Baby Prep: Big Sister Day

Remember when I talked about preparing baby number one for baby number two? Well as the weeks roll on I am slowly but surely gathering things for Savannah's Big Sister gift. I haven't quite decided on how we're going to celebrate her becoming a Big Sister. I'm thinking I may do a small play date here at home or maybe I'll treat her and a close friend to Chuck E. Cheese one morning. We shall see.

I've been trying to think of fun things to do with her leading up to the baby's birth. We'll be making a Big Sister necklace or a bracelet with noodles and a free printable I found on Pinterest. 

I also found her a super cute Carter's tee on eBay. I initially wanted to get her a different shirt but when I placed my order for clothes for the baby I forgot to add her shirt. Luckily, I was able to find another shirt that I really loved. She is going to be so cute at the hospital!

Another thing I've been working on is building her Big Sister bag. She had been asking me for a backpack (Thanks to Dora) for a while and I figured now would be a good time to get her one. We sat down at the computer together and designed one on the Pottery Barn Kids website. Once she was done picking out what she wanted I ordered the bag and it was here in a few days. Super easy!!! I plan to fill her backpack with fun things and snacks that will keep her occupied while at the hospital. Some of the ideas I had were DVDs (there are DVD players in the Labor and Delivery rooms), disposable camera, play dough, activity book with crayons, candy, Goldfish and maybe a couple other items. My plan is to give her the bag when she comes in to meet her brother for the first time. We will tell her it's a Big Sister gift from her baby brother. 

What else do you think would be fun items for her backpack? I feel like I'm missing something!

Guest Post: Cheaper by the Family

Cheaper by the family

One vs many 

Having a family to pay for isn’t always as expensive as you might initially presume. If you really think about it, there’s a huge amount of discount available if you aren’t going at it alone. Carrying the full burden of a mortgage, holidays and bills all adds up and single people spend more than  £250,000 over the course of their life than those who are a couple or family. 

In fact, there are heaps of occasions to note that charge more for singles than the 2 point 4 children package. Think about food; buy one get one free and bulk-buying etc are all specifically catered for a larger household. If you are the only one in your house, these offers would generally leave you with too much produce that you struggle to consume before the best by date. 

Holiday for, more than one...

This theory translates to the holiday option too. As many people are opting to stay on our own soil for their vacation getaways, there is an infinite amount of money to be saved, if you’re not going alone... 

There are the obvious savings like shared petrol expenses, kids go, or eat free options that are cropping up everywhere, family railcards and bulk ticket buying for all those activities, admissions and adventures. In fact, in this day and age, having a family is almost a money saving incentive! At least parents are being helped by the public, if from nowhere else. 

Here’s to having a family

As one of the top British holiday destinations, Blackpool has so much to offer for families of all ages. There’s Madame Tussauds, Blackpool Tower Dungeons, The Pleasure Beach, The Illuminations, Sea Life and much, much more. As even more of an incentive to go on holiday and save a fortune with your family, the AN in Blackpool as of the 2^nd May 2013 have just launched Blackpool Resort Passes specifically designed for families to give discount access to some of  Blackpool’s top attractions. There’s heaps of add on options to enable you and your family the best catered package for the activities, travel and entertainment you require. 

You may be thinking what’s the catch and what about accommodation, that’s always expensive right? Wrong. You’re not going to believe your luck when we tell you that you even save money by having a family to bed and board. There are very cheap hotels in Blackpool from Travelodge which have family rooms for the same price as a double, unbelievable right!

 It’s definitely not looking good for all the singles out there, but it’s starting to sound like the universe is taking the side of the more the merrier and congratulating you for your family, enabling you to have and enjoy the cheap summer holiday that you all deserve. Who would have thought that having a family would actually save you money and allow you to go on holiday for a bargain and a half.

Pregnancy Update & Chic Bump Watch: 31 Weeks

weight gain so far ~ 14 pounds

Savannah and I just got home from another visit at the hospital. I went in for my Non-Stress Test and a growth scan. I also had to give blood and pick up the jug for another twenty four hour urine test. The twenty four hour urine test tests for pre eclampsia. We were at the hospital for a total of three hours so we were both very excited and happy when we left.

My blood pressure has spiked up a little again. It had been normal until this week. During my NST the monitor has been picking up very light contractions. I can't feel them and apparently they are normal. I never had them with Sav so it's a little weird knowing you're having contractions and not being able to feel them. During my growth scan baby boy and all my fluids looked great and there are no concerns from my Doctor. Can I just say that technology is so amazing? Ultrasounds machines and all the different machines and computers that are out there to help with pre-natal care is crazy. 

