TWO WEEKS OF FIRSTS

These first two weeks of motherhood have been filled with so many firsts. It's amazing how a little one completely changes you and your life. Soren has already brought so much joy to our family and it has been incredible watching Jon be a father. I've never really seen him hold a baby before Soren but it seemed to come completely naturally to him. From changing Soren's diaper to giving him a bath, I love watching Jon be a father.

We've spent a lot of time over these past two weeks soaking in this time and getting acquainted with each other. It's been extremely challenging and extremely wonderful at the same time. I've been learning to nurse, we've been learning about his squeaks and coo's and working on interpreting what his needs are, we've been welcoming help and love from our family and friends, we've let the house chores go a little lot. ;)  I've been sleeping as much as possible but also sacrificing sleep to watch him, take a shower or get a couple little things done here and there. I've also learned that it takes some time for your body to recover from birth...I'm extremely thankful that Jon has done so well at taking amazing care of me AND for all of the postpartum "must-have" advice from friends. :)

My world has completely shifted. I am so in love with being a wife and mom to my two favorite guys. :) This season has been so precious and we've learned SO much in such a short amount of time, including how to do tons of things with one hand, like writing this blog post. ;)

I love these photos of Soren and Jon during his first bath. It's been so fun to see him with his eyes open and more aware. --- And as a side note, we decided to count this as his first bath since his "technical" first bath consisted of an emergency wipe down while being held over the tub after a poop incident. ;) Let's just say I'm not as much of a pro at changing diapers as Jon is...

Thank you all for your congrats and support! I've loved reading all of your comments and encouragement. Thank you for letting me share my family with you. :)

Infant bath-tub courtesy of 4moms, so far we are loving it and Soren thinks it's pretty good too. ;)

SOREN LIND WALLACE

Today Soren is one week old. :) I went into labor early Wednesday morning on January 29th during the "snowpocalypse" in Atlanta. We made it to the hospital safely, my water broke at 5:00AM and he made his appearance at 12:49PM that day. The whole thing was such a haze and a whirlwind, but getting to hold him in my arms for the first time was such an incredible moment that I'll never forget. We are crazy in love with our little guy and soaking up every moment with him. Our hearts are completely full.

Soren Lind Wallace: Born on January 29th, 2014 at 12:49PM. Weighing 7lbs 13oz and 20.5 inches long. 

PROJECT HOME: NURSERY REVEAL!

I'm SO excited to finally be revealing Soren's nursery! If you've been following along, we shared our nursery inspiration board here, a fun dresser DIY and before photos here, and our beautiful star feature wall here! Just to give you a quick recap, we decided to go with a "Star Wars" themed nursery, however, we wanted to make it more subtle and bright. It was a lot of fun finding unique artwork and pieces to create the theme but also work towards making it feel not over-done. We LOVE how everything turned out and now all we need is a baby!! 13 days away from due date! 

Jon already had the Star Wars lego collection, that he had been working on for a couple years, so we decided to display some of the best ones in the nursery. We also added in a couple of stuffed animals and pieces from our childhood to include in Soren's space. It's amazing how different this room looks from when we first started. It feels so bright and cheery now, it's probably my favorite room in the house. :)

THE DETAILS
* Crib - Babyletto Hudson
* Rocking Chair - Nursery Works
* Boba Fett & Episodes IV - VI Artwork - Conceptions Studios
* mamaRoo - c/o 4moms
* Crib Sheet & Changing Pad Cover - Land of Nod
* Flag Banner - c/o Ordinary Mommy
* Silver Star Decals - c/o Walls Need Love
* Side Table - West Elm
* Rug, Ottoman, Lantern, Curtains, Shelves, Square Bookcase, Cart, Hamper - IKEA
* Side Table Lamp - Target
* Name Poster - Jenny Highsmith Lettering
* Return of the Jedi Print - Handz

Thanks so much for taking a look at our nursery!!

OH BABY: DIARIES FROM THE THIRD TRIMESTER NO.02

I've posted a lot of little baby updated here and there since getting back from the holidays but I wanted to make sure I did at least one more diaries post while this little one is still inside me. :) After little Soren arrives, I'm planning to continue a "mommy diaries" type of post series to take place of this one. Just a place to share stories and candid thoughts with you about being a new mommy. :)

The above photo was taken at 35weeks, I totally need to squeeze in a 38week bump-date soon! 

We are just a few days away from week 38, and I'm sitting here in unbelief that I could be meeting our sweet baby boy at any point now. It's been such an exciting adventure since finding out in May and it's finally gotten to this place where I can start to imagine Jon and I cuddling him, smelling the top of his head, finally seeing what he looks like, and letting him hold our fingers with his tiny grasp. Not to mention being able to share him with the people we love. Soren will never know what it's like not to be loved. He already has amazing grandparents, aunts, uncles, adopted family members, AND a little best friend on the way (we can't wait to meet Rowan in May!!!). I completely adore my family and have been so blessed to see it grow over the years after marrying Jon. I never really grew up with grandparents or close aunts and uncles so the idea of being able to give my child that type of family and legacy has been something that has held so much meaning to me.

I know it will be hard to share him at first. I'm having a hard time imagining him out of my arms or Jon's arms in the beginning, but I can't wait for him to share life with so many incredible people and family members. I can't wait to see who he will become and what he will learn. :)

Now let's get onto thoughts about labor and delivery! A hot topic in my mind lately. ;) Last time I went to the doctor she was pleased with the status of my cervix and said that I was already 2cm dilated, baby's head was low, things were thinning out and moving forward, which is awesome! That was about 2 weeks ago and I have another appointment scheduled for tomorrow, so we'll see if anymore progress has been made or if things are looking the same.

