tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67828577230489587702024-03-05T15:39:41.935-05:00Talkative*TLCTracey @ Talkative*TLChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13092615540873962767noreply@blogger.comBlogger365125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6782857723048958770.post-1343886100330256142017-05-09T13:34:00.000-04:002017-05-16T12:34:02.027-04:00He's Here!Well this is how I originally intro'd this post, when I started it back in February! Oops:<br />
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<i>6 months since I last blogged....sounds about right! Ohhh how our lives have changed in the most incredible way.</i><br />
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<i>I'm having a hard time wrapping my head around the fact that our baby boy will be 6 months at the end of February. Where did the time go?!</i><br />
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But let's backtrack to the beginning. Our little Teddy Bear! (who's not so little anymore and is nearly 9 months old. NINE!) <br />
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On August 20, 2016 we welcomed our son into the world weighing in at 8 lbs 1 oz and measuring 20 inches long. Complete perfection, and my love for this little boy (<i>and his sister)</i> knows no limits. <br />
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While I would have loved a few days off after stopping work, Teddy arrived right on time, just like his older sister had.<br />
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<b>Thursday, August 18: </b>Last day of work! But unlike last time, I wrap things up as soon as possible and head home a little early. I cannot concentrate on work any longer. I have a baby coming any day! My OB had diagnosed me at 2cm dilated at 38 weeks but I wasn't really expecting much, and was hoping for a few last days home by the pool with L. <br />
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<b>Friday, August 19:</b> I head to my weekly OB appointment. What I wasn't expecting to hear....you're 3-4 cm dilated, you're not feeling anything?! Paired with quite the shocked look on the doctor's face. Umm nope.<br />
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But of course, thanks to that lovely check, I'm starting to feel crampy. Some of this is probably mental but I can't help but think oh my god, this baby will be here so very soon. I have plans to meet up with my MIL and nephew at the playground with L before naptime and she confirms my current concerns with L's heavy breathing, call the pediatrician. I'm definitely starting to feel some contractions but I've had braxton hicks for a while now and a hot day on the playground could be the issue.<br />
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So we head out and give the pediatrician a call. J is not keen on me going alone given the OB report and my current cramping. Poor guy has the scene from the movies in his head and is freaked out my water is going to break and baby boy arrive minutes later on the side of the road or in the pediatricians waiting room. Hah. Don't worry, didn't happen.<br />
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But I am getting more and more uncomfortable as we wait (far too long IMO) for our scheduled doctor's appointment. Double ear infection and a cold for L. Poor baby! We take advantage of her nap time to pack up anything else we're going to need at the hospital and check in with my parents. It's so hard to tell how long it will be until active labor begins but I'm getting nervous by the fact that they deemed me nearly 4 cm this morning. And I don't see us lasting through the night at home.<br />
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So before I know it, my mom comes to pick up L and our fur baby Tucker - probably around 4ish. This was so hard. My baby girl's world was about to change so very much, she's sick, and she won't have me with her for the next day or two. So much mom guilt!<br />
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<i> One last photo of the 3 of us!</i></div>
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But contractions bring me back to reality and after a call with the OB, we're on our way to the hospital. If you read <a href="http://talkativetlc.blogspot.com/2014/10/its-go-time.html" target="_blank">L's story</a>, you know that my mom and I made a pit stop at Dunks on the way to the hospital. Well this time, I made Jay stop at McDonalds haha. What?! One thing I remember vividly while in labor with L was how insanely hungry I was. And I couldn't eat anything. So ya, a few chicken nuggets and fries were a must this time!<br />
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Ok, on to the hospital! Where I'm checked in and measured as 5.5 cm. What?! I was expecting to be a little further than that having been on my feet most of the day. But they keep us there and we aren't leaving without our new baby boy at this point. Omg!<br />
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Post labor with Lu was not fun. Her <a href="http://talkativetlc.blogspot.com/2014/11/shes-here.html" target="_blank">NICU stay</a> was so very hard at first. We didn't see it coming in the least bit - my pregnancy was great, labor went great, her stats were all good, and then at the last minute things changed and we had ourselves a bit of a scare. When that all happened, I couldn't move. I was stuck in my bed until the epidural wore off and it was the longest hour of my life. So this time, I tried with all my will to go natural and bounce right back post labor in case something happened again. I probably should have done a little ready on this to prepare myself better...<br />
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Holy cow. To those of you who stuck it out without an epidural, I bow to you. I didn't realize there would be a point in contractions where there is no break. And then the back labor. And then the nausea. At this point I needed to throw in the towel and get some rest. I was proud of myself for getting as far as I did but it was unbearable. All of the hip pain I had during this pregnancy came flooding back during labor. I've never been so relieved to feel some relief.<br />
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And I say some because the damn epidural only worked on one side this time. Wtf. My right side, the side with the hip pain to begin with, was getting no love. I was afraid I had slept for too long on my left side so we repositioned me, and repositioned me, and brought out a crazy ball/peanut to try hugging. Nada.<br />
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<b>Saturday, August 20: </b>It's getting late (<i>well I guess so early</i>), we're really not sleeping, and I just want my baby at this point. But the doctors want to try to let my water break on its own and naturally start labor. Pretty sure I cried right about here. With L, they broke my water for me. Just do it!<br />
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So an hour later they did, and started me on a dose of pitocin to speed things up a little bit. Baby boy had made himself way too comfortable in there and it was time to help him out. Holy sh*t. Pitocin is awful. It's about 1:30 in the morning and J is in a fog from falling asleep and I want to die. Active labor on pitocin is causing excruciating pain in my right hip. The best way to describe it would be as if it was being ripped into 2 pieces. <br />
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I have never been so relieved to start pushing. And unlike pushing with L which was well over an hour and incredibly exhausting, second pregnancy/pitocin/waiting a little longer to push meant baby boy would make his debut a mere 15 minutes later.<br />
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And he is perfect! There are no health concerns and he is placed on my chest immediately. They let him lay there for well over an hour, soaking up everything we missed the first time around with L and her scare. Skin to skin is just about the most amazing feeling ever. Teddy seemed to know exactly who we were and what he needed to do.<br />
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<i>My boys.</i></div>
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<i>Our son // Me & my babies <3</i></div>
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<b>Sunday, August 21:</b> We are discharged to head home! The hospital gives us the opportunity to be discharged a day early and settle in at home with the whole family. It was perfect. </div>
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L is the best big sister we could have ever hoped for. Her love for her baby brother is so intense, and sweet. I love catching her talking to him, especially as he's getting bigger and able to react to her. Getting him to laugh at her is the best thing ever. </div>
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This baby boy has changed our family in the most incredible way. He
is so very happy all the time! And man is he chill, <i>for the most part</i>. He has very much
adapted to being the side show to the toddler's main act, but we all
know his time will come. Just look at that sweet nugget face!</div>
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I never felt like our lives changed too much with one - socially, work, etc. It was 2 against 1 and very manageable. But I have to admit that 2 has been much harder to adapt to. I'm learning to embrace the chaos but would be lying if I said I was truly prepared for it initially. I'm hoping to document more on this to help me process it all and in case anyone else would find it helpful. I wouldn't change a thing, in fact I'd still love to add more to the crew! But it has certainly been more exhausting than Instagram and Facebook posts lead on. :) </div>
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<br />Tracey @ Talkative*TLChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13092615540873962767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6782857723048958770.post-41154327731564731512016-07-22T06:30:00.000-04:002016-07-22T07:20:05.926-04:00Baby C2 - 35/36 weeks<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Most likely, this is going to be my last update before baby boy makes his debut. 36 weeks down, 4ish to go come Monday. How in the world did we get here?! <br />
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I think I'm in a bit of denial on just how much life is going to change with 2 babies next month. I can only rely on my experience with L as a baby right now, and I'd take that again in a heartbeat. I'm stupidly building a mental to-do list of all the things I'd love to get done while I'm home. Because I'm going to have so much free time.....right.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHB22MfE6Bunh8Rqna43_H9uKTs0xJ17sikRwIwOOVpO4NZkyP5Eg_eCx38q0rBIb4uP_uahag4HdxxUzoGg-iNw_YMDkRbVZocJsczaSJ_bX3xneKc3Sw0HteFXx5xW7imDpV2qdDevY/s1600/blogger-image--766149518.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHB22MfE6Bunh8Rqna43_H9uKTs0xJ17sikRwIwOOVpO4NZkyP5Eg_eCx38q0rBIb4uP_uahag4HdxxUzoGg-iNw_YMDkRbVZocJsczaSJ_bX3xneKc3Sw0HteFXx5xW7imDpV2qdDevY/s640/blogger-image--766149518.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>35 weeks!</i> </div>
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What I can say is that for those of you pregnant with your first baby, or home with your first baby - cherish it! Take those naps! I didn't factor in raising a toddler when thinking about pregnancy #2. And honestly, right now that is my biggest deterrent to more babies (<i>I know this is a temporary feeling stemming from my current level of exhaustion</i>). I've hit a wall recently, which the heat and our crazy schedule are definitely factoring into. And it's frustrating.<br />
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<i>35 weeks @ a gorgeous wedding. (Love <a href="https://www.shopbop.com/resort-maxi-dress-one-by/vp/v=1/1530758531.htm?folderID=2534374302063654&fm=other-shopbysize&os=false&colorId=28017" target="_blank">this </a>dress! Size down...)</i></div>
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<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOFGSD6GkWs5rxL8C-MoJm-bQfDxOj06MlX-UGgm2aJpNmDxGwjXeSgII6fPdea7gD8SBIWQtHoNTnEnzJVX-CXq5QC4QURuCZG6Tec3l5e8DsvKNW4u2fZfpH3uO_70ue-EP90ciqJ28/s640/blogger-image--543154031.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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<i>Um what a difference in our <a href="http://talkativetlc.blogspot.com/2014/06/baby-c-34-weeks.html" target="_blank">deck </a>since Baby C updates! Same bump size though? </i></div>
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<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitIZVrt7Eks93Zn_u6lhg1SgYG6i7i_wnaFvCqmRiS9gHA6zn6P7d7Y0c7jwqP2A9-JRvqIMwni_5HtvCK72C-QfldNsH3Xm1gp6MHVkXZFBY1dPrnlTzpJAoI0tfpeehw398J2Oq-O3g/s640/blogger-image--434423175.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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<i>Can we talk about how long my hair is getting?!! I've been growing it out since finding out we were expecting for easy ponytails and buns. And training it to go longer between washes...day 3 hair above. The curling wand is my best friend and so won't my Patriots hat be come fall. </i></div>
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Anyways, enough rambling. Here's the latest scoop on pregnancy with Baby C2.<br />
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<b>Cravings/Aversions: </b>Really no changes here since my <a href="http://talkativetlc.blogspot.com/2016/06/baby-c2-2930-weeks.html" target="_blank">last update</a>. Still all about cold drinks, fruits, ice cream. And no desire to cook so many nights of cereal if J isn't home. However, I did get sucked into the <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00FLYWNYQ/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00FLYWNYQ&linkCode=as2&tag=talkativetlc-20&linkId=ccc03cf5e53647660e1b96c2d4cea35f">Instant Pot</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=talkativetlc-20&l=am2&o=1&a=B00FLYWNYQ" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />craze on Prime Day. And I will say, so far this thing is awesome! We've only made a few meals in it but they have been so easy to throw together, it doesn't heat the kitchen up, and I don't need to stand there and cook. Win. win. win. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOFGSD6GkWs5rxL8C-MoJm-bQfDxOj06MlX-UGgm2aJpNmDxGwjXeSgII6fPdea7gD8SBIWQtHoNTnEnzJVX-CXq5QC4QURuCZG6Tec3l5e8DsvKNW4u2fZfpH3uO_70ue-EP90ciqJ28/s640/blogger-image--543154031.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjocO5O6n0i93PPOOmgQ128JkNjWxtn193WHw0R1Endw6y2LpihfICK_R688hThHpFZ1FTKd6c4zJl5K8XtxTyEgKpYNZl3b0-r3x5wT1jwRGkL_FWY0KPyL8hHfmv9L0gLCbbWXzpwSnE/s640/blogger-image-527372373.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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<b>What 36 weeks really feels like:</b><br />
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I will start by saying, I really cannot complain about either pregnancies I've experienced. The minor issues I've had have been just that, minor.<b> </b>And for that, I am so grateful! But I'm still going to gripe a little ok? Thanks. :)<br />
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<li>Rib pain/tingling sensation at the very bottom of my ribs, top of where my baby bump starts. In the EXACT same spot as my last pregnancy. And just as annoying/itchy. Silly me for thinking I may not experience it carrying a boy lower. </li>
<li>Omg my feet. Suddenly, they are balloons every night if I don't move around enough. It's awful. Damn heat. (<i>Check out those puppies above...yikes</i>)</li>
<li>But at the same time, no more walks. This past Wednesday was L's 2nd birthday and we started the day with a quick family walk. Not fast and not far, but I had hip pain and discomfort the rest of the day. I don't have these issues when weight training so I'll plan to stick with that. </li>
<li>Filling up very fast, but also always hungry. ugh. </li>
<li>Braxton hicks contractions often - no cause for concern. Bending to pick things up is the biggest culprit really, but try not doing that while raising a toddler. Ya, no. My stomach turns rock hard for a few seconds and then we're back to normal. </li>
