Weekly Wrap Up 8/31

1)  I'm a day early, but I want to be sure to wish my little sister a Happy Birthday!  

2)  This summer I got the chance to go back and watch the kids that I spent 5 1/2 years watch.  I didn't know I would have this chance, and I'm really thankful that I did.  To celebrate the end of the summer we had an ice cream bar.  We got out the ice cream, and went to the store to pick up some toppings.  These kids loaded up their bowls with different forms of candy, syrup, & whip cream.  I think they loved it!  Then I got a present from them.  It was a pack of bottles & sippy cups for baby girl, a bottle of wine for me & a bottle of beer for Rob (and a cheesecake as well).  As my boss told me "everyone get's a bottle! If you want to read about last years last day you can read it here (Last year's last day)

3) Now that I am officially out of a job and have none in sight I'm getting worried. At the same time, I'm looking forward to being able to relax this last month or so before she get's here. 

4) I finally received a diaper this week that I won at the beginning of July. I won a prize pack that included a few of these Betty Crocker small pouch food mixes, an apron, oven mitts and a $10 Walmart card.   I also won a subscription to Medela's breastfeeding university which will be helpful.

5) Last Saturday was our ten year class reunion.  Rob and I actually graduated together (although we didn't talk until 4 years after graduation).  My best friend was in town and even though it was a small group of people (maybe 50-60 total, that included spouses) it was still fun.

6) I also had my last baby shower on Sunday for church. It was the smallest shower yet, maybe 10-15 ladies, but it was perfect.  I got some more clothes, bath stuff, and misc. things.   

I saw a dress like this on pinterest and thought it would be perfect since I'm due on opening day of bow season, and Rob is a huge hunter.  I asked a friend if she could make it for me and she offered to do it as a baby shower gift. She also made some cloth wipes, wet bag, a sleep sack and cute booties. And she has an etsy shop (check it out here)

Then I got these super cute hats which are also handmade.  

This book was actually on one of my registries, but the person who gave it to me didn't check.  She works with kids and they love it, so she thought baby girl would also.  And I do love it! Obviously since I asked for it. :)

And while I don't have a picture of it, my best friend (who is in a picture above) got baby girl a 'Somebody in Minnesota loves me'  onesie.  Perfect!

That's all I have for now. Enjoy this long weekend!

Final Day ~ Gas grill

Win the grill!

Day 30: PlayStation 4 or XBOX One & $10 Amazon

Click Here to Enter

Enter to win $10 to Amazon below

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What's on your wishlist~Blogger opportunity

What's On Your Wish List Event

Organized by: Mom Powered Media

Prizes: $1,000 {visa gift card, amazon gift certificate or select your favorite store}

Event dates: 11/1 - 12/1

Open Worldwide

Referral prize: $50 Amazon E-Code or Paypal Cash

Requirement to join:

* No more than 2 blogs per person allowed

* Agree to post the giveaway html on the date the event begins and promote at least 3x a week

Bloggers: Sign Up HERE

Make sure you say I referred you :)

Blogger Opp~$500 Kmart card

It’s Halloween Event

Organized by: Mom Powered Media

Grand Prize: $500 K-Mart Gift Card

Event dates: 10/14 - 10/28

Open to US

Referral prize: $50 Amazon E-Code or Paypal Cash

Bloggers: Sign Up HERE

$10 Amazon Gift Card + Grocery Giveaway ($400) ~ Day 29

Some of the prizes this month may not have perfect or directed at everyone, but this one is one that EVERYONE could use.



Click Here

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Win a Samsung NX300 Camera

With a new baby coming soon I would love a new camera.

Enter to win by clicking the image below.

Day 28 ~ Surround System & Amazon Gift Card

I might be in the minority, but I'm not really a fan of loudness in movies & music, etc.  However, if you don't mind it, then today's prize is for you.

Click Here to Win

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35 Weeks!!!