I have a lot of suspicions about my labor...first of all, I'm feeling very calm. Jon and I took a very in-depth child-birthing class at our hospital and if anything, walked away feeling very informed about the hospital experience, intervention possibilities, and a wide variety of things to potentially expect. I think all of that information made me feel good and have an "I can do this!" attitude. Being surprised, having no idea what's going on and being uniformed makes me more nervous, so that was definitely a great thing for us. Jon also left those classes feeling confident in being a good coach and understanding what he can help me with during that time. SO, back to my suspicions...while my plan is to go in and be adaptable, the history of the mamas in my family show a lot of quick "let's get this show on the road" labors. Part of me is trying to prepare myself for a longer labor and another part of me is trying to prepare myself for a quick labor...I think that's probably the scariest part of going into this process, is having absolutely NO IDEA what to expect! BUT I do truly believe that the discomfort that comes along with the 3rd trimester and the excitement of wanting to meet your little one makes it less scary. While the whole hospital/labor/giving birth makes me a little wide-eyed and sweaty...knowing how purposeful and temporary it is, and the amazing "prize" at the end, really takes almost 100% of my fears away.

SO, speaking of the good ol' third trimester...I would have to say that it's been the most uncomfortable/exciting trimester of them all. Sleep is hard, emotions are still up and down, my back KILLS, it's almost pointless for me to be comfortable, bending over is not happening. ;) Jon helps me get dressed a lot which is too sweet! My tummy is BIG, Soren is running out of room and I'm wondering how big this little guy is going to end up being. Jon was a 10 pound baby (and he was early!) and I was a healthy 8 pounder...The Wallace's and Jones's aren't known for producing wee little babes...so I'm crossing my fingers he isn't a giant! ;)

One of my favorite things about this trimester has been  the "nesting instinct" as they call it...and boy, oh boy have I gotten it bad! This has been awesome for me since the first two trimesters were really difficult on my energy and motivation levels. Believe me when I tell you I've been taking full advantage of any burst of energy I get! I'm currently wishing I could bottle these energy spurts and use them for the rest of my life...all my home projects would be done in no time!

To wrap things up, I have no idea what I'm going to do on this blog right after Soren comes. I'd like to think I'll be posting updates and popping in here and there and that's currently my plan! I might get a few people to help with guest posts, too, but haven't quiet decided what type of posts I'd like while I'm away...anywhoo...once baby is born, the best way to get the latest "news" and see his squishy face would be via my Instagram account - savannahmaiedae, be sure to follow me there to stay updated!!

Love you all lots. Please send prayers, air hugs and best wishes my way for the upcoming weeks!

OH BABY: REGISTRY PICKS - SLEEPY TIME

The nursery is getting so close to being done! During our holiday break, Jon and I are planning to make a little trip to IKEA to purchase a few final things for the nursery. I can't wait to see everything come together and to give Soren a beautiful room to grow up in.

Since sleeping is SUCH an important part of baby's life (and mom and dad's life!) I really wanted to find things that Soren would be super comfortable in and would be easy for us to use. I'm so excited about these picks, I have loved them so far and I look forward to seeing what Soren thinks of them when he makes his appearance. :)

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1// Crib - I did a lot of research on what crib we wanted. I really wanted something with a clean, sleek look. We also wanted something that would last well for other babies! We found this Babyletto Hudson crib and just fell in love. It's a 3-in-1 convertible crib so it's great for newborns and toddlers. I love pieces that can grow with the baby and don't have to be replaced right away. Also, it comes with a toddler rail so you can turn this little cutie into a tiny toddler bed. After we built the crib I loved how sturdy it felt. It's also so beautiful in person! 

2// Monitor - Jon and I were very back and forth about whether we should go with just an audio monitor or a audio/video monitor. We ended up getting the Summer Infant video monitor for a shower and after playing around with it, really loved it! The picture quality is great. It has "night vision" so you can easily see baby when it's dark in the room. The sound also sounds great too! I know this will help make me feel a little more comforted being a new mommy. :) 

3// Swaddle Blankets - I heard so many good things about the Aden + Anais swaddle blankets, so we were sure to put these on our registry list. The muslin material is supposed to make it easier to give your baby a good, tight swaddle and stay put nicely throughout the night. 

4// Swing - Besides being an incredible company with amazing baby products, I love the quality of their baby goods. This is one of the first things we received for Soren and we immediately loved it. It will be a great swing to keep with us downstairs so Soren can snooze while I work. The mamaRoo comes with several great swing settings, natural sounds to calm baby, an adjustable base so baby can sit upright or lay back and snooze, and a place to hook up your smart phone to play music. You can also purchase a newborn insert so that new baby can be cozy and supported. Jon and I kept asking ourselves why there wasn't an adult version of this swing...

5// Sound Machine - This adorable giraffe sound machine is amazing. One of my best friends got this for Soren and I love how soft it is! The sounds are so calming and nice, I also love the fact that it has a velcro strap on the back so it can be secured to a crib, stroller, or car seat easily. I also has a sound timer on it which is perfect for lulling baby to sleep. 

6// Playard/Bassinet - Just had to include another item from 4moms. We have loved the breeze. Not only is it perfect for traveling (SO easy to break down and set-up), but it also comes with a bassinet insert that we can use in our room for baby to sleep in. Very multi-functional and easy on the eyes. ;) 

7// Mattress - We purchased this mattress simply for the ratings. While I haven't slept on it myself...it does feel great! We were also sold on the fact that it's hypoallergenic and waterproof. Hooray! 

8// Crib Sheet - We just wanted a simple looking crib sheet that would go nicely with our theme. There are a lot of crazy crib sheet patterns out there so I was super excited to find that Land of Nod had a great selection of designs that were simple and pleasant. :) 

Do you have any favorite "sleepy time" baby suggestions?! Would love to hear your thoughts!

OH BABY: DIARIES FROM THE 3RD TRIMESTER NO. 01

This week marks my 31st week of pregnancy. Holy. Sweet. Moses. Jon and I were discussing the other day that technically next month (January) we could have little Soren! His due date is February 3rd and, while I certainly want him to come when he's ready, I've been wondering if the little bear will make an early appearance. The idea of him coming within the next 8-9 weeks is CRAZY. We've been busy working on house projects, trying to get the nursery prepared, taking classes at the hospital, and getting all of our ducks in a row to take time off from work.

I was talking to my family the other day about how during the 1st trimester I spent a lot of time grasping the idea of being pregnant. It was hard for me to comprehend and since I wasn't really showing, it didn't feel real. I just felt tired and icky. ;) During the second trimester I really got used to the idea of being pregnant. I felt the baby, had a baby shower, found out it was a "he", and got to see him on the sonogram. Pregnancy felt real. And now, during the 3rd trimester, I'm totally used to being pregnant, but now I'm actually starting to grasp the idea that we will have a real live, human baby in our arms. I have these little moments and visions of seeing him, smelling him, and holding him, and I just get completely overwhelmed and excited. I seriously cannot wait to be a mommy. I am so looking forward to being a parent with Jon and learning how to do this as a team and by his side. 