<li><u>Exhausted</u>. Up 2-4 times a night between bathroom runs and leg cramps. It's a miracle if I'm in bed before 10 pm and sleeping later than 5:30/6 am. </li>
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<i>It's bugging me how purple Jay's shirt looks in these pics! It was white, trust me. </i></div>
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<b>What's on our to-do list:</b><br />
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<li>Pack the hospital bags and install the car seat. I cannot believe we've reached this point. </li>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJVFiwtn8LC4suadTviRNP2F4a-uVSolMsZKkyzh48rk_HVlj2mn0YpCPEvZUDi95l8vmouPRM6aMaOtybtImIThexbMv1kgVFSsF76poG2RQiJTo7KE9-Nrgv8t09e73KwdOGUDq434o/s640/blogger-image-603923771.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJVFiwtn8LC4suadTviRNP2F4a-uVSolMsZKkyzh48rk_HVlj2mn0YpCPEvZUDi95l8vmouPRM6aMaOtybtImIThexbMv1kgVFSsF76poG2RQiJTo7KE9-Nrgv8t09e73KwdOGUDq434o/s200/blogger-image-603923771.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
<ul>
<li><strike>Clean out the guest room closet and add in a closet system for L. Currently thinking the PAX system from IKEA but of course our ceiling height is between the 2 options they have...and the shorter one is just too short, ugh. Jay might be hacking this one a little bit so that it work<b>s.</b> </strike><span style="color: #674ea7;">Closet is cleaned out, painted, and the PAX system installed. I have to say, it's pretty amazing. Of course my 2 yr old would have the best closet in the house...</span><br />
<span style="color: #674ea7;"> </span><br />
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</li>
</ul>
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<ul><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdhMnRnb91OB_EXnDMFeyLNXKTHdF98d2J5R9IZaMawZGK7Klcuupx0bYlYLPcBJllowBt61UbK7Jvu3Bjjo60BDTPyG6xC162ofuVjI13wM-HRLDpXdabT1NBMJDyC1DgtzwtR7wuBk8/s640/blogger-image-260047071.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdhMnRnb91OB_EXnDMFeyLNXKTHdF98d2J5R9IZaMawZGK7Klcuupx0bYlYLPcBJllowBt61UbK7Jvu3Bjjo60BDTPyG6xC162ofuVjI13wM-HRLDpXdabT1NBMJDyC1DgtzwtR7wuBk8/s320/blogger-image-260047071.jpg" width="240" /></a>
<li><strike>Purchasing L's new convertible crib and getting her big girl room set-up.</strike> I have some floral fabric I am using as the colors for her room - similar to <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/AfIHGM_Yw8zlsUUdyiLL1WoHfHNU5b7tg_ZIIyF-sKORP9rHkoA1vU0/" target="_blank">this</a> with some touches of purple too. <span style="color: #674ea7;">Well, the crib has been purchased...but L figured out how to climb out of her current crib this past weekend! Yes, while J was away of course. And yes, after our current video monitor decided to sh*t the bed on me. Nothing like hearing little footsteps and a should be napping L saunter into your room. So now we're figuring out plan B over here....I think we'll be cutting down the legs on the <a href="http://talkativetlc.blogspot.com/2013/11/guest-bedroom-reveal.html" target="_blank">amazing spool bed we inherited</a> (it is super high off the ground!). I've always envisioned it in her big girl room, just didn't realize that would be happening so soon!<b> <span style="color: #0b5394;">Update: L has successfully transitioned to a full size bed with no issues. I can't believe it! She is doing so well in her new big girl room! (which is not even close to being decorated...). Turning the frame into a platform and removing the box spring did just the trick in bringing the height of the bed down. Phew!</span></b></span><br />
<ul></ul>
<ul>
<li>Repainting the nursery and add a few "boy" personal touches. Currently thinking greens, natural woods, nature-themed (with at least 1 fishing reference for J's sake). Love the idea of something like <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/228768856050422826/" target="_blank">this</a>.<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"> <span style="color: #674ea7;"><b>Update: the nursery has been painted in <a href="http://www.benjaminmoore.com/en-us/paint-color/louisburggreen" target="_blank">BM Louisburg Green</a> (at 25%). The furniture has been moved into place, fabric purchased for the rail guard, and now its time to decorate! Can someone make me <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/251935535/large-pallet-wood-sign-dont-wake-the" target="_blank">this </a>sign please?</b></span></span></span></li>
</ul>
<span style="color: #674ea7;"><b> </b></span><br />
<span style="color: #674ea7;"><b> </b></span><br />
<ul><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx1VdyH8U9HjSjEHZSBqeily4cHNaQYPLs1n0gHc9OxER_Mp4-U0KCwYtbnPPJMNPUSTN3RaZeRCbQFGXGUoP4AMo17yC6HXjzT8PumPnfB1h0-5qtt1gMbIFilPfwcF_VWPXDwWOpKfo/s1600/IMG_6956.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx1VdyH8U9HjSjEHZSBqeily4cHNaQYPLs1n0gHc9OxER_Mp4-U0KCwYtbnPPJMNPUSTN3RaZeRCbQFGXGUoP4AMo17yC6HXjzT8PumPnfB1h0-5qtt1gMbIFilPfwcF_VWPXDwWOpKfo/s320/IMG_6956.JPG" width="240" /></a>
<li>Picking out/purchasing a double stroller (<i>currently leaning towards the GT City Mini Double - good?!</i>), <strike> a second monitor</strike>, and a few odds & ends I've been adding to an Amazon registry (<i>for the completion discount</i>) - we are definitely getting a bottle sterilizer this time around!<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: #674ea7;"><span style="background-color: white;"> </span></span><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: #674ea7;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Update: We are loving our new </span><span style="color: #0b5394;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00ECHYTBI/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00ECHYTBI&linkCode=as2&tag=talkativetlc-20&linkId=92ad8bbd49c6dafb174989778c5f4eca">monitor</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=talkativetlc-20&l=am2&o=1&a=B00ECHYTBI" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> and came home to quite the surprise recently - our double stroller! We have the best 2 sets of parents around I tell ya! Amazon Prime Day had some great deals on the <a href="http://amzn.to/2adMMNc" target="_blank">diaper backpack</a> <img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=talkativetlc-20&l=am2&o=1&a=B00R4PXGQ4" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />I was eyeing, humidifiers, and <a href="http://amzn.to/2azfW7g" target="_blank">diapers</a>...and then Diapers.com got me with a Bravado nursing bra sale and a review on the <a href="http://milksnob.com/collections/nursing-covers" target="_blank">Milk Snob</a> covers had me hitting purchase before I knew it....so we had many boxes show up at our house last week. My nesting so far is coming out in the form of stocking up.</span></b></span></span></span></span></li>
</ul>
<ul></ul>
<b> </b></li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
<br />
After 5 weekends of nonstop plans and long days/nights, we will be enjoying the rest of our summer home and eventually on baby watch. I am currently planning to work up until my due date with a few days off here or there for time with Lucie and a much needed spa day with my mom. And since we recently finalized baby boys name, I went ahead and ordered his custom thank you notes. Couldn't resist! But no, we will not be sharing it until he's here. :)<br />
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Wish me luck!</div>
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Tracey @ Talkative*TLChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13092615540873962767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6782857723048958770.post-46936807199752777882016-06-10T06:30:00.000-04:002016-06-10T07:18:58.310-04:00Baby C2 - 29/30 weeksI'm not even surprised that I missed my 4 week schedule for Baby updates....life. And titling this 29/30 weeks since it has taken me that long to finish writing it and posting it.<br />
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<img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgchcDAqowyM3le8yTKOnN0-3kqF95N6JldynSjVuIagQh5O9WHmz5LXblVcYC_J0TIyn4bnzzGORZkohvBlM4RgP__giFsaltTCs1zh2EQBcc_mNT8RkU2qkZa87kB8lBmhcKlcAGmGME/s400/IMG_6870%25281%2529.JPG" width="280" /> </div>
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<i>28 weeks, quick gym bump snap </i></div>
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The beginning of the third trimester seems to be a busy time for us. Traveling, enjoying the warmer weather, mile-long weekend to-do lists... realizing how fast time is moving and what we have left to get done.<br />
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Since the 24 week update we've spent a week on Hilton Head Island (@ 27 weeks), built a paver patio out by our pool & took a trip to IKEA to stock up on items for L's new room (@ 28 weeks), and continued to tackle yardwork and toddlerhood. I'm honestly not sure which of the last two are more exhausting these days.<br />
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<img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu_kCvgR9500w6QdHlCWj3QVN1aVYWHeiQMOuYsoeqxPGQidAN37NC5lLFXWIftjwcUcNtf6nSqNnS7S_1BUw3_ovDP-xPwG4CUL1yntWbfF6N2Twz2gglQXvwzGWLYichNOhSBjBYMP0/s400/_I9A7093.jpg" width="266" /><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqhn9wtxdqYxhtTL_FeC2a5KXUYXdQuwU8ItAChEvc3ekRtCgpvCJOJdDfQ0zdOIFGywo81_woeXoMk2GU-eo1MqC7wNglM5PNtznWoZqTI3xN6iy3bZ-8XsGPI2QG5aYpkCMzUPycAfQ/s400/_I9A7113.jpg" width="266" /></div>
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<i>Attempting some family photos with a toddler... </i></div>
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I decided to have someone come over and watch L while my mom and I got some yardwork done last weekend and my biggest regret, not doing so sooner! Toddler attention spans are short and require lots of energy, creativity, and your 100% focus. L had so much fun and we were able to get almost all of my planned to-do list done. I am hooked on hiring a Mother's helper from time to time now - it was well worth it for me.<br />
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<img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuOC4q8TCEzHujLupNfKj3IUPNebJrduPfniwxdWdAZgrgM-xJLhWm9XXOYcVXkg8hmtcJgSyOZq9HkSUeuNLG-6or5pGbN3nNiCnyjstmcqDpZa7kW3S4rXORLTAPW3B6B5nRWxURb0Q/s640/_I9A7267.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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According to the many comparisons available, at 30 weeks baby is the size of a honeydew melon, a Hawaiian pineapple, or a head of cabbage. Really?! This makes me nervous. But reminding myself that my body is fully capable of this - it's done it before! <br />
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<b>Cravings:</b><br />
<ul>
<li>Iced coffee, cold cold water, lemonade</li>
<li>Salads - loved this <a href="http://designerbagsanddirtydiapers.blogspot.com/2014/01/chopped-italian-salad.html" target="_blank">one </a>and this <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/228768856044573489/" target="_blank">one </a>(with steak tips) last week</li>
<li>Ice cream- oh man, if you're local, the current seasonal flavors at <a href="http://hornstrafarms.com/" target="_blank">Hornstra</a> are insanely good.</li>
<li>Fruit salad</li>
</ul>
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<b>Aversions:</b> Anything that involves turning on the oven. Ha. It's getting hotter here and I'm definitely running warmer these days so I think we'll be using the oven less and less and opt for the grill instead.<br />
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<img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDupdlabBBfaXpw97Xp2urQl4qGO0gc8cLvXJkMBXiC0d1yJKfgErs4JUjPlugNBJXSC1QuSv38rBkvV5aeVs0mi-6u-2Pm8m6YRD-GOpLVHCkgaGkJdRHgzAIEEuP7N4-X8H9DmsyIyE/s640/_I9A7134.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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<b>What 29/30 weeks really feels like:</b><br />
<ul>
<li><b> </b>At 25 weeks my right hip pain got so bad I could barely walk. Think pain so sharp it takes your breath away. :( The very worst day of it occurred Mother's Day and I've never felt so defeated and at a loss on what to do. An ultrasound reported everything looking just fine thankfully, but that meant it was something I'd have to deal with and chalk it up as positional pain. </li>
<li>Well I'm counting my lucky stars that by the time we left for vacation at 27 weeks preggo the pain was gone! And still is. They think some extra growth in my uterus allowed baby boy to re-position himself. I have never felt so relieved. </li>
<li>At 28 weeks, I left work one day and realized just how great I've been feeling. Good weather doesn't hurt, but the level of pain I had carrying L by this point is much duller this time around and same with the foot swelling. Knock on wood...no rib pain yet. Guess it's true what they say, I am definitely carry this little guy lower than I carried L. </li>
<li>Definitely feeling fuller faster as baby boy continues to take up more room</li>
<li>And along the same lines, so many more bathroom runs. My bladder is definitely getting squished lately.</li>
<li>Sooo much movement lately. And some minor Braxton Hicks contractions where my whole stomach tightens. I don't think I had this much movement with L or have her kick me in the bladder area and have an oh oops! moment (ha, ya...) ...but maybe? It's getting harder to remember. But it seems like baby boy is much more active in there then L was! We get a kick out of watching my whole stomach move around...and somehow there are 10 more weeks of growing left to do. Yikes!</li>
<li>Remember all the yardwork I mentioned above? It was such a satisfying feeling to get so much done with J out of town, but I woke up Sunday exhausted. J was away for the weekend so I was setting my alarm an hour or so earlier than I expected L to wake both days to get a few things done and enjoy a little coffee & quiet time. Sunday morning included a nice headache and that silly hangover feeling I mentioned previously when there's not enough sleep. Not ideal when toddler swim lessons were on the agenda! </li>
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<img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKlLudfBVKKSeq1JqU6yeFNGTslVFqF27A-NwNuwMzj1qvm6PTiudMuKVto5LS1YwTqpN-jvy80XnwBLwJvH2cE00lzbIaWhm63qUA67fvU2veLUwsXLW4Jipj1mT28X0xtpgpQUAL5pU/s400/IMG_6769.JPG" width="300" /><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKHJaSJAIIKAuBi4jJTb6gNk52f-DQO4W4Z2R0CZ58Z0TVHkoMlvkgNnojB_eHopK6yrhJ2x89fp6ZSlOm5KlA1nZnl3BLiwtswdPUJWGKluS6DagDrl3FPMZsTS8vBLA5eIXZ3lwS5o0/s400/IMG_6744.JPG" width="300" /> </div>
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<i>27 weeks - Downtown Savannah and morning walks on the beach in HHI </i></div>
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<ul>
</ul>
<b>What's on our to-do list:</b><br />
<ul>
<li><strike>Clean out the guest room closet and add in a closet system for L.
Currently thinking the PAX system from IKEA but of course our ceiling
height is between the 2 options they have...and the shorter one is just
too short, ugh. Jay might be hacking this one a little bit so that it
work<b>s.</b> </strike><span style="color: #674ea7;">Closet is cleaned out and painted! And the PAX system has been purchased. I cannot wait to set it up, hopefully this weekend. </span></li>
<li><strike>Purchasing L's new convertible crib and getting her big girl room
set-up.</strike> I have some floral fabric I am using as the colors for her room -
similar to <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/AfIHGM_Yw8zlsUUdyiLL1WoHfHNU5b7tg_ZIIyF-sKORP9rHkoA1vU0/" target="_blank">this</a> with some touches of purple too. <span style="color: #674ea7;">Well, the crib has been purchased...but L figured out how to climb out of her current crib this past weekend! Yes, while J was away of course. And yes, after our current video monitor decided to sh*t the bed on me. Nothing like hearing little footsteps and a should be napping L saunter into your room. So now we're figuring out plan B over here....I think we'll be cutting down the legs on the <a href="http://talkativetlc.blogspot.com/2013/11/guest-bedroom-reveal.html" target="_blank">amazing spool bed we inherited</a> (it is super high off the ground!). I've always envisioned it in her big girl room, just didn't realize that would be happening so soon! </span></li>
<li>Repainting the nursery and add a few "boy" personal touches.
