High Five for Friday

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Come to Mama

I hope you all have had a good week!

Nothing seems to dominate my mind more than the fact that this baby will be here in about 5 weeks. This pregnancy flew by starting at week 12 (when I announced it). 

I’m extremely thankful that I’ve had a uneventful pregnancy. Doctors appointments are quick and easy, and I haven’t had any unusual or particularly painful symptoms either. 

I can tell my feet are swelling by the end of the day. They are tender in the morning after a long day of standing. I’m still able to wear my regular shoes, they are just a little snug.

The baby has a pretty consistent “move/kick pattern” throughout the day. It’s getting really fun to see him move around and watch my belly toss and turn. It also still feels a little “alien-like” . . . in a sweet way of course. #letsbereal

If I’m totally honest, I have really loved how kind strangers have been to me. Normally that wouldn’t affect me one bit (I blame my northern upbringing), but I have really appreciated all the sweet comments and smiles from strangers. I’m also trying to enjoy them while they last because once me and my crying baby are out in public, those smiles may in fact turn to scowls. 

Overall, I’d say I’ve loved being pregnant. Let’s see what kind of post I’m writing on week 39 or 40 compared to this one, shall we? It’ll probably be along the lines of “pregnancy was great, but get this child out of me”. We’ll see.

As far as I know “joey” is still breech. I have an appointment in about a week to check his status. Thank you for your comments on this post regarding a breech baby. I can honestly tell you that I’m truly not stressing over it. Justin and I decided not to do Version, so we’ll wait and see what this baby does on his own. 

Okay, that’s all for the pregnancy update! 

On to the high fives of the week! 

1. I got a prenatal massage about a week ago and it was not what I hoped it would be. The therapist spent a lot of time on my arms. Yes my arms. My arms are the same, pregnant or not. I was thinking, “Guuuuuurl, get down on my legs and feet! That’s where the swelling is!” Anyway, I learned my lesson and then found a promo to get a massage at a different place this week.


So I got another prenatal massage at White Dahlia and oh my goodness I was truly in heaven. I saw Heather Miller and no sooner than her hands touched my body I was transported to another land filled with happiness, peace and kittens. I kept drooling on the pillow and would fall in and out of sleep. I do NOT like to sleep during a massage because I want to be mentally present to feel the goodness that is having another human rub your muscles. So I would drift off and then tell myself, “Wake up! Wake up! You are missing it”. 

It was also a 90 minute massage and that took it over the top (in a really good way). 

If you are pregnant, or when you are pregnant, do yourself a favor and get a prenatal massage. I’ll never be the same because of it. 

2. My mom arrived Monday and we both cannot believe it’s Friday. This was the fastest week in history. She’s been working so hard in the nursery and has absolutely transformed it into, what I think, is the cutest nursery in the history of the world. I do not take for granted the fact that my mom is a decorator. I pretty much let her do whatever she wants in my house and it always turns out beautiful. 

I am planning on taking a few photos of my home in the next 2 weeks to share on the blog. I’ll share paint colors too because I get asked that often. And I can’t wait to debut the nursery either! The last major piece of furniture we are waiting on is the dresser, which should arrive shortly after Thanksgiving. 


3. A few months ago I received an email from someone at Southern Weddings magazine asking if I would like to contribute some marriage advice to their 6th issue of the magazine. I was grateful to be asked, and replied with something that I’ve seen to be incredibly important in marriage. It’s on page 283 of the magazine if you happen to have one.


For those who don’t have one, but are interested in what I wrote, here is what I said,“The best advice I got before getting married was to not ‘ set your husband up for failure.’ In other words, don’t expect him to read your mind or do certain things without you telling him it’s important to you that he do them. When I expect things from Justin that I never even mention that I wanted, and he doesn’t deliver, it’s simply unfair for me to be upset with him! It’s much better to communicate your needs with your husband so he has an opportunity to impress you and love you the way you need to be loved.”

4. Sort of bouncing off of #3, my friend Carrie mentioned a few weeks ago that Southern Weddings was throwing a launch party for their 6th issue. I knew my mom would be in town, and we thought it would be fun to check out! We got all dressed up last night and headed out to the Carolina Inn* for the event! It was fun, and dripping with southern charm.

