Welcome Baby Gabrielle!

Hey Beauties!!

Long time, no post! As most of you know by now I had my baby girl! Gabrielle Marie arrived on April 4, 2014- and since her arrival blogging has been near impossible! She's almost a month now and we are getting the hang of things so we are working our way back into the blogosphere! I had recorded some videos the weekend before I had her so I will be editing and posting those first but this week I am planning to film a postpartum update and a meet my baby/labor and delivery story! So look out for that! 

I've got a ton of new products for review and for some gorgeous spring/summer tutorials and I am going to take my baby girl's nap times to make those happen lol! I've gotten all of your requests and I will be working on those as well- so please be patient with me - I will get to them!

I just wanted to thank you all for sticking with me even though I haven't been able to keep up with my regular schedule during this time. It means the world- and so do all of your kind words and support! 

Now for some cuteness overload....meet my sweet baby Elle...

XoXo,

Amanda

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What's in my hospital bag?!

Hey Beauties!

This week I am sharing What's in my hospital bag!? I am 37 weeks pregnant and we are full term baby! So, it can be any time now...I have no idea when's she's going to come but we are ready for her when she does. 

Sorry, I have been lacking on posts and videos but I am sure you guys understand- I've been really busy with baby stuff in my spare time and I am still working full time :) Which is a blessing in my opinion because I've been doing well enough to do that! 

Anyways- I really was stressing over getting my bag together- should I bring this? Will I need that?! Is this too much?!!? After watching other people's videos, checking checklists on my app, and talking to friends who delivered in the same hospital I felt I had a better idea about what was necessary for us, so I wanted to share with you guys!! I hope this is helpful! 

XoXo,

Amanda

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Beautynthebaby| Weeks 31-34 - Oh yeah! I blog about this...

Ok, so I have been insanely busy lately and this blog has sadly fallen to the bottom of my to do list. Mainly because not a whole lot has been changing- aside from me being HUGE and unable to get comfortable. I have been going to the doctor every other week now for some time and next week will be my first weekly appointment. So, you know what that means?!?Baby girl is getting closer and closer to her debut. I just need her to wait 4 more weeks and then she can do what she likes. Even though I feel like 4 more weeks is just not enough time to get everything done. I have been working on getting her room together- which is coming along nicely  and of course there is the 1 million and 1 things around the house that never bothered me before but all of a sudden I feel like I need it all done before she gets her. And that my friends is nesting...it is real and it is causing me such anxiety! Everything in my life has been put on a to do list and I am having such joy checking them off. 

I have been filming all of the nursery DIY projects and plan on putting them up over the next several weeks. I am also going to film a few more pregnancy related video- pregnancy tips & tricks, what's in my hospital bag?, and a nursery tour. I think that's all I am going to have time for folks. I probably will only be filming a couple of more beauty videos because I think I am getting to a point where I have GOT to slow down. Working full-time, blogging, taking care of my house, prepping for baby, and growing a human are really starting to wear me down. SO, I am trying to slow it down over the next couple of weeks so that I can enjoy the calm before the storm. 

Next weekend is my baby shower and I am really excited about it, except that I can't find a dress! All I want is a cute dress that doesn't make me look like a whale-ephant and is a blush pink color....is that so much to ask for!?! 

Symptoms

HOLY HEARTBURN! This symptom is getting worse and worse- and my bedside tums are NOT helping. I had to stop eating citrus because that was making it worse, which sucks because I love grapefruit and oranges. I also have been trying to avoid spicy food as much as I can. I never thought I would get to this point but being a prisoner of heartburn at night is just not what I need in my life- and no jalapeno can convince me otherwise!

Sleep deprivation has been a major betch lately. I probably get 2 good nights of sleep and that is because I am so exhausted I can't help but to pass out. Between heartburn and the inability get comfortable- unless I have a certain pillows that are arranged in a certain way- I have been really suffering in this department. 

Shortness of breathe has gotten a lot worse- I can't breathe! It's so annoying- I also can barely get up with what feels like a brick laying on my midsection. Okay sorry to be the Debbie Downer- but hey I had a great pregnancy and now I am seeing the dark side... Everything everyone says that is horrible about the 3rd trimester is true! Just know that- and I am only expecting it to get worse.....see Debbie Downer...

Bump Watch

Ok, so the one bonus on waiting so long to write this is you can see the major bump progress. Baby girl is gains about .5 lbs. a week and I definitely can tell.  I am missing week 31 ( I accidentally deleted it while getting it ready for this post and I am so mad about that) and week 32- I 've always had a challenging time remembering to take these and I totally dropped the ball on that one. BUT this is the 1st one I missed my whole pregnancy so far, so I think that's pretty good...with pregnancy brain and all...