Currently thinking greens, natural woods, nature-themed (with at least 1
fishing reference for J's sake). Love the idea of something like <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/228768856050422826/" target="_blank">this</a>. </li>
<li>Picking out/purchasing a double stroller (<i>currently leaning towards the GT City Mini Double - good?!</i>),
<strike> a second monitor</strike>, and a few odds & ends I've been favoriting to an
Amazon list - we are definitely getting a bottle sterilizer this time
around!<span style="color: #674ea7;"> <span style="background-color: white;">Our video monitor has been slowly dying lately and completely shut off on my last weekend. J got it back on once he was home but a new and improved one is on its way. I think it's safe to say the GT City Mini double stroller is a definite. Currently a little confused on the infant car seat adapter situation but it sounds like they're just still coming out with them for their newest model? Anyone know what's up for a Chicco Keyfit adapter? </span></span></li>
</ul>
At this point we are done with any major travel and hoping to savor the next 2+ months of summer before baby's arrival. It is going to fly. But I'm getting more and more excited as the days pass. Watching L with my niece on vacation and seeing dear friends become moms recently is giving me all the feels. I cannot wait til our baby is here!<br />
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<img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEGyWsqX7tLjAdf_qzRbFs867HlYytTcNSWTmxCnhRxjRgNPEYqlXzC2pMnAbAYxlAY9TLfs3VZW4L_tek_HQf5hdXRvztqk4091nLv42Tqv1TgK5evnF6PdCev_VY_dV-1LF5MD1LYSI/s640/_I9A7287.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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Past Recaps:</div>
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<a href="http://talkativetlc.blogspot.com/2016/05/baby-c2-24-weeks.html" target="_blank">24 weeks</a></div>
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<a href="http://talkativetlc.blogspot.com/2016/04/baby-c2-20-weeks.html" target="_blank">20 weeks</a></div>
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<a href="http://talkativetlc.blogspot.com/2016/03/future-family-of-4.html" target="_blank">16 weeks</a></div>
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xo,</div>
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<ul>
</ul>
Tracey @ Talkative*TLChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13092615540873962767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6782857723048958770.post-74699996160957094962016-05-04T06:30:00.000-04:002016-05-04T11:37:57.082-04:00Baby C2 - 24 weeksThe fact that there are only 16 weeks left in this pregnancy is starting to freak me out. J seems to think that's an eternity and we have plenty of time to get things done....riigghht.... 1 month left in the second trimester, holy sh#!t. <br />
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I decided to treat myself to a maternity <a href="https://www.stitchfix.com/referral/3040942" target="_blank">stitch fix</a> recently and I am SO impressed. This was my 6th fix and the first time I think I am keeping everything. I have found my stylist, hallelujah! Her note was so personal - she found/read my blog, picked items based on my pinterest board, and is a boy mama! So impressed. All of the photos below are in outfits I received in my latest <a href="https://www.stitchfix.com/referral/3040942" target="_blank">fix</a> - so good, right?<br />
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<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSRKIX8QozYuyFapO00bcw914Tzb-DinuyZdRS0nn08a0GVbltI5ws62v7t49s2dq1JixluIEm8ZSYDv-Lr9qMX4G33ZtKw0tWLmCwx-2W8zmuybD_8emUVeZr19hLgJ8L6ZNZ-W_qeww/s640/IMG_5815.JPG" width="640" /></div>
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<i>White swing top & denim maternity shorts - keepers!</i></div>
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<b>Cravings:</b> Oh man, the <a href="http://talkativetlc.blogspot.com/2014/05/baby-c-28-weeks.html" target="_blank">soft-serve ice cream craving</a> is back... I haven't really been able to indulge in it much thanks to this wonderful New England weather, but I'm sure it's only a matter of time. Ice cold drinks - iced coffee, lemonade, iced tea. Bagels, diner breakfast (<i>I have been dying to go out to breakfast lately</i>), and tomatoes. A side dish of fresh tomatoes with salt and dried basil has made its appearance frequently lately....this is a strange one for me. J is back to a strict paleo diet for the month which has me eating cleaner dinners home with him. And I have to say, I really don't hate it - it definitely helps me keep things in check. Especially when the day typically starts with a few carb heavy items.<br />
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<b>Aversions:</b> None. Thank you baby boy. :) <br />
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<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgkg5-xDYGkNiH1rrsEplqqBCUEO9damlRbfxzYV47rHqMLFuQdC9TV1V8MfnSEF-e6mxJbkDsdkIXxjl4evvYdQuTs3iwcdmXNVBoyW762vDzSkNgi-_rI6NFvueNJ75w8GLJhUG5R4s/s640/IMG_5829.JPG" width="640" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Non-maternity collarless blazer. A little bold for me but so comfy and will be great postpartum too - keeper!</i></div>
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<b>Missing most</b>: As cocktail season begins, I'm really wishing I could indulge. A glass of crisp white or rose wine sounds so appealing lately! Wishing I could have sushi from time to time and I know I'll be jealous of those of you indulging in raw bar items come summertime.<br />
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Aside from food & drinks, I miss running. Or breaking out into a hard sweat from working out. I am definitely envious of those of you who are able to run for most of your pregnancy. But I'm swapping cardio for some extra weight lifting lately - loving Body Pump. And will stick with that as long as I can.<br />
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<b>What 24 weeks really feels like:</b><br />
<ul>
<li>Flying with a 21 month old asleep in my lap recently was brutal. I loved every minute of the snuggles but once she was out cold, she was transferred over to J...my back just couldn't handle it, and was so uncomfortable the rest of the flight.</li>
<li>Oooh the nightly leg & foot cramps! It's crazy. I can feel it coming on in my sleep and I try so hard to counteract it but nothing works other than jumping out of bed and applying pressure. And then of course needing to pee since I'm now up. </li>
<li>My Fitbit Flex HR has started thinking I get activity in daily....apparently my heart-rate walking to/from the train station and work triggers this. I am definitely starting to feel it! We took many walks on our recent trip with L, slow and steady was what my body could handle.</li>
<li>Carrying this baby lower than I carried L means some pretty sharp right hip and pelvic floor pain most days. Getting up and taking a short walk seems to help but short jaunts to the restroom or kitchen include a slight limp and shortness of breath from the pain. :(</li>
<li>The ankle swelling has begun. Its far worse on my left side than right for some reason...? But swelling was a symptom I had with L too so I'm not surprised in the least. </li>
<li>Not enough sleep has me waking up feeling awful. After a recent wedding in Charleston, L woke up way way too early. As the sober one, I probably should have been the one to get up with her but J is a super human and can have a great night and be totally fine the next morning. I on the the other hand felt like I had drank a bottle of wine on my own. I've been getting the worst headaches/heaviness if its just not enough sleep. Feeling hungover sober is just plain cruel.</li>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>This dress could not be softer or more comfortable! - keeper</i></span></div>
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<b>What's on our to-do list:</b><br />
<ul>
<li>Clean out the guest room closet and add in a closet system for L. Currently thinking the PAX system from IKEA but of course our ceiling height is between the 2 options they have...and the shorter one is just too short, ugh. Jay might be hacking this one a little bit so that it work<b>s.</b></li>
<li>Purchasing L's new convertible crib and getting her big girl room set-up. I have some floral fabric I am using as the colors for her room - similar to <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/AfIHGM_Yw8zlsUUdyiLL1WoHfHNU5b7tg_ZIIyF-sKORP9rHkoA1vU0/" target="_blank">this</a> with some touches of purple too.</li>
<li>Repainting the nursery and add a few "boy" personal touches. Currently thinking greens, natural woods, nature-themed (with at least 1 fishing reference for J's sake). Love the idea of something like <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/228768856050422826/" target="_blank">this</a>. </li>
<li>Picking out/purchasing a double stroller (<i>currently leaning towards the GT City Double - good?!</i>), a second monitor, and a few odds & ends I've been favoriting to an Amazon list - we are definitely getting a bottle sterilizer this time around! </li>
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<b> </b>Next post we'll be entering the third trimester. Gulp. And back from a week vacation in Hilton Head! Ahhh. So so needed.<br />
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Past Recaps:<br />
<a href="http://talkativetlc.blogspot.com/2016/04/baby-c2-20-weeks.html" target="_blank">20 weeks</a><br />
<a href="http://talkativetlc.blogspot.com/2016/03/future-family-of-4.html" target="_blank">16 weeks </a><br />
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Tracey @ Talkative*TLChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13092615540873962767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6782857723048958770.post-69738128701039353422016-04-06T21:07:00.000-04:002016-05-04T09:01:05.907-04:00Baby C2 - 20 Weeks<br />
Where do I even begin....how is it possible we're halfway through this pregnancy already? Yikes. But it has been an exciting week! Good Friday started with an ultrasound appointment. This is standard for 18-20 weeks and many, many measurements are taken to ensure everything is on track and the baby is growing at a healthy rate. We also chose to have the tech provide us with a sealed card informing us of our baby's gender. Once the tech has taken all the necessary photos and measurements, the doctor comes in to review and do a little ultrasound viewing for themselves. In the words of the doctor "I am trying to stay one step ahead of this child but man is it moving around a ton, can you feel that?" All.day.Everyday...so we left with a follow-up appointment 1 week later to finish up the few areas around the heart the doctor was having a hard time seeing. And thankfully baby was much more cooperative yesterday - all is looking great. <i>Phew!</i><br />
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<i>If you missed my first check-in you can find that here - <a href="http://talkativetlc.blogspot.com/2016/03/future-family-of-4.html" target="_blank">16 weeks</a> </i> <br />
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Ok, I won't keep it from you any longer...Baby C2 is a.....<br />
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<span style="color: blue;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">BOY!</span></b></span></div>
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We have had so much fun sharing the news with family and friends over the past week. From a cake on Easter with family, where we ourselves also found out, to this balloon filled with confetti at my birthday party we (J) hosted Saturday night, it has been a great way to share the news.<br />
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<img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUK7OIhIwTJ1NYZmwj4WkR4F05kTl8SvuB4I4hWpgTb651SmUuXqMikflIvc-coDfQxGSdovUEUZb8WyAELDaRjQ1F13caZf2FLRon8iqEvhqyUgrFiHx_wF5AjsL0dNzT1T5GbH-LskU/s320/IMG_6298.JPG" width="240" /><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_NzqaJA1kVy5jo3HH5GRKjgxV4L_H7bXa6ASepRTVRtGM8weKyMorWUNAktga1F8XfIDaIzuwB5VavszWd8YN7DIe822piK6OaWZeDdpKyt_RtHeVw-p_pfVhyphenhyphenx-XAGjIE_8L5L_dtP8/s320/IMG_6299.JPG" width="240" /></div>
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I can't say that I was shocked. There are many differences between this pregnancy and the last so my intuition was telling me boy. But it is definitely still sinking in! I am going to have a son, a Mama's boy for at least the first few years. Eek! More than 1 friend who's a father to a son told me Saturday night that while J is pumped for a boy, that baby is going to be all mine for a while. :)<br />
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<img border="0" height="528" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigQrTVaMtKLBisJGlz7XOgfeHBClxF3169_btitlDeGNQaXbskzF2cuK9aQHNLdus9KzcOWnBBWwOQ1wD60xFFXa5eO6sXOQAUeEiCG9jq6hjFluwOJPR-7YLLwLlcgfLg5ZxG4Bm8B9Q/s640/Photos+Library.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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<b>Symptoms</b>: I feel like I'm stretching to come up with anything noteworthy for symptoms....I've had some minor pain in my lower abs lately but I think I brought this one on myself from a nonstop weekend and picking up a few heavier items (toddler included...) too often. Foot cramps have started too but nothing too crazy yet.<br />
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<b>Workouts</b>: My goal is 2-3 workouts a week and for the most part its been attainable. J and I switch off who gets up at the crack of dawn to workout before work and I generally hit the gym early Saturday morning too. My fitbit has also been great at reminding me to get up and move throughout the day to get that step # up!<br />
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<b>Food Aversions</b>: None <br />
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<b>Food Cravings</b>: I am doing my best to control this sugar monster but Easter candy and birthday cake is not helping me out. I am constantly starving so also trying to eat better options with more substance than a bagel with cream cheese....overnight oatmeal has been great for that lately. And Trader Joe's mint chip ice cream I could eat nightly...I've stopped buying it just for that reason. Oops!<br />
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<b>Updates </b>Obviously finding out the gender was the biggest update so far. But here are a few more:<br />
<ul>
<li>I told myself we would only move L out of her nursery and across the hall to the current guest room if we found out it was another girl. I have no desire to paint her purple walls again! And then my mom offered her painting services.... the guest room does have the <b><i>best</i> </b>closest space. And would keep us from walking by her room at every late night feeding. So now I'm really tempted.</li>
<li>I think we've settled on transitioning L to an IKEA crib and keeping her current crib in the nursery. We didn't buy the conversion kit for her crib....but I'm not sure she's ready for a toddler bed yet. So instead of buying the conversion kit and another crib, it just seems to make the most sense to go with a crib that comes with the toddler bed conversion (<i>for less $$ than price tag of her current cribs conversion kit!</i>). </li>
<li>I still haven't put much thought into a nursery plan just yet. But I have done lots of day dreaming about L's "big girl" room. I'm pretty excited about that. Her gender neutral nursery didn't really have a cohesive look to it so I'm hoping to give her an updated space that shows more of her spunky personality. </li>
<li>You better believe I did some online shopping for baby boy last Monday after finding out the gender Sunday night. What?! I couldn't help it...and a $10 rewards coupon to Carters didn't help. :)</li>
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What a whirlwind! More than halfway through this pregnancy?! And, a boy?!!! We are thrilled at the opportunity to raise a son but more importantly, grateful for another healthy pregnancy and healthy, growing baby.</div>
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<br />Tracey @ Talkative*TLChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13092615540873962767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6782857723048958770.post-52279605110361506172016-03-07T07:00:00.000-05:002016-03-07T07:00:13.662-05:00Future Family of 4You read that right....Baby #2 is on the way! Our little family will be expanding to four in August.<br />
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<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghdY0lFPZwjdLsvsucFDtbU4FZM05fyPKDDG_6qODYPd4apMhq4XxKSjg3jF-meP9_5SWwL1kP6_i94XHSWbPeoiCdFU72mtfSruAJgKI9q3sLNRi0XviEI2WGQeIriuZAq2k6WhxaeDI/s640/10632084_964273636982493_1697654992_n.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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While I'm still struggling with time for blogging, I absolutely love looking back at pregnancy posts with L. It was fun to <a href="http://talkativetlc.blogspot.com/2014/01/fun-fact-friday-baby-c.html" target="_blank">document</a> and important to me to do so again. <br />
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At this point, I'm already <b>16 weeks</b>! Yikes. Between busy season at work and caring for a toddler, this pregnancy is really flying by. I'm lucky if I remember to read up on one of my pregnancy apps once or twice a week. Those things were the bible last time! <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZpskAA10lB-EJmq0EfE50bnJGLe4dhZVYzy4pbtJ88_Vh5QJYFp8YOj7pcJS_MzFRK0v2au5vdozIKC1PAR4OsLWUxBmCCWwYY6wYHCdgrjqsEpfhknfm5ZwJbcS1wE3JGLuJuQqoTVA/s640/BabyC2_16+weeks1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just a bit bigger of a bump at <a href="http://talkativetlc.blogspot.com/2014/02/baby-c-16-weeks.html" target="_blank">16 weeks</a> this time!</td></tr>
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Obviously there is so much less unknown having experienced it before and overall, I'm feeling great. So there is no real daily reminder this time. Weeks 6-9 included an insatiable hunger that led to nausea if ignored. But since then - nothing! I was nervous at first that something was wrong. I got an awful stomach bug at 9 weeks and all my symptoms disappeared the next day. But all is great in Baby C2's world - phew. I'm certainly not complaining!<br />
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So let's follow the same format I used during Baby C's pregnancy. (<a href="http://talkativetlc.blogspot.com/2014/02/baby-c-16-weeks.html" target="_blank">16 weeks with L</a>)<br />
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<b>Symptoms:</b> Like I said, I am feeling great. Exhausted, but hardly any nausea, no food aversions, no headaches. What's different than last time? No morning sickness! Yes, there was nausea for a few weeks but I never got physically sick this time. (<i>That was the worst</i>). I am definitely more exhausted with round 2 - could be work, chasing a toddler, or just a different pregnancy, but I am so tired. The first trimester was really tough on weekends when I was home all day with L. Jay came home late from a Pats game one weekend and was met with tears and a please don't ever leave us that long again! Dramatics are totally acceptable during pregnancy. <br />
