Purex 31 Days of Fun

During the month of August Purex will be giving away a new prize every day for fans of their facebook page. 

Check back on August 1 for more information and the chance to win a $10 Amazon gift card.

With a baby on the way the baby necessities package would be awesome. The grocery giveaway, laptop, or the digital camera would be prizes I would love to win. 

Be sure to like their page to be entered to win. 

Click here to enter

31 weeks

Down to single digit weeks this week.  Crazy!

How far along:  31 weeks

Baby Size: 

Weight:  Up 2lbs this week.  I think it's pretty close to 30 total now

Symptoms:   

• Back and Hip pain
• Restless legs
• Out of breath.  Seriously.All.The.Time.  I get winded walking up the stairs.  It's sad.
• This one is a little personal, and not really a new one, but lots of discharge. 
• Night sweats.  I have been waking up soaked in sweat and I only sleep in a t-shirt and underwear with a sheet on me.  It's been cool (in the 50's) at night so I'm really not hot. 
• Crazy dreams

Maternity Clothes:  Yep and running out of tops.  I still have a few non maternity skirts and pairs of sweatpants that are working

Sleep:  Tylenol is the only way I can fall asleep.  I've tried going without it and I need it.

Cravings/Food Aversions:  None really this week.  Really thirsty all the time though.

Belly Button:  Depending on the top I wear I can see it through my shirt. 

Rings on or off:  I don't wear them very often

Gender:   Hopefully still a girl

Name:  Eleanor Rose

Movement: She picked up her frequency over the weekend.  I saw my stomach actually move for the first time over the weekend.  She did it later that day and even Rob got to see it.  It's hilarious.

Stretch Marks: Found my first ones on my left hip this weekend.  Actually Rob noticed them first. 

Best moment: Prepping cloth diapers, cute baby fluff

Looking forward to:  Doctors appointment Friday and my first baby shower Sunday, 

Nervous about:  I'm actually nervous about the prepping of the cloth diapers.  What if I did it wrong?  I have no idea what I'm doing.  I washed them with detergent, then dried them completely, then washed again with detergent, and washed again without and dried them.  I will wash them again though before they are needed. 

What I miss:  Bending over.  I tried to remove nail polish from my toes on Sunday.  That was difficult.


Labor signs: Some Braxton Hicks

Appointments:  This Friday for a checkup.

Misc.  I signed us up for the hospital tour and a cpr/first aid class (non- certification).  I should have done that earlier because we only had one tour option that worked and they overbooked the class to get us into it.
I wasn't planning on taking any classes, but over the weekend we were at a friends house and their 6 month old started to choke on a piece of food.  They were calm and handled it fine, but it kind of freaked Rob out. So this class will be good for him, and really me as well since I haven't taken a class and been certified in 6+ years. 

Woolzies Review & Giveaway

I started using dryer balls about a year ago in an effort to cut energy costs.  I ordered some off the internet (I don't know the brand name) and liked them so much that I wanted more.

The initial cost can be kind of high and shortly after I saw a tutorial on pinterest on how to make them.  It seemed pretty easy so I went to hobby lobby to pick up the materials (which was really just wool yarn).  They didn't felt properly and while I still use them because they do bounce around and separate the laundry they don't reduce static.

I frequent cloth diaper blogs as we are planning to cloth diaper this baby, and Woolzies were a name that kept coming up.

So when I was given the opportunity to review them I was excited.  The day they showed up was the day I had actually planned to start prepping the cloth diapers.  Dryer sheets are not safe for cloth diapers so it was perfect timing. 

Woolzies are handmade in Nepal using New Zeeland wool and can last for 1,000 loads.  They contain no chemicals and are very earth friendly, cutting drying time up to 40%.

I definitely noticed a reduction in dryer time with them when I used them in a regular load.  I also used them in a cloth diaper load, but since it was my first time washing them I don't know what a  'normal' drying time would be. I'm sure though that it took less time than without them, although I probably won't be testing it out.

Size comparison: Woolzies, the dryer balls I purchased online
and the ones that I made myself.

The dryer balls mixed in with the diapers. 

I would recommend Woolzies not just to cloth diapering parents, but anyone looking for a way to save money and protect the earth (and don't we all really want that?).

Enter to win a set below

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Monday Quiz about Me

1. What is your favorite pair of shoes?
I have a pair of slip on tan clog style shoes that I love because I don't have to tie any laces.  I'm lazy.  The only downside is they are a suede (or fake suede) style and they don't do well if they get wet.

