Bump Update: 37 Weeks

Writing a birth plan - I have mixed feelings.  Part of me wants to.  Part of me doesn't.  I want everything to go how we would like it to (and yes, I'm prepared for the fact that birth doesn't usually go as planned).  But I don't want to be that person - the person that every nurse on the OB unit rolls their eyes at.  haha.  We went over the office birth plan yesterday at my appointment - covered a few things I wasn't expecting which actually put me at ease a bit.  I'm left with just a couple of minor things that haven't been discussed.  And I haven't brought them up because they are minor and I'm more worried about a few other things, which seem to be in the clear.  I have our birth plan saved as a word doc.  I'm just debating whether or not to print it out and take it in.

What do you all think?  Did you have a birth plan?  How well was it received by the doctors and hospital staff?  I know some of you will tell me not to worry about what they think and to just do what I want - but that isn't in me.  All of my major concerns have been addressed so there is no need for my mama bear claws to come out.  ;)  Though they can and will if need be...

Grrrrrr??  Or is it growl?  Or rawr?  haha.

This week, baby is as big as: Swiss Chard.....hmmmmmm......

Next appointment: Next Friday.  Feels like forever away.  haha.  Good news is that I absolutely LOVE the new doctor.  I really like the other two doctors in the practice so at this point I think I'll be happy no matter who delivers.  But the new doc just really made a great first impression.  I not only felt like she heard my concerns and wishes but that she affirmed them and agreed with what I wanted.  And she did an excellent job at making Hubby a part of the conversation and appointment.  Honestly, I'm thinking I would prefer her to deliver.  But I'd like to see her again.  Since I already had a couple of appointments scheduled, the next time I could see her is 2 days before our due date.  I'm thinking I'll make it but we shall see.  ;)

Total Weight Gain/Loss:  Gained a little more than a pound between appointments.    

Exercise: Ha!  My walks at work are becoming progressively shorter.  We used to go twice as far.  I went our half(ish) distance the other day and thought I was going to die.  But I'm keeping it up.  Bradley exercises are hit and miss and they are probably more important than anything.  Really need to be better about that.  And I know I say that every week...  :P

Maternity Clothes: Got those pants I ordered in the mail.  The one pair are wonderfully long and comfy (dress pants) and the other pair, though they were actually labeled "long" were still not quite long enough.  So my mom took out the hem.  They work.  But when I sit they are total flood pants.  haha.

Sleep: Midnight bathroom breaks seem like they are every 5 minutes.  I'm not sure how it is possible that she can be on my bladder and so far up in my rib cage at the same time.  Guess she is just going to be long like her mom and dad.  ;)

Food Cravings/Aversions: Nothing at all.

Movement:  Pretty consistent.  She is usually the most active first thing in the morning, around lunch time and between 3 and 4 if I'm sitting still.  The other day I was a little panicky because we slept in and I had laid awake for quite awhile - she hadn't moved one bit.  I kept poking at her and moving my belly around.  I got a pretty solid kick or two and then felt better.  I think she was just annoyed because Mommy wasn't letting her sleep in.  ;)  And then yesterday while we were in the waiting room at the doctor's office she was a little acrobat.  Hubby was laughing as he felt my belly - she just wouldn't stop moving - forceful and all over.  So fun!

What I Miss: Being able to breath or sit up right.  haha.

What I'm Loving: Movement!  Always.  And getting things done.  Every time I do something else it is just one more thing that is done pre-baby and it feels good.
        
What I'm Looking Forward To: My show this weekend and seeing some old friends.  Looks like it should be a decent day for a pretty preggo woman.  ;)

Best Moment This Week: Any time Hubby gets to feel her move.  The doc's office was pretty good today.  He is so amazed by it all.  As am I.  I just love seeing him light up at how much of a miracle this really is.

Milestones: The cord is sending extra antibodies to Baby Girl so that she is better able to fight off infections outside the womb.  How neat is that?

Goals:  I got my It Works! stuff organized and finished all of the "flea" laundry.  But I did not get around to Thank You cards.  *sigh*  They will get done.  I've only got 3 days of work left so I should be able to crank them out pretty quick!  Other goals??  Focus on preparing a relaunch for It Works! so that after Baby comes I can start making some real money.  We've just had so much going on.  I'm ready to stay home AND make money!  :)  And I really want to get the curtains and pictures hung in the nursery.  Oh!  And get the car seats in the car.  Definitely want that done by this time next week!

WAHM Review (+Giveaway): Medahm

This honest review was done in exchange for free product(s).  There was no monetary exchange.

