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Just a minute

Hello!

::long sigh:: it’s good to be back folks. The break was timely but it’s nice to be back.

I rested, I worked a bit, I rested some more, and I worked some more. All “behind the scenes” kinda work but work nonetheless.

The break was good but I missed you guys*.

*Despite the fact that I’ve been living in the south for over 8 years, I’ll always say “you guys” and “your guyses”. It’s in my blood. 

What’s new!? What have YOU been doing? Fill me in.

Currently I’m in Chicago sitting in my sister’s new apartment. I’m visiting my family for a week! As soon as David and I were picked up from the airport, we headed straight downtown to visit my sister. We threw her in the car and drove over to the Lincoln Park Zoo!

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I had an OB appointment last week and I got to hear the baby’s heartbeat with the doppler. When I was pregnant with David it took them a country lifetime to find his heartbeat. I wasn’t worried as they warned me it might take a bit of time, and I knew they could just do a quick ultrasound if they needed to check anything out. David was thrashing about so much that he wasn’t still enough for them to get a good heartbeat!

So, I lay on the table, mentally preparing for this to take a couple minutes, and no sooner than the cold doppler microphone touches my belly I hear the heartbeat and a repetitive whoosh. The doctor tells me he/she has hiccups. It was cute. ADORABLE actually because c’mon.

Anyway, those doppler appointments are always so short, which is fine with me, but while I was there we booked the next appointment which is the big anatomy scan!

I don’t think I ever told you guys that David had  marginal cord insertion, did I? You can read about what that exactly is here, but I can explain it best as this: if you wanted to plant a tree, you’d pick a good plot of land and plant that tree right in the center so the root system has every direction to stretch and grow in order to provide that tree proper nourishment. In a marginal cord insertion, it’s as if you plant a tree on the edge of a cliff. Sure, there’s plenty of room for the root system to grow, but it’s not in the most ideal spot. So, getting nutrients from the earth, or in the case of the baby–the placenta, may be a little bit more work.

Sometimes marginal cord insertions can cause issues, and sometimes it doesn’t. Talk to your doctor about any questions you have because I am not a medical professional.

SO because of that, I had a few extra ultrasounds later on in my pregnancy to make sure David was growing nicely and getting all his nutrients! And he was! He’s perfectly healthy and you would have no idea that his cord implanted in a semi-challenging spot. This was not the reason why I had a c-section. I had a c-section because he was breech.

With this pregnancy, it’s strange to imagine the next ultrasound being my last, assuming everything looks fine. I have no reason to assume this baby will have the same marginal cord insertion that David did, by the way.

In other news, my husband just dropped a bomb on me a couple of weeks ago and suggested we wait to find out the gender when the baby comes out.

I was like,”ahem WHAT!?!”

He’s been really persuasive so we’ve got about 3 weeks to decide what we’re going to do. Now, say what you will but I don’t buy the whole “it’s the only way to be surprised” but my argument is that you get not one, but TWO surprises when you find out early. You get surprised with the gender at the anatomy scan, and then surprised again when you get to meet/see the baby when he/she is born!

I have to admit I’ve already warmed up to the idea, so we’ll see when the time comes.

If there’s one thing I’ve learned from David as a newborn it’s that he doesn’t give 2 sweet potatoes (and he loves sweet potatoes) what his nursery looks like. We’ll put the baby in the nursery and move David to another room, so if it’s a boy we are good to go, and if it’s a girl, she won’t care one bit. I’LL CARE, but she won’t. And I’ll just make a few Target runs to get some pink happening in there.

Now, keep in mind I’m pregnant, emotional, and going to change my mind every few hours so we may walk into that ultrasound room with one thing and mind and leave knowing the gender after all.

In other news, I’ve been working hard on compiling my Capsule Wardrobe. I’ll share more about that soon. I’m also getting the itch to film a few hair tutorials, so keep your eyes peeled!

Alright, this is probably the most brain-dump post I’ve ever written so I should wrap it up now.