2. Do you get embarrassed easily?

Eh not really, only when someone keeps bringing up an incident.  I can laugh at myself most of the time. 

3. What makes you cringe?

Loud eating/slurping

4. July 29th is National Lasagna day... are you celebrating?  What kind of lasagna do you prefer?

No, but my favorite is a cheese lasagna.  I'm not a big meat eater.  There is a recipe I found pinterest for million dollar spaghetti  which is like lasagna but with spaghetti noodles and it is delicious. 

Weekly Wrap Up 7-27

Pretty boring week here.

1) I won a prize pack last week that came in the mail this week.  I also got an email this morning saying I won a $25 gift code to Pink Blush Maternity.  I've been checking out their site on and off the last few months, and have seen things I'd like, but I'm to cheap for it.  So I'm excited to get something.  Hopefully I can get something in time for one of my baby showers. 

2) Last week was our local fair. I can't ride the rides (and they make me dizzy even if I could), but we went and split an elephant ear.  That was pretty yummy! We skipped the parade this year.  I think it's a lot more enjoyable with kids, so next year I'm looking forward to bringing baby girl there. 

3) We had an ant problem last week.  I tried so many things to get rid of those teeny tiny ants.  Finally in frustration last weekend I turned to pinterest and found this pin.  Since I had everything already I decided to give it a shot.  It worked.  I haven't had to kill any ants all week.  But we do seem to have an issue with spiders (yuck) now. 

4) At the beginning of the year we had a bird build it's nest in the laundry vent.  The vent ran right along side our bedroom and then the bird had babies and I could hear them squeaking and it was loud. They stayed for a few months and then were gone.  Finally after months of asking Rob fixed it today.  That's one project I hoped to have done before the baby got here.

5) I started prepping the cloth diapers today.  I read a few different tutorials online and the manufacturers guidelines.  I hope I'm doing them right.  It was a little nerve wracking.  I don't want to mess them up or anything.  I know I have time until my due date, but then I got nervous because I was 5 weeks early and that's only 5 weeks away.  So I washed all the 0-3 month clothes and am prepping diapers now.  I love all that cute baby fluff!

6) After a crazy hot week last week, it cooled off and is now cooler than normal.  The temp today was in the low 60's.  I don't mind this weather actually.    Even though I said I won't and don't complain about the heat, because I prefer 90 degrees to 20, this weather is kind of nice.  

Baby Comfy Nose Review

Earlier this year there was an image circulating the internet of one of those blue bulb syringes that had been cut open and was filled with mold.

Gross right?  So at that point I began looking into alternative nasal aspirators to use with baby girl who is due in less than 10 weeks (side note: how is that even possible?). 

When I was given the chance to review the baby comfy nose I knew it could be the product I was looking for. 

The baby comfy nose uses regular tissue instead of more expensive filters, and uses your own suction power which eliminates the need for batteries. 

You can buy the baby comfy nose as well as extra nose & mouth pieces and tubing here.  The starter kit is $14.95 and the extra pieces are 4.99.

This product is dishwasher safe.  I love things that are dishwasher safe!

The pouch keeps the pieces together in the dishwasher. 

The assembled product.  The funnel piece in the middle is what goes into your mouth. 

Since baby girl isn't here yet, I tested it out on myself.  And it works.  I might not have gotten much out of it, but I didn't have as much to suck out as a baby would (although had I tested it during cold/flu season that may have been different)

I would recommend this to all new moms and moms to be (and even moms who aren't new to the game).  It would make a fantastic baby shower gift. 

From what I've experienced and heard though from those who are already parents, a product that works quickly and effectively with babies is worth whatever it costs.   For the price of this, which is comparable to similar products, it's worth it.  

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

50 shades of the M.O.O.N Giveaway Blogger Opp.

People every where are different!  We all have our likes/dislikes; We have our favorite hobbies and interested;  We look different and dress different;  We are parents, children, siblings, and friends.  This is what makes up the Make Our Own Network team of bloggers!  We are the "Strange Kids on the Block" because we do things differently than any one out there.

For our first birthday, we want to celebrate individuality and independence from following the norms.  This giveaway event will be all about exactly that!  Anything goes - prizes can be anything from adult products to childrens' toys to outdoor gear to entertaining gadgets and more.  If you want to see it let us know!  Each blogger will pick their favorite products AND their readers favorites as well!

Sign-ups close 8/1

**The blogger with the most referrals will receive the additional links at no cost

Click HERE to sign up and for more html info.

