Oh Baby.

It's officially been one month since I've done a blog post.  Yikes!  From now on I'm going to try and post atleast a few times a week.  So here's a recap of what I've been up to:

First, very very busy with Camdyn!  She is just so precious, and everyday she changes and grows and it's just blowing my mind.  I'm really trying to enjoy every single moment with her, because everyone tells me it goes by way to fast, and so far, they are correct.  I wish I could freeze time for a little while (except, of course, when she's screaming at the Fry's deli, in line at Starbucks, or when I'm trying to sleep!).  Babies are amazing - and yes, my life has changed, but it's so for the better I can't even describe it.

People say that once you have a baby your relationship changes.  I wanted to discuss this for a bit here.  For me and John, honestly, nothing has changed.  We still miss eachother during the day while he's working (not gonna lie, I was sorta scared he would just miss baby!  And she is so cute so it's not like I could blame him!), talk on the phone lots, go on dates, sit on the patio and chat while baby's sleeping, fall asleep to movies, etc. We still run most of our errands together, only now with a baby in tow!  He still holds my hand in the car and tells me he loves me all the time.  We cook dinner together, walk to the yogurt shop, and daydream about where we want to travel and where we would love to retire to!  And not to be too positive or mushy, because let's face it, that's just not me, we still fight just like we did before too! :)  

The reason John and I are still the same is we MAKE it that way.  Your marriage should always be your first priority.  A favorite quote of mine is: "The best thing a father can do for his daughter is to love her mother."  Along those lines, the best thing you can do for your children is to put your spouse first.  This will give them a real example of what true love really is.

So let's see....a few things I've been up to lately include:

• John and I celebrated our 1 year anniversary.  We went to Talking Stick Resort and ate at the buffet and gambled a bit.  We lost our money, but a guy gambling next to us gave us each $100, so we ended up profiting from this trip LOL!
• I started an amazing work from home job on June 1st.  I write articles for Sheknows from the comfort of my couch and with my baby next to me.  This was a HUGE blessing - and a million thanks go out to my bff Christina! *More on this in a separate post so you can see exactly what I've been doing*
• anddd...last but absolutely not least....my bff Kendra (she blogs over at Simply Stated - Kendra) got ENGAGED!!!!  Dave proposed on their one year anniversary at the same restaurant where they had their first date.  He is such an amazing guy and I couldn't be happier for Kendra that she gets to spend the rest of her life with him!  He puts her first, loves her with all his heart, treats her like a princess, and makes her laugh.  They are such a wonderful couple and I'm so excited for them!  Also on that note, Kendra picked me to be her Matron of Honor!! I can't wait to help Kendra with anything and everything she needs, and stand right by her side on her big day.  Congrats, Kendra!!  *Also, there will be a TON more posts involving this coming, so stay tuned!* 

And I'll leave you with a few pictures of Camdyn.  I guess another thing I've been up to is photographing my lil babe.  I'm completely obsessed with taking pictures of my little "beauty queen" (as my mom calls her lol):

<3 Family <3

Feed me, Mom!!

This is when she first started getting chunky!

6 weeks old!  Beautiful, happy baby!

CAMDYN IS HERE!!

So this is definitely a little late and I apologize, but having a baby is definitely time-consuming!  Especially at first since you're also recovering from labor (btw, no one ever tells you how painful it is!).

Camdyn Ellie Brooks was born on May 10th at 11:44am.  My water broke at 2:00am and John and I rushed to the hospital.  Driving over there was very surreal - and even now when I drive past the hospital I tear up!  I started having contractions around 2:30 and my oh my those are PAINFUL!  Anyone who is able to give birth naturally is literally my hero!  I got an epidural around 4:30am and that was a gift from God.  Pain = Gone!  I was able to talk and laugh with John and the nurses while waiting to progress more into labor.  Around 6:30am nurses came rushing in and hooked me up to oxygen.  They said the baby's heart beat dropped and they were concerned.  They gave me a huge ball to put between my legs to get her in a better position.  This (the oxygen mask and ball) happened twice before I could start pushing.  Little Camdyn was head first, but was slightly turned, so they wanted this to be corrected before pushing.