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Similar to my last pregnancy, there will be <a href="http://talkativetlc.blogspot.com/2014/03/baby-c-20-weeks.html" target="_blank">no running again</a>. And even earlier on this time! Boo. I tested it out a week or so ago and the pelvic floor pain started setting in within an hour. I know it only gets worse if I ignore it soo, we'll be taking it slow again.<br />
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<b>Food aversions:</b> Hot coffee for weeks 6-9. Tea became an instant staple for the short time needed. I was joking when I first found out I was pregnant - better pack in the salads now before the thought of veggies makes me want to yack! But it never happened. And chicken has been fine too - so so crazy how different pregnancies can be.<br />
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<b>Food cravings</b>: Ugh, give me all the bagels and donuts again. I have a serious sweet tooth this time that needs to be tamed. And as always, iced coffee. Chalking that up to the exhaustion but an afternoon iced half-caf is a regular occurrence.<br />
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I am up at least 5 lbs already...probably more. But work and Baby #1 certainly make it harder to fit in gym time now. I'm not concerned. But I am hoping the warmer weather has us all a bit more active soon! For now I am soaking up my time with L before she grows up even more before my eyes taking on the big sister role.<br />
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<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1cJ43VNedeZcjHStVsN9bU2YSAhAMUCCSrOBaaOFMkLb3wOQSU-F-P9QoC_4Ye_Rzr7xReuQGC8CTFgiUzP6sH5VrFWtkFOE_9LQGusUC1wOeJ0WJrUe7cBXzXqmzyPMKutSBRYnoonE/s640/1389674_246850725649577_11258014_n.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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I'm not sure if those of you reading this with more than one kid can relate but pregnancy #2 is certainly different. I haven't even started to think about the nursery yet, I have much less desire to spend my $$ on maternity clothes - but trust me, they're definitely getting worn sooner this time - and overall there is just much less anticipation and discussion. Don't get me wrong - we are all over the moon! But much less follow up post initial reactions. Even between J & me. I found myself reminding him (ok, us) that I was pregnant last week and needed to slow down a little (<i>a toddler getting up daily by 5 am recently is wearing on me so bad...</i>). I've been told this may be why I feel better this time though - no time to dwell on it! <br />
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And lastly, we'll be finding out the gender this time! While we absolutely loved the surprise with L (<i>and highly recommend it!</i>) we've decided to see what it's like to find out early. It happens to fall on my birthday weekend so we're going to embrace it and indulge in a cake reveal. A friend spun it recently as, why wait on a great surprise? I'm going with that this time. :)<br />
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We are so so grateful for this opportunity to raise another little one! That is something I truly think about daily. </div>
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Tracey @ Talkative*TLChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13092615540873962767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6782857723048958770.post-45004239671858760662015-10-29T22:04:00.002-04:002015-10-29T22:04:48.296-04:00Oh, hey...I never thought I'd take such a long break from blogging. But I for sure couldn't let a full year pass!<br />
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I'm not going to delve into a recap of what we've been up to this past year. That just sounds overwhelming. It has been both the most amazing and exhausting year combined. Parenting is not for the weak at heart. With J & I both still working full-time, there is a whole lot of scheduling, organizing, prepping, planning, running around. There are late nights and early mornings. There are night showers, days with unwashed hair, more ponytails than ever before, and lots and lots of coffee.<br />
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But there are so many laughs, <i>ok and some cries</i>, "mamas" and "dadas," the biggest smile and glittering eyes, curls that are growing by the day lately, toddler gibberish and a vocab that's slowly starting to grow.<br />
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The house is turned upside down most weeknights and there's been a load of laundry in the dryer since Monday but I can't let these things get to me. The short amount of time I get to spend with L each morning and night is far more important. And so isn't the glass of wine that follows her bedtime....that is so important. <i>We survived another day, cheers!</i><br />
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While I typically end my day on the laptop each night, its to get work done, not blog. Wah. I find myself missing blogging more and more as the time passes. I'd say weekly I experience a moment where I'm daydreaming about something, anything and think "oh, that would make a great blog post!" <br />
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So here I am! Not the most exciting post I've ever written, but a quick chance for me to say hi! We're alive and doing excellent. Life as a mom has been so incredibly rewarding I can't even begin to describe it. It pushes you to your limit and challenges you to reach new goals. It puts many aspects of life in perspective - why are we a nation that works to live?!<br />
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To end my first post back in nearly 12 months, here are a few of my recent "oh blog post!" thoughts:<br />
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1. We are a nation of workaholics - I can't even. Oh, me included. I was on the road by 4:15 am one morning last week to catch a train to NYC. Do you know how many cars were also on the road at that hour? More than I ever expected. It was shocking.<br />
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2. Work/life balance is a real stress point for me lately. And I need to figure out how to fix it. What do I need from work? What do I need from home? I've enlisted the help and a few books lately, and kinda wish I had done so sooner.<br />
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<a href="http://amzn.to/1WmevIK" target="_blank">The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up</a> - I am almost done with this book and it hit a home-run with me. When J asked about going out with the guys Saturday night to watch college football I nearly pushed him out the door! It was time to tackle my closet. This book has changed the way I feel about tangible things - it's hard to describe - but it helps put clutter in perspective. Which I desperately needed!<br />
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From my <a href="http://snapwidget.com/v/1103301072951952729" target="_blank">insta </a>this weekend. 7 bags of trash/donate from the wardrob... next up is the office, and then kitchen!</div>
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I am also reading <a href="http://amzn.to/1jVL0So" target="_blank">Lean In</a> finally. And enjoying it. It's reassuring to know that many of the traits that I fear hold me back at times are tendencies of most women. And I use the term reassuring in the sense that, oh phew I'm really not that crazy. But it also frustrates me that women think the way we do and do not put ourselves first nearly enough, or ever (<i>and I'm talking workplace, not family</i>). Ya, I'm on a little bit of a woman power kick...but it's helping me figure out what I need and where I want to go in my career. </div>
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3. We're back to day dreaming about the next big house project we'd like to tackle. This happens each fall once the summer madness unwinds. We find ourselves with time on our hands and a few extra $$ in our pockets now that wedding season has ended. We are really, really hoping to update the kitchen a bit in the next 6 months or so.... think cabinet refinishing and an updated backsplash. Yessss.<br />
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Goodbye sea of orange-ish cabinets! We've had a taped up sample of <a href="https://www.sherwin-williams.com/homeowners/color/find-and-explore-colors/paint-colors-by-family/SW6001-grayish/#/6001/?s=coordinatingColors&p=PS0" target="_blank">SW Grayish</a> for a month....loving it - at 50%.</div>
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4. And finally, I am going to be an Auntie again!!!!! My sister is due in early January with her first baby. Guys, she is seriously glowing - I couldn't be happier for her and my brother-in-law. The gender is a surprise which is making the anticipation that much sweeter!<br />
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So much for a quick hello! Thanks for the free therapy session. Same time next week? :)</div>
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xoxo.</div>
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<br />Tracey @ Talkative*TLChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13092615540873962767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6782857723048958770.post-88590432995045603722014-11-14T08:43:00.005-05:002014-11-15T14:51:44.969-05:00Fact Friday 11/14/13Oh, hey! I'm back already. :)<br />
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L tends to go to bed a little earlier on Thursday nights after a long week of daycare and playing with her grandmas. And I currently have Fridays off, meaning I'm not running around like a mad woman Thursday nights making sure bottles are made, clothes are picked out, alarms are set, etc. It's quite nice actually! And I'm going to miss this terribly come January.<br />
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Anyhoo. Here's a little recap of what's been going on lately.<br />
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1. L's a little holy baby now. We held her baptism this past Sunday and it went better than I could have ever anticipated. Girlfriend hardly slept all day and was so content. She did so well in the church and I just loved how the ceremony went.<br />
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2. Confession: L never put her costume on, on Halloween. BUT, she rocked it the weekend before at a family party, and the day before at my work's Halloween party. Our little spaghetti and meatballs!<br />
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And I can't leave out my nephew, JR. How adorable is this family costume?!!<br />
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3. We pulled the trigger and ordered new wall-to-wall carpet for our family room. It's overdue. And is a real priority now that L spends so much time in there. We don't even know if there's a pad under the current carpet. It's terrible. We decided to stick with carpet since it's the only room in the house with carpet, and it will be nice and cozy as a certain someone becomes mobile.<br />
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Pictures like this make me cringe. Cannot wait for the new plush carpet!</div>
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4. I'm also coming to terms with the fact that the family room is becoming just that, a family room. There is no hiding the baby toys! And I don't even mind. :)<br />
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5. I finally had the chance to help out in the ravioli making process this year. It's a long day for all involved so I was happy to help this year. There were thousands of raviolis made. My Nona, Mom, and Aunts are nuts!<br />
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6. I joined <a href="http://www.renttherunway.com/referral/tracey.cordeiro" target="_blank">Rent the Runway PRO</a>. It's a year of shipping and insurance for a one-time fee of $30. Next weekend is my company's holiday party and the following weekend is my 10-year high school reunion. I just couldn't muster up the desire to go dress shopping. Crazy, I know. So this was totally worth it. Shipping & insurance is typically $15/rental so $30 for the whole year is a steal. We have 5 weddings already scheduled from May-Sept next year. Looking forward to renting some fun, new dresses over the next year! <a href="https://www.renttherunway.com/shop/designers/slatewillow_dresses/maesequinshift" target="_blank">This</a> dress is making its way to me next week. Hope it fits!<br />
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7. I can't believe L will be 4 months next week! Ah. Here are her 2 & 3 month photos.<br />
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And an extra one I made for fun. Those cheeks! :)</div>
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8. And because this girl keeps growing, I've started getting her 6 month wardrobe together. 3 month LS shirts are getting a little too short these days. And we needed a few warm layers. I snagged all this on the Carters site and picked up these 2 (<a href="http://www.carters.com/carters-baby-girl-flash-sale-sets/V_219A422.html?dwvar_V__219A422_color=Color&dwvar_V__219A422_size=12M" target="_blank">this</a> and <a href="http://www.carters.com/carters-baby-girl-sale/V_219A428.html?dwvar_V__219A428_size=12M&dwvar_V__219A428_color=Color" target="_blank">this</a>) outfits at Macy's recently. Doing my best to stagger purchases since many 3 month items still fit....but it's a struggle.<br />
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9. Before I went back to work we took a trip up to Maine for a long weekend. I really wanted to put a post together with all of the pictures. The leaves were unreal this year! But I'm not holding my breath on that. So, here's a picture I snapped from the <a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g40835-d103845-Reviews-Height_of_Land-Rangeley_Maine.html" target="_blank">Height of Land</a>. Gorgeous, right?<br />
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10. I don't know about you, but we woke up to snow here this morning! Yikes. Not ready for that just yet.<br />
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<span style="color: #66c6ae; font-family: Raleway; font-size: large;"><b>What are you up to this weekend?</b></span></div>
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We'll be relaxing over here! </div>
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<i><b>Have a fantastic weekend!</b></i></div>
Tracey @ Talkative*TLChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13092615540873962767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6782857723048958770.post-61016585605213965352014-11-12T06:00:00.000-05:002014-11-15T14:52:00.954-05:00She's here!<i>Sidenote - Sorry for the delay! It happens these days. :)</i><br />
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</i> If you missed Part I, you'll want to read that first (<a href="http://talkativetlc.blogspot.com/2014/10/its-go-time.html" target="_blank">here</a>).<br />
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<span style="color: #66c6ae; font-family: Raleway;">6:00 PM</span>.<span style="color: #66c6ae; font-family: Raleway;"> </span>Mom calls J. It's go time!<br />
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J arrives in record time, a bit frazzled for sure, but he's there and he has our hospital bags (<i>Remember when I <strike>made</strike> asked you to pack a bag and you told me you had plenty of time, you're welcome darling</i>).<br />
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<span style="color: #66c6ae; font-family: Raleway;">7:00 PM</span>. Mom heads home to get some rest (<i>begrudgingly :)</i> ). Who knows how long this will take.<br />
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</i> <span style="color: #66c6ae; font-family: Raleway;">8:00 PM</span>. 6 1/2 cm dilated. And it's epidural time. There's a line-up of 4 emergency c-sections so they give me my epidural now before they're held up for a while and I end up real uncomfortable. <i>Fine by me!</i><br />
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I'm starving but it's clear liquids only. Boo. Italian ice it is! It's been years since I've had one of those and damn it tasted good.<br />
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<span style="color: #66c6ae; font-family: Raleway;">10:00 PM</span>. 8 cm dilated! Omg. They tell us to try to get some sleep, it could still be awhile, but HOW AM I SUPPOSED TO SLEEP??! Jay's actually snoring by my side....he's got an awful head cold and I keep asking him if he's ok and how's he's feeling. Pretty sure he wants me to just stop talking but I can't help it. He especially loves how I keep asking him how he's doing when I'm the one IN LABOR. Whoops.<br />
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I'm still starving so I test out ginger ale hoping the bubbles will help me feel full. Eh, kinda. And I spend the next couple hours between pinterest, facebook, instagram, etc. A.n.y.t.h.i.n.g. that will distract me.<br />
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<b><span style="color: #66c6ae; font-family: Raleway;">Sunday, July 20</span></b><br />
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<span style="color: #66c6ae; font-family: Raleway;">12:00 AM</span>. 8 cm dilated. Wait, what?! No change. Ughh. Come one Baby C! Mama wants to meet you.<br />
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<i>A little motivation!</i></div>
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<span style="color: #66c6ae; font-family: Raleway;">4:00 AM</span>. 10 cm dilated. Big gulps. Now it's really go time! J texts the moms, they're ready and waiting to meet their new grand baby.<br />
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This time goes by in a bit of a blur. I haven't slept in far too long, I'm starving, and I'm just not very strong anymore. J and my nurse are amazing and I don't know what I would have done without them. I keep telling J I'm either going to pass out or puke - labor is no joke.<br />
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After an hour or so it's decided I need an episiotomy (<i>fantastic...</i>). J will be doing the honors of announcing Baby's C's gender and cutting the umbilical cord. The delivery team is in place. Ah!!<br />
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One last push and the doctor notices that the umbilical cord is wrapped around baby's neck so she makes the quick decision to cut it during delivery. <br />
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<span style="color: #66c6ae; font-family: Raleway;">5:28 AM. </span> J turns to me, huge grin, and tells me it's a girl. I couldn't believe it (<i>really, I turned to J and asked him if he was serious</i>). I have a daughter! And she's just the most beautiful baby ever.<br />