M.O.O.N. has now added several perks/discounts for frequent participation in our events but you must be a member of our Facebook group to be eligible.  Please visit the M.O.O.N. group if you are a blogger and would like more information regarding these perks and other group events.

Talking Duke The Puppy App Review

I recently reviewed this free app.  It is available for iphone and android.

I've mentioned before that I work in child care, and being summertime I often hear the phrase "I'm bored."  I don't usually have to limit tv/screen time for the kids, because they are actually pretty good about doing that on their own.

I like finding new apps though that they can enjoy and that will appeal to a variety of ages, so I hoped that this app would be one that they would have fun with. 

I downloaded it to my ipad and decided to check it out.  As soon as it downloaded and opened I knew it would be a hit with at least one of the kids. 

You can interact with the dog and have him do things such as dance, play with a ball, use the bathroom, and other animations.

Here are some screen shots I took to show different animations.

To unlock some other animations there are short (10 seconds) promo videos for other apps that you watch.

You can make movies using the different animations and then you can email them, upload them to youtube (where you can also view other's) share them on facebook or just save them.

I knew that the 7 year old would love the game, but I wasn't sure if the 9,10 and 12 year old's would or if they would quickly be bored.

The 7 year old was out playing with her friends when I decided to let the other kids check it out.  She did briefly stop in and loved it, just like I thought she would. Even before she came back the other kids said that she would like it (and I hadn't even said that I thought the same).

The 3 older kids playing. 

They found it fun and liked making the videos.  I knew they would find the bathroom animation to be their favorite (they are at that age I suppose).

You can download the game for free through the app store or google play. 

iTunes:
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/talking-duke-dog-for-iphone/id453561850?mt=8&uo=4

Google Play
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.cloudburst.games.android.duke1

30 weeks (3/4 done)

How far along:  30 weeks.  75% of the way done.  Crazy!


Baby Size: 

Weight:  Apparently my scale has to be broken.  How is it possible I gained 3.5lbs in one week? That puts me up 26 + pounds total.  I'm going to hit the 40 mark and push the 50 pound mark at this rate.

Symptoms: 

•  Restless legs/arms.  Not just at night.  During the day too.  I tried calling my ob and primary doctor and they didn't offer me much.  I've had a few people give me suggestions though. 
• The nausea came back recently, ugh. 
• I've been having this pain lately in my back and butt.  I figured out over the weekend it's probably the sciatica nerve.   
• Hair loss
• Dry skin

Maternity Clothes:  I bought another pair of shorts to sleep in, and then in the heat last week I decided to just sleep in my t-shirt and now I hate sleeping in shorts/pants.  And I went to put on a few tops that I got last month that I haven't even worn yet yesterday.  They don't fit.  At least they are maternity/nursing tanks so I can and will still use them.

Sleep:  Due to the whole restless leg/arm thing I get a few hours a night.  A 2 hour stretch used to be good.  I'm up now every hour-hour and a half.  In my desperation for sleep one night I raided the medicine cabinet and found vicks vapor rub and put that on my legs.  It worked (although it feels weird when it kicks in), so I've been trying it the last few nights.  That plus a tylenol for back pain and tums and my second dose of iron pills has become my nightly routine. 
This is how I feel most nights, but I still don't sleep.



Cravings/Food Aversions:   Still having dairy issues

Belly Button:  I think it's kind of poking out a little at the top. 

Rings on or off: Still on, but I don't wear them much. 

Gender:  Girl

Name:  Eleanor Rose

Movement: I'm still not feeling much movement when I'm up and moving around, but I'm not worried since she moves often enough when I'm sitting down. 

Stretch Marks: I still haven't noticed any. 

Best moment: I washed the newborn clothes and the 0-3 pajamas and got all excited that I'm going to have a kid wear these. And my sister in law gave me some sleep sacks/swaddles for her too!

Looking forward to:  Next week I'm down to single digit weeks!

Nervous about:  Finances, losing the baby weight (I know that it's way to early to be thinking about it)

What I miss:  Sleeping on my right side.


Labor signs: Not yet

Appointments:  Next week I have a checkup.  Normally it would have been this week, but my ob is on vacation so it's not until almost 32 weeks.  Then they go to every other week, and at some point (I think 36 weeks) every week.  So really I probably only have 5 or 6 more left before she get's here. 

Misc. 

I was talking to Rob last night about how we only have 10 weeks left and if she comes early even less time.  I was born at 35 weeks so while I don't think that will happen (but what do I really know?) we could have a baby in 5 (ish ) weeks. 