Hey all!  VERY excited about sharing this WAHM store with you all!  They have recently become quite a big deal - Zulily sales and a new website to boot!  If you haven't heard of them yet, I am honored to be the one to share them with you since I absolutely love their products.

Megan started her shop after the birth of her first little boy.  She couldn't find a nursing cover that was very fashionable the entire time she was pregnant.  After doing some research, she discovered that a lot of women were using infinity scarves - so she went and bought the fabric to make her own!  After she adjusted to life as "Mom" her hubby encouraged her to start her own business.  So she did!  And it has been super successful.  Elisabeth, her sister, also helps the business with design and customer relations - she has been who I worked with for the most part as we got this review set up and ready to go.

Sidenote - Megan and her hubby were just blessed with another beautiful little boy just last week.  Make sure to head to their Facebook Page to send them congratulations and well wishes!

So you already know that they make infinity scarves for nursing covers:

Ahoy!  Love it!

But I actually stumbled across their shop looking for nursing pads:

They added a "sexy" twist to their nursing pads, which I love!  So fun!

They also recently added swaddle blankets to their line:

Love this print - modern and gender neutral!

But my favorite item that they sell is what I was sent to review - a nursing shawl / scarf.  Super practical and fashionable.  I have already worn it because I love it so much!  

Front - Hubby didn't tell me my arm looked...well....out of place or something.  :P

Side....had to show off my belly.  ;)

Other side - love it!

Making the switch to a scarf...

This is me trying to figure out how to make it look "right" - I really struggle with scarves even though I love them...

Not too shabby I suppose...

Feel like I look like a news anchor here...but thought the scarf looked cute!

Maybe not "cute" in a baby way - but I am LOVING how it looks on me.  ;)

And just to boost that cuteness factor a little bit, check out how nicely folded and packaged this was when it came in the mail:

Love the twine and the tags - cute!

Look at how easy nursing a baby under this would be....and yes, I used a stuffed animal to demonstrate.  Don't judge me.  ;)

Discreet and fashionable!

And easy to see what's going on under there while still being discreet and fashionable.  ;)

I wish all clothes were made with dual purposes...because this is awesome!

The shawl is so soft and I have no doubt it will last me a long time.  Something to note: the shawls routinely come with raw edges (see pic below) which I actually like, a lot.  This is intentional.  However, there is an option to upgrade to a hemmed edge if you choose.

Wish I had better lighting but forgot to take this pic until late and had no natural light.  :(

5 Stars

As far as pricing, there are obviously other nursing covers that you can get for cheaper on the market.  However, they definitely aren't as cute or as practical.  The other cover I own is nice, and will be in my diaper bag at all times, but it definitely isn't something I can make a part of my outfit - which means it is one more thing I have to fiddle around with before I can feed Baby Girl.  So as far as that price difference is concerned, I honestly think it is irrelevant.  Anything I can find online that was comparable to the nursing shawl / scarf was either right around the same price or much more expensive.  I really think these ladies have hit the price on the head - it is a higher quality product that regular old nursing covers, but I think they truly grasp that mom's can't all afford high-dollar items!

Definitely 5 Stars

Megan and Elisabeth provided the best customer service.  I have mostly dealt with Elisabeth since she is in charge of customer relations (and I'm assuming since Megan was expecting another little one).  But both ladies were extremely nice and quick to respond to every question or inquiry I provided.  Elisabeth mentioned working with them again after our Sprout is born and I told her that sounded like a lovely idea - no qualms at all.  My favorite instance of fabulous customer service was when I confessed that I am really not fashion forward and had to ask how to convert my shawl into a scarf.  Elisabeth didn't make fun or anything, just sent me the link to their "how-to" page: How Do I Wear It?  And it turns out, the process is much easier than I had envisioned.  ;)

5 Stars

I highly recommend Medahm!  I love their products and I have loved working with them.  You should definitely take some time to connect with them via social media:

Facebook
Twitter
Pinterest
Instagram
Etsy Shop
....and....wait for it....their NEW *WEBSITE*

Love when it is SO easy to give 5 stars!

Head on over to their Etsy Shop and pick out your favorite product(s)!  They have graciously give all Learning to Be 31 readers a discount code:

One reader will win a nursing shawl or scarf in their choice of color/print!  To enter, use the Giveaway Tool below - do as many or as little entries as you please, just make sure to do the mandatory ones.  :)

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Bump Update: 36 Weeks

I have been so much more emotional the past week.  I've been extra tired and I'm having allergy struggles which isn't helping.  I go back and forth from super excited to tremendously terrified of all the changes.  