I just got home from the gym in this pic! Don't judge me looking a hot mess lol! My stomach only looks bigger in 33 because that shirt is not fitted over it- there is like a gap and borderline belly cleavage- which I have been rocking on accident occasionally lol. 

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Beautynthebaby| Maternity Photos + Baby Name Reveal

Hey Beauties!

Last weekend my husband and I met up with his friend and awesome photographer Jason Rene to capture some beautiful maternity shots. We were so happy with how everything turned out. Jason did a great job collaborating with me about what type of pictures we wanted- while also bringing his own originality to the photos. We got a ton of great shots- so I wanted to share some of them with you all!

We also wanted to share the baby's name- which you will find on the video below <3 We really fell in love with the name but for some reason we were leaving an open mind so we were waiting to share  but at this point we call her this all the time and it just fits!

For more pics....keep scrolling...

Hope you guys love these as much as we did! We had many more pictures but I wasn't going to post all of them and I also posted different pictures in the video- so check that out if you haven't!

 If you are in the Atlanta area and are interested in working with Jason Rene check out his blog HERE for more pictures, his site HERE or contact him by email jasonmlrene@yahoo.com

XoXo,

Amanda 

Please do not share these pictures without asking permission and crediting the photographer. Thanks in advance!

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Beautynthebaby | Week 29 & 30 - Failed Glucose Test....

These last couple of weeks have been super busy and I have started becoming super tired!

I am now on a bi-weekly appointment schedule and at my last appointment I had to take the initial glucose test- which I failed by 1 STINKING POINT! I was like really?!? You couldn't have suggested that I skip out on my orange juice that morning. Anyways, I had to go back the following week (in between my appointments) and take a 3 HOUR glucose test! Which was HORRIBLE! Pretty much a 3 hour torture session. I had to drink that flat orange soda flavored sugar drink-which was way worse than the first one- and I had to get 4 blood draws. I seriously was on the verge of vomitting an hour into the test, I did everything in my power not to. The nurse must have noticed, because she came over to tell me she was watching me and if I did throw up I would have to come back another day and re-take it. I was the drink and 2 blood draws in so I was not about to have that. Anyway- I got my results today and they came back negative!! YAY!!! 

I also got some administrative stuff out of the way- I ordered my breast pump through my insurance, we are touring the hospital at the end of the month, the maternity shoot is scheduled for Feb 9th,  baby shower plans are under way ( I am not throwing it but I am there to help with input when asked), and we have appointments to meet some pediatricians for baby. Sigh, I love being productive! My list is getting shorter!

We are making a lot of progress in the baby gear/roomdepartment as well- and I am SO happy about that. I am such a control freak and once I have something on my to do list I cannot be satisfied until I can scratch it of. LOL that is a secret joy of mine. Travel system- check, bassinet- check, changing table-check, crib ordered-check, room painted-check....making me a very happy mommy to be to have some of this stuff out of the way. We still need quite a few more things though.. 

This past weekend I got together with my mom and her bestie to get some of our DIY projects done. They all came out exactly how I pictured and I am more than pleased with them. Thank goodness my mom is frickin Marth Stewart and lives for this stuff because she's been a huge help.  I filmed and took pics so I will be posting those if you are interested in some How To's - they were pretty easy. I will give you guys a sneak peek at the projects down below. We worked on glitter vases using 2 methods (the silver ones are actually for my vanity room), frames for the frame wall (duh),glitter  letters for her name, and we assembled some of the tissue poms I ordered from Etsy.  Next on our list, Tutu crib skirt!!

Speaking of Etsy, BOY have I been racking up on there! I have ordered headbands, a tutu, and some stuff to decorate in her room. It's very addicting..however after I receive things and give them a good look over I am sure I could have made them myself. LOL not that they are poor quality or anything but super challenging they are not!

Symptoms

I am truly starting to feel the discomforts of pregnancy- while they are bearable- I still have about 2 more months and I know they will get worse. I am finally starting to get hit with exhaustion, but I am not sure if it's from getting tired easier or the fact that I get NO sleep most nights! I will be so tired all day, then all of a sudden I cannot fall asleep at night. It's really annoying actually- not to mention once I finally get into a good sleep I just have to get up to pee. Overall, getting comfortable is task that has been affecting my sleep as well. I've been trying a lot of different pillow arrangements because my pregnancy pillow isn't getting it anymore. I still use it, but I have added 2 pillows to the mix...it's actually like a complicated science. 