Monday Quiz About Me

  

1. Wednesday, July 24th is Drive Thru day - do you have any drive thrus that you have a hard time passing?

I love Wendy's french fries so that would be the hardest for me to drive by.

2. Other than signing your name, when was the last time you physically wrote something?

I wrote out my grocery list last week

3. What was the first movie you saw in a movie theater? the latest one?

I can't remember the movie, although I'm pretty sure it was a Disney movie, but I remember going.  It was spring break and I went with my mom, brother, sister, aunt and cousins.   The last movie I saw was Despicable Me 2 (I wrote about it in this post) with Rob and our niece. 

4. Have you ever visited Disney?
I have not. 

Weekly wrap up

1) I've been bugging nicely asking Rob for months to take me to a Whitecaps baseball game.  Every time he makes excuses, so I finally gave up on asking him to go with me and tried to find someone else.  Then on Sunday, 15 minutes before the game is to start he decided he wants to go.  I was kind of stressing because I didn't want to miss any of the game and I knew we would.  Luckily we only live 15 minutes away so by the time we got there it was still the top of the 2nd inning.

And because we showed up later we wound up getting to park in the very front (like 10 rows from the front), and we got first row bleacher seats (which were buy one get one for that day with a coupon).  The only downside was that it was really really hot.  Like 90* hot.  We had to get up a few times and stand under the shade.

But they won, and I only wound up with a small patch of bright red sunburn (I did put some one; just missed a few spots).

2) I had most of this week off of work.  I only had to work Thursday.  I was going to be super productive, but I wasn't.  Oops. 

3) My oldest niece turned 8 this week.  No idea how that happened.  This picture is from the day she was born (also I look skinny and super young in it)


4) It has been so hot this week so I've been trying to use the crock pot more.  I made baked potatoes in crockpot.  I'd done it before but couldn't remember how they turned out.  Apparently not so well. I added a little bit of water  this time which might have been why they turned out better.

5) Speaking of hot, here is an example of how hot it was.  At almost 9 at night it was still 85* with a heat index of 89.  This was pretty typical for the whole week.  I still prefer it to winter though.

6) I have a few giveaways going on.  Check out the right side bar if you haven't already. 

And follow me (via one of the many ways on the right side bar) if you haven't already. 

Evenflo Travel System #Giveaway

Welcome to this wonderful giveaway from Evenflo!

Hosted by: Everything Mommyhood Co-hosted by: Libby's Library, The Nurse Mommy, and Duchess of Diaper Duty.

I'm due in less than 11 weeks with my first and have been doing my research on strollers and car seats.  There are so many choices & styles out there.  The convenience of having both infant car seat and stroller work together is something any new parent can appreciate. 

Everything Mommyhood has teamed up with Evenflo to give away the Evenflo Featherlite 200 Travel System to one of our lucky readers. This travel system is only available for purchase at Target and is valued at $179.99!

Here's some great info directly from Evenflo's site about the Featherlite Travel System:

Weighing up to 20% less than comparable full-size strollers, the Featherlite is light on weight but strong on features. Such features range from foot-activated dual rear brakes and front swivel locking wheels to a child tray with cup and snack area. A large storage basket below will help carry many of baby’s needs. This travel system comes with the stroller, car seat base and Embrace® 35 infant Car Seat.

Stroller

• Easy fold - Stands upright when folded
• Comfort - Multi-position recline for babies comfort
• Shade - Canopy protects baby from wind & sun
• Trays - Child tray with cup and snack holder & Parent drink holder
• Extra - Front locking swivel wheel enhance stability
• Storage - Large storage basket holds all of mom’s needs

Embrace 35 DLX Infant Car Seat

• Side Impact Tested! Meets or exceeds all applicable Federal Safety Standards & Evenflo's Side Impact Test Standard
• Designed & tested for structural integrity at energy levels approximately 2X the federal crash test standard
• 3-Position adjustable base with easy-to-use adjuster ensures proper angle for baby
• Central level indicator can be seen from either side for correct car installation

If you know a mom to be, are one yourself, or already have a newborn, this is the perfect giveaway for you! One lucky reader will win the Evenflo Featherlite 200 Travel System featured above, retail $179.99. US Resident Only, 18 and Up Giveaway begins 7/20/2013 at 1am CST and ends 8/10/2013 at 11:59pm CST. ALL winning entries WILL be verified, winner will be contacted via email and will have 48 hours to respond before a new winner will be chosen.

Entry-Form

Disclosure: This blog was not compensated for the posting of this giveaway. Evenflo is responsible for the shipment of the above aforementioned prize. Our opinions are 100% our own and may differ from those of your own. Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and any other social media are not affiliated with this giveaway. If you have any questions please contact the host of this giveaway at EverythingMommyhood@gmail.com.

