are in no way affiliated with this giveaway. No Purchase Necessary. US Only.

*This blog has not been compensated for the promotion of this giveaway*

Click here to check out all of the other awesome posts and GIVEAWAYS during the She Said Yes! Event!

#BoyOHBoy #Bloghop Event is scheduled!

 

I have started getting my sponsors lined up and I have quite a few items already in my possession for the reviews (and giveaways!) to come! I have a couple other bloggers already getting geared up to add a thing or two while we're at it as well. :) 

This event will start whenever baby boy decides to make his grand entrance and Fuss loses her singleton status. I am still working on securing more sponsors, so if you know someone you'd like to see featured, please comment with their name/page below. WAHM's welcome!! 

So far we have diapers, Daddy Scrubs, a Push Pack, and even matching T's for Fuss and baby brother. :) 

Check back frequently for updates!  I hope to have a full list of sponsors up by November 1st!

If you are a blogger interested in participating, please email me crunchierbytheday@yahoo.com

"Mommy, you have a scratch!"

Fuss and I were doing our normal bedtime routine of cuddling in my bed watching "Bubble Guppies" in our jammies (well, I was in a sports bra and pajama pants because I'm a human FURNACE tonight!) and she looked over and said, "Mommy, you have a scratch!" I asked her where it was and she ran her finger across my C-section scar. "Right there."

I giggled, but I told her, "That is where the doctor took you out of Mommy's belly." She smiled this big, shocked smile with wide eyes and asked why. "Because you got to big to stay in there anymore." She thought that was hilarious! A few months ago she had asked if the doctor was going to cut me open to get the baby out. I'm not sure where she picked that up from, but I answered her question as best I could with an "I don't know." She has yet to ask how the baby ended up IN my belly, but I'm answering as much as honestly as I can.

It was just so innocent and sweet that I had to share!

Are you a #sportsfan?

I am relaxing this Saturday afternoon in between sending out emails and doing loads of laundry by watching my home team play. LET'S GOOOOO MOUNTAINEERS!!! Hubby and I really only follow college football because we love to see the heart the college kids have.

My Dad loves the Pittsburgh Steelers. Which kind of sucks for him since he lives in upstate NY! LOL.

Do you follow any particular teams? Who and why? What do you do to show your fan dedication?

#Giveaway Cody the Smart Cub

Welcome to the VTECH Cody the Smart Cub Giveaway 

hosted by: We're Parents!?

We love Vtech toys around here and, even though I haven't tried this one personally, I am sure it lives up to the great name Vtech has made for themselves!

VTECH KIDS

Cody the Smart Cub™ is VTech's Newest introduction to their infant and preschool line.  He introduces children to valuable every-day life skills like routines, first words, and emotions.  He knows exactly what time is it, so your little ones will grow and learn morning greetings, bedtime music, holidays, and birthday wishes.  With VTech's app store, The Learning Lodge, parents can share in the developmental journey online by personalizing their child's name, favorite stories, and more. 

Recommended for ages 6-36 months and retails at $19.99

Connect with VTech on Facebook and Twitter for the latest news and newest toys.

To see a full review of Cody the Smart Cub™ GO HERE.

Enter using the Giveaway Tools form below.  Good Luck!

Open to US residents only!!  Ends 9/29/13 at 1:00 AM EST.

 Please consider voting for us on Top Mommy Blogs. Just takes one click and helps us be able to bring you more & better giveaways! Thanks.

 

Entry-Form

Disclosure: I received no compensation in exchange for promoting this giveaway. Participating bloggers are not responsible for prize fulfillment. 

Wow! Hello 3rd Trimester!

In some ways this pregnancy has just dragged on. But to think about the fact that as of Saturday (9/7) I will have just 90 days left is mind-blowing! Only 90 days until we see the face of our baby boy. When Fuss is no longer and only child.