How far along: 35 weeks!


Baby Size: 

Weight:  Shockingly, I lost a pound this week. Take that weight gain!

Symptoms:   

• My feet decided to start swelling up this week.  Rocking the cankels.
• Restless legs/arms
• Lot's of bathroom trips (on a might be an overshare note, I have been having to poop a lot lately; like twice a day)

• Crazy dreams
• I am ALWAYS out of breath. It took me like 20 minutes to make the bed the other day. 

Maternity Clothes:  I have a few non-maternity skirts I can wear still.  I have only a few tops that don't let my belly hang out.

Sleep:  Up every hour to 2 hours all night long.

Cravings/Food Aversions:  I kind of have a thing for cold oreo's (not frozen, but from the fridge)

Belly Button: Flat to out.

Rings on or off:  Just wearing the wedding band. 

Gender:  Girl

Name:  Eleanor Rose

Movement: Yep, and it's starting to hurt sometimes.  I have no idea how she is positioned because I feel movement all over. 

Stretch Marks:  Yep, lots of them.  I thought I was good because of genetics, but nope. Rob even notices a change in the color of them.  He says they look shiny.  I can't see them unless I'm looking in a mirror so I'll take his word on it. 

Best moment: My best friend was in town over the weekend.  We had our 10 year class reunion and then my church baby shower was on Sunday. 

Looking forward to:  Meeting her!  

Nervous about: 

• Somehow needing a c-section.  
• Recovery time, Rob won't get time off of work, I think he will probably be there with me in the hospital, but that's it.  I'll be on my own. 
• Finances

What I miss:  Walking without being out of breath and in pain, bending over, being comfortable, the occasional glass of wine


Labor signs: Lots of Braxton-Hicks.  

Appointments:  This Friday I have the GB test.

Misc. We took a Infant first aid/cpr class last night.  I think it was really good for Rob.  I knew a lot of the first aid/basic safety stuff, but the cpr stuff was great for me.  I haven't been certified (and this was not a certification class) in probably 6 years, so having that refresher really helped me. 

Bonus Picture!

$400 Swing Set + Amazon Gift Card ~ Day 27

When Rob bought our house before we got engaged there was a small wooden swing set and slide in the back yard.  I replaced the swings and removed the torn canopy, and Rob stabilized the platform.

If your house doesn't have a swing set you could win one with today's prize of the day, and as a bonus you can enter to win $10 to amazon.  Enter both below.

Win the swing set!

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Day 26 ~ ($600) Movie Package + Amazon $10 card

Today's prize is one that would probably be better suited for the cold winter months 

when being outside just isn't going to happen.  

Click here to win




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Monday Quiz About Me 8/26

1. Yesterday (August 25th) was Kiss and Make Up Day... when was the last time you had to kiss and make up?

I don't know.  I'm kind of a hormonal pregnant woman sometimes and even though I think it's a totally acceptable excuse I do feel a little bad sometimes and apologize to Rob for it. 

2. Are you doing anything special for Labour Day weekend?

We might go to Rob's grandparents; they live on a lake about 30 minutes away.  Really I don't feel like doing much or going far away. 

3. If you could go back to school, what would you major in?

I really don't know.  I have an associates in child development, and a bachelors in family studies. I initially started going for business.  Funny thing is that while I hate math I actually enjoyed the few accounting classes I took in high school and college.  So maybe something to do with that?

4. How much rain did you have this summer?
We had a few weeks of constant rain it seemed like, but for the most part not a ton.  More than last summer though.  It was so dry last summer.

Day 25 ~ Bikes for the family ($350) ~ Amazon $10 Gift Card

Click here 

You could also win an amazon gift card.  Enter below!
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Keekaroo High Chair Blogger Opp

Keekaroo High Chair with Infant Insert ARV $270

Dates: TBD

Hosted by: The Nurse Mommy

This event will be limited to 15-20 bloggers.