At 10:00am, I began pushing.  Even with an epidural, that is probably the hardest thing I've EVER done.  I kept telling the nurses that with my next pregnancy I'm going to work out that way I can push better.  It was the most out of shape I've ever felt!  After 15 min I thought I was going to die...but continued to power through for almost two hours before she was born! 

Poor baby came out blue and wasn't crying.  This scared the crap out of me.  Was something wrong with her?  Why wasn't she crying?  I kept asking the nurses and doctors if she was ok, and they kept saying "yes," but still...no crying.  I hadn't read much at all about labor and one could definitely say I was unprepared, but I knew for a fact that a baby is supposed to cry as soon as they're born.  More nurses/doctors rushed in and hooked Camdyn up to oxygen and got her breathing.  She still never really cried, but thank God she is ok :)

The rest of the stay is pretty much a blur.  Doctors and nurses in and out of the room checking on both me and Camdyn.  The staff at the hospital was AMAZING though.  They were great at comforting me and helping me with everything.  I give my birth an A+ for that reason, even though it was "traumatic" for both me and Camdyn.

Leaving for the hospital!



Last picture of me pregnant



In hospital bed, this must have been after epidural since I am smiling



Hooked up to oxygen and with that giant ball between my legs



John and I waiting to see Camdyn



Baby Camdyn - 6 lbs 7 oz and 19 3/4" long

First family photo :)  My world <3

Tuna Salad Recipe

Last night I wanted to make an easy, yet delicious, dinner.  After looking through my pantry and discovering tuna fish, I decided to make a tuna pasta salad.  It's a cold pasta salad so perfect for summer!  I googled a few recipes and asked my mom how she makes hers, and came up with my own rendition:

Tuna Pasta Salad:

- 1 box medium shells
- 6 hard boiled eggs (I hate boiling eggs!  My mom told me Costco now sells them already hard boiled!  That is reason in itself to renew my membership)
- 2 cans tuna fish (most recipes called for 5 cans but I only had two and figured that would be fine)
- 3 stalks celery, very finely chopped
- 1 small onion, very finely chopped (I would recommend half an onion as mine was a little overpowering)
- green onion, finely chopped
- mayo
- tons of salt and pepper

1.  Cook pasta according to directions
2.  Hard boil eggs / peel / chop
3.  Chop celery, onion, and green onion
4.  Combine all ingredients, including tuna fish (or you can use chicken)
5.  Add mayo (no set amount, just add it until it's good for your liking.  I personally do NOT like mayo very much so I don't add a lot)
6.  Stir everything together / season with salt & pepper / refrigerate for an hour / EAT!

Definitely a pretty easy and cheap recipe.  We have lots of leftovers too so it'll make for some yummy lunches and snacks in the upcoming days.

And here are a few photos of me at 39 weeks pregnant.  I haven't felt well at all today - feeling very nauseas and completely exhausted (more so than usual).  Maybe it's a sign labor is coming!!

39 Weeks...

So I'm officially 39 weeks today!  Due date is ONE WEEK away (or sooner!).  Well, errr...or later :/  John and I's one-year wedding anniversary is May 21st...so I'm *really* hoping I can avoid her being born on THAT day!  The doctor said a few weeks ago that they induce after 40 weeks, and as long as your body is cooperating (meaning you are dilated/effaced I'm assuming), they will let you decide the day.  Ok - that being said I pick the day I'm 40 weeks and 1 day - May 15th! :)  BTW at last appointment I was 3 cm dilated and 80% effaced!

We had a great weekend!  Friday night had dinner with my parents and some of their friends, followed by delicious Yogurtology.  Saturday John had a few bids in downtown Phoenix, so I decided to tag along so he could take me to Mary Coyles - the BEST old fashioned icecream shop ever!  Then walked around the mall for awhile in hopes of getting Camdyn to drop...unsuccessful...still pregnant.  Sunday same thing - mall walking in hopes of getting baby to drop.  Today I will probably be hitting the mall yet again to get my walking in!  I would walk elsewhere, but it's VERY hot outside...especially for being pregnant.  Mall is the only place I can think of where I can actually get some exercise.