I am still back-and-forth on the final decision of VBAC or RCS. On one hand, I really want to try for a VBAC. I feel like I was robbed of the chance with Fuss. The doctors are now starting to push more for a repeat C-section. Reiterating the risks over and over. Telling me that I will have a full staff in the OR and an anesthesiologist the second I go into the hospital until delivery "just in case I need it." I hate feeling forced. So far the docs have been accommodating. Pre-E hasn't even begun to show up! I'm still leery of that, however, odds are that I won't have it again.

I have another ultrasound scheduled at the end of the month because of a low-lying placenta. If it moved up, like it should have, I will be "cleared" to try for a VBAC. If it hasn't, I will be given no option as the likelihood of complication like placenta accreta is a lot higher. I do tend to think, though, that most of what they say is just scare tactics.

Of course, on the other hand, I continue to debate because it WILL be a different experience than Fuss's birth as it would be simply checking in, going to L&D/surgery, and being done. I will be scheduled a week before my due date...most likely during Thanksgiving break which is when Blondie is free from school to watch Fuss. Also, I plan to have a tubal ligation and a hernia repair. Both of those could be done at the time of the section instead of having to go under general anesthesia at a later date.

It is a lot to think about, but I am still pushing for a VBAC despite everything else. I'm also afraid of the epidural and if I do a VBAC I can do Stadol or other IV drugs instead to help with pain management (or Bradley/hypnobirthing/etc). So much left to do and decide and so little time to do it in!

You Know You're an Adult When...

Things like getting a new shed seriously makes your day. Hubby and I ordered an Amish-built shed and we are both anxiously awaiting its arrival. We have everything blocked out for where it is going to belong, however we're still waiting on the phone call that it will be delivered. I realize it sounds completely nuts, but we are very excited about it since it will give us A) A spot for Hubby's motorcycle, the mower, and trimmer and B) A whole bunch of extra storage space that we desperately need! Over the last couple of months we have accumulated quite a bit more "stuff" after clearing out Mamaw's house of my old belongings and MIL/FIL's building and acquiring some extra furniture items from there as well as a few collectibles. The lack of space in this house is seriously one of the things that stresses me out.

What are some of your favorite space-saving techniques? One of the things I did recently for Fuss's room was to remove the large bin that was her toy box and buying one of these (not an affiliate link or anything, just something I found and I liked) for her to put her toys in. However, she recently threw a fit over the past weekend and had quite a few toys taken away that she must now earn back. Talk about feeling like a horrible Mommy!

Another thing I did was take some Command Hooks and put them on the sides of Fuss's toddler bed for her to hang her princess dresses on. I really LOVE how that turned out! And she loves that she has her dresses all hung up nicely where she can reach them whenever she wants to play with them.

Do you have any other creative ideas for storage and organization in a small space? We will soon have 2 children in 1 room for a while. We definitely need all the help we can get!

#Win a $75 Amazon GC from We're Parents and Babyroues

Welcome to the $75 Amazon Giftcard Giveaway 

Courtesy of babyroues 

hosted by: We're Parents!?

Everyone can use a few extra dollars, especially when it comes to baby gear. So, here is a giveaway to help out with all those things that you have to buy for a new baby!
*babyroues Strollers*

simple lightweight compact

babyroues is proud to introduce the first compact and lightweight luxurious infant-to-toddler Bassinet and Stroller system, which uses the highest technological quality workmanship and safety features available.  For your ultimate convenience the stroller and bassinet have a Dual-facing capability.  It's ONE OF A KIND folding mechanism allows for the bassinet and stroller to fold while attached to the stroller too!  This system will WOW you and your baby from infancy through toddler.  

Prices for this luxury stroller start at just $550 for the LeTour with upgrade options available for the LeTour Lux and Special Collectors Edition LeTour Argent. 

Enter using the Giveaway Tools form below.  Good Luck!

Open Worldwide!!  Ends 9/10/13 at 11:59 PM EST.

Entry-Form

Disclosure: No compensation was received in exchange for hosting this giveaway.  The participating bloggers are not responsible for prize fulfillment.