We will be celebrating 9 years of being together in January. We met when we were young, grew up together, and have loved sharing life with each other. We are each others' biggest fans and supporters. Even though we are so different from each other, we adore each other. Moving from the time of it being just us for 9 years to us with little Soren is a little scary. I know I'll miss it being just us and I've been so thankful for this time. Loving Jon has been the best years of my life. But I do know that adding Soren to our family will change so much, but make everything so much richer. Our prayer for him is that he will have a spirit of true joy. We want to celebrate life together. Surely, these years ahead of me, loving Jon and loving Soren, will be the best years of my life to date. :)

Overall, this trimester has been a little uncomfortable and I'm anticipating more and more discomfort as little one grows and grows! He is SO active. He loves to stretch, kick, roll, punch...he re-acts to sounds, music, and Jon's voice. He has hiccups and loves moving around right before I go to sleep. It's amazing feeling him so big! -- Jon's been incredible at helping me stay comfortable. He massages my back, makes the bed cozy for me, helps me up and is always looking for ways to serve. As far as emotions go, I've felt the widest range of unstable emotions in this trimester so far. I've had my weepy moments, crazy/funny moments, carefree moments and psycho-crazy-angry moments. I'm just thankful the psycho-crazy-angry moments have only occurred 1-2 times (depends on who you ask). It's been a little like PMS on drugs, steroids, a venti americano, and three red bulls. Hormones!!

I've mentioned a couple times that Jon and I have been taking classes at the hospital to prepare for baby. This has been one of my favorite parts of the 3rd trimester. We have learned SO much together and it's really made us feel more at peace and prepared. It's so wonderful to feel equipped with sound knowledge and experience! I feel about as prepared mentally as I can for labor and delivery. I know I'll need to be adaptable and I know my experience will be different from others. I'm feeling excited, anxious, and nervous. It's like Christmas day is approaching but I'll also have to give a speech in front of 5,000 people. The epitome of my excitement and anxiety. But I know I can do this! I'm practicing positive affirmations. ;) 

Here's to the next 9 weeks!

OH BABY: REGISTRY PICKS - BATH TIME

I'm slowly but surely wrapping my head around this whole baby registry thing. Jon and I have started stocking up on essentials...diapers, wipes, 0-3 month baby clothes. Things are starting to come along! We still have some of the major pieces to purchase like the crib and stroller. We're hoping to get all of that situated by December. I CANNOT wait to get the crib and set it up. I think it will really pull everything together and make it feel more "real". :)

Above are my registry picks for bath-time! I had a hard time picking out the body wash and lotions because there are SO many to choose from, so if you are in love with an alternative I would love to know!

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1// Washcloths - Love these soft and colorful washcloths from Aden + Anais. I'm also a fan of the cloth loop which makes it easy to hang and dry.

2// Tub - This 4moms tub is so awesome. Basically 4moms is incredible and they have so many clever products for babies. This tub allows dirty water to flow out and clean water to flow in, it also has a temperature gauge so you can make sure the water is just warm enough. Can't wait to use this for little Soren's first bath. :)

3// Spout Cover - Again, loving this from 4moms. It's a simple spout cover that tells you the temperature of the bath water. Simple and so cool!

4// Bath Goods - I love the clean smell of these Aveeno baby wash and lotion. It's for sensitive skin and just has a calming feel to it. Again, if you have more favorite suggestions for this category I would love to hear!

5// Towel - I've only heard good things about this Puj hands-free towel. So cute and cozy!

Check out my feeding time picks here! 

OH BABY: REGISTRY PICKS - FEEDING TIME

I'm certainly not an experienced momma by any means. Expecting our first has been so exciting and overwhelming, in a good way! One of the things that really baffled me was putting together a registry. I had a really difficult time wrapping my head around what we needed, what was the best choice, and what would be considered "nice-to-haves". Baby superstores can be scary with the million pacifier choices, variety of strollers and endless amount of opinions. I realized I had to get busy and do some major research to figure out recommended and mommy-loved items that I thought might work best for my family.

Over the next couple of weeks I wanted to share my top registry picks in each category of "baby", based on research and recommendations. These are all items we've registered for and are planning to use. Once little Soren comes into the world, I'll be sure to update this with my thoughts once I start really using these items. :)

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1// Bibs - A friend got me these Circo bibs for my baby shower and I immediately loved the cute design and simplicity. I foresee us mostly using burp cloths at the beginning but I think these will be great when I start him on purees and solids. I've also heard great things about these Tommee Tippee bibs that help keep milk and other foods away from your sweet babies neck rolls. I'll probably be picking up a pack of these.

2// Bottle Rack - I've only heard good things about the Boon Lawn drying rack. Plus it's a much more attractive countertop option! You can also get these with an adorable tree stand to hold all of the bottle nipples. Love this and can't wait to try it out!

3// Nursing Pillow - I decided to go with this Boppy nursing pillow. I liked the firmness of it and the versatility. It seems like it would be super comfortable to use during nursing and that it would keep the baby at a great "boob" level.

4// Boob Soothers - I've only heard raving reviews of Lansinoh products. I'm planning to really stock up on the gel soothies pads and nipple cream. Lets keep those puppies happy!

5// Food Prep - I knew once I started Soren on purees that I really wanted to make my own baby food. I've always loved making delicious smoothies for myself and adore the idea of prepping baby food for my son. I love the baby bullet system. It comes with an awesome cookbook and an adorable smiling set of storage tubs and allows you to record the date with the dials on the top. I'm a big fan of all-in-one systems. Can't wait to give this one a try!

6// Nursing Pads - While I'll definitely be stocking up on some of these disposable ones, I love the idea of having re-usable pads that I can wash. I have no experience in this department but I DO know that I don't want any leakage accidents occurring in public. ;)

7// Cookbooks - My friend picked this book up for me and I can't wait to try out some of the recipes. This will pair perfectly with the Bullet system.