Thanks for sticking around. There are a lot of great blogs out there, but I appreciate you checking in with mine. 🙂

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Karlie Allen says · 09.02.14

Super great to have you back! You’re awesome!! Your blog is my favorite! I’ve often wondered if when I have a baby if I want to wait until the baby is born to find out. I feel like it would drive me crazy though! If you decide not to wait until the baby is born, you could always have the doctor see what it is and put it in an envelope and do like the cake thing or something and not know until you are cutting the cake or the balloons come out of the box, etc! :p Anyways! Glad you feel better and caught up! Enjoy your time with your family! 🙂

xoxo Karlie

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kc says · 09.02.14

Great to hear that things are going well! As for the option of finding out the baby’s gender ahead of time, I will share my own experience: I have two children. With the first one, I found out the baby’s gender prior to the birth. With the second one, I did not. I like knowing that I have experienced both options! Continued wellness to you and your family…

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Tiffany says · 09.02.14

You look beautiful Kate! Great to hear things are going well!

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Sandra says · 09.02.14

So good to see you back! I totally understand your need for a break, but I love reading your blog <3

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Rebecca says · 09.02.14

Great to see you posting again Kate. Hope you are feeling stronger and happier. Just keep putting one foot in front of the other on those tough days and you’ll get there. Sending you happy wishes from Australia

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Carmen @ Old House Homestead says · 09.02.14

Glad you’re back! I say wait for the surprise at birth! We’re expecting blessing number nine in a few weeks and have been surprised with all of them! This time around it’s a bit more difficult, though, since I gave away practically all our baby clothes after our last little guy so we’re starting fresh either way. (Btw… we have four boys, four girls so this is a tire breaker!). 🙂

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Amanda says · 09.02.14

I’m pretty sure we’re due at the same time because I had th exact same ultrasound this week, and the next big one is in 3 weeks. We aren’t finding out the gender. If you do plan to not find out, please plan for people to give you the 3rd degree about it. Maybe it’s because this is our first but sheesh people are ticked off when I tell them. Hopefully that doesn’t happen to you too! Glad Chicago was fun!

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Kelty says · 09.02.14

Welcome back!! Everybody needs a break from time to time. We waited to find out with both of ours until they were born. It was so so so much fun. I realize it’s not for everyone but we really enjoyed it. It’s worth a try, at least once. No matter when you find out, it’s exciting though. Best wishes to y’all!

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Bonnie says · 09.02.14

So my opinion doesn’t matter AT ALL, but I vote for waiting till the birth! I really wanted to do this with our second. But, at 8 weeks they told us there were 2 heartbeats!! After that complete shock, we did find out the gender at our 15 week appointment.

I think it would be so much fun to wait, but then you have to pick out 2 names!!

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Hannah says · 09.02.14

I have no say, but I’m all about waiting 🙂 I’m due with my first in November and feel like I’m in the minority because not knowing doesn’t drive me nuts or anything. Also, it’s probably easier on the wallet because I want to buy everyyy outfit out there, but don’t!

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Stephanie Hatchard says · 09.02.14

Glad to see you are happy and well. I turned on my I pad thid morning and said ” yay, Kate’s back!” I always enjoy your posts.

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Livy says · 09.02.14

I loved sweet potato’s when I was a baby. My mom said I ate them so much I literally turned orange and even the doctor said so too. He said it happens and wasn’t a bad thang. But funny thing is now I can’t stand them. Made me think of that when I read this post. Glad your back. I missed you and your sisters blogs!!!

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Whitney @ Come Home For Comfort says · 09.02.14

I’m so glad you’re back! I missed your posts and can’t wait to see what you have coming up in the next few weeks. 🙂

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Susan Harrison says · 09.02.14

I have no say but I wanted to tell you my experience in finding out/not finding out. W/ my 2 older kids, I found out! You are so right…it is a surprise during an ultrasound, as much as it is at birth! However, it was so amazing and such an experience I would never take back, not knowing w/ my 3rd. I had a scheduled c-section and the baby was not in any sort of distress. It was amazing hearing the baby cry and not know what the sex was…I thought, I love this little being and I don’t care what the gender is! It makes me teary just thinking about it! LOVED IT! Best of luck!

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Angela says · 09.02.14

Glad to hear you are back and feeling more rested.

Great news about hearing the heartbeat. I remember those moments. I mean you know there is a baby is in there but until you actually hear that heartbeat it is almost surreal. I am looking forward to the upcoming posts. PS. Your doing a great job, try not to be so hard on yourself.
http://palsywalsyblog.blogspot.com/

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Erin says · 09.02.14

I also had a marginal cord last time. (Your David and my son are only a few months apart.) It was scary, but I did love getting the extra ultrasounds. That was a really great way if explaining it. I have heard so few people talk about it.