I got teary on the phone with Hubby the other day because I don't want things to change between us.  I want us to always have real conversations and to still be silly.  I know we're just going to have to try a little harder.  It has been reinforced in my brain from multiple marriage classes we have taken that he still needs to be my #1 priority outside of God.  And I believe that 100%.  Because a healthy, happy marriage is vital for children.  And if I put the kids before I put my marriage...I could lose all of that.  In order for our marriage to succeed, in order for our family to succeed - it goes God, Husband, Kids, in that order.  And I know that will be hard for me in a number of ways.  But because I love Hubby SO much, I'm going to give him my all.  

I don't like change.  Even when it is good.  Even when it is one of the best changes we will ever know.  It scares me.  It makes me feel out of control.  It leaves me vulnerable.  But I am ready for the challenge and more than ready for the blessing.  God is my strength and my refuge.  I've got this!  :)

I found that 4 lbs...but I'm not sayin where.  ;)

Hubby always knows how to make me smile!

Not as much difference as I was expecting to be honest with you....but I'm fairly sure she was laying sideways until last week sometime.

This week, baby is as long as: Romaine lettuce.  haha.  Very random. 

Next appointment: Wedneday!  And I get to meet the new doctor.  Which is a load off of my chest.  I had such fears that she would start the week I went into labor and that she would be the one to deliver.  Which might not have been the worst thing but I like the idea of at least meeting the doctor who will "catch" my baby before that day!  Can you blame me??

Total Weight Gain/Loss:  I gained 4 pounds between appointments the last time!  That's only a week and a half!  I gained more between appointments this time than ever.  But my total weight gain is still pretty low so I can't complain.  I just can't stop eating.  lol.

Exercise: Still walking when I can.  Hoping to squeeze one in today.  And still not as "religious" about the Bradley exercises like we should be.  I'm just so tired by the end of the night.  We have got to make it happen though.

Maternity Clothes: Ordered a couple pairs of "long" maternity pants off of swap.com (thanks Devon for the heads up).  Hoping they are long enough...the one pair of pants I have are almost too tight to wear.  And it has been so much cooler so I desperately need some warmer clothes.

Sleep: Comes and goes.  But not too bad lately.

Food Cravings/Aversions: Nothing.  Well, I really wanted root beer the other night.  Does that count?  hehe.

Movement:  All the time.  She has been extra active the past couple of days - which I love!  As long as she steers clear of my rib cage.  haha.

What I Miss: Going to say it since I haven't in awhile: sushi.  The raw delicious kind.  ;)

What I'm Loving: Carrying around a precious little life.  It really is amazing.  I try not to complain too much because I know there are a million women who would kill to be in my shoes.  I really do love every moment of this.  It is such a miracle.
        
What I'm Looking Forward To: Meeting the new doc and seeing if I have progressed any.

Best Moment This Week: Crying wolf.  haha.  She was extra active yesterday morning and I was terribly exhausted.  Then, after lunch I got a big gust of energy and went to work getting a ton of stuff done.  A "nesting" moment.  Hubby came home and after telling him both things he got a little white: "Are you having any pains?"  "No dear, I am not having contractions."  We went to worship team practice and I casually asked what he would to if I told him I was having contractions as I started to laugh.  "Do we need to go to the hospital?"  "I'm not really having contractions, all is fine."  About a half hour later, in an effort to get some weight off of my feet and legs, I bent over for a minute.  He freaked out: "What's wrong?  Are you okay?  Brianna, what is wrong with you?"  I stood up straight, smiled, and told him, "Nothing."  Which of course he read as me trying to deny contractions.  haha.  I shouldn't get such a kick out of him being so worked up but it is so adorable.  I promised him on the way home that he would definitely know when it was time to go to the hospital.  And I would try to be a little nicer...  ;)

Milestones: She is slowly losing all of the downy hair that has covered her body as well as the vernix that has kept her from turning into a prune in there!  At the end of the week she won't be considered "pre-term" anymore but "early term" and each of those milestones is wonderful news to Mommy & Daddy's ears!

Goals:  Well, our bag is packed!  It was tough.  I did a pretty awesome job getting Hubby and I's stuff into one bag.  And then I had to pack for our little Sprout.  Not so easy.  I had SO many outfits.  I knew some could get dirty, wasn't sure exactly what size to take, and I wanted to be sure she had a cute "going home" outfit.  I eventually had to have my mom intervene and help me eliminate some.  haha.  In the end, I managed to get everything (including a ton of cloth diapers) into her diaper bag.  And the nursery is well under way to being organized!  Just tiny .little things here and there, like hanging pictures.  This next week I hope to get my It Works! stuff organized for a show next weekend and finish the last of the laundry leftover from flea bombing.  And maybe, just maybe, start working on thank you cards for the baby shower.  Oye!