8// Bottles - I LOVE the idea of this all-in-one system. The bags used are universal to fit most breast pumps. Those same bags can be stored and put in the Kiinde bottles that have active latch nipples. You have to check out the video on their site. I'm looking forward to trying this one out!

9// Pumps - I've only heard good things about this pump and love the fact that it will also work with the Kiinde bottles and milk bags.

10// Bottle & Food Storage - The diaper bag I want already includes an insulated bottle holder. I think using something like this for traveling and later for baby food would be great for trips, long days, and time with the grandparents.

11// Burp Cloths - There is no particular rhyme or reason to this particular brand of burp cloths, but I knew I wanted to really stock up and be able to bleach them if they get super stained. These seemed like a reasonable price that would allow for some good hoarding. ;)

Please feel free to share your top picks and suggestions in the comment section below!

OH BABY: DIARIES FROM THE 2ND TRIMESTER NO.02

Now that I'm nearing the end of my 2nd trimester and starting into my third, I thought it would be a good time to reflect on changes and happenings since my last diaries post. First of all, does anyone know when the 3rd trimester actually begins??? I've heard 26 weeks, 27 weeks and 28 weeks...so I'm not quite sure what to go with. ;)

Yesterday marked 26 weeks of pregnancy. Little Soren is very active. He rolls, kicks, flutters, and shifts. Some days he's more quiet than others and just flutters a little here and there. Almost every night, like clockwork, when I lay down to go to bed and Jon and I start chatting, he starts kicking and moving. I think he really likes Jon's voice (that or he's wanting a little peace and quiet) and "bangs on the apartment ceiling" for us to pipe-down so he can get some beauty rest. ;)

During the prime of my 2nd trimester came the intense appetite. I could easily throw down a foot long from Subway and still have room to spare for dessert. My sweet tooth was OUT OF CONTROL. My husband tried to help, but I would run into the other room and sneak peppermint patties or hidden candy whenever I got the chance. Bad Savannah! I've felt like a hunger rage-monster countless times. Once the GPS lied to me about where the Wendy's was: "Thank you, Siri, but I needed chicken NOT to go to the #$%^&*@ BANK!" --- Deep breaths. Insert settling for Subway and the foot-long here. --- At the end of this trimester I've noticed a huge shift in my appetite. I'm not as crazy about sugar and I can't consume an entire #1 Chick-fil-A combo, value-sized anymore. But I do crave apples!! It's amazing how some foods during pregnancy taste like the best thing you've ever had in your entire life. It's incredible.

Last weekend I also started experiencing the sneezing and peeing issue. Now, every time I sneeze, if I'm standing up...I pee. It's humorous, which makes me laugh, which also makes me pee. While I've found the experience of pregnancy to be amazing and so interesting, I've also found it to be extremely humorous and crazy. Watching my body morph continually is so odd, how is there a human in there? Is that massive belly mine? I've gotten so used to the idea of being pregnant. Feeling the baby move and touching my tummy as much as possible, but the thoughts of knowing that we will have a child at the end of this hasn't been something I've been able to fully grasp yet. We are SO excited, but it just feels so surreal.

Last weekend was also special because Jenny and Anica threw a baby shower for Jon and me! It was fall themed and we ate so many yummy fall desserts. We were blessed with so many great gifts and we felt extremely loved on. It's been so fun filling up the nursery with things for Soren. Jon and I are planning to do some more decorating and organizing in his nursery tomorrow. :)

As far as emotions go, I've definitely felt more weepy these past few weeks. One morning I offered to make egg sandwiches for breakfast. I gave Jon the task of toasting the bagels and getting dishes out and I started preparing the eggs. After cracking four and putting them in a little Pyrex bowl, I went to reach for my little whisk when Jon came out of nowhere with a fork, attempting to scramble my eggs. He, of course, was only trying to help and there was no rational reason for me to react the way I did, but the hormones reared their ugly head and I began weeping and telling Jon..."I'm mad you are using the fork because I worked so hard to crack those eggs and I really wanted to whisk them with my little whisk! Please don't take my eggs from me!" Me, whisk in hand, crying like a 5-year-old, he put his hands up in the surrender position and backed up to the sink...slowly, trying everything he could to hold in his laughter. Realizing myself the ridiculousness of the situation, I began laughing and weeping at the same time as I proceeded to whisk my eggs. The egg sandwiches were delicious, by the way. ;)

On a more serious note, it's definitely still been an emotional challenge with my mom going through cancer. She recently finished up her third round of chemo and this time it was particularly difficult on her. She ended up getting hospitalized and I'm sitting with her now in her hospital room as she rests. There are a lot of ups and downs, but this time of getting to be with her has been such a treasure and a true blessing. I feel like God has given me a lot of strength during this time and a lot of joy, too. I'm so thankful for my family and I love seeing how they work so hard to care for each other. --- I'm thankful everyday that my job with Maiedae allows me to be flexible and present with my mom during this time.

Here's to the final trimester and a successful 2nd trimester. Here's to a loving, attentive, and servant-hearted husband. We can't wait to meet this little guy in 14 weeks. :)

PROJECT HOME: SOREN'S NURSERY PROGRESS

It's been really fun to have a nursery room in the house and start preparing for little Soren's arrival. This room is located near our bedroom, see floor layout here, and was originally painted a very dingy beige. The yellow lighting didn't help either and the room as a whole often felt very dark and not the bright, clean feeling we were going for. As well, this silver dresser has certainly been through a lot, too. I picked this piece up at a thrift store for $40. It was originally painted white and had brassy hardware on it. My dad and I painted it silver, replaced the hardware and it became the dresser Jon and I used soon after we married. Check out this old before and after post I found in the archives. ;) We knew we wanted to use this piece in the nursery and make it into a dresser/changing station combination but really wanted it to pop and be a statement piece in the room.

A few weeks ago Jon and I spent a day cleaning, re-painting the room, and giving the dresser a makeover. We were SO happy with how the colors turned out and how the room looks so transformed only after a few coats of paint. :)

We've already got our color scheme and theme in mind for his nursery and I can't wait to show you! I think it's a really clever approach to an old beloved theme for geekery/nerdery everywhere. ;) Can you guess what it might be?