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Erika Moore says · 09.02.14

Did you say new hair tutorial?! YES please!!!!

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Rebecca D says · 09.02.14

Hi back! Glad that you’ve had some time to catch up and regroup. I’m awake here on the west coast w pregnancy insomnia – 30 weeks along, what fun! My husband was the same about wanting the gender reveal to be a surprise at the end – I went along with it because so much of this pregnancy stuff is all about mom that I thought it was a great thing for the dad and what the heck!! Just my two cents – you gotta do what works for you, of course!

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Ashley says · 09.02.14

Glad you’re back! I love reading your updates and seeing what life is like for another momma 🙂 Enjoy your vacation and don’t be afraid to take another break if you need it!

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Nilda says · 09.02.14

Welcome back!! I’m glad everything is going fine with the new baby!

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Gentry says · 09.02.14

So happy to have you back! I’ve missed your fun posts!

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suzy says · 09.02.14

Glad you are back.
My daughter had a similar cord issue. But I wouldn’t call it marginal. To use your cliff analogy, her placenta was balanced on a rock just beyond the cliff with a little rope bridge attaching it to her. But everything worked out ok.
And I am totally going to disagree about finding out the sex. It is not the same surprise. It’s like finding out someone is throwing you a surprise birthday party. It is still a surprise to you before the party, but the surprise is completely different when you walk in and everyone yells surprise.

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Amy says · 09.02.14

Hi Kate! I waited to find out the sex with my 2nd and it was actually a really fun (and slightly scary) experience. I felt like I got to daydream the entire pregnancy– “what will I name you?,” “What will you look like,” “If you’re a girl, hopefully you have my lips,” etc etc. It was so much fun. Actually, it was my partner who suggested the whole thing, and, like you, I was shocked at the thought of waiting! I will say, once I got past say week 22 or something, I was okay with it and didn’t think about it much. I will say, people seemed to be annoyed that I didn’t find out the sex– strangers, even, would ask “So what’re you having?” and I would look at them and say, “I don’t know!” haha it was all very fun. One thing I did notice between finding out with my first, and not finding out with my second, is that people don’t buy you as much baby clothes. After my shower this time around, I was so scared that we weren’t going to have enough clothes for the baby and I made a Target run. But, once everyone found out it was a girl, I got TONS of packages. It really is great to wait, but not as the “surprise,” but more because it’s just fun to dream.

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Sherry says · 09.02.14

Glad to see you back, hope you are having a fun visit with your family. I think it sounds wonderful to wait to find out the gender and I think it’s sort of exciting that Justin thought of it, he wants to be surprised, which is sweet. But of course I won’t be shocked if y’all (meaning you) change your mind between now and then. Happy and safe travels !!

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Hannah says · 09.02.14

Wait to find out the gender!! We did it with our first, and it was the most amazing thing to deliver and then have my hubby tell me what she was! The look on his face to know he was the first one to see our little girl and know first what she was, was just priceless!

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Dana says · 09.02.14

So glad to see you are back! You were missed! Great news about the baby so far. I am guessing we are due close to the same timeframe as well, as we just had the same appointment and next month is our U/S! Yay for February ’15 babies! 🙂 We ended up finding out the gender about a month ago, only because I’m sure a planner and NEED to know! (I’ve never been one to wait patiently for a gift!) Either decision you make though will be just fine, and as long as it makes you and your husband happy, that’s all that truly matters!

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Beth says · 09.02.14

I’m usually not a commenter but am a regular reader! So happy for you and your family. We waited to find out with our first…a boy…and intended to wait with out second but accidentally found out…a girl. If we have a third I’d wait again. It’s the best feeling. People will give you a bad time about it but oh man, it’s SOOO worth it!

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Erin Fahrner says · 09.02.14

I found out with both of my children and am so very very happy that I did. I am a planner and I wanted to know so I could prepare myself. I know that sounds bad but it is nice to get used to thinking about a little baby —- in my arms. The only reason I want you to find out is because I want to know. 🙂 Maybe get it written on a card so if you want to know later you have that option. Congratulations!