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<span style="color: #66c6ae; font-family: Raleway;">5:30 AM</span>. (<i>Due to the cord being around her neck she's taken aside for check up almost immediately</i>). No skin to skin as planned. Still waiting for a good lung clearing scream from her....<br />
<span style="color: #66c6ae; font-family: Raleway;">5:32 AM</span>. And waiting...<br />
<span style="color: #66c6ae; font-family: Raleway;">5:34 AM</span>. And waiting...She's grunting and doing everything she can to breathe, but she's having a bit of trouble. Baby girl swallowed too much fluid on her way out.<br />
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A respiratory team has been called and a NICU doctor is on site. J watches over L while they do everything they can to help her out. I'm exhausted, still need to get cleaned up by the doctor, and my nurse keeps telling me she'll be fine. She just descended too fast and needs a little attention. I feel like I'm in a state of denial and shock. I cannot look at J who's looking at the doctors working on L for nearly 40 minutes.<br />
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While we keep being told everything will be fine, we're given less than 5 minutes to meet/hold our girl before they need to cart her off for chest x-rays and further examination in the NICU. Bless my nurse for stealing my camera to snap a few first photos of us.<br />
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J goes with the team to the NICU but I cannot get out of bed yet thanks to the epidural. And right now, I need him to be with her. I can't even begin to tell you how strong my husband was during this. I still tear up just thinking about it. He was/is my rock. And I needed that. I needed him to tell me that she'll be fine. </div>
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Apparently it was a bit of a sob fest when he met the moms in the waiting room and told them they had a granddaughter! The fact that he held it together for me is unbelievable. No joke, I'm tearing up typing this. #hormones</div>
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<span style="color: #66c6ae; font-family: Raleway;">7:30 AM</span>. Just me, my incredible husband, and our new baby girl. </div>
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L spent 3 days in the NICU, and 1 night in the Step 2 care nursery before passing her final test and being discharged to come home. While it was definitely not how we imagined her delivery to go, we are beyond thankful to have a healthy, happy baby. We are so grateful for the NICU nurses who cared for our girl, and taught these first-timers a few things. I'm not sure I'll ever forget their names.</div>
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We like to think that L just joined the world about 36 hours too soon. For that's how long it took her body to adjust, which was long enough to keep her under the NICU's supervision the whole time and in the hospital a day longer than expected.<br />
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<span style="color: magenta; font-family: Raleway;">Welcome to the world baby girl! We are so blessed to call you ours. </span><br />
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Tracey @ Talkative*TLChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13092615540873962767noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6782857723048958770.post-38018816032365115692014-10-10T10:48:00.000-04:002014-10-27T20:00:20.218-04:00It's Go TimeI'm doing my best to soak up every minute I have left at home before heading back to work Monday. It's going to be quite the adjustment, but we'll do our best.<br />
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For this reason, there have been days the laptop stays shut. It's amazing how quickly priorities and routines can change! Sorry blog, you've been bumped down on the list. But, it's really important to me that I document L's birth story before we're in 2015 and she's suddenly crawling, walking, etc. So much happened and I want to remember every detail.<br />
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Honestly, I'm still in shock at her arrival before her due date. I seriously did not see it coming! So here goes:<br />
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<b><span style="color: #66c6ae; font-family: Raleway;">Friday, July 18:</span></b> I head off to my last day of work before maternity leave! Even though L's due date wasn't until the following Wednesday (which is when my company's maternity leave kicks in), I decided to take paid time off/vacation days Mon/Tues.</div>
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On the way to work I stop at my OB's office for our weekly visit/check-in. Not surprised at all to hear we've got no activity at all - 0% dilated, 0% effaced. We make plans for our visit the following week where we'd most likely discuss my options for getting induced. In my head I'm thinking, perfect. I'll have a few days at home to tidy up the mess our <a href="http://talkativetlc.blogspot.com/2014/07/surprise-lets-start-kitchen-reno.html" target="_blank">kitchen reno</a> has created, get a mani/pedi, float in the pool, etc. Can't wait!<br />
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I stay later than planned at work to do my best to close out as many open items as possible before I'm out. I cancel J & my dinner plans in the city, <i>we can go next week!,</i> and finally head home. As a last ditch effort to get a good nights sleep, I take Benadryl before bed.<br />
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Which keeps me up alllll night long. Ugh.<br />
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<b><span style="color: #66c6ae; font-family: Raleway;">Saturday, July 19:</span></b><br />
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<span style="color: #66c6ae; font-family: Raleway;">7:00 AM</span>. Exhausted. Freakin A, why did Benadryl have a reverse effect on me. J's up early to help his parents move before heading out on the boat with my dad. Tucker's been staying with my parents while our kitchen reno occurs so I head down to their house to relax with my mom while the guys are out on the water.<br />
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<span style="color: #66c6ae; font-family: Raleway;">1:00 PM</span>. We head out to grab lunch and my mom asks me if I'd like to split a sandwich at our favorite local place - Cravings. I decide it's probably best if I get my own, I'm pretty hungry (<i>thank god I did this</i>). So we eat lunch and watch some TV before deciding on naps.<br />
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<span style="color: #66c6ae; font-family: Raleway;">2:30 PM</span>. Hmm, that's odd. I think I just had a Braxton Hicks contraction. And another. And another. What the....?! My mom heads upstairs to take a nap in her room and I do my best to nap on the couch but these cramps keep coming back. I haven't told her yet or messaged J. I decide to time them on one of the pregnancy apps I have first and see what happens. I grab some more water, take a walk around the house/driveway, and continue on in my state of denial.<br />
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<span style="color: #66c6ae; font-family: Raleway;">4:00 PM</span>. Contractions are at most 5 mins apart, but down to 2-3 mins apart at times. And are lasting up to 60 seconds. Omg.<br />
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J texts me to let me know he has his phone if I need anything (<i>talk about timing!</i>). I reply ok, have fun. I know I'm just going to get sent home and told it's false labor, right? So I'll just wait it out here instead.<br />
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This little voice in the back of my head reminds me of the many times I've read about when to go to the hospital: the 511 rule = 5 mins apart, lasting 1 min, for 1 full hour.<br />
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Ok, they're averaging 3-4 mins apart, lasting 1 min, and it's been over an hour. Eff. I call the Dr's office, just in case. And they tell me to head to the hospital. WHAT?!<br />
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<span style="color: #66c6ae; font-family: Raleway;">4:30 PM</span>. Moms sleeping, J and Dad are OUT ON A BOAT! I wake up my mom, tears start flowing and I ask her to take me to the hospital. I'm feeling like such a fool right now because I KNOW they're going to send me home.<br />
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We grab iced coffees on the way, <i>priorities</i>, and I finally call J to tell him what's happening. HE DOESN'T ANSWER! Seriously. Not that surprised, he never hears/answers his phone....so I let my mom call my dad. But to tell them we're going to just go see, not to worry yet (<i>they start making their way back to the marina anyways, my dad was great and calmly told J what was happening. J said it was the longest return to dock ever of course</i>).<br />
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And I tell her not to make another call. Unless and until they tell me it's go time, let's not get anyone too excited.<br />
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<span style="color: #66c6ae; font-family: Raleway;">5:30 PM</span>. Check-in at the hospital and get hooked up to monitors. My phone dies (<i>of course</i>).<br />
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The Dr comes in and checks what's going on. I'm starting to feel embarrased, as I know she's about to tell me we've got no activity yet. Same as yesterday. But she begins to talk and I hear the words 4 cm and you're not going anywhere. If it was physically possible, my jaw would have hit the floor.<br />
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<span style="color: #66c6ae; font-family: Raleway;">6:00 PM</span>.<span style="color: #66c6ae; font-family: Raleway;"> </span>Mom calls J. It's go time!<br />
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<br />Tracey @ Talkative*TLChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13092615540873962767noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6782857723048958770.post-83167224637682983352014-09-30T12:13:00.000-04:002014-09-30T12:13:29.119-04:00Another Bathroom RenoWhile we have poured many hours, blood, sweat, and tears into our upstairs bathroom renovations (<i><a href="http://talkativetlc.blogspot.com/2013/12/master-bathroom-reveal.html" target="_blank">master</a>, <a href="http://talkativetlc.blogspot.com/2014/08/guest-bathroom-reveal.html" target="_blank">guest</a></i>) over the last year, we have one half bath on our first floor that wasn't feeling any love.<br />
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidC_1_HqZajV5EaOYvg8Zhu7CKI9wBh-IddzKDQaJ91SK8IOfCR_IlsYfa7x02cVhXy4P-WymlHo1brzUncgNpfugnFm963UKkVq_b5o5YcgmSsQy_cOHpG1Osv8971jUDEdvD8ZkyyuM/s1600/2014.09.24_Bath1.jpg" height="500" width="640" /></div>
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<i>listing photo</i></div>
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It was always on my <i>long</i> mental list to get this room cleaned up a bit. But seeing as it's a completely functional room, it was certainly not a priority. I planned to spruce this room up while out on maternity leave - fresh paint, fixtures, maybe some shelves. </div>
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Lucky for me, we got to hand this one off to the professionals. The <a href="http://talkativetlc.blogspot.com/2014/07/surprise-lets-start-kitchen-reno.html" target="_blank">water damage in the kitchen</a> meant that the half bath got a new floor and ceiling as well since its located right off of the kitchen. Wait, so someone else will be painting this room on our behalf? Wahoo!</div>
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What the contractor took care of:</div>
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<li>Installed a new ceiling and freshly painted it</li>
<li>Installed our faux wood tile flooring</li>
<li>Installed new baseboards (after losing a piece of the original)</li>
<li>Shaved down the door due to the new tile flooring, which incidentally fixed the jamming problem we were having with it.</li>
<li>Painted the room using a paint color we already had on hand (<i><a href="http://talkativetlc.blogspot.com/search/label/bathroom%20renovation" target="_blank">master bath</a> reno</i>) - Benjamin Moore <a href="http://www.benjaminmoore.com/en-us/paint-color/balticgray" target="_blank">Baltic Gray</a></li>
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I had picked up a couple shelves at Target a few months back after watching them get so deeply discounted they were practically free - $2.98/shelf. Yes, please! And the shelf styling is thanks to Homegoods, oh and Charmin ultra-soft.</div>
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It never ceases to amaze me how a few simple updates can really change a room. Not that I'm calling the tile install simple, but I think the biggest game changer here is the fresh paint. </div>
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So, what's left to do in here?</div>
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<li>Update the light fixture. I think something like <a href="http://www.amazon.com/AMERICAN-FLUOR-CORP-YL108-4-14-Inch/dp/B0009J1I12/ref=pd_sim_hi_4?ie=UTF8&refRID=0W0H0TKQC66RYDJS5DVR" target="_blank">this</a> will look great. </li>
<li>Updated fixtures - the sink is not going anywhere anytime soon but the faucet, towel holder, and TP holder are all dingy.</li>
<li>New door knob - battle of the brass doorknobs over here...</li>
<li>New window shade</li>
<li>Hang <a href="http://followgram.me/i/552405144367253284_36281776" target="_blank">these prints</a> back up (across from the shelves)</li>
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I think it's safe to say we are DONE with bathroom renovation projects for a very long time. Phew!<br />
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Tracey @ Talkative*TLChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13092615540873962767noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6782857723048958770.post-30983317920190641142014-09-12T07:00:00.000-04:002014-09-12T08:48:45.864-04:00Fun Fact Friday 09.12.14Two posts in two days, mama must be doing something right! ;)<br />
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I'm dedicating this fact Friday post to things in which my only regret is not knowing/purchasing them sooner.<br />
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1. <b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Procter-Gamble-87362-Swiffer-Sweeper/dp/B00EV3WINY/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=undefined&sr=8-2&keywords=swiffer+sweeper+vac" target="_blank">Swiffer Sweeper Vac</a></b>. I'm pretty sure this has been on my mental list of "need" items for over a year now. A friend had told me how great it was for her hardwood floors and dog hair and I tucked that info away. Well, being home everyday and having Tucker as a shadow has led to dog hair literally everywhere! He's spending much more time upstairs than he ever has before and I just couldn't stand all the hair and sweeping anymore. This little vaccuum is seriously amazing. I really wish I had bought this sooner. With only have one room of wall-to-wall carpet in this house, using the swiffer vaccuum for quick clean-ups has been a life-saver.<br />
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2.<b> <a href="http://www.buzzfeed.com/peggy/lazy-girl-hairstyling-hacks#1614x3a" target="_blank">Lazy Girl Hairstyling Hacks</a></b>. The name of this buzzfeed article says it all. I tried #22 immediately after reading the article and it worked so well! My hair doesn't always stay up in a bun easily but this was so easy and successful. I've also tried #5 and was just as impressed with the results. You know I'm on board with <a href="http://talkativetlc.blogspot.com/2014/02/beauty-routine-hair.html" target="_blank">#3</a> and #2 is next on my list. :)<br />
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3. <b>The best way to toast bread</b> - Thank you <a href="http://www.sweettoothsweetlife.com/2014/05/13/name-favorite/" target="_blank">Courtney</a> for introducing me to this toaster life hack. If you have a toaster, place both slices of bread in the same toaster slot so that the outsides toast but the insides stay soft. We have a toaster oven so while I loved this idea, I never tried it. Until yesterday when a lightbulb went off and I stacked the 2 slices of bread on top of each other. Genius! My sandwich was sooo good with the semi-toasted bread.<br />
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM4d6eSx0LxJcFX8yoUNkWjD7ABlZrmP4jhFh5W_3aQUHgXK7rwxfOuZ12APP_4vUklzPr-jKM4c2Vw8D7WGL9Ptv9plo9NBr6eVrubXtVgNq6Qyjv2AFpLBXDqVoBbsD3NWNxbYYVltE/s1600/2014.09.12simple-life-hacks-34.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></div>
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4. <b><a href="http://www.pushpinsapp.com/download" target="_blank">Pushpins App</a>.</b> After a little bit of googling to find a good list app, I downloaded Pushpin and have zero regrets. It not only allows me to create several grocery lists - regular grocery store, Target, etc. But it looks up all the sales at the grocery stores in my area and lets me add those specific items to my list. AND it lets you link up with other phones! So I keep my grocery store list linked up with J's phone so that he can stop at the store on his way home if needed and he has the list ready to go.<br />
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5. <b><a href="http://www.reddit.com/r/lifehacks/comments/1i20b6/i_could_never_fit_both_bowls_in_the_microwave_at/" target="_blank">Microwave Life Hack</a>.</b> Thank you J for finding this one.We have eaten many re-heated meals since <a href="http://talkativetlc.blogspot.com/2014/09/baby-girl.html" target="_blank">Baby Girl</a> joined the family and using a coffee mug to elevate one dish above the other works so well! Kudos to the kid's mom who thought of this one!<br />
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I love that 3 of the 5 are life hacks - I wish I could say I thought of any of these but nope, this brain is fried. I am forever grateful to the geniuses above though!</div>
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Have any other good life hacks I should know about??</div>
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<span style="color: #66c6ae; font-family: Raleway; font-size: large;"><b>What are you up to this weekend?</b></span><br />
Fact: I haven't done a Fact Friday since the beginning of May. Yikes! I'm going to try to at least get these out each week - it's a nice way to quickly go through a few things on my mind.<br />
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J&A are in town this weekend to visit L! She is soo excited to see her Auntie J and meet her Uncle A. Auntie doesn't plan to ever put her down. ;)<br />
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<i><b>Have a fantastic weekend!</b></i><br />
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Tracey @ Talkative*TLChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13092615540873962767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6782857723048958770.post-61825152712963870352014-09-11T12:33:00.000-04:002014-09-11T12:33:39.144-04:00Baby GirlOn July 20, 2014 our lives were forever changed by the birth of our baby girl, L. I remember the weekend as if it were yesterday and I hope these memories never fade.<br />