Paint colors & hardware: For the grey on the walls we used the brand Glidden in Pebble Grey in a matte finish. For the bright blue paint on the dresser we used Behr Ultra in Sea Life in a semi-gloss. Hardware is from Home Depot.

OH BABY: 2ND TRIMESTER SURVIVAL KIT

It's hard to believe I'm only a handful of days away from being 6 months pregnant! I also can't believe how close I am to reaching my 3rd trimester! Where has the time gone?! This really has been such an adventure and special time of life. Jon is loving the idea of being a dad and often talks to little Soren.We've been working on the nursery and in a few weeks we'll be having our first baby shower! I can't wait!

This trimester certainly has been very different from the 1st one. I've experienced a ton of cravings, back pain, weirdness trying to bend over and put on shoes, Braxton Hicks contractions, and the metamorphosis of my changing body. I shared my 1st trimester survival kit a while ago and wanted to share my 2nd trimester survival items as well.

1// Journal - One of my favorite things to do throughout this pregnancy has been journaling memories, emotions and thoughts. It's been really special to capture these times and try to take in the pregnancy as much as possible. I'm so glad I'll have something to look back on afterwards. :)

2// Fiber - Ok, real talk. During pregnancy your digestion systems S L O W S way down which can cause some serious bathroom issues. It's a real problem, people! Taking extra fiber supplements has been a real help during this time, plus they taste yummy! ;)

3// Body Pillow - I already mentioned body pillows in my 1st trimester guide and in a recent post, but seriously...this pillow has been amazing and I've loved using it every night. It has really helped keep me more comfortable throughout the night and feel supported. Love it!

4// Leggings - Aside from dresses, skirts, and PJs, leggings are up there with one of the most comfortable things to wear during pregnancy. I recently purchased a few funky pairs at Forever21 to pair with tunics and long cardigans and love how they make me feel. Cozy, supported, and still fashionable.

5// Bella Band - This is probably one of the best maternity purchases I've made so far. I LOVE this thing and wear it almost everyday. I still haven't broken down and bought maternity jeans yet, but this band has really made my current jeans work for me. It's super comfortable, supportive and like a nice hug around your tummy. I highly suggest getting one in the early stages of your pregnancy and wearing it throughout. It would even be useful after pregnancy, too!

6// Shower Smoothie - This is probably one of my favorite products from Lush. It smells amazing and feels so luxurious to use. While you're burping up a storm due to your slow digestion and not looking so graceful squatting down to get dressed in the morning, a little luxury is nice! To use a shower smoothie, you rub it all over at the very end of your shower and then rinse it all off. It helps make your skin extra soft and smell good. :)

7// House Shoes - Keep your feet cozy! I love these slipper mocs from Minnetonka.

8// Dry Shampoo - A lifesaver! Sometimes you don't feel like washing your hair and you need a little extra umph. Dry shampoo is a miracle sent from heaven. I love the Batiste and Psssst! brand.

What are/have been some of your 2nd trimester survival must-haves?? :)

OH BABY: DO YOURSELF A FAVOR

Growing a human is hard work. It's an exciting and amazing miracle, but it's no easy task! I've begun to develop a whole new respect and awe for mothers. I think one of the weirdest parts about pregnancy so far is watching my body morph into something completely different. At first it was subtle. A little pooch, a tiny tummy. It was easy to hide and clothe. Then one day I woke up and little Soren was taking over! I have definitely stood in front of the mirror naked and thought...holy cow, Moses! Mind you, I'm only 22 weeks into this pregnancy adventure. What is it they say? The best is yet to come?? Haha. No, I really am excited and having a lot of fun, it has just been so odd/awesome/awkward/amazing experiencing this for the first time. And at the end of all of this, I can't wait to meet my little man, pat his little behind, and sing him to sleep. :)

Along with the quirks of pregnancy, one thing I've really started to notice in the second trimester is difficulty getting cozy. I think one of the most important things during this time is getting good sleep and getting comfortable. Some nights are hard and others are glorious, but I'm serious here...I've LOVED having a pregnancy pillow. I think it's probably one of my favorite "pregnancy survival items". The one I have pictured above is from Bump Nest. It comes in cute patterns, which is a huge perk, and is super soft, an even bigger perk. ;) I've loved cuddling up with it at night and I know it will be super helpful while nursing little Soren in the early hours of the morning. I tend to be an all over sleeper. I love sleeping on my back, stomach and sides so it was a little tricky getting myself to just be on my side, but having a cozy pillow like this was a good way to support myself at night and make it more comfortable to stay on my side. I kinda just want to wrap this massive pillow around my neck like a scarf and take it with me everywhere. Let's be real,  I'm willing to sacrifice a lot at this moment for comfort. ;) 

What are some of your top pregnancy must-haves?? I'll be sharing a full list of my 2nd trimester must-haves soon!! :) 

Pillow courtesy of Bump Next, get $10 off your purchase and FREE shipping by using the code MAIEDAETEN at checkout. Get cozy, people! :) 

OH BABY: A GENDER AND A NAME!

Jon and I went to our baby appointment last Wednesday. We had been looking forward to it for weeks and could hardly stand the anticipation of finding out if it was a boy or a girl. To be honest, Jon and I had really felt like it would be a boy. Some of the reasons were a little funny like the fact that I felt pretty good during my first trimester and that the heartbeat was more in the "old wives tale" boy range. But then I started having dreams about the little one. I'm sure they were hormone-induced but they were so vivid and in each one the baby was a boy. In one particular dream, I was holding a cuddly baby and I knew it was a boy. I couldn't see his face but he had curly blonde hair and was so sweet. Jon and I just felt stronger and stronger over time that it would be a boy and even started referring to it as "he".

So fast forward to Wednesday. We told the technician that we wanted to know the gender and within no time she announced, "It's a boy!!" Jon and I looked at each other and just started grinning. It was SO awesome to find out and to know that the little baby wiggling inside of me was a boy and now has a name. It made everything feel even more real. We soaked up every minute of the ultrasound time as she looked at his entire anatomy. He wiggled around just enough so the technician could take a look at everything she needed to. :)

made from plants found in our front yard

Jon and I decided to keep the news to ourselves for a couple of days and share it with close friends and family that weekend. I made a cake from this recipe and colored the inside with blue food coloring for the reveal. Jon made yummy burgers and we had a great time. It was so fun to share the news. On Sunday I shared with a few more friends and have been looking forward to sharing it with everyone else today!