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Meredith says · 09.02.14

So glad your break was just what you needed – I love your blog! I’m pregnant with our fourth (I’m actually due mid-February as well!) and we’ve found out with every child because I NEVER wanted to not find out. Well, somehow the idea got planted into my head and I’m very sure we are not going to find out this time. My husband wants to at least leave with the option of knowing, so we’re going to have them put the picture with the gender in an envelope for us. Now hopefully that envelope won’t taunt us for the remaining months…

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Lisa Hays says · 09.02.14

So happy you are back but want you to take it easy, too. I’d rather have less Kate than no Kate and being pregnant with that 2nd one with a little one hitting milestones daily is rough on a gal!

I’m old enough to be your mother but not demented yet…. I was surprised with my #1 and #3 and enjoyed that! My 1st was a boy and with #2 I was T E R R I F I E D of girls. When I was offered the chance to find out, I declined but the husband found out. That lasted a week and such sweet relief to hear it was another boy! #3 was a girl and the squeals of joy in that OR were deafening! Oh – #1 and #3 were breech so I’m a 3peat C/S. Either way is fun; y’all will do what’s right for you and love every minute of it!

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Cindy says · 09.02.14

Breaks are such a needed thing sometimes! Glad you got to rest and recharge! I am 28 weeks with my fourth and those breaks are sacred! Just throwing my two cents into the ring about finding out the baby gender. We have done it both ways. We found out with our first two, but on the third I wanted to experience what it was like to be surprised at birth. We had our baby Christmas morning of all days! The experience was amazing. My midwife let me “catch” the baby (I delivered vaginally) and be the first to see and announce that she was a girl. It was an experience I will never forget! We found out with this one, and I love knowing this time, so I think either way you choose you’ll be happy. But doing it both ways is so fun!

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Stacey says · 09.02.14

Glad you’re back & that you had a good “break”. Good for you for realizing you needed one & TAKING it!! 🙂
As far as being surprised about baby’s gender until the birth, I say it’s THE WAY TO GO 😀 We did it with all ours. With the last pregnancy, I was having a hard time convincing my hubby & 2 big kids that it was “the way to go”……so I told them we’d find out gender ahead of time if we have another. Kind of wishing I never said that….and I am sure none of them will forget that I said it 😉
I agree, your kiddos won’t really care about the nursery….it’s really more for US than anything, right?
WELCOME BACK (& your bump is looking cute, by the way!)!!!

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Shawna says · 09.02.14

Waiting to find out the gender is a gift that keeps on giving. I thought my daughter was a boy the entire pregnancy- so when she was born it was the biggest surprise. I still look at her and pinch myself! She is 18 months now and I would definitely do it again! Not to mention, I didn’t spend a lot of money in the nesting phase, which I would have gone crazy for a girl!!

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Leigh Ann says · 09.02.14

We waited to find out the sex with my first. I won’t be waiting with the second. I feel like there are advantages to both. The one thing I loved about waiting was that my husband announced the sex, not an ultrasound technician. I loved that it was him who told me I had a son 🙂

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Wendy says · 09.02.14

Glad to see you back!

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Megan Bryant says · 09.02.14

My best friend managed to not find out what she was having, and it was definitely very neat to find out she had a girl when she was born! I, on the other hand, hated waiting, and not being able to buy lots of bows, and pink things for her until after she was born. They were sure it was a boy, but I kept telling her girl the whole time.

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Katie says · 09.02.14

Leigh Ann makes an excellent point about the father announcing the gender! I waited to find out with both my daughters, and both were delivered by cesarean. Even though I had amazing doctors and easy surgeries, cesarean deliveries can seem impersonal. So, when each baby was born, the doctor had my husband announce the gender. I really liked hearing it from him, and I felt like it made him more a part of the delivery.

I hope you will wait to find out. There is something very special about that moment of first meeting your child when you know absolutely nothing about them. There are no preconceived notions, and it is a true first impression.

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Leigh Ann says · 09.02.14

Yes! There’s this element of “meeting” them that’s hard to describe to people who have been calling their child be name for months. It’s a different dynamic altogether.

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Kallai Cunningham says · 09.02.14

I think your blog is the only one that A) I was sad to have a break (but much needed if you noticed you needed it), B) That I read daily. (trust me when I say that, I am a very active mother of one who works 60 hours a week and lifts), yet I can’t put your blog down. C)Checked daily to see if you had posted something new! Welcome back and congrats on everything!

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Janine says · 09.02.14

You.are.just.too.cute. Really, you are! =)

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Melanie Chrystn Stauffer says · 09.02.14

Look at that cute bump you have!!