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Before I share her whirlwind birth story, I felt I needed to at least introduce you all to her! I've chosen to cover her full name but her nickname is Lucie and I will refer to her as L going forward on the blog.<br />
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We are soooo in love with this little lady! </div>
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIceTUeynTNg7z83fXvYeGbYDV9zoRuFNZ4-1y_UScIT-wZKz5Hag7petuIZdjcVKFewbGNhDmjE4mYiMIod0YNAfwcWlNP4H-tWkB49Ap5CsoMJ-7gvW_QmOPhy3YXPjKE86bUQzMFsU/s1600/Lucie+Announcement+copy.jpg" height="456" width="640" /></div>
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4Jpe4XirOT-30AIM0vhFVvmi86zixgsyI0XFTbuAaiFNVZKsbNDUjTkwpf7SjBT6rGBDTcMwoba9drjzxeDRU5EqLHTnCpcKv2zkGFZUihVrLq1oVSXneZqw9ahchSwg7LAy1Y8QHeIE/s1600/Lucie+Announcement+copy2.jpg" height="456" width="640" /></div>
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Pictures for our birth announcements were done by the talented <a href="http://bethmigaphotography.com/" target="_blank">Beth Miga</a>. And I used <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/152354622/custom-birth-announcement-template?ref=favs_view_8" target="_blank">Etsy</a> for a template (<i>which my brother-in-law was kind enough to then tweak for me</i>). </div>
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She has been such a joy. And it's hard to believe she'll be 8 weeks this coming weekend. Gah, where did the time go?!<br />
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I plan to take a monthly photo of her and add a small recap of her current stats. It will be so fun to look back! So here's her 1 month summary:<br />
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVdaTKwNek4tCieBE6GMooDEK72gTmmL1pQgjSSu_VHK13AW3prftKI8FWBv_wPJnfUDMiZds9FhGOQBMVZaUaIDGCmh2jD3IaxJ_fAp2ls8UiWuMTgj66d_76-Q-kwmdWE7pSA3SurkE/s1600/2014.09.11_Lucie1month.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></div>
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In between play time, nap time, and feedings posts are definitely taking a bit longer to put together these days! But I'd love to get her birth story written up soon while it's all so fresh in my mind.<br />
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<br />Tracey @ Talkative*TLChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13092615540873962767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6782857723048958770.post-33423390871888308682014-09-05T13:21:00.001-04:002014-09-05T13:21:25.740-04:00I'm an Auntie!Somehow, it's been nearly 4 months since my nephew was born. 4 months!!?? I'm ashamed I haven't given him any blog time yet. But it was important to make sure my brother and sister in law were comfortable with this, and then yeah life got busy, and right, I had my own baby!<br />
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But, without further adieu, I'm so excited to introduce you to this handsome fella - JR. I think it's best I keep it to initials (<i>the internet can be scary yo</i>).<br />
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhev6FYJg6c-Z4bowo1JnW2T5-PczVhkMtrDfuOAcSmYpJiO9rQa3XELaQtrb29sQrbrXpv97Nu67R7KDZ_Raa7jhxBZzUU4KhiyLchMyBLtx1azdACB7cCUTMS2y-8pXAWmw3ptnioVW4/s1600/2014.09.05_JRC5.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></div>
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Anyways, I feel so lucky to call this little guy my nephew. From the moment I held him it was true love. He is such a happy little boy with the biggest smile. Getting a baby to smile at you is the best feeling ever! #success<br />
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JR was born May 7th - a week before his expected due date. But we all predicted Meg would go into labor early so we were just counting down the days. Getting the text from her saying heading to the hospital nearly sent me into tears at my desk (<i>ok, it did. I definitely teared up at work</i>). We were all soooo excited for them.<br />
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Meg went into labor late in the day on the 6th so we knew it would be a long night and couldn't wait to get the message of his birth. Clearly no one slept because when Dan sent out a group message just after 5am with the announcement we were all so quick to respond. JR was born at 4:53 am on the 7th and was just the most beautiful baby boy. He weighed in at 7 lbs 12 oz and was 20.5 inches long. Everything went well. Perfection!!<br />
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihLH0JAOVEa0y_jJHnp-8NBYHDx_84Vda4nLHJVvx_-thsf7cYLWhe4XEtYe2lEzeuN8vBOqLMXuA_cUAdTtAww2Kh45KMwZiUHf_KGxMIf3tgRayQisb27jykHMpDWw34HRyAMMERr10/s1600/2014.09.05_JRC6.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></div>
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Over the past few months, we've enjoyed watching JR grow into a laughing, smiling, babbling (<i>and drooling!</i>) little guy. He's got plenty of rolls to eat up and is as healthy as can be. He loves to talk these days which is just the cutest thing ever.<br />
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhknQ9V4gmo-c66ibA2B0TrMPJPQLglBBDq8tNarx7qrqGssgtIsAdqjwpcrIlGLTlE27jPKmr8q3p_MJXFFr6WSMsvTUevkAjvRW1wZWQXEi4ikf6hoLDD_r3r825OhglM_bUppK6EBmI/s1600/2014.09.05_JRC1.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></div>
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Look at that adorable face!</div>
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIRob3JQqJ_55JRj4euOLdAEN0dr4jrxT6YYw1hyG9PdDChSaIxAu3GuA92WeYAr2S_O2fwegdR7xR_sXuP9AQMVNVwER2AyBHy45eOI2VhRZ0nMGdeG9gr1osM-mzfVomWPBSoFBsC7U/s1600/2014.09.05_JRC3.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></div>
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His smile is going to break some girls' hearts someday! </div>
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Auntie loves you JR!!</div>
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<br />Tracey @ Talkative*TLChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13092615540873962767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6782857723048958770.post-25695634211350953842014-08-26T21:11:00.000-04:002014-08-26T21:11:40.286-04:00Wedding Season - C&B Tie the Knot!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I'm a few months late on this recap but since I love looking back on these posts, I'm sharing it anyways. This wedding was unbelievable. So many gorgeous details! </div>
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I blogged about Corey's shower <a href="http://talkativetlc.blogspot.com/2014/06/the-sweetest-bridal-shower.html" target="_blank">here</a> but missed her bachelorette party as it was hosted in Miami and I was nearly 8 months pregnant. I thought it best I sit that one out.</div>
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So I just couldn't wait for the wedding. It was my only wedding this year, and as it was for one of my close girlfriends, I knew it was going to be a blast. It was also going to be somewhat of a mini college reunion seeing as the bride and groom were college sweethearts. Like I said, I couldn't wait! </div>
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<b><span sans-serif="" style="font-family: Homemade Apple;"><span style="color: #66c6ae;">The Ceremony</span></span></b></div>
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGW4OdmogDhPai4pa9fMZkimmE8_NcArceJPnogxSO4caH-Tc4xCdDNevQsrvX5w9R0A7L91rl3-sOPDQnJVkf4-Q5nWJmjmQJJATosIYTRDSJBtMwcgy3jPHl0F-qY1pKJkk-RQuzNeo/s1600/IMG_5289.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></div>
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkVkoBa9G4IMf2h9qDjXTbS5PEeNXLLSFpDw5vZm-N-LzLesQ5RrjNwRg6PqR8PTTmwHWYvTiSkQodxBCTk382sfYWtmRtQln2j119IbvwGWI4sTu49j3ROByO7YvFaEwfORdCezclQCE/s1600/IMG_5292.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></div>
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The wedding was held at <a href="http://www.glenisland-harbourclub.com/" target="_blank">The Glen Island Harbor Club</a>. Check out that view above! The weather was gorgeous, but hot if I remember correctly. So being inside but surrounded by windows was perfect. But what was even better was the love you could feel in that room. It was a beautiful ceremony.<br />
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And something happened during C&B's ceremony that I had never experienced before but just loved. The minister (possibly JoP, I can't remember) asked the maid of honor and best man to put their hands over C&B's. And called attention to the fact that they stand up there to support C&B not only today, but throughout their marriage. It was so sweet! And so true. We choose our maid of honor and best man for a reason, they are very important people in our lives who we turn to for guidance at times.<br />
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<b><span sans-serif="" style="font-family: Homemade Apple;"><span style="color: #66c6ae;">The Reception</span></span></b></div>
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAudNbj457nPIA-MPTjGReD4SoiAWzCgTjvqZT-woyV-4PSRG46UHAkDyS92KSgleX0hyphenhyphentpIl1WuR4AOaPzwi3ccPZHEDvyiEsPotABuRwCxsngpY9AnURUo0KFx4KY0x1Yc7evfrrYxA/s1600/IMG_5294.JPG" height="240" width="320" /><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKqvXWXYv0WqAg93j595rBvZ90bl8EHl0HWoUtvGu0xwEB2ZWijsRb7k_jH7wd33rixRgj9-hUxOknhFaweiBoS553ZRR7pd0duaDG5xRI2tB0AFlda-EVdTn5NtXst01ZX0aHg29GyxU/s1600/IMG_5293.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></div>
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Cocktail hour was held on the patio of the venue. Again, look at these views! This venue was so gorgeous. And the amount of food available during cocktail hour was insane! I did my best not to fill up before dinner. :)</div>
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzdx3bY96x3TvHkXRpLYWE1Lsf1b3DqyzMXat9T-YLv1fXjVN_WeqNCiM6a-ESEJZEGp4E1laAwlzj0j0QcoYwD-IkABS7pI9GMqzvn4rHV_R1O_yLC5Jt0uci8RHjYe4TygZgnipNVPY/s1600/IMG_5295.jpg" height="400" width="300" /><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEq_jIgiBonL9v1dpFJNPRtsSjnoF6lNSRSSH0hXhKBVvUFqvhmbWRqrkmfCgFn5jZShnDLuueoTi2_2Hw94pYEnCQuKuxmNq6yZobH6KOUqKek1YPCMU0HNjGUGdyfGjgircsT2K9z64/s1600/IMG_5296.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></div>
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There were fresh flowers everywhere. And omg were they gorgeous! </div>
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Mr. & Mrs.!</div>
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsghQVnKjjC21EvlI_Tp7EdWBfFPzOTQSP_2LEpIrX_tsy7t6oEBouzMG4J9jk4jtA7GTtRe2LQ4DE3bfzZYPx2TxNJw6q0bWsmVpRUNyvkq_1ijV_oiGc5uiTojWntQ6T2k41WckFb2Y/s1600/IMG_5298.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></div>
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College roommates. We did a great job color coordinating. ;)</div>
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I love how Jackie & Corey have become great friends down in Charlotte!</div>
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO-3SWWnyALk9-1156VZTFi7xuI76mkshyphenhyphenXbWdVSLxl8mNcfrTs1xy5-T0M57TZPMLlinOsM4Z2DHU5VHJVOj2CIPVMBQb9bho7GK5oHW8RGzxMrkk3iQz4Jx8bHkZlUMiYi_y-zGDX2A/s1600/IMG_5309.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></div>
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J&A!</div>
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhKzb7icr9_R_CgDt8xqHya0Li7Q2vRIUCPSM1eV4zR_m1gtlDk8R_G7OixaXSQ1zDMf3XEiCM0kE-TRNlx9jfuLc8Z33BavOAfQmeU6J3vBOVw_7_Q5qD3OdRk4wXLCy47RXdFfyT9YI/s1600/IMG_5311.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></div>
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHZBM31I0OmRtnNlvG1V2ua0-IotRrjcnFnp9XXqbSM7tNlnxiUYnT16glYJbsGpHmQyJB5_XrvPJMyzOV3zo1Tn1UlupDk0zvqduhFPoHINf45HLK0bNQ7uXDlSO1bQHjuasBQoNobos/s1600/IMG_5328.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></div>
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We tried really hard to get a Bentley picture but there were so many of us that it was way too hard to coordinate. It was certainly fun though!</div>
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLfdUc1nWLdz5xn0X3gtDDmP8goXt_ZjPr0Pgz4XgK74m59tIDR2Mx9ecFz7IDKzEVIrm9sEVk0PPE5SHnW3GuFIjWkrKOJhj69IetSQeJ6erjeGI34sZHbkmrhIyierwaiVQdoHuNWlI/s1600/IMG_5336.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></div>
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Soo many amazing, and hilarious!, memories with this group over 4 years of college. </div>
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxCONxb1EKllq6EzQCjCrVI22iqVghVx4l51ls-XerBofrWUCDD3mMa43XMy-hQjMFcZO1eZGyjUD1EwNKs2JYgKj0Wp4Z4LhroISI9B8Ft1dNigEUA909GJ_EJXfSmapK3o8KRZJjZyI/s1600/IMG_5352.jpg" height="400" width="300" /><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDzyLN6P6AzU38OcM2Ogf60t6r3_JkBQYXG7YGNnhsTgKZEGLHJtVH91c9NUYTZLEdG1ztM5rUEOM9yjMZKsrcxYNO2s1Tzg3DBy2UO8Gb21TU-nAxgHFd4cRZwqSijNwdX-_MznKMl5g/s1600/IMG_5344.JPG" height="400" width="240" /></div>
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Woah baby belly! :)</div>
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After snapping these last few pics we headed out to grab the shuttle back to the hotel. Well, let me tell you - something incredible happened. We walked downstairs to find fresh hot pretzel and italian ice! Omg, the lemon italian ice was amazing. Such a treat!<br />
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I was a little nervous about being the only completely sober one at a wedding. I know that sounds ridiculous. But it's true. And I have to say, I had soo much fun! I also impressed many by staying up til the wee hours of the morning. In my eyes, there were very few nights left out with friends for a while. Gotta make the most of them!<br />
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<b><span sans-serif="" style="font-family: Homemade Apple;"><span style="color: #66c6ae;"><br /></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span sans-serif="" style="font-family: Homemade Apple;"><span style="color: #66c6ae;">Congratulations Corey & Brandon! </span></span></b> </div>
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You threw one hell of a party! And we couldn't be happier for you two. </div>
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Tracey @ Talkative*TLChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13092615540873962767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6782857723048958770.post-31960724477884593572014-08-15T15:24:00.000-04:002014-08-15T15:24:09.792-04:00Guest Bathroom Reveal<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I can't believe how far this bathroom has come! There are still some small updates that need to be finished but I didn't want to delay the photos any longer. Here's what we started with:<br />
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<ul>
<li><a href="http://talkativetlc.blogspot.com/2013/06/home-tour-befores.html" target="_blank">Initial house tour</a></li>
<li><a href="http://talkativetlc.blogspot.com/2014/03/another-bathroom-reno.html" target="_blank">Demo begins 3/11/2014</a></li>
<li><a href="http://talkativetlc.blogspot.com/2014/03/guest-bathroom-update.html" target="_blank">Update 3/27/2014</a></li>
<li><a href="http://talkativetlc.blogspot.com/2014/05/guest-bathroom-update.html" target="_blank">Update 5/7/2014</a> </li>
</ul>
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We'll let the pictures do the talking. Source list below.</div>
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdiHx0Z6g0ESFv2k23J59ktiS3tCSPfu7yZd7eKOqu3A2YnE0pRXxm0iNhuewcarpZrqt3_WXiU9pnu5i3X-B5oi1ORzfQJLCMJKLj4AK3ArVNGWepK5qgj-wIyL_dXSOfTjC2yKXmq9o/s1600/2014.08.15_GB1.jpg" /></div>
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDyq9LJ0NhZa4JEXArG3m4LjhCt86bPDVU3LlVuVLEOqFJ0HHU9A5VpkRlPlmUcz7flio2WR5BHNYfqgxD-Q6uQlPnSdvf7G_JEt5GID3HhYPI3rl_Af77u0NxGnP1GZSelSmEMcwhSPs/s1600/2014.08.15_GB4.jpg" /></div>
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<span style="color: #66c6ae; font-family: Raleway; font-size: large;"><b>Sources</b></span></div>
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Wall color - Benjamin Moore <a href="http://www.benjaminmoore.com/en-us/paint-color/classicgray" target="_blank">Classic Gray</a></div>
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Tile - <a href="http://www.tileshop.com/product/biltmore+polished+hex+2+x2+in.do?sortby=ourPicks&refType=&from=Search" target="_blank">The Tile Shop</a></div>
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Rug - Target</div>
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Vanity - <a href="http://www.lowes.com/pd_156858-66150-20J+VSDB60_4294684459__?productId=3290800&Ns=p_product_qty_sales_dollar|1&pl=1&currentURL=%3FNs%3Dp_product_qty_sales_dollar%7C1&facetInfo=" target="_blank">Lowes</a></div>
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Vanity Top - <a href="http://www.lowes.com/pd_402347-28534-22X61+DB+OVAL+BOWL+W_4294737233__?productId=4777583&Ns=p_product_qty_sales_dollar|1&pl=1&currentURL=%3FNs%3Dp_product_qty_sales_dollar%7C1&facetInfo=" target="_blank">Lowes</a></div>
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Vanity Lights - <a href="http://www.homedepot.com/p/Martha-Stewart-Living-2-light-Skylands-Collection-Vanity-Light-Fixture-V358NK02/202802085?N=5yc1vZc7prZ2bcu17" target="_blank">Home Depot</a></div>
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Mirror - Home Goods</div>
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Faucets - <a href="http://www.homedepot.com/p/Pfister-Cantara-4-in-Centerset-2-Handle-High-Arc-Bathroom-Faucet-in-Brushed-Nickel-F-048-CRKK/204149993?N=5yc1vZbrhkZ1z0vm5h" target="_blank">Home Depot</a></div>
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Shower, Tub, Curved shower rod - Lowes (<a href="http://www.lowes.com/pd_349095-834-2649BW.011_4294737275__?productId=3394194&Ns=p_product_qty_sales_dollar|1&pl=1&currentURL=%3FNs%3Dp_product_qty_sales_dollar%7C1&facetInfo=" target="_blank">1</a>, <a href="http://www.lowes.com/ProductDisplay?partNumber=349094-834-2647.102.011&langId=-1&storeId=10151&productId=3394192&catalogId=10051&cmRelshp=rel&rel=nofollow&cId=PDIO1" target="_blank">2</a>, <a href="http://www.lowes.com/pd_556361-336-35614BNRPL_4294639614__?productId=50102864&Ns=p_product_qty_sales_dollar|1&pl=1&currentURL=%3FNs%3Dp_product_qty_sales_dollar%7C1&facetInfo=" target="_blank">3</a>)</div>
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Shower Curtain - Home Goods</div>
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Toilet - <a href="http://www.lowes.com/pd_88575-834-2514.101.020_1z0z4fx+1z11981+1z13zuf__?productId=3306710&Ntt=watersense&pl=1&currentURL=%3FNtt%3Dwatersense%26page%3D1&facetInfo=Elongated|American%20Standard" target="_blank">Lowes</a></div>
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Frames - Target</div>
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Window blinds - <a href="http://www.homedepot.com/p/Home-Decorators-Collection-White-2-1-2-in-Premium-Faux-Wood-Blind-64-in-Length-Price-Varies-by-Size-10793478067015/202616267?N=5yc1vZbc8b" target="_blank">Home Depot</a></div>
