P is for Pregnancy: 31 Weeks

Hello Baby,

Happy 31 weeks to you today! 

from google images.

So an update from yesterday...

We are still waiting to hear back from the Doctor Lady on your official status, 

but the sonogram yesterday went really well and they said you're growing perfectly! 
(sigh of relief)

You were quite the character though and put on a little show :

from left to right:

#1. Face Side Profile

#2. Face Side Profile- you yawned twice during (which was so cool) 

and here you're sticking out your tongue! (you're definitely our son!)

#3. Face Front View- eyes wide open and you smiled a little!

#4. Right Hand Profile- giving us a "thumbs up"!

And in other news....

It just so happens that today we closed on our NEW LOT!

Not too much longer until I get to squeeze you!

XOXO- Mom

P is for Pregnancy: Nerves

Hello Baby,

Yesterday I had a doctors appointment. 

We will continue to listen to your little heart beat (which was very strong!)

and check up on you every 2 weeks until you are born. 

The doctor worries that you may be a little tiny, so we scheduled a sonogram for today.

I couldn't really sleep last night because my mind was all over the place. 

I guess this is what being a mommy will be like. 

Thinking and worrying about you all the time!

I'll be thinking good thoughts until 2 pm today...

(at least we get to see you another time!)

I pray that you are happy, healthy, and growing in there. 

from google images.

See you soon,

XOXO- Mom

C is for Clothes: Must Have Hospital Shirt

In the spirit of Cyber Monday,

aka the day my email account shuts down due to spam overload,

I've found the perfect little "I'm going to the hospital to deliver this watermelon baby" shirt. 

Just in case I need a friendly reminder that day:

From here.

Isn't it cute?!

Now if only I can find one in the USA...

Happy Shopping!

XOXO- LC

F is for Food: Blue Cheese Puffs

Every year, Mr. C and I alternate between families for Thanksgiving and Christmas.
(wish we had a teleporter so we could be with both!)
This year we were in Weatherford with Mr. C's sweet family.

And oh my gosh, did I eat too much...as per usual on Thanksgiving.
One of the culprits were my blue cheese puffs. (recipe below)

We also watched TCU beat UT!!!
GO FROGS!

And I got to spend a whole Friday funday shopping with

Auntie Julia and "Ninjie"!

(Mr. C's Sister and Mom)

And now for THE blue cheese puffs:

(these are a real crowd pleaser, I promise)

Ingredients:

(makes about 40-45 puffs)

• (Almost) One loaf whole wheat bread, sliced, cut into 2-3" rounds
  (I use a mini biscuit cutter or shot glass turned upside-down)
• 1 c. mayo
• 2) 8 oz packages of cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 c. fresh chives, chopped
• 1 c. crumbled blue cheese
• 1 tbsp. dried minced onion
• 1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper
• salt and pepper, to taste
• Paprika, sprinkled as a garnish

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix all above ingredients, except for paprika, in small bowl. Cut 3-4 rounds out of each bread slice and place on a baking sheet. (No need to spray with non-stick cooking spray; but you could line the baking sheet with foil for easier clean up) Top each bread round with approximately 1 tbsp. of the cheese mixture. (Does not have to be perfect!) Bake for 12-15 minutes- sprinkle with paprika and serve immediately. Enjoy!

*You can make these in advance- Once bread is topped with cheese mixture, cover with plastic wrap/foil and refrigerate until ready to bake. 

Feeling SO Thankful!

XOXO-LC

R is for Random: Keep Austin Weird

This is in no way related to this blog 

other than the fact that this is down right hilarious

and I just remembered I had this on my phone...

so I HAD to share.

The premise of the video:

Where: Austin, TX 

When: This past weekend

Why: Formula 1 Event

Who: Random (very) drunk lady on the KVUE evening news

I was casually watching late night news with Mr. C's sweet Aunt Kim and Uncle Mark

when we almost fell off the sofa we were laughing so hard.

And yes, don't judge me, I made a ghetto recording on my iPhone to remember this. 

Ok, I so hope you think this is as funny as I'm making it out to be!

{enlarge the screen, and turn up the volume}

(original footage from here)

7 1/2 months later, I'm definitely not missing the booze...

but sure do enjoy a little (light hearted) laugh like this every once in a while!

Cheers!

XOXO-LC

P is for Pregnancy: A Little Light Reading

I've been really sick the last few days...

some sort of nasty stomach bug.