I could never ever keep the gender a surprise! I’d want to know as soon as possible! But I think it’s so special when families experience a special moment of surprise by waiting until the birth. 🙂

– Melanie (www.athistage.blogspot.com)

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Sheryl says · 09.02.14

So glad you are back !! I do not blog, but I love following yours. Love all the videos !! I have gotten so many new hair ideas !!! Congrats on the new baby!!

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Nicole says · 09.02.14

Yay! So happy you are back! It’s like hearing from a good friend you haven’t talked to in a while. (Even though you weren’t gone very long lol) Enjoy your time with your family. 🙂

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Amy says · 09.02.14

So glad you’re back! 🙂

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megan says · 09.02.14

Kate, I just want to say that I love your blog. I’m not one to make many comments, but I wanted you to know I always read it and I enjoy how accessible and authentic your writing is. Good luck with the scan, I was determined to leave mine now knowing the gender of my twins, but when the time came I couldn’t wait and had to know then and there!

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Gturn62 says · 09.02.14

Kate, you’ve become like a dear old friend to all of us who follow your blog. I know that’s odd because most of us have never met you! And, I agree with another reader who commented that we’d rather have you blog less than not at all. Do what you need to do to keep your sanity and put your family first. We’re loyal fans and will stick with you if you have to cut back.

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Steph Black says · 09.02.14

I didn’t realize how much I would miss reading your blog during my lunch hour until last week. Sometimes we all just need a breather!

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Andrea Worley says · 09.02.14

visits to see family are always fun and a must when you live so far away! i miss the midwest this time of year! my family lives in iowa, and i crave fall out here in the desert of AZ.

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Megan says · 09.02.14

Welcome back! I’m glad to hear that you are feeling rejuvenated after some time away. Looking forward to seeing your maternity wardrobe; love your style!

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Stephanie says · 09.02.14

My husband convinced my to let our baby gender be a surprise too. I was NOT on board at first, but I have to admit that it made everything a little more exciting. My friends and family hated it, but I absolutely loved meeting him for the first time with this completely blank slate.

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Kacey says · 09.02.14

Regular reader who rarely comments, but I did want to say I’m glad you’re back. I look forward to those tutorials to come! Hope your trip to Chicago is grand. 🙂

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Nilda says · 09.02.14

Glad you’re back! I’ve always loved your posts.

I just had my baby a few days ago and he had marginal cord insertion too. It started to affect his growth right near the end so he was small. Here’s to hoping everything looks fabulous at your anatomy scan.

Oh and if you decide not to find out, kudos to you! No way I could have lasted that long without knowing!

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Lindsay @ The Newlywed Notebook says · 09.02.14

I don’t know if I could wait to find out either!! Well, maybe with the second one. 😉 I totally get your point about having two surprises, but how fun it must be to be totally surprised the day they are born! Unfortunately, when we have kids I think the planner in me will win out lol. Can’t wait to see what you decide! Glad you’re back!

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Jennie says · 09.02.14

Welcome back, Kate…I’ve missed you! I checked your blog each day (sometimes more often), and was thrilled to see you’re back. I hope you were able to relax and get a much-needed break!

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Theresa @ AMomInTheMaking says · 09.02.14

I’m super glad you’re back!!! Last week was very boring without you lol

That is exciting that you got to hear your first little heartbeat 🙂 I’m a huge fan of finding out so I’m with you if you decide do find out at the last minute 🙂

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Alice says · 09.02.14

Hi,
It is good to be reading you again. I am a few weeks (pregnancy) behind you. If you are thinking of hair tutorials maybe something quick but cute up do. Something you can do with a toddler running around your ankles in the morning.

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Maisie says · 09.02.14

I have never left a comment before but I LOVE you blog! I just had my first child (a girl, Bellemy) in July. It was the most magical moment. My husband and I did not find out the gender, which was a lot of fun. My husband got to be the one to tell me Bellemy
Was a girl and it is an experience I will always cherish. That being said, I do not think it would have been any less magical if I would have known the gender. Congratulations and I am eager to hear the news, no matter when that is

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Stephanie says · 09.02.14

Yay! Glad you’re back, and enjoy your trip to Chicago! The weather there is lovely this time of year.

Take care!

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Meagan says · 09.02.14

I have been reading your blog for a while now, and every single post is better than the last! You’re such a cute mom and great writer, but I LOVE your hair tips!