Things I've cried about this week

Clearly I'm pregnant.

1) I cried because Rob wouldn't give me the computer on Sunday so I could order baby leggings from this co-op I'm part of and I couldn't do it on the ipad.  He gave me the computer and I ordered these and the ones pictured (the pictures are links)

    

Thanks to the co-op I am paying under $14 for all with shipping.  I didn't really need to get them for baby girl, but I wanted to, and I wanted to get so many more styles as well.

I wish I would have seen these though.  I see amazon carries them, and I have gift cards to amazon so maybe...?
\ 

2) I cried because we started getting ants in the kitchen this week and I can't seem to keep them away.  I'm tired of seeing them crawling all over the floor and the counter every time I go into the kitchen.

3) I didn't actually cry over this, but tonight there was a beer tent for our local town celebration and I dropped Rob off and it was crazy crazy busy.  Like there must have been hundreds and hundreds of people there.  If there wasn't a cover charge I would have gone just to hang out, but I didn't want to pay the cover (it was $5) because I'm cheap and wouldn't have stayed long at all.   A beer tent when your 29 weeks pregnant.  Not so much fun.

4) I've been close to crying because I can't sleep and I can't get comfortable when I'm sitting (the couch, the floor, etc...)

Yeah, I'm ridiculous sometimes.

Action Baby Carrier #Giveaway

Welcome to the Action Baby Carrier Giveaway!

Hosted by: Mami's 3 Little Monkeys

Co-Hosted by: Tunica Mama

Action Baby Carrier started out with mei tai style baby carriers that were called Action Mom Carriers back in 2006 when a few family members of Angela Alexander, the founder, were having babies. Angela didn't want to do the typical purchase of baby gifts, but instead wanted to be a bit creative so she figured she could sew a few baby carriers. The first carrier she sewed took 9 hours! Wow! As she became better at sewing the carriers, especially after sewing two more for her cousin who was expecting twins, she was able to cut down the process time by quite a bit. Action Baby Carriers are made in the USA, don't leave red marks on babies legs, has a great internal support system for weight displacement and they are also a great quality for an affordable price! 

Read Mami's 3 Little Monkeys full review here! 

One lucky reader will win their choice of Action Baby/Toddler Carrier with a Value of $98 to $114!

This giveaway is open worldwide to individuals who are at least 18 years of age at time of entrance. Giveaway will run from July 18th through August 8th. Winner will be chosen by random, notified by email and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. Enter through the Rafflecopter form below for your chance to win. Good luck! 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: Urban Times in Michigan and other participating blogs are not responsible for shipment/fulfillment of prize. I received no monetary compensation for this publication. Review & Giveaway were conducted by Mami's 3 Little Monkeys blog, if you ave any questions please contact Sarh at mamis3littlemonkeys@yahoo.com.

Purex dryer sheets #giveaway #sponsored

*As a purex insider I was provided with a sample in order to facilitate this review.  All opinions are my own*

A while ago I switched to wool dryer balls.  In part because I knew that dryer sheets aren't safe for cloth diapers, and in part because I felt like it would be use less energy.

Sometimes though I notice they don't reduce static and I miss the smell of the laundry after it's been bouncing around with a dryer sheet.  Rob isn't really a fan of the dryer balls anyway because they get stuck in the clothes.

So when I was given the chance to review purex's new dryer sheets I was interested. 

Before even opening the box I could smell them.

The day I got them I  was doing laundry so I put them to the test.  Sure enough they eliminated the static just like they claimed too in the bedding, the towels, and the socks (which always seems to be a trouble area)

I expected the smell to be a little bit stronger when the drying cycle was done based on how strong it was before, but I don't think that it's necessarily a bad thing.   Maybe I just like it to be stronger, but it was subtle enough to smell, but not overpower. 

I think I'll using these dryer sheets more often on our clothes.  I will still use the dryer balls for cloth diaper and some baby clothes, but for our bedding, towels and clothes they will be my go-to now. 

Purex dryer sheets can be purchased at Wal-mart and are available in sweet lavender and mountain breeze scents. 

Purex has offered 3 readers the chance to try out the dryer sheets for themselves.  Enter below on the rafflecopter form to win. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

29 weeks

How far along:  29 weeks

Baby Size:  

Weight: Up 1.6 lbs this week; total of over 23 lbs. 

Symptoms:   This isn't a new one, but the dreams are crazy!  And if you know me, I've always had crazy vivid dreams, but these are all the time over the top. 