And now for the name! Jon and I actually had a boy named picked out for quite some time. Jon fell in love with the first name in college and shared it with me and we both decided if we had a son that's what we would name him. His name will be Soren Lind Wallace. Soren is the name of one of Jon's favorite philosophers and theologians. We loved how strong and beautiful the name sounded. Lind is Jon's middle name and his father's middle name. It's a short name for Lindberg which is Jon's grandfather's middle name. We really love the idea of passing on a middle name and continuing that tradition. We love little Soren and love saying his name. :) --- We've started praying for the little guy to have a spirit of joy, a zeal for life, kindness, strength, and for him to be a great future big brother.

ultrasound photos of little Soren. Thank you, Jenny, for writing his name so beautifully!

Jon and I were so giddy after finding out. We couldn't help ourselves and drove immediately to Target afterward to buy baby clothes after celebrate over dinner. Now that we know the gender and the name, we talked through nursery ideas and know exactly what we are doing. I can't wait to get started and get his room ready for his arrival! :)

OH BABY: DIARIES FROM THE 2ND TRIMESTER NO.01

It's hard to believe that tomorrow marks my 19th week of pregnancy. SO many things have happened and time has moved by so quickly. Jon and I have been talking a lot about how we've gotten used to the idea of being pregnant. I'm finally starting to look it a little more each day, but we still can't wrap our heads around the idea of holding a baby in our arms at the beginning of the year. That's OURS. We haven't had a lot of time to process everything due to our big move. We've been working on our house since the 27th of August daily and trying to get as settled in as possible before we start work back up in the morning. I have to say, it feels so right and great to be here. We can't wait to raise our little one in this house along with a few brothers and sisters...or maybe just one more. ;)

At about 13-14 weeks I started feeling better and better each day. My energy starting picking up a little, my motivation started coming back, and my nausea was gone, which was awesome! For the first couple weeks into my second trimester I didn't even feel pregnant, which was weird. I was so used to feeling ill and tired that when I got to the point of feeling better and not really looking pregnant, it just felt odd and a little "off". But a few short weeks later, my bump really started showing, hunger came over me like a starving zombie vampire (they exist and are often mistaken as pregnant women), also...pee. This side effect has been no joke for me. I've never peed so much in my entire life. If I sit down, it's almost guaranteed as soon as I stand up that I will have to pee asap. The only disappointing part is the fact that the sensation to pee makes you believe you're about to spend up to 5 minutes in the restroom "relieving" yourself (think Austin Powers), only to experience a mere teaspoon of pee and a completely empty bladder. Gah!

One of my favorite parts about this trimester is feeling the baby. I first felt the baby at 15 weeks. It was SO slight and fluttery. I loved it. If I wasn't already attached after seeing the positive pregnancy test, I was certainly attached after feeling our little one move in my tummy. I'd feel the baby very rarely between 15-16 weeks. Then between 17-18 the baby got active! Especially this week. I feel the little booger early in the morning, in the afternoon, and right when I lay down for bed. One night at 17 weeks the baby started kicking my lower tummy. Jon put his hand right where the baby was kicking and was able to feel it ever so slightly. I loved so much being able to share that with him. Everyday the kicks get a little stronger as baby grows.

Story time: Not only have my hormones made me weepy and emotional, but I've been a little bit more of a sass-pot lately. Especially if something comes between me and food. A couple weeks ago I was with my friends walking around the mall and hunger came over me. All I could think about was Chick-fil-A. I needed it right then and there like I had never needed anything before in my life. We had a mission and we were on our way to the food court. A young man stopped me (first mistake) and proceeded to compliment me on my hair in which I kindly replied "thank you" in my usual sweet tone. Just to note on the side, that was my "sweet" cap for the day, baby, and I needed food and there was no time to waste. Then the young man proceeded to say (second mistake), while reaching for my arm (third mistake), "I can make your skin feel so soft"...Oh, I see how it is, your empty compliments are to distract me into a conversation so. you. can. sell. me. lotion. Hell no. What occurred next made me question who I was and who I was becoming. I stepped back, looked at him sternly and replied, "Ummm no. I'm HUNGRY. I'm PREGNANT...and I NEED CHICKEN!" The only thing he could do to that reply was step back slowly with his hands in the air wide-eyed, whispering in a shaky voice..."You're pregnant...?!" Onward to the Chicken.

In exactly 10 days we get to find out if the little one is a boy or a girl. We think we know what it is but would LOVE to hear your guesses. :) We'll be doing a super casual gender reveal get-together with our family and close friends to celebrate and I'll plan to share the big news shortly after. :) We can't wait!!

Top: c/o Lalamagic 

OH BABY: FAVORITE PREGNANCY BOOKS & APPS

Almost immediately upon finding out we were pregnant I began downloading apps and adding books to my Kindle app like a mad woman. It's been a lot of fun reading about different peoples' experiences and especially knowing development information about the little one growing inside of me. The following have been some of my favorite books and apps, one is still on my reading list but I've heard lots of good things about it. :)

1// The Pregnancy Countdown Book - This is a daily countdown book that celebrates milestones and has interesting quotes from real doctors and moms! Each day is about a page long. It's a super cute and easy read. It's something I've looked forward to reading every morning, especially when the baby is a week older!

2// Belly Laughs - Jenny McCarthy is hilarious. I featured this book in my first trimester survival kit. I loved hearing about her pregnancy experience. She certainly doesn't hold any information back and has a way of making you giggle. I loved reading through this at the very early stages.

3// Brining Up Bebe - This is one of the books I have on my "to read" list. It's been uploaded to my Kindle app just waiting for me to get to it and start reading. I've heard a lot of good things about this book and I'm really interested to see what it has to say.

4// What to Expect When You're Expecting - A classic. This book was recommended to be by so many mommies. It's a little on the dull side, but it offers lots of great information. Definitely worth the read, despite the creepy painted pregnant lady on the cover. ;)

5// PregChat App - This app featured short videos that explain at each week where your baby is in the development process. It's one of the things I look forward to every monday morning when the baby is a week older. It's so fun knowing how it's developing and growing in there. :)

6// Sprout - One of my FAVORITE apps! Sprout shows you what your baby looks like at each week. I love how this app is designed. It's so beautiful and so neat to see what the baby is looking like. It also features "doctor's advice" which details more of the development, an organizer for you to keep track of your to-do's, and lots of neat tools like a weight tracker and kick counter. :) Love it! I bought the full version for $3.99 and felt it was definitely worth it.