WAHM Review (+Giveaway): The Shade Tree Market

I received one or more of the following items for free in return for an honest review.  No money was exchanged.

Kristen is a full-time mommy to not one but 5 kiddos and one on the way!  Plus she runs a pretty awesome WAHM shop!

As Hubby and love all things earthy, the name of the shop really drew me in.  Anything dealing with trees is awesome in my book!  hehe.  But her products are pretty earthy too!  Kristen sent a wooden teether and a fabric & wood nursing/mommy necklace.

First, you have to see the packaging - this is how it came in the mail (though a little neater...this is already opened.):

Simple but adorable right?  I loved that there was no brown envelope or box - just cuteness in my PO box!  ;)

Love the colors of this one!

And the print on this one!

5 Stars

Both of these products are made from non-toxic wood and natural fiber fabrics.  I love that!  The more I read and educate myself, we are surrounded by toxins and unnecessary chemicals.  So the more things I can have and use with Baby Girl that I know are extra safe and toxin free, the happier this mama is!  :)  

Definitely 5 Stars

The nursing/mommy necklace is pretty nifty.  Not only are they adorable, they are incredibly practical.  Feeding time and Baby is fidgety?  Hand them the necklace to fiddle with while they nurse or bottle feed.  Baby is clingy because they are teething?  No need to grab a teether when you are already wearing one!  And the best part?  This can't be dropped on the ground because it is attached to Mom!  Being a nanny, I already know the awesomeness of that statement.  ;)  And cleaning is a breeze with just a little bit of detergent and air drying.

5 Stars

My hesitation with mommy necklaces is this: Doesn't this encourage your little one to play with your jewelery?  I am back and forth on this issue as I can clearly see the advantages to having a nursing necklace (or four!).  But I don't want to encourage my baby girl to play with any necklace I have on.  Thoughts on this??  I would love to hear some feedback from Mamas who have used these.  I'll have to wait and see once Baby Girl gets here for myself I suppose....

Anyways, back to all of the neat little features that Kristen included with her necklaces:

Yes, the wooden ring is great for teething, but she has also included a "chew beads" section that is a bit softer.  And gives tiny baby fingers even more to fiddle with:

Again, simple and cute, right?

There is also a ribbon closure so that the necklace is adjustable.

Cute and practical!

PICTURE OF DIFFERENT ADJUSTMENTS

The one complaint that I do have is that for the shorter adjustment, I can't fit it over my head...which I can imagine would be kind of a pain with an infant around.  But, in order to fit over my head it would have to be longer and then I wouldn't have the shorter look.  So...you have to give a little to get a little right?

5 Stars

Now onto the teether.  I really love this adorable little thing:

Close Up

A second shot...in case you forgot what it looks like.  ;)

These teethers are just as practical as the nursing/mommy necklaces but in their own way!  I didn't mention it with the necklace, but the wooden ring allows for a unique texture your little one won't find anywhere else in the commercial "teether world," which I think is pretty awesome!  And that ring also doubles as an easy-to-hold handle!  The really neat part?  The cloth part catches the drool!  And I don't know of any commercial teether that does that!  Pretty awesome right?  Cleaning is also a breeze with these as the fabric can easily be undone and thrown in the washer!

As far as price goes, her teething rings seem to be on the cheap side of things, which is awesome!  Her necklaces run pretty average compared to similar products I could find.  But, the awesome part?  She has a Clearance Section on her Etsy Shop where prices cannot be beat!

5 Stars

The Shade Tree Market has SO much more than just these two items though, here are a few of my favorites:

Teething Bracelet

Cat-in-the-Hat Cloth Diaper - oh my word!  

Felt play items - LOVE these!

She has some pretty adorable stuff right?  Overall, I really love The Shade Tree Market.  Cute, practical, earth-friendly items for a pretty decent price!

5 Stars

Here are some fun places to connect with The Shade Tree Market:

Facebook
Pinterest
Instagram

Unfortunately, at this time, Kristen has had to put her shop on vacation due to complications with her pregnancy. The Shade Tree Market on Etsy will reopen when she is able so do keep checking back!  Please keep Kristen & her family in your prayers.

One reader will win their own nursing/mommy necklace and teething ring of Kristen's choosing.  She chose mine and did an awesome job!  Enter using the Giveaway Tool below:

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Praising God When it is Difficult

If you have never heard the story behind the hymn It Is Well, it is one that will stick with you for a very long time.  The writer was a man named Horatio Spafford.  And he wrote the hymn at a time when it would have been difficult to speak words at all let alone to speak words of praise and endearment to the Father.

