40 weeks and this momma's birthday!

Well, I thought for sure Henry was going to be impatient and show up early. Guess I was wrong. So, here we are on due date and no baby Henry yet. I'm thinking he doesn't wanna share his special day with his momma. That's ok, Henry, you can have your own special day! ;)

Couple things wrong with this photo- bad posture (from holding this kid up) and the look on my face (I cropped it out, but it was basically saying...A.NY.TIME now!). But, alas, it is what it is!

I've heard of people getting this far and just being ready to be done. The truth is, I'm just ready to meet this lil man! He has a whole slew of people waiting on standby to see his sweet lil (or chubby) face! :)

We had our 40 week appt with the midwife on Monday, and even though we were a little early she checked me and we are 50% effaced (soft cervix) and about 1-1.5 CM dilated, but still a little posterior. The midwife seemed very pleased with the way we are progressing, and since this is our first rodeo, we were too! We go back tomorrow to meet the last midwife that we haven't met yet. That is, if we don't go into labor tonight, and in that case, we see whomever is on call! ;) Hopefully we'll have made progress! Fingers crossed!

My mom flew into town last night and we got out this afternoon to try to walk around a bit and see if we could get things moving. Now I'm just having random Braxton-Hicks. The key is to get in the car and drive and suddenly they come on! Matt said I need to take a ride on the 4 wheeler to get things moving faster; I politely declined! ha! ;)

So, today, I celebrate my birthday without my lil guy in my arms. But he's not late, right? After all, a due date is just a guess, right? Whatever day he chooses is the day he is meant to be born. Just so you know, Henry, we're ready and it's AWESOME out here! :)

Thank you to all my sweet friends and family for the birthday wishes; I appreciate each and every one! Here's to another year of adventure as we go from 2 to 3!

Special thanks to my sweet mister who surprised me with birthday flowers, a card and an iPad mini! Woot! Thanks, baby! I love you!

Heisel Rules! {the Bump}

All About the Belly & My Must-Haves!

So, while we're waiting on baby Henry to decide what day he wants to be his birthday, I thought it would be fun to do some belly comparisons! First of all, I have to add quickly- our niece JJ and nephew  Kyler pronounce Henry's name- Hennery. JJ even made us a sign a couple months back that spelled his name that way. I think it's precious! I think about that every time I type Henry's name.

Let's start this belly journey at the beginning, shall we?...

Pre Pregger Pic
(My waist actually existed at one time!) ;)

This was the day that I gave Matt the good news! I was all of 3.5 weeks pregger. Yes, it's possible to know that early. We were trying so I was paying close attention and did a pregnancy test that morning after Matt left for work. I made that sign and was waiting for him by the door when he got home. :)

I only thought my belly was large at this point! ha!

Here's a collage starting at 16 weeks (when the bump was most noticeable) until now! :)

Pretty crazy to see how big the belly has gotten! I'm glad that it takes a period of time to grow or else it might be more of a shock! ;)

I'm gonna double this post with some of my favorite items that I use to take care of the bump!

Pregger MUST-Haves

1. First up- I cannot live without Palmer's Cocoa Butter Skin Therapy Oil! 

I use this stuff EVERY night. I slather on a thick layer of it and then just rock the pulled up shirt til it soaks in some. I honestly believe that this has aided in no stretch marks! My only belly blemish is above my belly button, where I thought I was being cute and got a belly button ring a long time ago. Ya, I'm regretting that now! ah, C'est la Vie... whatcha gonna do?! Go ahead, rub it on any area that needs extra moisture to stretch (thighs, boobs, back, booty)- You won't regret it!

2. Second must have is the belly band. 

I got one in white and one in black from Target when I was around 12 weeks pregnant. I have used those babies ever since. Initially it was so that I could wear my pre-pregger jeans longer, but now I like the idea of the bump being held tight. These were only $16, which was very reasonable as I've seen them way more at other stores.

Here's the link: http://www.target.com/p/be-maternity-beband-assorted-colors/-/A-10949803#prodSlot=medium_1_2&term=belly+band  I';; be using those babies when I poop Henry out as well. I've heard that skin snaps back easier when it's held tight! 

3. My third must have are ANY pants that have a full belly panel. 

(Motherhood shorts) Like this, but gray...

Before I was pregnant, I thought these looked uncool and I probably wouldn't like it, but when you're prego, you'll do ANYTHING for confort! My summer staple are my Motherhood Maternity Cargo type shorts. Lemme tell you, I LOVE to dress up and be cutesy, but there are also times when I like to just be comfy, ya know?! These are the BEST! They have a full belly panel (Motherhood calls this "secret fit belly", but I call it amazing!), and they are made of a wonderful material that it just loose enough to be comfy, and doesn't make you sweat. I actually bought them from Goodwill, so I'm having trouble locating the exact ones online to show you, but there are close... http://www.motherhood.com/Product.asp?Product_Id=94305050030&MasterCategory_Id=MC4 I also found the cargo pants at Goodwill as well, and loved those just as much!