Indigestion has been my biggest enemy this trimester. I can't dodge it- I just sleep with tums bedside. Which reminds me, I need to re-up.  At my last doctor's appointment they told me I was anemic and I will be adding iron pills to my regimen....not looking forward to the possibility of constipation. Hopefully, I can avoid that one!

Bump Watch

I've been getting a lot of mixed opinions on my bump- not to mention some unwelcome opinions lol. Everything from "You're about to pop" to "You're small for 30 weeks"...I am like so which is it?!? I always welcome the comments about me being small lol but I think it is a little rude to ask a pregnant woman how much weight she's gained or to make her feel like she is huge! We already feel that way ok, and even if that its your perception maybe you should keep it to yourself because it's not going to change anything. End Rant. 

I haven't been getting out much so I don't have any OOTD fun pics. I get dolled up for videos but that's it and I have pajama pants on during those lol.  But I included an ever so rare bare belly pic!

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Beautynthebaby| 2nd Trimester Update

Hey Beauties,

I am officially in my third trimester!! Yay, I cannot wait to meet my little princess! I have been on a major baby kick lately too. Like I just want to have everything and have everything ready for my wittle one. Here is the update on how my 2nd trimester went! It was a great one I must say- but nothing feels better than being this much closer to holding The Glam Baby Graham! LOL that' s our nickname for her right now because my grandma says that's her glam baby! SO CUTE!! I've been getting asked about the names, and we do have one but we are kind of still in indecisive so that's why I haven't shared but once we have a solid full name I will tell you guys all about it! Picking the baby's name was NOT an easy task for us. I'll say that much!

XoXo,
Amanda


A pic of my 28 week bump......
 

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Beautynthebaby| Week 24 & 25- What is that?!?!

These last couple have weeks have been flying- I guess we've just been so busy with the holidays and preparations for that. It was kind of a blur to be honest. That and the fact that my pregnancy brain is in full effect and I can't even remember what I wanted to blog about lol. The drawback to doing these biweekly- I need to start taking notes. Let me think...well I am now just a couple weeks away from my 3rd trimester!! SO crazy- I can't even believe that we will be seeing our little angel in 3 months! We're are getting her room going and my mom and I are getting started on some DIY projects. I will probably be taking some pictures and filming some of those to share with you all on here. I am pretty excited about that!


Since we are nearing closer to the final stretch- I had my husband watch a delivery video on YouTube, I picked one that wasn't terrifying to ease him in. Which I am now thinking was a bad idea because after he said that wasn't so bad...how bad can contractions really be?! LOL not the idea I wanted him to get....that this was going to be a walk in the park for me. Meanwhile, I was looking through the videos horrified and like "WHAT IS THAT?!?!"Oh well, I won't hold back next time!
Also, my little munchkin has been kicking and moving a WHOLE lot. Especially in church on Sundays. That's her most active day of the week. My husband can feel it now and not only can we see her little kicks and jabs- we've been able to actually see her move. Which is so strange but amazing at the same time. I just sit back and watch the show at night!
I've still been working out- I am just finding that I am sore for much longer and it works better for me if I go every other day- instead of back to back days. I am really slacking, but I need to get into yoga- ASAP!
Symptoms & Cravings

Let's see, what I have I been craving. Sweets....and more sweets. Horrible I know- but it is the holidays so they are everywhere! I promise to do better after the New Year! I have noticed that I have been getting a lot more lactose induced nausea though. Which explains my lack of interest in cereal and ice cream. It just hasn't been settling well.

All of my recent symptoms have been food related too! I have had indigestion and horrible gas (in the burp form) like non stop burping. It's just so not cute- but most of the time I can't even control it. It just comes out mid-sentence literally. I am also not sure if I am having indigestion or reflux- because most of the time when I eat- I won't even be feel full- but I feel like I am about to puke up my food or something. It's been really annoying. Especially in the evening when I am not moving around as much.

Sleep....who needs it....lol I guess I don't because I haven't been able to fall asleep like I used to. I am still grateful for my pillow because I do get a comfortable rest when I do fall asleep. But I have been finding myself up late most nights. I read in one of my pregnancy books that moms to be get insomnia and that it could be their bodies getting prepped for those sleepless nights with baby. I don't know...sounds legit.


I have also been noticing the swelling more regularly. My feet for sure- almost every evening. My husband rubs them for me- so that's been nice.