You see, Horatio was a well to do man, happily married, and blessed with five children - four daughters and a son.  At the height of their success, Horatio and his wife Anna suffered the tragic loss of their son.  And very shortly thereafter lost most of their real estate investments to the Great Chicago Fire.  In an effort to get some respite, Horatio sent his wife and girls on a voyage to England with plans to meet them soon.  Horrifically, there was a shipwreck and only his wife survived.  On his trip to reunite with his beloved bride, he penned the words to It Is Well (Information obtained and/or clarified from ShareFaith.com).

Can you imagine the state of his soul?  Beaten, crushed, wilted beyond repair - yet he was still joyous, still praising God.  The words he penned hardly seem possible given his circumstance.  This is especially noted in the 3rd verse:

My sin, oh the bliss of this glorious thought!
My sin, not in part but the whole,
Is nailed to His cross, and I bear it no more,
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!

It is well (It is well)
With my soul (With my soul)
It is well, it is well, with my soul.

David was a man known for praising God through his difficulties as well. 

Psalm 57:7-11

7 My heart is steadfast, O God, my heart is steadfast; I will sing, yes, I will sing praises! 8 Awake, my glory! Awake, harp and lyre! I will awaken the dawn. 9 I will give thanks to You, O Lord, among the peoples; I will sing praises to You among the [a]nations. 10 For Your lovingkindness is great to the heavens And Your [b]truth to the clouds. 11 Be exalted above the heavens, O God; Let Your glory be above all the earth.

Though I'm unsure of the particular circumstance here, David was constantly dealing with trials and difficulties we could never fathom.  It is clear in the preceding stanza, that this is the case in this Psalm:

4 My soul is among lions; I must lie among those who breathe forth fire, Even the sons of men, whose teeth are spears and arrows And their tongue a sharp sword. 5 Be exalted above the heavens, O God; Let Your glory be above all the earth. 6 They have [a]prepared a net for my steps; My soul is bowed down; They dug a pit before me; They themselves have fallen into the midst of it.

So how is it that these men, men like Horatio and David, can be in the midst of devastating, overwhelming, difficult situations and still praise God?  How are they not crushed and hopeless?

First, I think it is important to note that David knew where the source of his joy was found.  Joy should not and does not depend on circumstance.  Joy is found in the Lord and in the Lord alone.  David shows this beautifully in this Psalm - he "was not only in a happy state of mind when he wrote this Psalm, but in what was called a state of triumph.  His confidence in God was unbounded" even though he was "encompassed by the most ferocious enemies, and having all things against him except God..." (Wesley).  You see, "An eye that has seen God sees little terror in the most terrible things" (Expositor's).

But, as you can see in verses 4-6, David took a little bit to get past his terror.  But he did.  And he found the joy that can only be found in the Lord.  How?  Through prayer.  In verse 7 you can see the change in David's demeanor - "How strangely is the tune altered here!  David's prayers and complaints, by the lively actings of faith, are here, all of a sudden, turned into praises and thanksgivings...This should make us in love with prayer, that, sooner or later, it will be swallowed up in praise" (Henry, emphasis added).  You see, I am a firm believer that prayer doesn't always change our circumstances.  But prayer will always, always change you.  It can change your attitude, your heart, your emotions, and so much more.  Prayer allows God to work on you, allows Him to intervene in your life - it is your only line of communication with Him!   

But in order for prayer to work at all, in order to find that joy that is only available in the Lord, your heart must be in the right place.  It is as simple as this: "The way to keep light articles fixed on deck amidst rolling seas & howling winds; is to lash them to something fixed; and the way to steady a heart is to bind it to God" (Expositor's).  Our heart must have an anchor in the Lord or prayer is pointless.  If our heart does not find its center in Him, then His joy is not accessible to us.  The question is not if storms will come.  They have.  They will.  The question is whether or not your heart is anchored in the right place.  If your heart is anchored well before the storm, then praising God through the storm will be much easier.  David starts this last stanza (7-11) with the words My heart is steadfast, O God.  What does he mean by that?  He means his heart is anchored in the Lord, "it is prepared for every event, being stayed upon God" (Henry).

Over and over again I am reminded of how important my heart is, how important your heart is.  Where is your heart anchored today?  

"But wherever his bed may be he is sure that he will rise from it; and however dark the night, he is sure that a morning will come" (Expositor's).  Do you have that assurance today?