5. My sister arrives tomorrow! I’m glad I’ll only have one night of family-withdrawl (since my mom leaves today and my sister comes tomorrow). It’s been wonderful to get in some good, quality time with my people before the baby comes. 

*you should know that I’m a Duke fan, and if you are from around here you know that the Carolina Inn is on UNC’s campus. And you know that UNC is Duke’s rival school. Here’s what I’ll say is true : The Carolina Inn is stinking beautiful. This is not a reflection of my feelings towards UNC, Chapel Hill, or anything of the sort. It is an isolated and contained positive feeling of the Inn itself.  

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Olivia Rickert says · 11.15.13

That’s so cute!! You so inspiring!! Good Luck with your pregancy!
http://www.theflippingintogfashionblog.blogspot.com

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Ella Lambert says · 11.15.13

I love this post. I resllu love the marriage advice. When my husband and I first got married, I was guilty of thinking my husband was a mind reader..

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Stephi xoxo says · 11.15.13

Amazing High Five for Friday 🙂 It’s so interesting watching your blog change as your life experiences do.

http://www.citywitcountrycharm.blogspot.com/‎

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Crystal says · 11.15.13

So glad your pregnancy is going great! My first baby was also breech and I had to have a c-section. While I would have rather had a vaginal birth, it wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be. However, if you have to have a c-section, this is the best reason because it makes you “a good candidate” to have a VBAC with your next baby (if you have one). I had a successful VBAC with my second and am so glad I did. But there are certain things they should do during the c-section in order for that to happen as far as how they cut and sew up, etc, but I don’t know if they’ll do them automatically unless they know you’re interested in a VBAC. I was very vocal with my doctors so they all knew I wanted to have a VBAC in the future. Love that you’re loving pregnancy and hope these last few weeks are good on you! : )

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Alisha says · 11.15.13

Such great marriage advice and a perfect reminder! =) You look great and I’m glad you’re having an enjoyable pregnancy. Can’t wait to see the nursery reveal! Oh, and goodness, you’re just going to love having a boy. I’m sure of it. =)

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Stephanie says · 11.15.13

I married a one of the biggest Dukies on the planet… I’m a Carolina fan. Gasp, shock, horror– I know. He’s been to a couple games with me in Chapel Hill and even he thinks the campus is more beautiful than Durham. And nothing beats a trip down Franklin St. Good luck during basketball season… except not really 🙂

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clover_373 says · 11.15.13

Your marriage advice is spot on! I loved your little disclaimer and it doesn’t make you a bad Duke fan because you liked the Inn…you’re funny!

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Amy Faulkner says · 11.15.13

Hey, if you can, find out ahead of time if you are allergic to phenergan. If you are nauseated during labor, that is usually what docs reach for. But if you are allergic, the reaction is like having the worst restless leg syndrome, time ten, all over you body. Miserable is not even the word. I had an beautiful, uneventful pregnancy with my son as well, and then labor was made infinitely worse by my reaction to the medicine. So try to find out before if you can. I would have for you, or anyone else, to go through that.

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hkschulte says · 11.15.13

Great advice, something I’m still working on after four years :P, but at least think I am more aware of it these days! Happy Friday!

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misadventuresinconception says · 11.15.13

I love your marriage advice/it’s so true. Men are definitely not mind readers/most of the time they want to make you happy, sometimes they just need help to know how to do that.

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Cathryn's Closet says · 11.15.13

Great post! My Daughter was breech and I refused to do a version. I thought the risks were too high and if that is how she wanted to be than that is how she would be. She flipped 2 days before she was due. That was after the c-section was scheduled etc. We were shocked she flipped into position. Unfortunately she never lined up right and was taken via c-section in the end. My Son was a scheduled c-section. And was an amazing experience.
Good luck!!
Courtney

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Kara says · 11.15.13

You’re a Duke fan?! Why oh WHY?!?!?! I may have to stop reading. 😉 No but seriously why?!