Maternity Clothes:  I bought a few more tops, a maxi dress and some shorts (not jeans one though; my thighs don't like those, haha)

Sleep:    I usually get 2 hour stretches, but once in a while I get a 2 1/2 hour - 3 hour stretches and am like 'wait, did I just sleep that long?'  Last night was pretty rough though with the restless leg thing and the heat though. I might break down and nap today.

Cravings/Food Aversions:  Bring on the cherry pop (cherry coke, cherry dr. pepper etc...) and the trail mix.

Belly Button:  It's still hanging on to being an innie.  Rob finds it so amusing though. 

Rings on or off:  I'm not wearing them very often, they just get really snug. 

Gender:  Girl

Name:  Eleanor Rose

Movement: Starting to feel a more movement on my right side.  Laying in bed I think she almost kicked my arm of my stomach. I was like 'whoa what was that' I still don't feel her much though when I'm moving around. 

Stretch Marks: Haven't noticed any yet. 

Best moment: My last baby shower is scheduled.  That makes four in August.  I'm grateful for such generous people who want to get us stuff. 

Looking forward to:  The baby showers, hitting 30 weeks (3/4 done!)

Nervous about:  I don't have a job after the end of August.  

What I miss:  Leaning forward without being uncomfortable, not getting winded walking up the steps.


Labor signs:  None this week

Appointments:   My next checkup is August 2

Misc.  I wore this dress to church on Sunday and was told by several people that I still looked so small.  It's totally the dress because it just kind of falls there and does nothing to show off the bump.  But it's super comfy and when it's 80+ degrees at 9 in the morning it keeps me cool.  And it was only $15 at Burlington, so it was worth it. 

Groove Kid Nation cd review

I'm always looking for fun things to do with the kids I nanny for, and my nieces and nephews, and music often becomes part of our activities.

My niece, who is about to turn 8, loves music.  She found an old recorder at my parents house and plays that, the harmonica she has or makes her own shakers & drums. 

When I was offered the chance to review the Rhythm Bears CD by Groove Kid Nation I was excited to see how she would like it. 

When I first put the CD in I was surprised by the sound of it.  It was different from most children's music.  One reason is because the songs are different (no 'twinkle twinkle little star, or wheel's on the bus type songs).  The songs are originals.  The CD is interactive in ways such as telling the kids to clap back as well. 

The CD introduces kids to different styles of music (One song has a twangy kind of feel and another a blues kind of feel)  and instruments that aren't typical.  One song features a didgeridoo and another a kalimba.  These were new instruments to me as well.  

The website (www.groovekidsnation.com/bears) has several extras such as free music downloads and a coloring book with the characters from the CD.

I asked my niece how she would rate the cd from one to five stars.  She said she would give it four stars and I have to agree.  The only thing I wish was that there were more songs as the CD only had 11 tracks. 

The CD can be purchased here for $10.99

10% of all profits go to benefit CARE, a charity helping children in poverty around the world. 

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Monday Quiz #MQAM

1. July is National Ice Cream month - are you celebrating?

I wish I could.  I did have yummy s'mores ice cream recently, but even a small come made me sick afterwards.  It's this pregnancy aversion thing.  I don't want to have an aversion though.  I did eat a lot of ice cream back in May when we had some from Rob's birthday.  I put marshmallows  chocolate syrup, cherries, whip cream, and nuts in my ice cream so I guess I celebrated early! 

2. What is your favorite rainy day activity?

Sitting on the couch under a blanket with a book or playing on the ipad

3. What is the one book from High School that you remember reading most?  Why?

The Scarlet Letter.  10th Grade (which was 13 years ago. Oh boy!).  I only remember this because my teacher at the time used the phrase 'Hester the molester' and was a creepy old man.  Lots of people loved him, but I was never a huge fan of his.  Sorry if any of my high school friends were. 

4. Have you ever visited Charleston, SC?

Nope

Weekly Wrap Up 7/13

1) I wrote last week about how we were going to my sisters in laws to hang out.  It was fun until I started getting those stomach pains that wound up with me visiting the hospital the next morning. The boys did a great job.  They don't use as many cakes (where you just light one fuse), but they buy individual shots (I don't know if that is the right term) and then they set them up in pipes and fuse them all together.

2) I won this stuff this week (sand gone). I've seen on pinterest that baby powder works also, but it was free.   I also got the daddy scrubs that I won for Rob (daddy scrubs).  I don't know if he will wear them, but again they were free so I suppose it's fine if he doesn't. 