So I've been corrupting Baby C and trying to make myself feel better

by watching non-stop episodes of Revenge on Netflix. 

(I just finished Season 1...OMG!...now what am I going to do with my life?!)

Our sweet Pip has been by my side all day long. 

Loyal little thing.

Anyways, I haven't been a complete vegetable lately...

I've also been reading a lot from my "go-to" baby books:

(two Mommy-to-be points for me!)

In fact, I finished a couple interesting sections last night 

on "The Scoop on Newborn Poop" and "Labor & Delivery"...lovely. 

My mom was right. I should have listened to her when she said: "Do NOT read ahead!"

I like being prepared and everything...but TMI!

Overall, these books have been very informative, (to say the least!)

reassuring, and honest. Would totally recommend to anyone looking to start a family. 

(These are very well known and respected books for a reason!)

Also, I found this amazing site a while back 

and have been reading up on it again lately. 

I basically used this as a compass before I started registering.

It's been a lifesaver too!

XOXO-LC

Rockabye Baby

Look It!
The rocker is finally here!
(Baby C and I are doing a little jig!)

By the way, I think as part of marriage counselling
couples should have to put together a piece of furniture.
There was some light assembly required for this rocker
and Mr. C and I put our patience to the test. :)

I must say, I'm liking the way his little room is coming together...
just a few more things to cross off my list:
(in this order, I hope)

1. Crib
2. Artwork
3. Side Table
4. Ottoman
5. Baby

XOXO- LC

F is for Friends: Kate and Hunter

Hello Baby,

One of my favorite holidays is this week: Thanksgiving!

There's lots of yummy food, sweet family, food, good friends, and food...did I mention food?!

In all seriousness and in the spirit of the holidays, 

I've been thinking a lot about all the wonderful blessings I have to be thankful for lately.

I came back from Austin this past Sunday

(maternity shoot sneak peak coming soon!)

just in time for us to spend a nice long lunch 

with our dear friends Kate and Hunter, who were visiting from DC.

Hunter was Mr. C's Best Man at our wedding. We've known them since college.

I hope someday you have friends like K & H...

The kind that you know you'll have for forever. 

Plus, they are a lot of FUN!

And they brought you this thoughtful gift:

(Ferdinand was one of Kate's favorites growing up)

{we will fill your name in once we have it picked out! haha!}

It's rightful place on your reading wall:

I can't wait for you to meet them!

XOXO- Mom

Duke vs. "The Rocker"

I give myself an "F" this week on my blogging report card. 

But I have a way to make it up to you...

Yesterday I came home to this on our doorstep from our generous Nana & Popie:

And when I opened it, this sweet thing was inside:

{cute baby not included}

And this is how the dogs reacted:

{The Rocker = 1 ; Duke = 0}

Guess that's one way to keep them out of the baby room...

XOXO- LC

Tuesday To-Do's or Not To-Do's

A new sense of urgency has set in with the arrival of the 3rd Trimester. 

People politely remind me that "he could really come any day now!"

Cue awkward smile/in-shock face now. 

(Um, NO... I'm not ready)

So I politely remind Baby C to please wait until February 1st like Doctor Lady said.

It seems as though a lot of major life decisions all need to be made within the next few weeks. 

Or probably should have been made weeks ago...high five for me!

I'm usually a control freak about these things (in a good way!),

but for some reason this feeling of being overwhelmed has enabled me to procrastinate even more. 

All I can not think about lately are questions like: 

"What are you going to do about child care?", 

"What is it going to be like when you go back to work?", 

"Who is your pediatrician?", 

"Is your life insurance and will in order?"

Riiiiiight. About all that...

I'll answer those after my bubble bath. 

XOXO-LC

P is for Pregnancy: Week 28

Hello Baby,

Today you are 28 weeks old!
We are officially in the 3rd Trimester!

From google images.

Week 28 Milestones:

• Belly Button is STILL an technically an innie, although it's actually just more flush with the rest of my bump. 
• According to my pregnancy tracker, you are the size of a Cauliflower and are approximately 16 inches, 2.5 lbs.
• Cravings are different every day. (Tonight I'm thinking Chinese food!)
• Mint Tums are my new best friend. 
• I'm starting to have the occasional Braxton Hicks contractions. They basically feel like short, sharp pains right under my rib cage. Not really as painful as they are uncomfortable. 
• Your room is coming together...Really the only things left are the custom crib and artwork.
• I need more closets/drawers/stuff to organize...nesting has officially set in!
• My clothing options are starting to slim down (no pun intended)
• Sometimes I can see your kicks from the outside of my belly, not just feel them from the inside! 
• So far I've gained about 16 lbs overall.
• Mr. C and I still have not decided on a name. And we get asked every day! 
• I get out of breath faster than usual- room in there is getting tight and I can really feel the pressure on my lungs these days. 
• However, I still have a ton of energy and am feeling great!