Free Twitter

Announcement Post: FOUND HERE

Paid Options available, extra links $2, votes $3

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Weekly Wrap Up 8/24

1) Baby girl's room is almost organized. Yeah for progress!  I don't have any clothes over 3 months in her room.  I didn't have space for it.  She has SO many clothes I'm sure she won't even get the chance to wear everything.  I'm planning a post soon of her room just so you can see it.  It started off with a theme, but wound up being a hodgepodge sort of room. 

2) I had baby shower number 3 this past weekend.  It was for my mom's side of the family.  We got the pack in play. It wasn't the print we registered for, but it was the same style.  I didn't need anything fancy.  I don't need the changing stations or all those bells and whistles.  I'm happy with what we got and I do like the print so it was a win.
 

My parents also got us the car seat which was the last thing we really needed to have. We got this one.  We are debating a second base.  I'm sure we will get one, but considering we don't really have to do separate daycare drop off/pick ups and if necessary we can just switch cars, I'm not sure that it's necessary.

3) I love the kids I watch.  They have their moments, and what kid doesn't, but sometimes I just feel so proud of them.  The 7 year old wanted to have a tea party, so she got out the little tea set and we made real tea together.  She used a medicine dropper to fill the little tea cups from the mug we made the tea in.
Her 12 year old sister made pancakes and she made them small enough to fit on the tea set plates and even sat down with her and participated in the party.
I know that being 12 years old doesn't always mean you want to play with your younger siblings, but it was really a sweet thing for her to do.

4) Tonight is my 10 year high school reunion.  Sometimes it is depressing to me because I feel like I haven't really done much with my life.  Which is silly and all comes down to the fact that I don't feel like I have a 'real job.'  I know I've talked about this before, and logically I know it is silly.  Not everyone could do my job or would want to.
 I have a husband I love, a house that is more than enough space for us to grow in to, and a sweet baby girl who is kicking my belly as I write this.  Really I am blessed and I shouldn't feel like the last 10 years have been a waste. 

5) I'm about to start my last week of work with nothing lined up.  It's nerve wracking and stressful and I feel really bad that I'm kind of looking forward to being done.  I'm sore and constantly feel in pain.  But I'm not about to just sit around and wait for baby to show up.  I have a few projects lined up to do.  I want to make book slings for baby's room, I am planning on making some freezer meals (which should be interesting considering standing for more than a few minutes hurts) & our basement is crazy full of baby stuff and while it's in totes it's still in need of organization.

6) I have another post that I'm planning on writing.  It's an update to one I wrote a long time ago about various ways I've found to earn a little bit of money or rewards for the things I do online.  Here is the original post.

7) My best friend is in town this weekend for our class reunion and my last baby shower at church tomorrow.  Yeah!

8)  As always you can follow me on different social media (See right sidebar).

Enjoy your Saturday!

Day 24 ~ Trampoline + $10 Amazon Card

Growing up we had a trampoline and I remember how much fun it was seeing who could bounce the highest.  

If you want a trampoline of your own, enter below. 

Click here to enter

Also enter to win a $10 Amazon gift card. 

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Day 23 ~ Sewing Machine & Fabric + $10 Amazon Gift Card

Click here to win!

Don't forget about the amazon gift card giveaway as well.  Enter on the rafflecopter below.

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Win $250 in baby essentials today ~ Day 22

I could easily find a good use for the prize for today, and I know many of you could as well.  I hope one of you win!

Click here to win!

Today ONLY win an outdoor fireplace ($200) ~ Day 21

Nights here in Michigan can get cold even in the summer.  This would be fun to relax around.

Click Here to Enter

34 weeks pregnancy update.

How far along:  34 weeks!  This just blows my mind. 

Baby Size: 

Weight:  I think I need to stop weighing myself.  I'm up 34lbs.  I'm going to pass the 40lb mark. Ugh!