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Kate says · 11.15.13

I have a better question: why not? 😉 (no but seriously)

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Kara says · 11.15.13

But you didn’t go there, right? And you’re from the Midwest? At least be a Carolina fan if not Wake. (ah-hem)

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Kate says · 11.15.13

My husband is in Grad school there and is a huge fan. So naturally I’ve become a huge fan as well!

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702parkproject.com says · 11.15.13

I love your disclaimer!! I’m a NC State grad and I work at ECU, and I hate the “Tarholes”!! But I went to the bridal show at The Carolina Inn when I was engaged and it is absolutely stunning!! Plus, I won free invitations for my wedding! But I still hate UNC…
~Sarah @ 702 Park Project

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Amanda says · 11.15.13

I love your marriage advice. It took me the first year of marriage to figure it out but here we are happier than ever in our 4th year. Simple advice like that needs to be shared. <3

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tasha341 says · 11.15.13

My first baby was breech, but flipped all by herself when it was show time. So def no need to stress, you’ve got time!
One small piece of advice (and that’s great marriage advice!) don’t let the cat sleep in the crib. It’s ally ‘awww cute!’ now, but you don’t want kitty thinking it’s ‘his space’ and getting upset when the baby claims it. And also thinking it’s ok to join baby in there. Pets are great (we have a dog!) but having a baby is a big adjustment for them also, and you need to start planning for that-including not letting your cat sleep where baby is going to sleep!

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Ashley says · 11.15.13

Not sure why she would just focus on your arms and nothing else but you definitely deserve a better massage than that lol!!! Glad the second massage was better 🙂
Happy Friday
xo,
Sincerely Miss Ash

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Michelle Ash Latham says · 11.15.13

I love your dress in the last photo! You look beautiful!
Happy Friday!

http://www.ahealthymrs.com

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azwyattfamily says · 11.15.13

People thought I was crazy but I loved being pregnant right up until he was in my arms (well, I’m pretty sure that at about hour 20 of drug free labor, I started begging them to get him out of me). But I just loved having him with me all the time and knowing that as long as he was inside of me, I could protect him and keep him safe from what the world has to offer him. I got to the last couple weeks and everyone said the same thing, “bet you can’t wait to be done”. But when my water broke and we realized we were having a baby that day, I was actually pretty sad to know it was ending. Of course, actually holding him in my arms and seeing his beautiful face was the best ever, but even now, 18 months later, I still look back on all 39 weeks and 3 days fondly.

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Christy says · 11.15.13

Don’t sweat over the baby being breech, he still has time to turn. Parker was breech until 37 weeks. Glad you and your mom enjoyed some girl time.

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Kristy says · 11.15.13

High five for being a Duke fan!

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Helen says · 11.15.13

I dont have cats but I have read that you can put foil in the crib and they dont like the sound of it when they land on it and it can teach them to stay off of baby’s stuff.

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Megan {Willow Way Blog} says · 11.15.13

I loved being pregnant so much – I totally miss it (though we’ll wait a while before we give O a sibling) and as awesome as your pregnancy is, being a mom will top it times ten!

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Kathy says · 11.15.13

Good luck with the breach presentation that “joey” is in. I was what is called transverse breach with my last child. Last for a reason I suppose. It was very painful for me. I am glad you aren’t in any pain. I couldn’t even stand straight up and definitely could not walk for long. He came early…36 weeks to be exact. I wish you luck and I hope for your sake he turns soon, although you are running out of room I would assume!

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Mia says · 11.15.13

Ahh, prenatal massages are the best. So glad you got a good one.

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Andrea Schreiber says · 11.15.13

My cat slept with me in my crib, and I turned out fine. More or less 😉

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C says · 11.15.13

My little man was breech and I ended up having a c-section. When I first found out, I was devastated. I really wanted a vaginal birth and was terrified of surgery. BUT the c-section went smoothly and recovery wasn’t bad at all. I was able to hold my baby and nurse in the recovery room. I was up and walking around the night I gave birth. Best of luck! You’ll do great.