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This bathroom has come so far. And we absolutely love it. I mean the cracked aqua tiles, laminate flooring, and stained tub were all well and good but I think this is a bit of an improvement. :) We have a few items to clean up like adding pictures to the frames, painting the window frame, door frame, and door as well as purchasing new door knobs (for all of the upstairs doors) but like I said, nothing worth delaying these photos any longer. <i>We've had this room finished since June...</i></div>
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<span style="color: #66c6ae; font-family: Raleway; font-size: large;"><b>What do you think??</b></span></div>
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Tracey @ Talkative*TLChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13092615540873962767noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6782857723048958770.post-27952628131893166762014-08-14T12:56:00.000-04:002014-08-14T12:56:02.802-04:00We're Alive and WellOh, hi! Excuse the month long blog absence.....that went by fast! And if you happen to follow me on <a href="http://followgram.me/talkative_tlc/" target="_blank">instagram</a>, you know that a lot has happened in the last month. The biggest, most awesome item being that we had a baby girl!! And she is the most amazing little thing ever.<br />
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<i>Sneak peek</i>. :)</div>
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWrfsH5HawHtSu8UJN08BOUTE2x88kMr1QRrOfcowvXZb5eiRddgE7e66hN2XcEkyr6Nm6QCyF8Fnh4-GwZ_P5MOq7Zc0XgO3XpHhKTJydBXgSaAoVZ0cwA5x64nQhyphenhyphenRncxtMHJV_Kpu4/s1600/IMG_2790.JPG" height="200" width="150" /><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTBI4Oghm5eD6RSqLBLkHB127bPTNDThx4utbyFXnXPrdgdVlZVqQV4T6k5-lluGGghs348PmAEQmc49kwJxJgHdAgRTvIHgltFSqJfOWie4CEF50jBZDUOFr0rRwd9X872Gv86PoqX7E/s1600/IMG_2822.JPG" height="200" width="150" /><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwplaigPys3Eo2MgZYfe7Bv1dOErzsIt-Wr6XUtR3Gnw6yDh0sLgK41ARHX5z07mbSbg2kaE6bQM7-GlqeZ-pgMmtfcZaAG0ufSd06_kmeSv3mwyHubtodMO8QYUQWLkX8Vz6JmiOUA_c/s1600/IMG_2787.JPG" height="200" width="150" /><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl88vY0U-miEmYjTPcF8gSdTzz_6g3U-1f8DB8APwVnQClNC6QLew9Iqk8nZ-rEBg8xgm-xioFKXUByi_5qe00CYFJ8UKNmowZfUvIufiy6PNXkzUUeGaTg6b5Sve9ADzDUU1VW0J6JK0/s1600/IMG_2733.JPG" height="200" width="150" /></div>
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And also, our kitchen has been put back together and is looking great. We love the upgraded design choices we made (<i>and it was sooo nice having someone else do all the work for us for once</i>). There were a few weeks of just going with the flow over here as the demo started, baby girl came earlier than expected while we were living in half of our house, and then we were off to my parents house for about 5 days with a 1 week old as the tile work was completed. Needless to say, we're <i>finally</i> settling into life as new parents in our own home.<br />
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And I'm hoping to take advantage of some of little miss's naptimes to get back to blogging. First up, the guest bathroom reveal. I'm resizing the photos as we speak so stay tuned, the post will be up shortly. :)<br />
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<br />Tracey @ Talkative*TLChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13092615540873962767noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6782857723048958770.post-43006224784219971482014-07-08T06:00:00.000-04:002014-07-08T06:00:08.436-04:00Surprise! Let's Start a Kitchen Reno...A few Fridays ago we finished up our <a href="http://snapwidget.com/v/748077289943320408#.U7tOz41dWR8" target="_blank">deck renovation</a> project thanks to the assistance of our AMAZING families, J was on cloud nine. The deck has been haunting him since last summer and we knew it needed to be fixed. But at nearly 1,000 sq ft, it's huge and we knew it would be a demanding task.<br />
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We went to bed Friday night feeling so great that the last BIG check off our renovation to-do list was completed and we'd be enjoying it all summer long. Fast forward to Saturday morning when we woke up early with time to go out to breakfast before our all day childbirth prep class.... </div>
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Me: "J, what is that noise? Did you leave the pool filter on last night?" (<i>Proceed to open the window and realize that no, it's not the pool filter.</i>)</div>
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J: Runs downstairs thinking the heating pipe he patched in the downstairs half bath was leaking again. (Ya, never got around to sharing that story...but the ceiling was torn out of the half bath on our first floor after a few leaks from the upstairs guest bath)</div>
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J: "OH MY GOD. Efffff. #$%!!@#$!!"</div>
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Me: "Oh no." Run downstairs and see it literally raining in our kitchen. Every recessed light and pendant light pouring out water from the ceiling. Floor soaked, stools soaked, counters soaked, etc.<br />
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKqtcDS-s-nTkiE6Qg1SUoE4lsaKlY4Fu1YtN03tLFB2U1Q5TGiVJlOKeSMmIgVkIwUP9Oi-6sDhhwUpl8062imOeTbANM7J9IVWzbofKQB57d4huJe-c4WmbpW0G25_5zRJJzCrRPpKY/s1600/IMG_5370.JPG" height="240" width="320" /><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhhQQ8r_am3vWffpuAC0S387p0S8_Q93oYs4SJz27JGVGM0rbv7avHYjY7ykPVfbBW2MvBRDvHqBl9EcMOtt2z_Bt6a3N7U7AubwG_sLwhZIOUP1BAyFfyFqC7T_G8LO2ykG2tn6oGnuo/s1600/IMG_5369.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></div>
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguu2NrNLoVjiYJ_6FXOMI9Oi25s-F-ocIRybonqRVMsAlsO5gRP9zBJl_JHNxWMp5ZSGDUVIH_wjGPO_9EMjnJ-N8EvDnVXXiP3Hj0UGHNtkBxcMu29PT5HmVETsdMvVVcYusRLZFNmQw/s1600/IMG_5372.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>A view of the ceiling once we had the water shut off</i></div>
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Uh, yeah...didn't see this one coming!<br />
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Once we got the water shut off, we assessed the damage. **<i>PS - know where your water shut off valve is. I cannot stress that enough. The pipe leak had nothing to do with our renovations, and everything to do with it just being an old pipe - This could happen to anyone.</i>**<br />
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheYWca_fo72XRNN4lXYTYHcpw1U5Lm-e07BvQ1NOf5AdPbfgkpyJGEEav-IRFa11qmnn2WE9_GOnzNBdX6MD1n6fvAhf-vsIWJAtcopuAqPrho3iZcuImwno0hpvFVpKy4VHbBp8E04es/s1600/IMG_5384.JPG" height="240" width="320" /><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxdBnDaG1XCWc7iXsnkhb7n4MvPR-gYaPmiTYRMNd1GGyo8oPHnBCiS6zDRXrZMUyO4oe5EGZAz0SSxVDlSxfDcvXfIi_eamYEZf9Afcag2uJNoFRvPSw37YT2mIbCtCkONasB99hnUbE/s1600/IMG_5374.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></div>
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<i>The water went through the kitchen floor and down into our basement too...</i> </div>
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Then we figured out where the leak was located - in a wall between our master bathroom and guest bathroom. And I just about died when I thought we'd need to rip out all of our hardwork in the master bathroom. Not a needed stress right now!<br />
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPum0tiFa-LvLiP0-1-RFmG9l8pzrPGMmufvoEGuqxWNrA15AF_USS_wjtDQeI2v0PRHPzJnRmIBtdJTPyi_H5DgRb8D1Fw38kJi9g4kqEQaTcFBCHKrrLgKE313KpE254Wza5VisCRfo/s1600/IMG_5389.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></div>
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<i>Yes, that tiny hole created a whole lot of damage!</i></div>
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But this is why we pay for home insurance. Our issue was a pipe that simply corroded. Yes, this little pinhole created a whole lot of damage during the overnight hours. Seriously, thank god we were home and caught this as quickly as we did.<br />
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So this is what our kitchen looks like today... and I'm 38 weeks pregnant...<br />
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Y1XUlGWtmyTe7eeW1QXUWVtIVgAJlI9KfMnYv1qfNpkHqxWZ6PNghzrg5Z-YipG_gOhU7zgN5ri_wiwGzqjLS7Vh_gONHABOS9Uteu0Ck4JV-7SVKOhhObHQRd8qx0Ph-UV7ddRd_6U/s1600/IMG_5393.JPG" height="480" width="640" /> </div>
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF3kCmeE_a3goWPU88jZyr7kkvKwjVh9qe0A8DIoD132cNQnvKLD3ldcL7cJbQ5wAh7S0ut4cA3xQvYWGXOyjK_wrwYf2OW1EoaEhry1vN8kwO4d2TPO3isHCHKNOwKAiecYvXi_edp9g/s1600/IMG_5397.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></div>
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What needs to be done?<br />
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<ul>
<li>New wiring and lighting for all of the recessed lights in the kitchen</li>
<li>New pendant lights</li>
<li>New insulation and sheetrock for the kitchen ceiling</li>
<li>New tile flooring in the kitchen - which spreads to the front door and over into the half bath</li>
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<li>We've decided to also have them update the hardwood floors in our dining room to the same tiles since its all one open space and the current threshold between the kitchen tile and dining room floor is very awkward</li>
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<li>A new stove installed - most of the water came down right over our stove which now makes the most annoying pilot clicking noise, and doesn't stop, until you're done cooking</li>
<li>New insulation in the ceiling in the basement</li>
</ul>
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Thankfully, insurance and our contractor have agreed on what needs to be done and everyone is well aware of our impending stork arrival. But we can only speed things up so much - we've been given an estimate of 2-3 weeks worth of work. Wah. Which won't get start until next week. Double wah!<br />
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Not exactly sure why it can take so long, the tile work I suppose. But seeing as I can't stand the current tiles in the kitchen and they're now getting replaced, I will make this work!<br />
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I'll do my best to post updates/design choices along the way. We've decided to go with faux wood tiles for the new floors and I cannot wait to see how they turn out (especially after reading posts like <a href="http://www.chrislovesjulia.com/2014/03/faux-wood-tile-the-after-photos.html" target="_blank">this</a>).<br />
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We've accepted the fact that each design decision we make in this kitchen seems to make the cabinets look more and more orange...so a new backsplash and painted cabinets will be happening at some point....ambitiously hoping it will be later this year. ;)<br />
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Tracey @ Talkative*TLChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13092615540873962767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6782857723048958770.post-72454332210214382832014-07-03T06:00:00.000-04:002014-07-03T06:00:01.526-04:00Oh Baby! Shower RecapYou know what else was a month ago now? My baby shower! Slowly catching up over here...<br />
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When discussions of a baby shower first started, my only request was that I not be ginormously, uncomfortably pregnant if at all possible. After looking at the calendar, we decided it would work out perfectly to have my shower within a few weeks of the birth of my nephew so that my sister could get home to meet him and help host my shower within the same week. <i>I owe you a whole post on this little bundle of joy! I'm working on it don't you worry</i>.<br />
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So just a few days after getting home from our babymoon, at 32 weeks pregnant, my mom and sister hosted the perfect baby shower in my honor. I still can't get over how much work they did. Or how generous our family and friends were! I'm not lying when I saw there is nothing left on my registry at this point. Nothing!<br />
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Here's a bit of a recap through pictures (<i>camera pictures finally too</i>):</div>
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My sister made this super cute bunting for the cake and then the baker mimicked it! Cake was sooo good.</div>
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilJf1i4ZPAgE1watnFExmlkNaaBoDOOIMfGvmEr2_ppa4UVCgM1Hq9Pt-bfZFlmzH1pCcswUz3u-RlsDpPTLsrzUqjqfXe6F12HvCuR7OBvBpXUtPtOMpKxhyJXt5W8dttWC2p3KqBj9g/s1600/IMG_5258.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></div>
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I am SO lucky to have these ladies in my life. Can't thank you enough for such a perfect baby shower.</div>
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Some of J's family - love these ladies!</div>
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All of the women who helped raise me, my momma, my aunties, my nona. <3</div>
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Cute little gifts for Baby C!</div>
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Cousins</div>
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Yes, this is my SIL who had a baby 3 weeks prior! I know, she looks amazing right?</div>
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I count my lucky stars to have all these wonderful girlfriends still in my life - dating back to elementary school and before!</div>
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The college gfs. Who have certainly seen me at my finest! Don't judge... ;)</div>
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Can you tell we're related? </div>
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The grandmas-to-be! I know, they're way too young for that title right? But seriously, these two women are amazing. J & I can't thank you enough for all of your love, support, and guidance through the years. I hope my mama skills are up to par!</div>
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My Nona. I once wrote her letter requesting to move in since my mom was too mean. Ha. </div>
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Soon to be 4 generations!</div>
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I could have sworn I took pictures of all of the decorations the ladies put together but sadly they are nowhere to be found now. A few items worth pointing out:<br />
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<li>Centerpieces were potted plants with burlap covering the flower pot. In each plant there were baby pictures of J & I. They were adorable!! And whoever's birthday was closest to my due date got to take the flowers home.</li>
<li>Favors were baby jars of jelly beans or m&ms. I am always a fan of edible favors...and I somehow ended up with the bag of jelly beans that didn't fit in the jars...such a shame. ;)</li>
<li>Jackie dyed newborn and 3 month onesies in pink, blue, green, yellow, and orange. And strung them along the entrance to the room. They were SO cute! And I'm excited to have them to dress the little love in once he/she arrives. I may even be bringing the newborn pink and blue ones to the hospital with me...</li>
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We are so fortunate to have such amazing family and friends who couldn't be happier for us. </div>
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Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!! Even Tucker seems a bit excited with all the new baby gear floating around the house. :)</div>
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And the due date countdown: less than 3 weeks!!</div>
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<br />Tracey @ Talkative*TLChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13092615540873962767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6782857723048958770.post-8538185343914149002014-06-25T06:00:00.000-04:002014-06-25T06:00:05.221-04:00BabymoonI can't believe it's been a month since our trip to the beach! It was our one last hurrah before our lives are forever changed by this little babe that will be joining us so soon. A babymoon as it's called today.<br />
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Our plans for this vacation: To hit the beach and pool, that's about it. My only must-haves were that it be along the coast. And not be in an area where there were things we'd like to do besides just relax. Otherwise, I really didn't care where we ended up.<br />
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So after a bit of searching and pricing out various options, Ft. Lauderdale Beach, FL won our bid.<br />
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Thanks to J's parents' timeshare, we were able to get a 1-bedroom condo a block from the beach. It was seriously perfect. Having a full kitchen was awesome. So we made one big grocery run on our first day there with plans to eat most breakfasts and lunches at our place, or on the beach.</div>
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<span style="text-align: start;">Here's a recap of our week through iPhone pics:</span></div>
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Yogurt parfaits for breakfast on the balcony. And lots of fresh fruit to snack on throughout the day.</div>
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjByZ3fdPkgSLY9-D4ijCpoCeawts3xFedFF-lLYBrj9Vw69FhxZUe42utxckwy4Wd3PXTP45DR-M2Qk8DxxqyvxdNojGB2OELERlWmvDrJsRPDr1ubTGEjxs84051vgDUYEM1AjP9WZ6E/s1600/IMG_2404.JPG" height="240" width="320" /><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAu4s9qZUE5nXYQycXpjsVq__4OX7iwImO5VaZ39jgocpFQUep-4hCpaU8soBQBTPX3EozrfjpAFLaOGan35SbAjW2IOA2qVUzd7-DZnfohayCIyhrgn_8tLIv1bz7m28UeR7kd9OO_Nw/s1600/IMG_2403.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></div>
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Having a blender in our room was awesome for J. Frozen mango margaritas to-go! And I may have enjoyed a virgin pina colada or two by the pool. </div>
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We took the water taxi downtown one afternoon which was awesome. It was a little too hot to be walking around at 32 weeks preggo but we loved touring the intercoastal and hearing all about the ridiculous houses. I'd highly recommend it.</div>
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Mornings included walks to Starbucks for Green Tea - Lemonades. Afternoons included frozen (<i>virgin</i>) cocktails to-go by recycling our cups. </div>
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On our last full day we headed up the coast to Lauderdale by the Sea. What a fantastic area! </div>
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One of these fro-yo's is not like the other....oops.</div>
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We had such a fantastic trip in Ft. Lauderdale and we can't wait to go back. One of J's uncles lives there and we were able to spend quality time with him throughout the week. If only I could have indulged in a few drinks with the guys! Next time for sure. Especially when there are half-priced bottles of wine to be had. MA, get on that!</div>