P.S.

You got a special treat this week from your Auntie Lisa...

She loves you so and brought you my favorite cake balls from Louisiana! 

T-Minus 12 weeks! 

XOXO-Mom

A Message of Unity: Election 2012

Hello Baby.

A mix of emotions this morning.
And it's not just for me. I'm thinking about...you.
You can't speak for yourself yet.
So it's my privilege to have a voice for you and your future.

Regardless of last night's election results, 

I remind myself that faith endures
and pray that one day you will understand the importance of these words.
Growing up, we would say this every morning before school announcements:

"I pledge allegiance to the flag 

of the United States of America

and to the Republic

for which it stands

one Nation under God

indivisible

with liberty 

and justice for all."

And I couldn't of said it better myself:
Read This.
And This.

XOXO-Mom

P is for Photos: Maternity Photo Shoot Prep

I'm not going to lie, there are moments when I miss my pre-pregnancy body.

Simply because I've probably just stood in my closet for an hour trying to decide what to wear 

and then finding out (the obvious) that I can no longer fit into my waist-cinching outfit of choice.

Vain moments aside, I've never been happier with my pregnancy body. Seriously. 

I truly believe pregnant women are some of the most attractive women. Ever. 

Something amazing happens...This is what the female body is intended to do.

Now I'm not calling myself pretty by any means; I'm just saying I've embraced my new figure. 

Every time I look at my round belly,

(and other miscellaneous, not to be named, expanding body parts!) 

I'm reminded of the miracle taking place within.

So, to capture the last of these special moments, I've decided to have a maternity photo shoot.

I've scheduled one with some sweet and very talented friends of mine, Amanda and Kate. 

Technically, they specialize in some drop dead gorgeous and tasteful boudoir photos.

(I've included a little snack of some of mine they did last year!)

But, they've kindly agreed to photograph my pregnant body one day next weekend instead!

Here are some inspiration photos for my maternity shoot:

 All images from here.

(Isn't she darling?!)

Getting ready for our close up. 

XOXO-LC

C is for Clothes: A Night Out

Happy Monday!

Mr. C was hunting (and gathering) all weekend,

(or as he likes to say, "providing for his family"...very manly of him)

so I was very productive around the house. 

I finally finished clearing out and putting away all the random stuff left over in the baby room, 

organized the old files and paperwork from the (hilarious) file cabinet, 

put together his dresser and installed new knobs,

and hung a shelf and additional closet rod in his closet. Just to name a few things...

(all by myself, thank you very much. Ty Pennington, look out!)

Surprisingly, I did have time to sneak away for a friend's 30th birthday party on Saturday night. 

Here's what I threw together wore:

Skinny Jeans: Old Navy Maternity (been super happy with these!)

Blouse: Francesca's (old) : Purse: Kate Spade : Shoes: Steve Madden @ DSW

Bracelets: Vintage : Earrings: Lauren Conrad : Arrow Necklace: Stella and Dot

So according to my pregnancy tracker, I'm 27 weeks, 3 days today!!!

aka, I've arrived in the 3rd Trimester. 

Which probably means this is the last time I'll be able to see my toes...and cute shoes...

Small sacrifice to pay for my sweet Baby C. 

XOXO- LC

D is for Design: Nursery Update

I love making lists. 

(yes, I felt the need to bold and underline that)

What do I love even more? I love crossing things off my lists!

Well, I've made major progress in Baby C's nursery this week. 

Here is a little sneak peak!

1. Have room painted. check!

*I used Sherwin Williams Harmony Paint (low odor/VOC's)

Color: Creamy 7012

(please disregard the random (hilarious!) file cabinet...that's going to go...)

2. Install "reading wall". check! check!

I'm so loving how it turned out!

Lots more to do though...

so I think I'll watch some reality TV, order these pillows and some pizza instead.

Baby C is craving pizza, I can't help it.

Pillows from here and here. 

...to go with my new

Nurseryworks rocker from here.

XOXO-LC