7// Honest Baby - Basically Jessica Alba is amazing. I love her company The Honest Co.. The Honest Baby app is more for after you have the baby but it helps you track feedings, diapers changes, growth, doctor visits, sleep, moments, and milestones. Seriously an organized lady's dream. I can't wait to start using this when the little one comes.

8// The Bump - The Bump is really neat, too. It has a calendar, appointment tracker and a "how big is baby" reference that relates your growing little one to fruit sizes. :)

9// Oh Baby! Fitness - This app outlines a great fitness plan for you while you're pregnant. It describes different exercises, has a daily tracker, and lots of resources! It even has videos that show you how to do the exercises.

Do you have any favorite Mama books or apps to share?? I would love to hear! I'm especially interested in finding a great pregnancy yoga resource if you have one. :)

OH BABY: 1ST TRIMESTER SURVIVAL KIT

It's good to be 14.5 weeks along! As usual, the first trimester was difficult. I was blessed to not have extreme nausea but the worst part of it for me was the complete lack of motivation to do absolutely anything. See my 1st trimester journal here. I spent A LOT of time laying around in bed. I am so grateful for this little one growing away in my tummy, AND I'm thankful that my 1st trimester is behind me! I've been feeling a world of difference lately. My nausea is gone, my energy is back and I'm starting to get into the nesting mode. I'm not allowed to nest until we move into our new house so I'm holding out and pinning to my heart's desire. ;)

I thought it might be fun to share some of my favorite "survival" necessities that I found extremely comforting and helpful during my first trimester:

1// Cute Pajamas - I felt like I lived in my pajamas during the 1st trimester. If I didn't have to go anywhere, PJs it was! Living in your PJs week after week can really make you feel down. Hunt down your cutest and favorite pair of PJs hiding in your closet or make a little "you time" trip to the store to buy a couple pieces. Might as well look cute while you feel puke-ish. ;)

2// Remote Control - For obvious reasons. ;) I'm not ashamed to say that I had my husband move our television up to our bedroom. Since we don't have cable, I spent ALOT of time watching movies and browsing shows on Netflix and Hulu. My favorite show to catch up on was "How I Met Your Mother". It's good to have a marathon show you enjoy that also makes you giggle. Also, beware of The Little Mermaid or any other slightly emotional movie...it might make you burst out in tears. (King Triton was so kind to let his daughter marry the love of her life....he's really. going. to....miissss herrrr *cries*) 

3// Ginger snaps & other snacks! - The best advice I got to help with the nausea was never letting your stomach get empty no matter how much you didn't want to eat. I certainly had a lot of food aversions but noticed a huge difference when I tried to eat every 2-3 hours. I'd usually turn over around 7 or 8 in the morning, snack on a few ginger snaps or saltines just to get something in my tummy before I started my day. Don't go too long in-between meals if you can help it or you might be sad and sick feeling. :(

4// Bath Bombs - LUSH is pretty much my favorite, so I knew I'd find some good natural comfort in their products during my pregnancy. I loved using their bath bombs during a rough day to have some extra relaxation time. I definitely sat my iPad on the toilet seat and watched Hulu during bath-time too. ;)

5// Facial Wipes - Not that it's good to be lazy or anything, but when you're growing a human you need to give yourself a little mercy. Most of the time during my 1st trimester I used these wipes to get all the make-up and dirt off my face from the day. They are quick and easy to use, which meant I could crawl back into bed sooner!

6// Baby Lips - Things on your body just get dry and tired just like you. I was a chapstick-o-holic during the 1st trimester and was alway reaching for soothing lip balm whenever I could.

7// Belly Laughs - This is one of the first books I read after finding out I was pregnant. Jenny's pregnancy experience was certainly different from mine but it was hilarious to read about all the nitty gritty. She is hilarious. It's important to have some serious laugh time. It makes you feel loads better. :)

8// Cocoa Butter - Go ahead and get started now! This stuff smells and feels great. I'm super blessed to say my husband is good at massages so after he learned a little bit about giving safe pregnancy massages and using this stuff, it made me feel SO much better. I've been getting a lot of back pain so it was defiantly relieving. Also, it just feels nice to keep your skin moisturized during this time!

9// Water Bottle - I love my BKR bottle. I'd much rather drink out of glass than metal or plastic. I also love that this bottle has a cap, so when you're swinging yourself up out of the bed in the morning to pee for the 173rd time you won't make a mess when you knock it over. ;) They also come in pretty colors, which is awesome.

10// Body Pillow - I love my Leachco body pillow. Although I'm not massive yet, this really helped me get comfortable during the 1st trimester and start getting used to sleeping on my side. It did make Jon a little jealous though. It's like a giant pillow fortress of comfort.

Every pregnancy is different, but I hope some of these tips might help you out during your 1st trimester.  I'd LOVE to hear your 1st trimester survival must-haves! Please feel free to share in the comment section below. :) Happy weekend, friends!

OH BABY: STARTING MY COLLECTION

I've been trying to restrain myself from going crazy with the purchasing for baby, especially before we know the gender. However, after winning a baby goodie giveaway, receiving a couple of gifts and making a few of our own purchases here and there, we've started a good gender neutral collection. :) Once we know if it's going to be a little gal or lad I'm sure we'll be plenty dangerous in all of the baby stores!

1// Lemon Stripe Skinny Leggings - Little Hip Squeaks 2// Baby Neon Onesie - Hello Apparel 3// Ocean Stripe Knotted Hat - Little Hip Squeaks 4// Wooden Animal Elephant Clock - c/o RedEnvelope 5// Copper Moccasins - Freshly Picked

Can't wait for a little one to fill these clothes!!