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Amanda Leffel says · 09.02.14

I am pregnant with my third child and my husband and I have never known the gender. It’s been amazing but understand it can be hard to wait 😛

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Jessica says · 09.02.14

So glad you’re back! I love your posts and your tutorials. They have triggered something within me to take better care of my hair and my appearance. I feel like a grown woman finally 🙂 thank you! Take care 🙂

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Lisa says · 09.02.14

So exciting to have another little one on the way – such blessings! My hubby convinced me with our 3rd to wait and find out and it was so amazing! Of course, I already had a boy and a girl at home, so that might have something to do with already being prepared either way. I was worried about not connecting with the baby if I didn’t know if it were a he or a she, but that never happened. In fact, in the delivery room it was such an amazing surprise – loved waiting to find out! Cheers to a happy, healthy bambino 😉

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Carolina says · 09.02.14

Glad you are back! I was checking in everyday to see if you had a new post. I like to read your posts on my lunch break, so I was kind of bored ha ha. I couldn’t wait to find out what we were having, I am a planner so that was a no-no for me! Keep us posted!

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Evelyn says · 09.02.14

Hello there! Good to have you back, we missed you!!

I’d like to know the gender of my baby not because of the nursery or clothes, which I’d rather make in neutral colors anyway, but because I’d like to picture him/her, choose a name etc… My plan is to find out about the gender (which will be a surprise until then, of course!) but only tell people at the baby shower! That should be fun!

All the best for David and the baby!

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Susan Wright says · 09.02.14

Glad you are back. I’m in KY & we say you guys too. We also say you all. So it’s ok. lol Happy you are doing well and are refreshed. Cheers~

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Whitney says · 09.02.14

You are so stinkin’ cute! Praying for you and your family.

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Lauren says · 09.02.14

I stumbled upon your blog on pinterest looking for hairstyles and I love it! Down-to-earth, fresh, no over the top stuff. Congrats on the new baby, too! My husband and I are currently expecting our second as well. I look forward to more posts!

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Heather Nasal says · 09.02.14

Team Green! My best friend is due with her first in about 4 weeks, and they are Team Green as well. I think it’s so exciting to keep that as a surprise, and since you found out the first time with David, it would be cute if you had something a little different for this little one. Either way, both choices have something fun about it. Wishing you three the best 🙂

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kate says · 09.02.14

So glad you’re back! My days aren’t the same without a Small Things Blog update. 🙂

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Sarah says · 09.02.14

Kate, I had no idea you had marginal cord insertion! I have velamentous cord insertion and am currently 28 weeks. Any advice on staying sane with such a “scary” problem?

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Tori says · 09.02.14

I’m a regular reader but don’t really comment. I really like your blog and the hairstyle tips. I stay at home with my baby girl so I tend to get lazy with my hair sometimes. With our daughter I found out the gender and surprised my husband with a box full of pink balloons, which was super fun. I told him that he can find out the gender for our next baby and then surprise me. Maybe for our third child I might be willing to wait until birth but I don’t know if I have the patience for that! I liked knowing I was having a girl, because I could refer to my baby as ‘her’ and ‘she.’ We could also focus on girl names which were so hard for me to pick from. I think both ways are great, it’s really up to you:)

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Lyndsay says · 09.02.14

So glad that everything is going well for you! We did not find out the sex for 2 of our 3 boys and I an so glad we waited!

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Jessica says · 09.02.14

I am SO happy you are back! I missed you terribly 🙂

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Kathleen says · 09.02.14

I didn’t find out with any of my four and loved it. I loved being the one to announce after the birth with the two youngest. I spent a minute or so just looking at their faces, their hands and feet, smelled the head, and then looked to see if it was a boy or girl. Boys both times, but it was wonderful to not know ahead of time. Kept me focused during labor.

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Brittany Berry says · 09.02.14

Im so glad you’re back! I love reading your posts and its been really neat lately because Im also pregnant and not too far off from you! (Due January) I actually had my 20 week ultrasound today and after much debate my husband and I decided not to find out the gender of our baby. I already have 2 boys which I did find out so I thought this is probably our last one..why not just try it this way. It was NOT easy but Im also really excited about my hubby getting to make the big announcement to the family when the baby is born. Good luck and no matter what, finding out or not, you’re right its a wonderful surprise either way 🙂

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LaurenB says · 09.02.14

How exciting! Personally, I think everyone needs to decide on their own if they want to know the gender early or not — what was right for me isn’t necessarily right for you. That said, I think my husband and I learned an important lesson: *IF* you want a surprise, do NOT let them hand you a sealed envelope to take home “just in case you change your mind”. Either agree that you are going to find out, or walk out the door empty handed and don’t look back.