Poor hubby is out working all the way in Gold Canyon, this week and last week.  Yup, Gold Canyon is the city where the candles come from, so that's pretty cool!  But it's also so far away he doesn't have cell phone service!  **Side note - he DOES receive texts somehow, so if I go into labor he'll be getting a text and coming back, no worries!**  Being that far makes for some VERY long days for him, so I'll try and make sure house is clean and dinner is ready when he's home so he can relax. 

Now for Pregnancy Update:

How far along? 39 Weeks and counting...

Total weight gain: 35 lbs exactly.  I'll probably end up gaining 40 total which isn't tooo bad.  Next pregnancy I will definitely watch what I eat a little more.
Maternity clothes? Nope, just longer tank tops and jean shorts now since it's so hot.  My jean shorts are just a few sizes bigger.  Baby is so high up that I can even button them!
Stretch marks? nope!
Sleep: A lot better, actually.  I wake up about 4-6 times to pee, but I fall back to sleep right away which has been nice.  I need my rest NOW before Camdyn is here!
Best moment this week: Being 1 week from my due date
Miss Anything? not really lol - maybe not being completely exhausted just from walking up the stairs haha
Movement: it's slowed a lot lately.  I feel her a tiny tiny bit in the morning, then in the evenings she moves, but other than that she's pretty comfy I'm guessing
Food cravings: lately it's been junk food.  I'll admit, I had 4 paradise bakery cookies two days in a row last week, plus had Sprinkles cupcakes and desserts from another yummy bakery, Sweet Tooth Fairy :)  man i'm actually surprised i haven't gained MORE weight lol! 
Anything making you queasy or sick: anything that smells bad
Gender: Girl
Labor Signs: nothing really :(
Symptoms: just the usual
Belly Button in or out? out
Wedding rings on or off? on - I haven't swelled really at all.  Feet get a tiny bit swollen if I walk a lot, but even then I am the only one who notices it
Happy or Moody most of the time: happy!!  except in the mornings - for some reason i'm very cranky in the morning and then am fine as the day progresses
Looking forward to: feeling that first super painful contraction - then I know I'm close!

Satur-Date

Last Saturday, John and I decided it'd be fun to have a Day Date!  We decided this for two reasons: 1) Obviously, this could have been our last weekend "just the two of us" - update, it probably won't be, and 2) Having an entire day off together has been rare throughout our entire relationship, so we figured we'd take advantage of the opportunity!

We slept in, then decided to have lunch, go shopping, and see The Five Year Engagement. 

First stop: Smash Burger!  My FAVORITE place as of lately.  I get the Kids Meal ($3.99!) and upgrade to the Smash Fries.  They are regular fries but with olive oil and rosemary.  SO GOOD.

John being a boy and TEXTING on our date!!  How rude!!  I quickly forgave him though as he reminded me that he's seeing a "chick flick" for me :)

In the theater.  I must add that John and I almost always wear matching clothes unintentionally (see pics below as well).  It's either a sign that we're REALLY meant to be...or maybe just bland, boring dressers?

This is actually the following morning at Hot Bagels - our new favorite breakfast place!  Anyone who lives in Glendale must try it!

And John...yup, both wearing the same white T-Shirt...

Overall, we had a great weekend.  Sunday we got up early and drove to Queen Creek to pick up our FREE washer/dryer!!  Thank you times a million to Beth & Dennis and Christina & Chad!  The dryer ended up having an electrical issue - I think it had a three-prong plug but needed a four-prong plug for our house - so my dad came over yesterday and re-wired it for us.  Works like a charm now!  As a Thank You to my parents, John and I took them to Famous Dave's for dinner last night.  I forgot to take pictures, but we all had a great time!  It's definitely nice living so close to my family!

And now of course we've just been waiting for lil Camdyn to make her debut!  Yesterday I found a Fisher Price Newborn Sleeper/Rocker at Target on sale, and just had to get it!  We don't have a bassinet, and truth be told I wasn't really fond of spending money on one when she has a giant crib a few feet away.  This looked PERFECT and got great reviews.  I'll keep everyone posted on if Camdyn likes it!  It looks cozy though...I actually wish they made these things for adults lol!