3)  My sister and I tried to go garage sailing yesterday, but my nephew was fussy so we only made it to two. I didn't really need anything so it was fine, and I didn't spend my money.  I spent $4 I think, and got 3 onesies, and 3 pairs of pants/shorts and 2 roller window shades for the car. I was kind of excited about the roller shades since they were $1 for both and normally are $10.  Rob actually had put them on the registry. 

My sister did buy something for Eleanor, because she had to have it.  It was only $2. Rob kind of thinks it's silly, but I think it is adorable. 

4) This week Rob was full of surprises.  If you follow me on instagram you saw the pictures I posted.  If you don't you should (click here to follow me on instagram). I've become a little bit obsessed with it and #hashtags and then searching for people who have used the same hashtag.

 He came home Tuesday with a utility sink.  I had won a diaper sprayer, but he bought the sink that had the sprayer feature.  We are going to use it for cloth diapers.  And it's something we'd been wanting for a while.  Whenever we do painting projects we always have had to clean the brushes in the bathtub.  He did a great job plumbing it into the washer line.  

Then Wednesday he came home with a bottle of my favorite wine.  It is the one thing I wanted post baby.  I don't really care so much about the whole 'push present' thing, but I wanted this.  Now it will just tempt me for the next 12 weeks.  I know some people say a sip is okay, but this wine is so good, I couldn't just have a sip and so I won't even try.

5) I've also become a bit of a fan of bloglovin (and you can follow me there also.  Click the follow this blog button on the top right sidebar).  I think I might have mentioned it before.  I switched over to it even before google reader was gone.  I think it's just a easy to understand format.  

6) This morning I scratched off a $5 lotto ticket Rob bought me last week.  I usually only buy the $1 tickets if I buy them.  Anyway I decided to scratch it off.  I wound up winning $100 on it!  I thought it had to be a joke ticket.  That is the most I've ever won.  I once got $40 on a $1 ticket and thought that was awesome.  And even though Rob's $5 ticket was not a winner, we still came out $90 ahead.  

KiddyUSA click and move stroller blogger opportunity

Prize: Kiddy USA Click'n Move 3 Stroller $399 Retail Value 

Requirements: You MUST have at least 500 facebook fans 

Dates: August 1st - August 21st 

Hosted by: Everything Mommyhood

Co-Host $10 - ANY 4 links total and a back-link to your page (No Host Pages Available at this time) 

Links $3- (Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest or Instagram ONLY)

  Free Twitter link with announcement (or $5 waiver): https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Xec7j43b5FWt4JZ3R8rOk9IZMhOetCW6yjvtKmgMK1g/edit?usp=sharing Subscribe by email link or a Daily Vote Link $5 All payments need to be paid via Paypal as a GIFT to darcibean@gmail.com

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Kindle Fire HD Giveaway

Urban Times in Michigan

Welcomes you to the Kindle Fire HD Giveaway

July 10 - July 30

Hosted by: So Sew Mama

A special thanks to our co-hosts - Yesterday on Tuesday, Romania and Missions, This N That With Olivia, Dragon Blogger, Life's Cheap Thrills, My Devotional Thoughts, SuperMomSurveys

Desiree from So Sew Mama is getting Married this August! What better way to celebrate than to have an awesome giveaway!! 

So Sew Mama has gathered a group of amazing bloggers to bring you all this great giveaway.

One lucky reader will have the great opportunity to win a Kindle Fire HD!

I (Urban Times in Michigan) have a kindle fire, although not the HD version because it wasn't out yet when I got mine, and love it.  I love to take it with me to the doctors office for appointments because the magazines are usually so outdated, and I can have so many books on it to look though. The graphics on the regular fire are great so I can imagine how much better it would be in HD.

This giveaway is open world wide, but you must be over 18 to enter and win. Void where prohibited by law. Winner will have 48 hours to respond to my email, or a new winner is chosen.

This giveaway will close at 11:59 pm EST on July 30, 2013.

Use the Giveaway form below to enter. Entries that are not mandatory, will increase your odds of winning. Good Luck!

Entry-Form

Urban Times in Michigan was not compensated for this post, and is not responsible for prize fulfillment. This giveaway is not affiliated with Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, or any other social media website. Please contact Desiree at So Sew Mama with questions, or to have your company/product featured in our next big giveaway! Read my Full PR disclosure here.

28 weeks

I had a interesting weekend. In case you missed yesterdays post about my visit to the hospital you can read about it here.