We wanted to keep it a surprise, but decided to take the sealed envelope and stash it in a drawer, in case we changed our minds later on. I was the one who really wanted to keep it a surprise, and yet, once that envelope was in our house, I lasted a mere 23 hours before having a total breakdown and needing to open it. Something about having it right there, taunting me, was unbearable. There was a lot of crying and a small panic attack – it was ugly.

I’m no longer upset that we found out early (I felt horribly guilty for a few weeks – we had already told everyone we weren’t finding out). For us, opening the envelope was better than having more breakdowns. That said, I wanted to share our experience as a bit of a cautionary tale in case they make you the same envelope offer they made us!

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amanda says · 09.02.14

Hey, I too have marginal cord insertion. Any tips on how to cope?? Doc said it isn’t “serious”, just need extra monitoring.

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Emily says · 09.02.14

Hey! Long-time reader, first-time commenter (ha ha… I feel like I’m calling into a radio program 🙂 ).

Anyway, I’m glad you’re back to blogging! And the whole waiting to find out thing would be so tough. My husband and I haven’t had any kids yet, but I can imagine that I’ll want to find out the gender as soon as I can.

And since you asked, I actually just started school at Duke Divinity! So I experienced my first NC summer the past couple months, and I’m so excited to be in the Raleigh-Durham area. Compared to where we used to live, this area has SO much more to do, and we’re loving it. Plus, Duke’s campus is crazy beautiful, so I’ve been feeling pretty blessed. So yeah… we don’t know each other, but I’m excited to live in this area, and if you have any tips on fun things to do, I’m all ears. 🙂

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Becky Horst says · 09.02.14

I am about 26 weeks into my second pregnancy and we did not find out the gender with our first. My husband wanted a boy but alas it was a girl. It took him about four minutes to fall in love completely with her but the initial it’s a girl was a little anticlimactic because I knew he was devastated. Fast forward two years later pregnant again he decides we need a second girl because our first is so perfect we totally think its another girl we hear the tech say at our ultrasound its a boy and we are shocked! This time it’s me that needs to cope with the idea of a boy. So if you do not 100% care either way I say be surprised if you need to cope with the outcome give ourself the time to process that 0 before they are born.

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Courtney Doell says · 09.02.14

Glad you’re back and that you did a lot of resting while on your break! We found out what we were having with our first (girl), and waited for it to be a surprise with our second (boy). Now pregnant with our third (a few days behind your due date) I don’t know if we will found out this time, there are pros and cons to each, but either way none of it matters when that little baby is in your arms 🙂

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Jen says · 09.02.14

I love the idea of not finding out the sex of the baby, but I don’t think I ever would have had the patience to pull it off. I am in love (and a little intimidated) with the capsule wardrobe concept. I have been toying around with a fall wardrobe as well. Can’t wait to see what you come up with!

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Emily says · 09.03.14

Wow! What a cutie you are, Kate! I love to see you so happy and pregnant. 😀

I totally know what you’re saying; my family and I also say “you guys” are “your guyses”. ::northerner high five::

And I think it’s so neat to wait to find out the gender til the baby comes. I have no experience in this area, but I’m determined that’s the way I’ll go when it comes my time. 🙂

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Jamie says · 09.03.14

I have two girls and found out both genders during my pregnancy. It seemed so important to know at the time! I know we aren’t having any more (I had to have a hysterectomy), but if we did, I would wait until the birth to find out. No matter what, it is a surprise whether early or later!

I had marginal cord insertion with my first daughter and it was also vasa previa. Both had been undiagnosed during pregnancy, but problems were detected during a planned induction and my wonderful midwife rushed me in for a c-section. My daughter was taken out just as the vasa previa ruptured, so she was completely healthy.

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Carrie Rose says · 09.03.14

So it seems you are deleting comments that you do not agree with….

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Chantall says · 09.03.14

Welcome back! Happy to hear you’re all right and that taking a bit of time for yourself helped to make you feel better 🙂

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sarah says · 09.03.14

I also had a marginal cord insertion with my baby girl. We had monthly ultrasounds and she was just fine. We waited with both our kids to find out the gender. It definitely helped curb my pre-baby spending!