Symptoms:   

• Acid Reflux
• Restless legs, really bad last night
• Sore all the time

Maternity Clothes:  I'm running really low on tops that fit.

Sleep:  2 hour stretches.

Cravings/Food Aversions:  Still avoiding dairy when possible.

Belly Button: Flat to out

Rings on or off: Engagement ring won't fit, so I'm only wearing my wedding band. 

Gender:  I'm irrationally concerned she's going to come out a boy.

Name:  Eleanor Rose

Movement:  All throughout the day, and sometimes they are even a little painful.

Stretch Marks: Yeah, and I don't think Rob likes them.

Best moment: I had a baby shower for Rob's family and one for my mom's side.

Looking forward to:  My best friend will be in town this weekend!

Nervous about: Not having a job and having nothing lined up. 

What I miss:  Bending over, walking with out getting out or breath, feeling sore every time I stand up or get out of the car.


Labor signs: I've been having a lot of braxton hicks this last week.  So I drink more water, and then at night I have to pee every 5 seconds. 

Appointments:  Next Friday.  

My appointment last week went well.  Baby measured at 34 weeks & heart rate was good.  It was the first time I had to do the whole pee in a cup to test protein thing.  Usually I just pee on the stick and I had a tough time a few weeks ago.  The belly is just getting in the way.

I had my tdap shot at my appointment and my arm hurt all weekend long. 

Misc.  The amount of clothes this girl has is crazy.  I don't have anything over 3 months in her room because there isn't space for it.  I have so many totes in the basement.   I'm kind of getting overwhelmed on how to organize all of it (not just clothes, everything).

Day 20 ~ Kitchenaid Mixer ~$250

I'm not much of a baker, but with all the attachments that you can get for the mixer 

I like to think I could or would be.  But that's just wishful thinking I'm sure.

However if you really are a baker you could win one today along with bakeware.

Click here to enter

Giveaway- Juppy Baby Walker (Ends 8/31)

Earlier this summer I participated in a group giveaway for the Juppy Baby Walker.

I think it's a great idea, and when I was given the chance to review and offer my own giveaway I was excited.

The juppy is a way to help babies, who are not strong enough to do so on their own, begin to walk with assistance.  It helps to make it easier on the parent/caregiver's back by not making the parent bend over to do so (you can see this in the image below).  As a childcare provider I've worked with kids and I've done the bending over and after a few minutes I can't handle it anymore.

Since baby girl isn't here yet I decided to test it out on one of the sweet kiddo's in my life.  My niece (10 months) was more than willing to help me out.  

She might not be smiling in the pictures, but I promise she loved it.  Honestly, I think I was bugging her by trying to take the pictures.  She got in it and was ready to move.

I tested it out at my baby shower actually, which was perfect because there were many other moms there who thought that it was a great idea as well.  Getting feedback from moms is always helpful.

 It's a great way for the baby to gain a sense of independence but still feel safe because if they were to slip and fall they are still supported. 

The juppy needs no assembly and is ready to go right out of the package. 

Once my niece is able to walk on her own and no longer needs this, I think it will be my nephew's turn (currently 4 months) and then baby girl will use it. 

The material is 100% cotton and I'm sure it will hold up for a long time as it seems very durable.  The juppy will support babies up to 30lbs as well.

To connect with juppy you can find them on facebook, twitter & pinterest.

Juppy has also offered to give one of you readers their own juppy.  Enter on the rafflecopter below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Day 19 ~ Samsung Galaxy Tablet

Today prize is a fun one.  I've heard some pretty positive things about this tablet.

Click here to enter

Purex day 18 ~ Pet supplies worth $200

I don't have pets, but I am sure lots of you do and could use this prize for some fun pet stuff.  

Click here to enter

Weekly Wrap Up 8-17

1) My dad had to put his dog down this week.  This dog was almost 17 years old and it really was time, but I feel really bad for my dad.  My mom said he cried and that she even cried.  My mom is like me in that we aren't really pet lovers.  But this dog had been around since I was in 7th grade (and my 10 year reunion is next week if that says anything), so it was even sad for me.  