BumpWatch

I am getting HUGE! Lol I have lots of pics this week. We will call it my maternity week in fashion ok! I've almost fully converted over to dresses, skirts, and maternity pants. None of my dresses are maternity, but my non maternity pants are so uncomfortable under my belly. I'll wear them but I really prefer no to. Also, at 6  months I am finding that shirts aren't long enough anymore and I need new workout clothes! 

Outfit 1: Liz Lange Maternity Skirt| Target
Mama Tank| H&M
Cardigan| TJ Maxx
Necklace| Forever 21
Boots| Just Fab
Outfit 2: Brown Sweater Dress| BCBG
Black Cardigan| Target
Boots| Forever 21
Leopard Scarf| Ross
Outfit 3: Black Sweater Dress| BCBG
Cardigan| Old Navy
Boots|Forever 21
Maternity Tights| H&M
Outfit 4: Faux Leather Panel Leggings|Forever 21
Liz Lange Maternity Shirt| Target
Boots| Just Fab
Necklace| cannot remember- sorry!

Holiday Party Outfit
Faux Leather Leggings| Forever 21
Love 21 Blouse| Forever 21
Nude Pumps| Steve Madden
Luxury For Princess Hair Extensions
use code AMANDA for a discount

One of my last gym shirts that doesn't stop short lol!




XoXo,
Amanda

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Beautynthebaby| Week 22 & 23- Are we there yet?!?

So close, yet so far. I really feel like I've come so far in my pregnancy- but why does it feel like I still have an eternity more to go? Oh right, because I do lol- I am just about a month beyond that half way point. Which brings me to the question of the hour- why is translating weeks to months during pregnancy so damn difficult?!? I just turned 24 weeks- logically I would say I'm 6 months and I am claiming that! But some people say 26 weeks marks 6 months or that it is a range between 23-28 weeks....what?!? I don't have time for that and math isn't my thing. BUT if pregnancy is 40 weeks- I am concluding that to be 10 months, therefore I am six months ...right?!?! Anyways this isn't about my 24th week but it's been on my mind.

Which leads me to the much more exciting news...my husband was finally able to feel her kick at the end of the 23rd week! And not only can he feel her but we can see those little kicks too. He's so happy about it and I am really happy that we can finally share that. I really can't help but giggle when I see it because it's very surreal but exciting. That's like her way of communicating lol even though we don't know what it means except maybe...HEY! I'm in here! I love it!!

In baby prep news....I am feeling a bit annoyed because I'm searching high and low for my color scheme. I want to do gray, cream, and peach. You would think that peach is the devil or something....like WHY can't I find anything?!? I guess I am pretty particular too because I want it to be soft and and I don't want any animals!! OK.... no characters and no florals... it's been a challenge- but I think I have stumbled upon a set that I like and that has my colors. My mom is on crib duty and my husband will be working on the baby room over Christmas-he's got time off and a lot of work to do lol....he doesn't know how much yet...

Symptoms & Cravings 

Cereal has finally taken a backseat on my list of cravings. This is probably for the better because my preference was for the sugary kid cereal. I still like pizza though...other than that- nothing crazy. I just lean towards unhealthier foods, not that I didn't like that before but my will power was much stronger!!

Symptoms...well let's see I feel like normal mostly. Except the gas and also not really tolerating lactose....yet I continue to eat it then feel like I'm going to vomit.... Swelling and gas....what's better than that? LOL honestly I can't complain and I can deal with it.

..right?!? 
Other thing that's been going on in this department is that I have been on stretch mark watch! I haven't gotten any pregnant related ones...yet...and I am hoping to keep it that way. I have noticed that the little ones that I had on my hips, prior to pregnancy are fading. They were never that noticeable- but I know they're there of course. Anways, the point is- they are faded and I am pretty excited about it because it gives me hope that A the products I have been using ( Burt's Bees Belly Oil) works and also if I do get any I can get rid of them....HAPPY!!!! I have been consitantly using the oil since I found out I was pregnant- which mean consistency is key. If I wasn't pregnant and trying these products I would have gave up long ago- so I feel like I am getting the ultimate review. I also just picked up some Bio-oil to try, even though I am a little nervous about switching since I feel like the Burt's Bees has been working.... we will see....

BumpWatch

Bumps getting bigger and wardrobe is taking a lot more creativity in order to avoid buying an arsenal of maternity clothes. We will see how much longer I can avoid that-I feel like this girl is going to be a big one!  She's got a mean kick!

LAWD, this belly is real...see for yourself...