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Heather says · 09.03.14

I just gave birth to our first baby, a boy, in May. We waited until Sam was born to find out his gender and it was the most exciting 38 weeks of my life. We waited to decorate his nursery until he was born and there were plenty of grandparents ready to purchase clothing as soon as he arrived. If you decided to wait, enjoy the anticipation..it is so much fun!

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Heather says · 09.03.14

Welcome back! You sound rested. I was very excited to see that you posted!

I wanted to wait to see what kind of baby we were having but my husband was very set on knowing what it was so I gave in. I don’t regret finding out but we are definitely waiting next time. How wild that you heard the baby having hiccups! I’m 22 weeks along now and I can’t wait to feel that. All I can feel now is crazy flips and karate chops. 🙂

I would love to see what you come up with for your capsule wardrobe. I bought a few maternity pants and t-shirts and I’m working on it too. You looked so cute last pregnancy. I want to borrow some ideas. <3

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Tracy Anne says · 09.03.14

Welcome back, sweet girl. You were missed! I hope your short time off was restorative and that you and baby are well and happy!

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kristin says · 09.03.14

welcome back! wait on the gender reveal till the delivery room. we found out for our first, then waited for the seconnd, and there is not better moment between husband and wife as the new baby comes into the world and you fidn out then. it’s amazing and a moment you will never forget!

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Chrissy says · 09.03.14

If you decide not to find out, bring ear plugs and a blind fold! I didn’t want to find out with my third and the ultrasound tech referred to the baby as a “him”. She was so apologetic, but I was able to hold my tears in until I got to the car. Biggest disappointment ever!!

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Tara says · 09.03.14

First off, congratulations on David and the pregnancy. I had my first little boy on 12/23/13. While my mom was here helping me after he arrived she introduced me to your blog and I’ve been hooked ever since. Honestly, you are the only blogger I have ever followed. Glad you are back and hope your feeling energized. Thanks for sharing your expertise and family. God bless!

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Shannon says · 09.04.14

So glad that you had a well deserved break! We all need them, right?! Your bump is looking ADORABLE too! Like others have said, your blog is my fave! So I’m glad that you are back! Right before your break I had started to venture out and discover a couple other vloggers (I did feel a little guilty though!). I think you had mentioned EssieButton, so I started following her, AmeliaLiana, and HeyClaire. Thanks for the recommendation, these ladies are all fun to watch and different! But like I said, you are my fave! 🙂 And because everyone else has left their opinion on waiting to find out the sex of baby #2 … When I get pregnant someday, I will (hopefully) wait to find out! Welcome back Kate!

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Heather says · 09.05.14

Congrats on baby #2! The decision to find out the gender is a big one! For all 3 of my babies, we had the doctor write down boy or girl on paper and seal it in an envelope. We were on the fence about finding out. We managed to not open the envelopes until after the babies were born. It was fun having the sealed envelope and now they are in the baby books. It takes some willpower not to open!!! Best wishes!!

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Jackie says · 09.05.14

Hi kate! I’m prego with my third. We have two boys and found out with both. I want to wait this time but my husband doesn’t. It will be a planned c-section, so I’ll know the birthday and I just want to have that experience of the great surprise at the end. Good luck with your decision 🙂

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Jackie says · 09.05.14

Funny story! I am from NW WI and my mom said “you guys” and “yous guys” so much that my nephew called me “Guys” until he was almost 6 because he thought that was my name! It’s one of my favorite memories from when he was little (he’s almost 19 now!). Thank you!

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Tracie says · 09.06.14

As a reader who is biologically wired to be a bit more anxious than many, I really appreciated that you let us know that all was well with you and your growing family before you took a break. Knowing that, I was able to check in while you were “away” to see if you had posted, and then remind myself that if I didn’t see a new post it would only mean that you were practicing good self-care (and modeling it for your followers). I could look forward with anticipated pleasure to the posts I knew would be coming about your capsule wardrobe (and more pix of adorable David). I took some time to visit sites of other bloggers you have mentioned and to see what you had on your Pinterest boards ( so addictive!). It is good to slow things down when it feels like they are moving at breakneck speed, and it is good for me to practice patience. Thanks for giving me that opportunity.

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