4. My next must have is a twofer- Mary Kay TimeWise Cleanser and Microderm Replenish Cream (this is step 2 of the microderm set). 

I usually use the TimeWise Moisturizer, but I have found that my skin changed so much during pregnancy that I needed the extra moisture. I would use the Microderm Refine cream (step1 of the set), but it was very minimal since my skin has turned very sensitive. The moisturizer, however, came in handy early on when my belly was getting these small dry patches. I'd put some of the 'Normal Skin' Moisturizer on the spots and it went away within a day. Miraculous!

5. My next must have are sports bras! 

My fave is a Champion Criss-Cross bra! It has the closure in the back so I didn't have to force it over my head. Remember earlier when I said I liked comfort, well these babies deliver, and without looking like I have a uniboob! The web page said Max Support for a reason. Especially helpful in the first tri-mester when girls are tender! ;) I'm such a bargain hunter that I bought this at a bargain store, but here's a link to the exact one...http://www.essentialapparel.com/champion-womens-custom-criss-cross-seamless-max-support-sports-bra.html

6. Another must have are my tennis shoes. 

I've never been a big tennis shoe wearer, except when working out, until I got pregnant. I got severe hip pain around month 4, thanks to hormones, and had to go to physical therapy. My therapist recommended a good pair of shoes. So I went to a store that specializes in shoes and bought for comfort, not style. There's a first time for everything! ;) I got a pair of Brooks Ghost with extra corrective insoles, and they are super comfy. Again, they've been a staple the whole pregnancy! (as I was looking for a pic on google, I noticed they are now conveniently priced MUCH lower than I paid just 4 months ago. ugh.)

7. My next must-have share are my stretchy tank tops.

Here's a pic of me wearing one...see how it stretches nicely over the bump?

I got these from the PX so I'm not sure I can find a link, but I have WORN these out! I bought several colors and I'm so glad I did. They are made of 94% Nylon and 6% Spandex. You can tell by the blend what kind of stretch these babies have! They are ruched on the sides so they expand well! They'll be great even after Henry is here as I can pull them down to breastfeed and layer with a cardie this fall and winter. Thinkin ahead, folks! ;)

8. My final must-have is this guy-

(uhh a less creepy looking version of him anyways) ;)

Yes, he has tried my pregger patience on more than one occasion (some due to those fun pesky hormones), but he has been so very supportive, patient, and loving, and that's what helps a pregger get through the entire nine months! He's all my other must-haves wrapped into one- comfort, support, blemish patrol (fixes my emotional issues). He's been a great hubby and he'll be even better at Daddy Duty! Can't wait to see him in that role!

Well, I'll wrap it up here. I have MANY more likes, but I think this about cover the top ones. Have a happy Saturday! Chat soon!

Heisel Rules! {the Bump}

39 Weeks

Thirty-nine weeks. 39! One.More.Week til due date! It's hard to believe that it's already this close to the BIRTHathon! Super excited and just ready to hold this lil dude! :)

We had our midwife appointment 2 days ago and it went really well. I'm measuring at 40 weeks, but I've measured about a week ahead throughout the entire pregnancy. She's not concerned so neither am I. She gave Henry the blessing to go ahead and come on out anytime now! haha I didn't tell her to say that even though I'm feeling quite ready! ;) His "kicks" and jabs have gotten less cute and more intense, shall we say. I still like feeling him move, but he's out of room in the womb and his feet have been coming all too familiar with my ribs. :/ He's still head down and I can definitely feel that he's lower now!


At this point, pretty much everything is ready for the little man. I told Henry he needs to come on out because I'm finding other projects to do, and that's no good! ;)


I have to give major props to Matt! He's been paying close attention and even participating (asking questions) at doctor appointments and birthing classes. He's even done some reading to help to take the best care of me (and Henry) during labor and when Henry arrives. It's nice to be able to tell him something about the pregnancy and for him to understand what I'm talking about! He's such a trooper! Thanks, babe, for being such an amazing support! I can't wait til we get to welcome Henry together! :)

I took this time to capture a couple of fun photos that I've been wanting to do for a couple months now. Please don't judge quality, it's terribly difficult to adjust everything while taking pics of oneself! You understand! ;)

I'm so crafty, I make people! ;)

One more...just because I love artsy silhouette pics-

Well, that's all for now. Just waiting for any sign that Henry will join us. Until then, we shall chat next week...with or without baby in my arms (hopefully in my arms and not still in my belly!) :)

Heisel Rules! {the Bump}

38 weeks and Henry's Space

Well, here we are at 38 weeks! The first part of the pregnancy dragged on, and now i feel like time is spinning by so rapidly! Midwife says I'm doing well, and the fibroid is small enough, and far enough from the birth canal that there's no worries! We got to see Henry on ultrasound 2 days ago, but he's so crammed in there we could barely see anything! Soon enough, though! :) Come on out when you're ready buddy, but please, let's try not to be fashionably late! ;)

Luckily, we just finished hanging the final touches to Henry's space. :) It makes it feel more real now! As most of you know, we are inhabiting a one bedroom apartment, so that means we get the joy of sharing our room with Henry. {Like we have a choice! ha!} It's a good thing it's a big room, and we were easily able to get all Henry's stuff in there quite easily!