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Next trip will include our little love. Crazy! (<i>in a fantastically awesome way</i>)</div>
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<br />Tracey @ Talkative*TLChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13092615540873962767noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6782857723048958770.post-72981809585555376842014-06-13T06:00:00.000-04:002014-06-13T08:18:13.827-04:00Baby C - 34 WeeksAnd just like that, another 6 weeks have flown by since my last update (<a href="http://talkativetlc.blogspot.com/2014/05/baby-c-28-weeks.html" target="_blank">here</a>). Ah! And that means we have 6 weeks left give or take. Ahh!<br />
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I am definitely still freaking out a little bit about this. But I'm getting more comfortable with it. Whatever happens, happens. When this little love decides to make his/her appearance, we'll roll with it. We have everything we need thanks to the most incredible, extremely generous, family and friends who attended our baby shower (recap to come).<br />
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So let's get to it:<br />
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<b>Size:</b> Baby is currently the size of a pineapple or butternut squash depending on which app I'm looking at. He/she should be weighing in around 4.2-5.8 lbs and is 17-19 inches. I actually had an ultrasound yesterday to get an accurate measurement of Baby C. Their current estimate is 4.15lbs which puts him/her in the 39th percentile for growth. So we've got a little growing to do perhaps, but its just an estimate anyways.<br />
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<b>Weight Gain:</b> You ready for this one? About 32 lbs to date! Wowza. But at this point I'm past stressing about it. It is what it is and *hopefully* it will all just magically disappear post partum. ;)<br />
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<b>Cravings:</b> Still loving fresh fruit. Especially watermelon. And ice cold water. Oh my goodness its the tastiest thing ever. So much more refreshing than just cold water. Ice cold is where it's at. And iced coffee still....I made the mistake of trying the Dunks Cookie Dough flavor the other day....oh boy. (<i>Tip - a medium has 3 pumps of flavor, I ask for 1 or 2 at most and then just milk since there's plenty of sugar in the syrup they use)</i>. Oh, and I will never turn down a burger...<br />
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<b>Aversions:</b> I can't think of anything too specific...it tends to be random. For example ordering pizza the other night, J mentioned one restaurant but the idea of pizza from THAT restaurant sounded horrible, I had to have it from THIS restaurant instead. Don't worry, I won. And the pizza was delish. :)<br />
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Lastly, <b>what 34 weeks really feels like (for me):</b> Yes, I will still tell you that I'm feeling great and have no complaints, which is true! But, let's face it, 6 weeks out from my due date is certainly taking its toll on my body.<br />
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<li>Rib pain/ tingling sensation across the bottom of my ribs/ top of my stomach. Not surprised at all to find out the baby is head down given the pain I've been experiencing in my ribs. Apparently the tingling sensation is a nerve issue that can happen anywhere on the stomach as it stretches too...oh and it's super itchy at times!</li>
<li>The feet are unrecognizable by the end of the day. In the past week this has really gotten worse. It's more on the top of my feet rather than my ankles but they're both swelling daily now (<i>check out those sexy cankles above! Post walk with Tuck</i>). We've put a pillow between the mattress and box spring on my side of the bed to help raise my feet slightly above my heart while sleeping. This seems to be working. And from time to time I'll wear the compression socks I bought for running to bed- this really works.</li>
<li>Taking Tucker for walks is getting harder and harder. And I now take the flat road option versus hills....it's not long before I feel it in my hips, lower back, and pelvic area. And the pain tends to last about 24 hours. But I get my butt out there a few days a week, even if it's no more than 20 minutes.</li>
<li>And prenatal yoga is now a hardcore workout! I remember way back around 20 weeks thinking, well it's not really that hard at all but it is relaxing. Not anymore. Holding an extra 30 lbs up in downward dog or trying to maneuver around this belly in child pose is a total workout. </li>
<li>Sleep is getting harder and harder. Some nights have upwards of 3 trips to the bathroom, some nights I wake up and just have the hardest time falling back to sleep. </li>
<li>I am hungry all.the.time. So I've definitely been more conscious of watching for empty calories since I'll most likely be starving again soon if I don't eat something substantial.</li>
<li>And at the same time I fill up fast...smaller meals more often these days.</li>
<li>By Fridays after work, I'm useless. Totally drained and so ready to sleep in. Which never happens....last Saturday had me wide awake around 5:45 and finally giving in and getting up around 6:30...</li>
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<b>To-Do List:</b> Well this is a long one really. But here's what will get done in the next couple weeks -<br />
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<li>Get the hospital bags together for me, baby, and J.</li>
<li>Take a childbirth class and tour the hospital Baby C will be delivered at.</li>
<li>Wash all of the clothes, blankets, crib sheets, etc.</li>
<li>Hang the pictures we were gifted in the nursery.</li>
<li>Install a closet organizer in the nursery's closet.</li>
<li>Figure out when my last day of work will be (for now). </li>
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Here's hoping I'll be more on my game in the next few weeks and can get one more update together before it's go time!</div>
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<br />Tracey @ Talkative*TLChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13092615540873962767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6782857723048958770.post-16087761071454045822014-06-11T06:00:00.000-04:002014-06-11T06:00:08.316-04:00WIWW: Bump Style - Part II<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Just a few more ways I've learned to dress this growing baby bump by mixing in non-maternity pieces where I can.</div>
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfQMhLTwX6rgx3MPTOR-4KOjuV9hilmgCDpp0K2u-C4YcbsUz4lIx_DBx3_8G34qQtdpMSXmSYnmgPmT64JshGlzgUCqkvHtr3tksGAfi3IJhOz_yPPhmFpWj9eu3jqNjQq0SiwKhpAZE/s1600/IMG_2345.jpg" height="400" width="300" /><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhblU0S6c617O1pAQurgmhtbPjVdAe5sdeJuFvUBS1Nb3GqPgqRKW0GlkDll3pKM9mfQkI6iucXOUc_sDPkvSLVPyLZpxsjw8zu-b0CPiKYa_TXkZ2cgy2nRkMPy1k4ICW4usfNdv-5aVY/s1600/IMG_2344.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></div>
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Dress: <a href="http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=93287&vid=1&pid=938196022" target="_blank">Old Navy</a> (maternity)</div>
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Belt: Target (non-maternity, old)</div>
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Cardigan: <a href="http://www.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=8993&vid=1&pid=941326062" target="_blank">Gap </a>(non-maternity)</div>
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCloLl6QFgYQzDA2hnT87o6L2tPE3SK93YdDeZVZzZd_VsBCozpYznmdkb1iFaBSxCePxlOd4wEBtOvWl8ouTQ0Hq3MRCUdIHj_ovmXEcjkr3RDgJHf4A8rrnCfrBC60re_8wVWewbNls/s1600/IMG_2384.jpg" height="400" width="300" /><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVwVQY0hV6_hZLyfB1Ki7K9_vivF-GhE-a3FZ6E1n9NpOZS4OIpZtGbtCtZx6Vnx9CgR-CRz7ALoL5UOoMtEOy_GxTKxq33WwyT_vuJey9dvvsQXp9D6lgvHoYwMy8MMTlawM4ajdvVLs/s1600/IMG_2385.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></div>
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Dress: New York & Company (super old, non-maternity)</div>
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Cardigan: Banana Republic Outlet (old, non-maternity)</div>
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Necklace: Francesca's Collection</div>
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PS - Don't mind the mess behind me in these! Packing for our babymoon had commenced. So yes, these pictures are from baby bump weeks 30-31. Wait til you see it now! </div>
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Baby C update to be posted later this week. :)</div>
Tracey @ Talkative*TLChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13092615540873962767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6782857723048958770.post-43762044541769390232014-06-10T06:00:00.000-04:002014-06-10T06:00:10.110-04:00The Sweetest Bridal Shower<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Seeing as we attended this wedding last weekend, I think it's time to get the bridal shower recap up! I don't even know where to begin with this shower, Corey's bridesmaids did such an amazing job with it. There were so many thoughtful details!</div>
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But first, let's start off with the bride. Cor and I were college roommates sophomore-senior year. There were 5 of us total and we had so.much.fun.together. Period. I love these girls and am so grateful we're still in touch (<i>how has it been 6 years already since we graduated??!</i>). As you'll see from the photos below, Corey has one of the best smiles ever. It's contagious really. And its a true representation of her personality - happy, bubbly, sweet to a fault. </div>
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And so I couldn't be happier for her, marrying her college sweetheart. Someone I've grown to know better actually since college, and someone I know is absolutely perfect for her. More importantly, they're perfect for each other. </div>
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So let's jump into the bridal shower details - </div>
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Bright sunflowers in mason jars and burlap runners adorned every table.</div>
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The gifts table with such sweet details as photos of the happy couple and the cutest Mr. & Mrs. pillow</div>
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This game was such a hit! We all knew Corey at different phases of her life so for those of us who met her in college, it was fun to see all her baby pictures, and teenage pictures - <i>though don't we all wish those didn't exist. Awkward years ha.</i></div>
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The bridesmaids that hosted the shower made these coasters. Yes, that's right - they made them! And they are so nice. Think plain tiles, scrapbook paper, and modge podge. Genius. And I give them a ton of credit, these must have taken quite a few hours to piece together. </div>
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Messages for the couple to open up on their 1st, 5th, 10th, 25th, and 50th wedding anniversary. So sweet! The bottles were also brought to the wedding for wedding guests to provide their well wishes and advice.</div>
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The food was all delicious, as were the desserts. I may have tried one of each....</div>
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The lovely bride with her mom and MOH/sister assisting her with the gifts. Corey & Brandon actually live down in Charlotte so many of us shipped our gifts and brought something small to the shower. </div>
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All the college girls.</div>
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And last but not least, a roommates picture. <3</div>
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Now I cannot wait to share some photos from this wedding. I was up wayy past my bedtime celebrating! Totally worth it too.</div>
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If I had gotten my act together and posted this recap prior to the wedding I would definitely end this post saying Corey will be the most gorgeous bride and I can't wait to see her dress! But now I can end this saying Corey was the most gorgeous bride and her dress was incredible!! So stay tuned, a wedding recap will occur eventually. ;)</div>
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Tracey @ Talkative*TLChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13092615540873962767noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6782857723048958770.post-12678913479720301062014-06-06T06:00:00.000-04:002014-06-06T06:49:05.223-04:00Charlotte, NC - April 2014, Part II<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Continuing my recap of our trip to Charlotte (<a href="http://talkativetlc.blogspot.com/2014/06/charlotte-april-2014-part-i.html" target="_blank">Part I here</a>), Day 2 we attended the Queen's Cup horse races. This was the first time J or I had ever been to a horse race before. What a beautiful venue! </div>
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And while it was not the Kentucky Derby by any means, people still had a lot of fun getting dressed up for the event. I went with a flow-y Cynthia Rowley dress I found at Marshalls while visiting my mom in St. Augustine. Couldn't have been more perfect for me that day, as it was hot. So something with a little room was ideal. </div>
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Our tickets allowed us to park one car inside of the track which was absolutely perfect. We packed coolers, chairs, and lawn games and set-up shop in a nice shady spot to watch the races. </div>
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The ladies</div>
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Jackie's girlfriend on the left is also preggo, due in the next couple weeks!</div>
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There were 6 of us and 6 horses in most of the races so we each got a number and cheered for that horse in all of the races. Definitely added to the excitement, I think I may have "won" once. </div>
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Obligatory hubs/wife photo. Love this guy!</div>
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Ok fine, here's the full view. Baby bump in full effect! (<i>27 weeks here</i>)</div>
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We could not have asked for better weather this day. It's 7pm in this photo and still absolutely gorgeous. It was hard not to fall in love with it all. After an extremely long winter in Boston, J loved every minute of the sunshine and warm weather in Charlotte. Showing his true American spirit right here. </div>
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We were one of the last cars to leave the track....it was just so nice out.</div>
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But we had to get back eventually, and get ready for Day 3 of awesomeness - a day on the water! Like I said in the last post, it was seriously the best weekend. </div>
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A view of Lake Wylie from the marina where J&A were picking up their new boat (!!)</div>
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Sisters</div>
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And brothers (<i>in-law</i>)</div>
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We cruised all over the lake, swam, and even fished before calling it a day around dinner time. I think it was time to finally relax a little bit. My cankles (<i>or maybe swankles?</i>) were begging me to put my feet up by this point. ;)</div>
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Thank you J&A for hosting us for such a great weekend!! We cannot wait to get back down there once Baby C has joined the family. </div>
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Tracey @ Talkative*TLChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13092615540873962767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6782857723048958770.post-72817048137477900202014-06-05T06:00:00.000-04:002014-06-05T06:00:01.723-04:00Charlotte - April 2014, Part IPardon the blog silence. Life has been crazy busy lately in the best possible way. A new nephew, a babymoon, baby shower, etc. So I have hundreds of photos to share over the next few weeks if I can get my act together.....<br />
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Starting with our trip to Charlotte last month. We had one of the <u>best</u> weekends visiting my sister and brother-in-law. Seriously. Trips to Charlotte will now occur in the Spring when we're sick of the weather here in Boston and it's already 80 down south. Our previous trips to Charlotte have been in the fall when the weather has already started cooling off. But going forward, we'll be making our best effort to get down there in the warmer months.<br />
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The main reason for this trip was Jackie's 30th birthday party. There was no way I was missing this! I may have been the only sober one there but it didn't even phase me. The party was awesome. A bartender, a Chipotle bar, great music, and great friends - you can't ask for a better night! I snagged a bunch of photos before everyone arrived and then put my camera down for a while to meet and mingle with J&A's friends.<br />
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Yes, I said Chipotle bar up above. How incredible is that?! And it was a huge hit! J and I both agreed we will find a reason to do this. It was the easiest set-up ever and the food was delicious (<i>obviously</i>).</div>
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The bartender got there a little early and prepped a big batch of fresh margaritas to serve guests as they arrived. Such a great idea. If you hadn't noticed, there was a Mexican theme going on here...Jackie's favorite food and drink of choice. </div>
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The bottomless margaritas and wine were definitely a bit of a tease for me. But I enjoyed my iced tea/lemonade Jackie picked up for me (<i>a major craving lately</i>)</div>
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Isn't my sister gorgeous? </div>
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And this is a peak at what happens when you bribe the bartender into pouring your drinks with a heavy hand. ;) Kidding, kinda (<i>but not really</i>). The boys had accidentally picked out matching outfits to wear to the party - J changed his shorts to make it a little less obvious. So cute, ha. (<i>and yes, this was the best picture I could get of them!</i>)</div>
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And some late night music once most of the guests had left. I found my way to the couch and enjoyed the drunken antics that ensued. :)</div>
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Well this was only Day 1 in Charlotte! To be continued...</div>
Tracey @ Talkative*TLChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13092615540873962767noreply@blogger.com0