2) I had a baby shower for Rob's side of the family this week.  It was a lot of fun and this girl was spoiled.  My sister in law put so much time and effort into it.  She is very crafty and pinterest-y and made the decorations and the game prizes.  She made this blanket and the awesome thing about it is that the dark blue fabric came from the bridesmaid dress she wore in our wedding.  It's folded so the back side shows also.

3)I didn't win much this week, only a $75 gift code to Zutano (I know, only $75!). but I did get a diaper that I bought with a gift code I won a few weeks ago.  It's a newborn size and it is seriously adorable.  I want to buy more newborn cloth diapers because they are so tiny, but we were gifted some size 1 diapers and so Rob doesn't want me to buy more (I have about 10 that will work at that stage).  It makes sense not to spend the money, but it's hard to resist.

4) My birth month board had a gift exchange.  I got my gift this week. Seriously adorable!  I know some people having girls are anti-pink, but I'm not.  I even have some seriously cute girl stuff that isn't pink/purple but I still say bring on the girly stuff!  I love love the gift!  Thanks Jess!  Even Rob liked it, and he thinks my love of that kind of stuff is silly.

5) I had my tdap shot yesterday at my appointment.  Oh my arm is really really sore.  And I watched my sweet nephew today so that probably didn't help much.  But he's so cute and totally worth it.

6) I had my last day of work at my Thursday job this week.  2 more weeks left of my other job.  I'm really getting stressed out about money since I really don't know when my next job will be.  I have nothing lined up at all.  I've been tracking every single penny I spend for almost the last month.  It's kind of sad how little I added to my savings account.

Win an ipod touch TODAY ~ Day 17

Click here for your chance to win

Today is another fun prize.  You could win an ipod touch with some cool accessories.

AND don't forget to enter to win the amazon gift card below. 

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Easy Canvas Prints

*I was provided with a product to facilitate this review.  All opinions are my own*

Recently I was asked by Easy Canvas Prints to review a canvas.  I agreed because I love finding different ways to display pictures other than the traditional frame route. 

After agreeing I realized that I actually already had a canvas from them, that I had won (the gift code) from another blogger last year.

The canvas (seen below) gets compliments all the time, and has held up well.  It's lightweight  we have it mounted with just a thumb tack), and has great colors. 

So knowing I could already attest to the quality I was excited to proceed.

My sister in law (Rob's sister) hosted my baby shower for their side of the family last night.  Knowing she was putting a lot of work into it, I decided that instead of a picture of Rob & I for the canvas I would make one for her of my sweet nephew and niece. 

The site is so easy to use.  You pick your canvas size & upload the picture (and what's cool is that you can actually import it from your facebook or instagram accounts). You can choose how thick you want the edge to be and  then you choose what border you want; you can mirror the image, wrap it around (which is what I did), or choose a solid color.

Finally you choose if you want it in color (included) or black and white or sepia and then if you want additional retouching.

And after that it's checkout time.

Seriously it's that easy. 

Once I got the canvas (which took about a week and a half to arrive) I was thrilled with how it turned out.  The quality is fantastic.

It even comes with mounting hardware.

The thickness of the picture compared with the edge of my kitchen table.
 The canvas might actually be thicker.

The ordering process was so simple and if you sign up for their emails you will be notified of sales and promotions.  I would reccomend them, and once baby girl gets here intend to order some pictures of her from Easy Canvas Prints.

Day 16 ~ $290 Char-griller giveaway ~ TODAY ONLY

Click Here to Enter

Today's prize of the day is pictured below. 

~Win $300 for new clothes. Today Only!~ 31 days of Fun

Today only you could win $300 for new clothes.   I'd love some new post baby clothes myself. 

 

 Enter HERE