The wreath hanging on the mirror is a gift from my dear friend Courtney!

His changing station/dresser...

I love all the little decorations above his changer. The mirror is one we got from an antique store when we were in KY. The sunshine sign I made. The oval frame with the bow ties hanging was from a thrift store-it was an ugly color so I painted it white and strung string on it and hung his bow ties from my baby shower. Each guest made one for him! :) The 'Wheel of Responsibility' I found at The Salvation Army here in town, it was too funny NOT to buy! ;) The small pictures are ones I printed. The little wooden xylophone was thrifted, and his initials are compliments of his Aunt Courtney. :)

I made this paper mache piggy bank when I was in high school. :)

View of Henry's crib...

I made his name sign above his crib. One of my fave parts of his space!

I found this sweet, vintage mobile at an antique store. It was my inspiration for the entire space! :)

I LOVE to mix fabric patterns and textures! Gray and white chevron, mint and white polka dot, navy blue, sheer damask, linen and white.

Can't wait to be snuggled up here, rocking my lil man! :)

And that's about it, folks! There's still a few things that I'd like to do, but this is pretty much complete. Thanks for looking!

Heisel Rules! {the Bump}

Beauty Revealed Project

Warning- this is a personal post and I was slightly apprehensive about posting something like this, but  my intention is to inspire other preggers and mothers out there to embrace the beauty of their changing bodies, and I think that's so important. So, here goes, from one {soon to be} mama to another-

Soo I've talked about this a couple of times on Facebook and to various family and friends so I figured it was high time I actually write about it, especially considering the profound impact it had on me. :)

I heard about this group "Beauty Revealed Project" through Facebook a couple months back and thought, "Oh, that sounds like fun", but what it would reveal in me would be life changing!

I've always been fairly confident and had a good body image. I've been mostly active and healthy my whole life. Of course, I had never had a baby or had to even think about how I would feel about my changing body when I became pregnant and then afterwards. However, becoming pregnant and having to deal with weight gain in such a rapid manner made me sort of self conscious. I wasn't really prepared. I know, that sounds crazy- not being prepared for weight gain during pregnancy, but I thought I wouldn't gain as much as I have. Two years ago I successfully completed weight watchers and lost nearly 30 pounds only to turn around and gain it back, and then some, now. That's hard.

Fast forward to the day of the shoot. I was so excited to be taking part in a fun photo shoot and to meet some new ladies, but I still didn't have any idea exactly to how deep this group would touch my heart and my life.

Still curious as to "why" we were all there, the photographer started the meeting and asked everyone if they were ready to bare it all? I was taken aback by the responses of some of the ladies, who were really beautiful. I mean, beautiful inside and out. I was surprised that they saw themselves as flawed. At this point I must point out that I was the only pregger at the shoot (~30 weeks), everyone else had already experienced motherhood outside of the body. It was talking to the ladies, then, that I realized the depth of their beauty. Many women in the group had birthed their babies, get this- at their home or a birthing center. WHAT?! Not a HOSPITAL?! No drugs?? I even smugly admitted that day, "No way, give me the drugs!!" Very little did I know, I'd later eat my words. I was close-minded, but *secretly* a spark of curiosity was lit inside of me.

As the shoot went on I could see the women opening up more and feeling more confident. It was right at that moment that I realized WHY we were there. It was suddenly obvious that we were placed in each other's lives, at that exact moment, to encourage each other, to embrace the beauty of our own body and each other's bodies, during pregnancy, in my case, and post baby. We each had a role to play that day, and that was to be there for each other. We were all united for one reason-to show the world that THIS is real, true beauty, not what you see in those photoshopped mags. This journey was about learning to love our bodies just the way they are.

This, ladies and gentlemen, was truly inspiring.