Before leaving the hospital I was finally given a tour of labor and delivery. I had to ask several times before I was given one and I'm glad I was persistent. I learned so much. I mainly wanted a tour so that I could better plan for Savannah's time at the hospital. I wanted to see how much space we'd be working with and what all the amenities were for families. To my surprise there were lots of things to help with having a little one at the hospital. The rooms are extremely spacious for one and they all come with cable TV and DVD players. The DVD will come in very handy while Savannah is visiting. The Mother and Baby wing also offers a kitchenette area that comes fully stocked with all kinds of child friendly goodies. They had everything you could think of that a young big brother or sister would want or need. There was milk, juice, applesauce, pudding cups, ice cream bars, popsicles...you name it! It's all free too. That's going to help out so much. Of course I will have packed her own snacks but there's nothing better than a free plan B.

I'll continue to go in for my NSTs two times a week in addition to my regular Doctor's appointments. We are getting close! We set up our baby boy's crib a couple weeks ago. My husband pulled all the baby gear out of storage and it's clean and ready to go. All I need to do now is wash all of his clothes and install his car seat. 

Friday Funny: The Mother's Day Edition

Happy Mother's Day Ladies!!! I hope you enjoy your weekend and the funnies below!

Chic Celeb Mom: Kim Kardashian

I know the title on this alone is going to make some of you roll your eyes. It's okay. Roll away. Since I have been pregnant during the same time as some of the most famous women in the world I've been doing a lot of style watching. I've been watching everyone from Princess Kate to Kim Kardashian. Everyone has their own since of style and I've enjoyed watching all the celeb bumps hit the red carpet.

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Kim Kardashian has been getting it from all sides during her pregnancy and I feel bad for her. Mainly because when you're pregnant you never know how your body will respond. You don't know how you're going to physically change. I think all women want to still feel like themselves while pregnant and one of the ways to do that is by your personal style. With that being said many people would argue that she can afford to dress a different way. Critics and tabloid magazines would say that she should be wearing more maternity friendly outfits.

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For the record. Unless you are in Kim K.'s body how do you know what is comfortable to her. If you watch her on her show or in the press you know that her look is one that embraces her curvy body. Did you really think that would change? Did you really think she was going to wear flats every single day? You're an idiot if you did. As someone who is pregnant right now I can tell you that I've still been wearing heels and non-maternity clothes that hug my growing bump. 

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The media has been having a field day with her. If she's comfortable with the way she looks then what is the big deal. Not to mention that some of her looks really haven't been that bad. If she wasn't pregnant there would be no story. I'm so over hearing about what this woman should and should not be wearing. I'll be so glad when she has her baby so that the focus can be shifted to something else. And can I remind these tabloids that you guys will be the same media outlets clamoring for the rights to the first pics of her baby. So. Choose your insults wisely because I'm pretty sure Kris Jenner is going to charge an extra milli for every negative story you write about her main money maker. 

The Terrible Whose (Twos)

Whew. This past week has been very eye opening. Up to this point we have totally avoided any terrible two type behavior. In fact, I don't even call it the terrible twos. I call it the terrible whose because I would like to know whose child this is. Whose child is this because my little Savannah doesn't have her sass turned on all the time.

Don't get me wrong she is definitely sassy and has her moments like most children but the frequency of these moments of sass has been increasing over the week. I can not take it. I've heard a lot of people say that they never experienced the terrible twos. Lately I've heard people say they had a terrible third year. Since we're only a few months away from Savannah's third birthday I can only wonder if that's where we're headed. 

Since we're only in the beginning stages I haven't seen a full on tantrum yet. Right now I've just been hearing a lot of "No!", "Why?" and "Why not?". I have to admit sometimes it makes me chuckle. However,  it's only cute or funny for so long. I have got to nip this new level of sass in the bud. It's hard because I feel like she inherited this attitude. That's no excuse though. 

I'm starting to figure out how to deal with it. I don't want her behavior to get too out of hand. I know some people will say "She'll grow out of it." or "All kids go through this.". I honestly can't wait for her to ride this wave out. She needs to know what is and what isn't acceptable behavior. If I don't teach her that than who will? How have you dealt with behavior changes with your small child? 

Chic Style: eShakti's Spring Collection for Mother's Day

Happy Friday!! I for one am very happy it's the weekend. This is our first day of the week being home and I am not complaining. I'll be spending this unusually chilly San Antonio day hanging out with my mini me and of course doing some things around the house. I start my speaking appearances with the HEB Little Texans tour on Sunday. With a full week ahead of me I thought it would be a good idea to get my outfits together for the week.

I need an outfit for Sav's recital tomorrow, three outfits for my speaking engagements and something for Mother's Day. Can you believe it's Mother's Day already? I can't. This year is literally flying by. I plan to wear a dress that I was given at no cost from eShakti's Spring collection. I am such a huge fan of this customizable clothing boutique. I chose a very pretty maxi style dress and had it altered to knee length. It killed me to do it but part of our agreement this time was to actually customize something instead of ordering an item as is. The print on the dress is gorgeous and I can't wait to wear it. 

It's not too late to get your Mother's Day look. eShakti is having a great sale right now! There are so many amazing designs to choose from. If you're planning a wedding right now check out their Bridesmaid dresses. The prices are great and you can send in the exact measurements for your wedding party. I'll be instagramming all my looks for this coming week so please be sure to follow me there! Have a great weekend!