38 Weeks + Update

It's been awhile since I've posted.  Lots been going on - last Wednesday I had my 37 week dr appointment and found out I am 2.5 cm dilated and 70% effaced!  Dr said the baby could literally come any day now!  6 days later, still no baby :( lol.  I've completely cleaned and organized her room, kept the house clean, and sorta started packing hospital bag (well, layed out the bag and thought of what I want to put in it!) for when she comes!  I've also tried to speed things along by running up and down the stairs, going for walks every night, drinking raspberry leaf tea, and eating spicy foods.  Still nothing.  I'm realizing that little Camdyn is going to come when SHE wants to, not when I want her to :)

John and I spent Saturday having a "Date Day" - more on that later - as it very well could have been our last weekend as just the two of us.  Sunday we picked up our free washer/dryer (thanks Beth & Christina!!) and came home to find our Schnauzer having severe tooth pain.  I took him to the dr yesterday and he's going in for surgery today to have some teeth pulled.  $500 later, I'm sure he'll be fine.  Definitely even more grateful now that we got a free washer/dryer!

So here is my 38 week update:

How far along? 38 Weeks

Total weight gain: lost 1/2 a lb at my last appointment...we'll see where I'm at tomorrow.  Probably still around 33 lbs total gained though.
Maternity clothes? Not lately, actually. I have long shirts that I wear, and I've been living in jean shorts that are just a few sizes bigger than what I normally wear. And of course T-shirts and soffie shorts to lounge around the house in.
Stretch marks? nope!
Sleep: Well, we got our fan installed in our bedroom so two nights ago I slept like a rock.  Last night, I was worried about Duke and had a lot on my mind, plus I have to pee about 6x/night, so I don't think I fell asleep at all actually.
Best moment this week: Finding out baby could come anyday!
Miss Anything? hmmm not really this week
Movement: yup! very active little girl.  She's been moving more so than usual...not sure if that means she's coming or setting up camp in my belly!
Food cravings: OJ has been my main craving, other than that I'm always up for anything
Anything making you queasy or sick: anything that smells bad
Gender: Girl
Labor Signs: minor contractions here and there
Symptoms: Just tired
Belly Button in or out? out
Wedding rings on or off? on
Happy or Moody most of the time: lately I feel like I've been happier, but I do cry randomly over small little things that really shouldn't make a person cry
Looking forward to: coming home with Camdyn!

37 Weeks - Full Term

So I am officially full-term with this pregnancy, meaning baby could come anytime and will be as healthy as can be!  Most first-time mom's deliver a few days to a week late, though, so I'm not expecting to have her anytime soon.

  

Here's a little survey:

How far along? 37 Weeks

Total weight gain: 33 lbs - yikes!!  Doctor said a lot of times smaller women gain a little bit more weight.
Maternity clothes? Not lately, actually.  I have long shirts that I wear, and I've been living in jean shorts that are just a few sizes bigger than what I normally wear.  And of course T-shirts and soffie shorts to lounge around the house in.
Stretch marks? nope!
Sleep: not the best.  I fall asleep relatively quickly, but then wake up about 3-4 times to go to the bathroom and never go back to sleep.  I then get up at 6 with my husband and attempt to go back to sleep at 7, but the neighbor dogs bark ALL morning long, so I normally just lay there.
Best moment this week: Baby Shower for sure!!! 
Miss Anything? Sleep! Granted, I've never been a good sleeper.  I do miss my pre-pregnancy body though lol
Movement: tons, especially in the evenings.  I think she's trying to come out my belly button!
Food cravings: OJ has been my main craving, other than that I'm always up for anything
Anything making you queasy or sick: nope
Gender: Girl
Labor Signs: No
Symptoms: Just tired
Belly Button in or out? out
Wedding rings on or off? on
Happy or Moody most of the time: haha both :)  mostly happy but I also do get very moody randomly
Looking forward to: meeting our little girl in a few weeks!!