OH BABY: DIARIES FROM THE 1ST TRIMESTER

On May 22nd Jon and I found out we were pregnant. We were both working from home, having an extremely normal and kinda slow day. I had been charting my temperature and that morning I noticed an extra spike. Sometimes this can be a sign of pregnancy, so I was suspicious as soon as I woke up. We had had a couple of other "suspicious" moments so I didn't think too much of it. Before lunchtime, I decided to run to Target to "return some pants" and also picked up a pack of pregnancy tests. Got home, ate lunch, and snuck up to our bathroom while Jon was still working. I honestly wasn't expecting a positive, but as I sat there staring at the test it almost immediately turned positive. I think what transpired after that was something like lightheadedness, extreme joy, fuzzy eyesight, disbelief, and a kind of floating feeling all the way to the door frame of Jon's office. 

Just as a side-note, Jon and I agreed that I would be able to take a test whenever I wanted and have the opportunity to tell him in my own way. Ideally, this moment in my mind was poetic, romantic, and perfect. The reality was, I sat on the couch, asked him to sit with me, looked at him for 2-seconds, and blurted out with a shaky voice, "I'm PREGNANT!" I immediately went into a fit of crying, shaking, and laughing. Jon held me, prayed for us, teared up himself, and we celebrated together. It suddenly became our biggest and craziest secret. I was only 3.5 weeks along at the time I found out, so we had a lot of waiting to do before telling friends and family. We had no idea how difficult it would be to keep our secret...

Almost immediately I started reading pregnancy books and downloading apps and learning like crazy. I tried to be realistic about the risks during early pregnancy, but I'll be completely honest with you and say I was attached the moment I saw the double-lines on the test. My heart was full of love for this teeny tiny thing inside of me. We prayed everyday for the little baby-do and each week that passed by made us feel like it was more real and that he/she was healthy and growing. Even now, being only 12 weeks along, we're still worried, but holding onto hope and God's plan for us. We've decided to be thankful and let ourselves experience joy and try not to worry too much. I can do my best to take care of myself and do everything I need to do, and that's the best I can do. I feel peaceful about that, no matter what happens. 

We had several long weeks to wait for our first appointment at 8 weeks and in the meantime, the symptoms began. I learned a couple of interesting things during my first trimester. I learned that pregnancy gives you a deep, dark, empty pit of hunger. I was ALWAYS hungry, yet I felt nauseous over the thought of most food. I would eat a meal and nearly 2-3 hours later, BAM, more hunger. I often referred to myself as an eternally hungry, vampire-zombie, which are highly emotional creatures and need Lucky Charms NOW. I learned that morning sickness is a lie from the pits of hello kitty. It's usually all day, or at night, or sporadically here and there or in the middle of the night...In the words of Shakira, "Whenever, wherever, we're meant to be together, I'll be there and you'll be near..." Matter of fact, most mornings I felt my best! I learned that trying to train yourself to sleep on your left side makes you want to do everything BUT sleep on your left side. I learned that the gummy prenatal vitamins that I enjoyed before getting pregnant suddenly looked and tasted repulsive. I also learned that pregnancy can zap all spunk, energy, entrepreneurial spirit, and motivation right out of you. There were many days of feeling like a 500 pound, ninety-year-old woman who wishes for the energy to browse around Target or go grab a pudding cup but only has enough "ummph" to select the next episode of "How I Met Your Mother" on Netflix. Reading that the first trimester can often be the most difficult part of pregnancy made me do my best to treasure it AND really look forward to the second trimester. :) Building a baby is hard-work. It's OK to give yourself some mercy, rest, and a freezer full of popsicles.  

Some of my favorite memories from the first trimester have been telling our friends and family and remembering their priceless reactions, buying our first baby book and stuffed animal, window shopping for baby stuff with my mom, thinking about nursery ideas, pinning baby stuff like a crazy person (see the evidence here), resting, being taken care of by a sweet and loving husband, seeing how excited Jon is, and seeing our little one on the ultrasound for the first time wiggling away. :) 

We're feeling so blessed and excited about being 12 weeks along. We get to hear the heartbeat this Thursday and can't wait!! I honestly can't believe it's already been 12 weeks. It's going by so fast!! In the meantime, we are house hunting and racing against the clock to find a place we love, move in, and put a nursery together before Little Wallace makes an appearance in February. We're feeling confident and good about all of these changes. Can't wait to share more baby and house hunting stuff with you along the way. :) I'm excited to share my first trimester "survival kit" with you next week!  

Disclaimer: Please note that my diaries about pregnancy reflect my own personal thoughts and experiences. Every pregnancy is different for every woman. If you have any questions about my experiences so far, please feel free to ask! Thanks so much for reading, friends. :) 

YOU, ME & BABY MAKES THREE!

Jon and I are SO SO SO excited to finally announce that we are having a baby!!!!! Little Wallace is due on February 3rd. We found out we were pregnant extremely early and have been bursting at the seams waiting to announce our big news to family and friends. :) It has been so wonderful telling loved ones along the way and remembering their reactions and excitement.

I'm currently 11 weeks along and definitely ready for the "honeymoon" phase of the second trimester. We've felt so blessed and so thrilled. We can't wait to see little Wallace in 2014! Jon has been so sweet and caring to me during this time. He's learned how to do pregnancy massages, makes sure I eat good food, and constantly reminds me to drink my water. He's so excited to be a dad, and I'm so thankful for a wonderful and loving husband. I'm totally crazy for my man! This will be my parents' first grandchild and his parents' second, so there's a lot of excitement buzzing around our family right now. As well, my friends have been so supportive and excited for us. They've even let me share all the nitty-gritty/weird symptoms I've been experiencing. It's been hard work building a human, but I'm so amazed at how beautiful our bodies were created, and how they know exactly what to do. I've had many, "Oh my gosh, there's a human growing inside of me..." moments.

A couple weeks ago, we got to see the little gummy bear or "baby-do" as we've lovingly started calling it, during an ultrasound. We had known for several weeks already that we were pregnant but being able to finally see that precious heartbeat, beating away, and see its little tiny arms and feet wiggle took our breath away. I tried not to laugh or get too excited so I wouldn't ruin the picture, but we both just smiled like goofs. It was such a special moment.

Although I've never been one to journal a ton, I've been making sure to record these special moments along the way. (As well as all of the things I've been feeling, both good and bad.)

I've been so excited to share this news with all of you!! We can't wait to meet little Wallace "baby-do" soon!!!!!