Top| Target (in Juniors section)
Maternity Treggings| H&M
Boots| Just Fab
Bag| Just Fab

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Beautynthebaby | Week 20 & 21 -The GLAMbaby....

Just an FYI- I am actually 22 weeks- I write this after the week closes...just in case that wasn't evident. I thought of it because I watch update videos and they are usually filmed on the actual week...random and no one cares but I thought I'd clarify. 

On week 19, we finally got to share the gender with our families and with all of you the following week! They all got their cards and loved them. Super excited that I am having a girl- my grandmother affectionately calls her her GLAMbaby.  So cute, I love it! 

I always knew that- one night I had a dream about my aunt that just passed and I had this feeling that I was having a girl! I woke up and told my husband-it's a girl, I feel it. But I didn't want to bank on that feeling and with everyone telling me it was a boy, so when I found out it took a while for it to sink in that it was actually a girl. I just cannot wait for her to get here!!

I definitely feel a greater connection with her, like I knew I would. Not only is it because we know a little more about the munchkin- but she's getting bigger and stronger and I can feel her so much! It is really the greatest feeling ever and it instantly puts a smile on my face.

Something else that has been putting a smile on my face- SHOPPING!! I can finally get stuff knowing that it's a girl! I am starting a little collection- in addition to the huge collection my mom has already accumulated (first grand baby = spoiled rotten). Every morning when I see her little onsies or shoes I just cannot help but touch them and imagine them filled with her little tiny body! Ok, I'll stop being so mushy! LOL I guess it's one of those hormonal days!

Anyways, I have still been keeping up with my workouts and I have noticed that my body starts getting a little more resistant after a while- like after I am on the elliptical for 30 minutes my sides cramp a bit. I just listen to my body and switch machines. 

In other news, I've been trying to get my head around birthing and have been really wanting to get more knowledge about labor, delivery, and breastfeeding. Not that I didn't want to know that before and I still do have like 4 1/2 months but before I definitely felt like it was too soon. Now I feel like I am ready to explore. In January my husband and I are planning on taking some classes and we will be going on our hospital tour late January. I am confident that I will carry full term, but you never know and I don't want to wait too last minute to prepare for things. 

 I recently watched the movie " The Business of Being Born" and "More of the Business of Being Born," this movie scared me but it was definitely food for thought and I am glad I watched it. They made a lot of valid points and it doesn't hurt to have as much knowledge and perspectives about all of your options.  I do recommend it for mom's, new definitely!

Symptoms & Cravings 

I have been having some serious gas, and I can't say that I am enjoying that. Sometimes it is so painful- like I haven't experienced. Also, burping mid sentence isn't exactly endearing... Blame the bump..I have also been retaining water a bit- I talked to my doctor about it and she did confirm that. I don't feel like I am super swollen, think Kim Kardashian, but I have noticed swelling in my feet, indention all over my body from clothing or anything touching it, and it's increased my weight a bit. I've got to take some responsibility for that though because my doctor was asking about my diet and and the foods that I crave are high in sodium! Soups, sandwiches (sandwich meat), Lean Cuisine pizzas... so I am going to make a bigger effort to watch that intake. I also am going to give up on my sugary cereals. I haven't been craving them as much so I think I am ok with that. My latest craving that I have yet to indulge is Oreo Cheesecake....OMG I am dying for some. I think I will let myself have a few oreos and milk instead and see if that kills it!

BumpWatch

I am still fascinated at how different my bump looks from week to week. It's not just a progression like you would think. Sometimes it looks smaller then the week before. It must be the water retention... who knows.... I am measuring a week behind- but my doctor said that's ok and we are on target!!

and some OOTD pics...

.

What I wore to see Best Man Holiday last weekend

Sweater: Forever21

Jeggings: JCPenny juniors (old, non-maternity)

Boot: Just Fab

 

and a work outfit from this past week..

Sweater: Pink Blush Maternity

Tank: Express

Jeans: Target (old, non-maternity)

Shoes: Target

 This sweater was sent to me from Pink Blush Maternity- they've got some great and AFFORDABLE fashion finds!! LOVE their site!!

XoXo,
Amanda

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My First Maternity Haul

Hey Beauties,

So, I have had to focus my shopping on clothes instead of makeup lately due to the growing belly! Here are some of my finds for my first maternity haul- NOT everything is actually maternity but it is BUMP friendly ;)

Let me know if there are any great places for maternity/transition clothing! I need all the help I can get!

Hope this is helpful!
XoXo,
Amanda

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