How far along:  28 weeks

Baby Size: 

Weight:  Up 1.5 lbs this week for a total of 21.5

Symptoms:   Lots of back pain

Maternity Clothes:  I noticed last week I was already outgrowing some of my clothes.  Sad sad day for me.  Jean shorts don't fit me because I have fat thighs now.  I'm on the search for more dresses and skirts.

Sleep:  Some nights I can avoid restless leg, and other nights it awful.

Cravings/Food Aversions:  Still dairy issues, loving sweets or fruit.

Belly Button: In

Rings on or off: They are getting pretty snug.

Gender:  Girl

Name:  Eleanor Rose

28 weeks, out of the shower and
running behind.

Movement: I'm feeling her more on the right side.  Not as much as the left but until recently I hadn't at all. 

Stretch Marks: Still haven't seen any. 

Best moment: We were given another awesome stroller from a friend.  I think I'm going to become a stroller fanatic. 

Looking forward to:  Baby showers, hitting 30 weeks (3/4 done!)

What I miss:  Bending over.


Labor signs: I had a few contractions over the weekend. 

Appointments:  This morning I have my 28 week checkup

Misc.  Feeling like I should be doing something to get ready for her, but I don't want to wash her clothes or bedding because I would wash them again in a few months. 

My trip to the hospital

Saturday I started to feel a lot if stomach pressure. I first thought my jeans were to tight and put in sweatpants and that did sort of help.

But it didn't completely go away. It felt like gas pain/cramps. 

I spent all night in pain and thinking if i could just fart (I know that's exciting) I would feel so much better.

But at 6:30 Sunday I still didn't feel any better and called the on call doctor who said to go in to be checked out.  So I woke up rob and we went to the hospital about 30 minutes away.  

I actually felt a little better on the way but it didn't last long.  The doctor had called ahead and so they were waiting for me, which was nice.

They took a urine sample and hooked me up to a contraction monitor and a fetal heart rate monitor. 

Baby had a good heart rate and I was only having a few sporadic contractions.

They checked to see if I was dialated and I wasn't and the urine sample was fine.

So in the end I left with no real answers other than it wasn't preterm labor (which I never thought it was), and was just possibly ligaments stretching or dehydration or some other pregnancy thing. I knew it was going to be something silly, but the pain was that bad.

I spent the entire day in bed except for a bath which didn't do much for the pain but still felt nice.

I'll do what it takes but just laying there thinking about all the work that needed to be done was tough, especially waking up this morning and seeing it all still there.

Rob was awesome though, and really took care of me.  He almost didn't come home that night from my sister/brother in laws so I'm really happy he did so he could take me to the hospital.

I'm feeling a lot better this morning, still a little crampy, but not to the point it's affecting what I do, so I'm hoping that was it for pregnancy problems and that the next time that we go to the hospital we leave with baby girl.

I actually have a regular appointment scheduled for tomorrow any way so I'll just follow up with my doctor then.

Oh and I learned that I will not be having an un-medicated childbirth.  If I couldn't handle this pain, no way can I handle that.  Bring on the drugs!

Juppy Baby Walker Giveaway

Sponsored by

The Juppy Baby Walker

Hosted by:

NYSavingSpecials

Co-hosted by:

Your Fashion Resource, Barbara's Beat, Charlotte Raynor Writes, The Parenting Patch, Mom 'N Daughter Savings, 
Crafty Zoo with Monkeys, Thrifty 4nsic Gal, Stay a Stay at Home Mom, 
Simply Sherryl and Couponing Momma.

The Juppy Baby Walker Company is giving away one 

"Blue Juppy Baby Walker" 

to one lucky winner!

The Juppy Baby Walker is a great invention, that will help with your baby's confidence and balance.  The Juppy Baby Walker is perfect for when your baby is strong enough to begin walking but not strong enough to walk alone.

You can read my review about The Juppy Baby Walker here!

I (Urban Times in Michigan), actually have one of these.  I haven't been able to test it out, but I've done the back bending walk thing and anything that will help is going to rock.  

Giveaway

-US resident only

-To participate must me 18 years or older

-Dates: July 8 12:01am to July 29 11:59pm

We Appreciate the support of our sponsor, please show your support by following them on Twitter or Facebook.

-All other entries are optional

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: The Juppy Baby Walker will send prize to the winner.  Urban Times in Michigan is not responsible for prize. If you have any question please send an email to nysavingspecials@gmail.com.  All entries are optional, if you do any of the tasks you can collect the entries, but if the winner task is a task you did not complete, a second winner will be chosen. The must do the task that are relate to the sponsored company.