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Plum Pretty Sugar says · 11.15.13

Oh my. How lovely and sweet!

xo

http://www.PlumPrettySugar.blogspot.com

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beckyj @ A Lazy Crazy Life says · 11.15.13

Love your note about the Carolina Inn 🙂 Sort of how I feel as a Tarheel about the Duke University medical system–an isolated appreciation which does NOT extend to any affection towards the school itself. No offense 😉

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Kaeleen says · 11.15.13

FIVE WEEKS?? Oh my goodness, baby is gonna be here so soon!! 🙂

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kristinwithani says · 11.15.13

So glad you got to go to that party! It was fun to follow so many friends on IG and Facebook throughout the night. What an honor. And Carolina Inn… heaven on earth. Someday you and Justin should plan a “getaway” there. I know, enemy territory, but the rooms are beautiful and great customer service.

Thanks for the spa rec too. I’ve never been able to find a place around here that I like. Maybe I’ll ask for a massage for Christmas! Sorry you had a dud one first. Give feedback! They need to know…

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Kelli Frueh says · 11.15.13

P. s. I went to KU so Rock Chalk Jayhawk on their victory over Duke;)

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Beth McFadden says · 11.16.13

My husband always says it’s rock SHOCK jayhawk, but he went to Washington State, so what does he know? 🙂

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Beth McFadden says · 11.16.13

My husband always says it’s rock SHOCK jayhawk, but he went to Washington State, so what does he know? 🙂

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Jessica Hart says · 11.15.13

Aw congrats on your baby boy. What I beautiful blessing 🙂
Jessica
the way to my Hart

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Mandii M says · 11.15.13

My favorite part of this post was the asterisk. Haha! I’m a major Duke fan as well. 🙂

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theayers5 says · 11.16.13

I wouldn’t do Version either…ouch! But I have a lot of midwife friends and have heard nothing but positives about http://spinningbabies.com/ and the information they share about gently repositioning baby. Breech babies are no big deal for a midwife but with an OB it’s an automatic c-section (they aren’t trained to deliver breech babies and, let’s be real, c-sections make the hospital and doctors a LOT more money…). Blessings!

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Juetta says · 11.16.13

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Brandi Laplante says · 11.16.13

Northern upbringing?! I thought you were a southern girl born and bred. Where are you from?!

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Kate says · 11.16.13

Yep, I’m a proud northerner (you can read about it on my about page). I’m from Chicagoland

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Kendra says · 11.16.13

Where did your black dress come from? I love the lace sleeves!

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Shandi and Alex says · 11.17.13

My baby girl was also breech until 2 days short of 36 weeks. I went to a chiropractor and within a couple days of my adjustment she flipped. Even if she hadn’t flipped, the adjustment made me feel like a million bucks! Worth a shot. =)

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Katelyn Tatti says · 11.18.13

You look stunning in that black lace dress! Even before pregnancy you’re so pretty, but that glow really makes you radiant! And don’t worry, I share the same feelings about Carolina. I became a Duke fan in ’05 despite not going to school there, but we’re in the same boat as far as UNC goes. I’m sure the Inn is beautiful, but the rest… Congrats on your pregnancy and I wish you all the best!

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Amanda says · 11.18.13

I love your necklace – where is it from?

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Shanna Leigh says · 11.18.13

I recently got a prenatal massage and I agree – totally amazing! To me the best part was just being able to lay on my belly with a heating pad over back. I actually told them I would pay to come back and lay on the bed…I don’t even need the massage! haha.

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20-something says · 11.18.13

I think we’re all still waiting on the color and brand of the polish you are wearing! We have similar skin tone and I’m always looking for a red that will be flattering – thanks in advance for always giving away your finds and favorites! P.S. Hope the rest of your pregnancy goes as well as it has so far – I am 17 weeks and it’s been so fun following your journey ahead of mine! 🙂

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tiny_oddles says · 11.19.13

Good for you for opting out of a Version procedure! We had that done near the end of our pregnancy and it was just plain awful, painful and scary. If your baby is still breech come delivery time, a c-section is just meant to be! Heavenly Father will guide you through it all! Praying for a healthy labor, delivery and recovery for you! I LOVE your blog!!!!

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Julie says · 11.19.13

Girl, you have got to tell us about the lovely black lace shirt/dress you are wearing in that photo? It’s beautiful! 🙂 Where’s it from?

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