Here's my blurb that I wrote to describe my why-
"Pregnancy- the most beautiful time in a woman’s life. Or so I’ve been told. What I wasn’t told is the insecurity that comes with the weight gain, cellulite, stretched skin, and the constant sweating, which I’m sure is what people confuse with “the glow”. I simply wasn’t prepared to deal with all these new body changes. I felt fat. What I didn’t realize is that I was comparing myself to others and trying not to stress when I surpassed the “norm” 20-25 pounds that you SHOULD gain. Then, I stopped comparing myself and decided to embrace my perfectly imperfect new body. Thanks to my husband's encouragement, “I’m not fat, I’m pregnant” has become my mantra. And when my belly deflates, and I’m left to deal with the scars and stripes of motherhood, I’ll embrace them like the badge of honor they are- They are my life, they hold my stories, they are ME. Perfectly imperfect me." -2013

So, how did it change my life?

My BRP sisters have taught me that women are powerful beings by nature. We are not broken, we are not flawed. We are uniquely beautiful, each and every one of us.

To all you beautiful BRP calendar girls-
Thank you for awakening me. Thank you for the encouragement and for inspiring me to be strong, to be courageous and to be open to new ideas. It's because of you that I have expanded my idea of what kind of experience I want for Henry's BIRTHday! I'm considering all sorts of new things involving birth and motherhood that I never would have even imagined for myself. Thank you for the new outlook, but most of all, the great friendship! {BIG hugs}

BRP gave me new, wonderful friends and a new body image outlook now and beyond birth! If you're interested in participating in a photo shoot like this, look up Beauty Revealed Project and try to get one started near you! Who knows what this "project" will teach you! :)

Photos credits- Grace Abounds Photography and Parsons Photography.

Heisel Rules! {the Bump}

37 Weeks

Only 3 more weeks til I run my Birthathon!!! ;) We were shocked when September 1st rolled around! Soon, we will meet the little man I've been growing all this time!

I can't begin to explain how excited we are! Who will he look like, and more importantly will he be stubborn strong-willed like his daddy or tender and sweet like his momma?! Since we have the chance of sharing a birthday, I'm betting he'll have my demeanor! ;) I know, I'm a lil biased since I'm the one writing this! ha!

We had our second visit to the birthing center yesterday. Just a quick back story on that- I met a wonderful group of ladies at a photoshoot about 2 months ago. I was the only one pregnant; they had all had wonderful birth experiences, and until that time, I had only heard the horror stories that mothers tell. I was so fearful that I just knew I wanted to have "drugs" at birth so I didn't have to feel this same pain that the horror stories engrained in my brain. However, hearing these amazing, inspiring women tell me that they birthed at home in a pool, or at a birthing center (yes, drug free), I became curious. How could they do it successfully when all the other woman I've talked to had traumatic experiences? I remember telling Matt about how inspiring they were, so about a month ago we decided that we wanted a more personalized birth experience, one that, we feel, a hospital could not give-introducing New Birth Company! As soon as we visited, we knew this was the place that we wanted to be when we introduce Henry to the world! And here we are! All I needed was the encouragement that these ladies, unknowingly, gave me. We also hired a wonderful doula who will assist during the labor and delivery!

So, now we are having weekly visits to see the midwife. The visit with the midwife was great! Henry is growing fine and I'm still very healthy. At NBC, they do not check my cervix until 40 weeks. They believe that checking internally can give a false sense of hope, and they also believe that things will happen naturally. So, now we are just waiting on the signs of labor. I've been having stronger Braxton-Hicks, but not really anything pointing to labor just yet. At this point, Henry is considered full term so, really, he could come anytime he wants now. :) Better get those bags packed STAT!

We have another ultrasound next week to check the growth of the fibroid inside my uterus, but I'm praying that it hasn't grown. I just don't want the birthing center to have any reason to be concerned, thus sending us to the hospital to birth. ;/

Henry's space is almost done! We have his crib, changer/dresser, and rocking chair in place, we just have to finish hanging the decor. Matt has been amazing at staying calm to my decor demands! ;) I swear, I change my mind even more now than I did before. I have such a hard time making decisions sometimes most times! ;) My goal is to finish the space up and get a blog post about it asap! Fingers crossed!

My Currents-
Cravings- rootbeer (still), Arizona tea, watermelon
Still see my feet? Not really now. I have to bend even further forward to see them. I've noticed that I bend forward pretty much all the time when standing near a counter, etc. because of how far the bump is protruding.
Henry's Position- His body hangs out mostly on the right side, and his legs and arms on the left side. He's been head down nearly the entire pregnancy. We've affectionately been calling the bump "egg" because of its shape, and we laugh when the "egg" is misshapen- meaning that Henry is pushing out on a particular side. It's actually comical to see. Most times we can see his butt {or something rigid} pushing out on the top.
Feelings- Getting really excited to meet him! And I'm actually getting anxious to see what this birthing thing is all about. I'm determined, however, to make it my experience and "refuse to accept another's experience as my own" (quote from Hypnobirthing). We feel so calm and at peace at the birthing center, so I'm confident in our choice!

Well, that's all til next week...or until Henry decides he wants out, whichever comes first!

Heisel Rules! {the Bump}