Prenatal Vitamins

Filed Under Freebies, Frugal, Pregnancy, Second Pregnancy | 1 Comment

I am really excited because I just found out that a local grocery store is now offering free prescription pregnancy vitamins. Which is awesome because I will still be taking them for the next year while I’m nursing. I’m not positive about all the details- but wanted to pass it along– if you live in the Missouri/Illinois area you can check with your Schnucks store to get more information. Next time I need a refill I will be definitely going there instead of W@lgreens!

Getting Back in Shape

Filed Under Future, Input Needed, Pregnancy, Second Pregnancy, Weight | 3 Comments

One thing that I really struggle with is my body since becoming pregnant with Bailey, and now with this current pregnancy. The problem is that I never lost the weight I gained with her. I was on pro.zac for a while and I breastfed for a full year. Everyone kept saying that once I quit nursing the weight would come off, but it never did. I had a weight watchers membership for a year (online) after that and I lost a few pounds. In fact I just remembered to cancel that membership the other day after Jonathon griped at me for paying for something every month that I don’t use. Once I have this next baby and get back into a normal/new routine I would love to seriously do something about my weight. I want to be look better for myself but I also want to be healthy and have more energy for my children and spouse.

My plan is to either get some type of exercise equipment like a treadmill, or to join a gym. There are a few nearby that I have heard mixed things on but if anyone has any specific recommendations I would love to hear them. One thing is that I LOVE to swim and would prefer a gym where I can swim laps if I go the gym route. Also price is a big consideration. Thanks for any input.

Anew Clinical Stretch Mark Smoother

Filed Under Avon, Pregnancy, Works For Me Wednesday | 2 Comments

When I was pregnant with Bailey, I got really bad stretch marks. I was fine until about 35 weeks and then it’s like my body just exploded with lines everywhere. I got stretch marks all over my stomach and hips, and on my boobs. I seriously thought it was one of the most disgusting things I had ever seen. I thought a couple times about buying some sort of cream or something but figured that I had so many lines that it would never work.

Finally when Avon came out with the Anew Clinical Stretch Mark Smoother, I decided I might as well give it a shot. I am more willing to try Avon products randomly since I get a discount and also because then if customers ask about them, I can give my opinion. I have been using the Stretch Mark Smoother for about a month now and honestly, I DO notice a difference. The marks that were pinkish/purple before are now skin colored. I am hoping that they “diminish” more and get smaller but right now I am excited that they aren’t as obvious as they were before. I thought about doing a before and after picture but realized I didn’t want to show the “before” to the whole world

Anyway, this is my product endorsement for the Stretch Mark cream. It really worked for me. If you are looking for something to get rid of stretch marks or other scarring, I seriously recommend this. It’s $25 and worth every penny. If that’s not in your budget, they also have an Anti-Cellulite and Stretch Mark Cream in the Avon Solutions line. It’s only $17 but I can’t vouch for that one.

You can order directly on my website and choose Personal Delivery to have me deliver to you, or Direct Delivery to have it shipped. Right now you can use the code REP10 for free shipping on orders of $10 or more (pre-tax). Questions? Leave a comment or email me at tara (at) twolinesonastick (dot) com

Also, I just wanted to say a big Thank You to all of you who order from me or have ordered in the past. You are helping my business to grow and to make it easier (and more fun!) for me to be a stay at home mom. I appreciate you!

For more fun tips, check out Works for Me Wednesday at Rocks in My Dryer.

Wordless Wednesday- One Year Ago

Filed Under Pregnancy, Wordless Wednesday | Leave a Comment

One year ago, I was about 36 weeks pregnant.

Something I said I would never wear

Filed Under Avon, Pregnancy, This Rocks | Leave a Comment

Crocs. In fact, I wrote an entire post making fun of them a year or two ago. My friend Mutha swore with me that we would never own or wear them. She was the first to go back on that promise. Then, when I was pregnant my feet were this swollen:

I went shopping with my mom one day and we traded shoes because mine were so uncomfortable. Hers were Crocs, and they felt like foamy little cushions. But after that, I still swore they were ugly and I wouldn’t own any.

Enter Avon. They make some great faux Crocs and they are only $9.99. Plus for some reason, I can’t so no to a good Avon deal So I ordered the black ones with rhinestones… because if I am wearing Crocs, at least they are going to be sparkly! I still can’t believe I own them. But they are so comfortable. I know some fakey Crocs aren’t as comfy, but these things are awesome. They have become my slippers of choice around the house. Um, and I’ve worn them out of the house a few times now. Don’t tell.

I also just ordered these sandals, which were also $9.99. Last summer I was bumming that I didn’t have a cute pair of flip flops to wear with black capris and stuff like that, so I am excited to get these!

This part of my life is over, maybe

Filed Under Pregnancy, Thoughts, Travel | 1 Comment

Sometimes I get sappy about things that were supposed to happen or could have happened before, but now that we have Bailey they won’t happen. Like I always thought we would take a trip to Europe before we had kids. We got pregnant much faster than I expected (and if you really care, YES we were trying but we thought it would take longer than it did for a variety of reasons). I LOVE LOVE LOVE to travel, and I want to travel more. Last fall we had a trip planned for Las Vegas. I mean it was actually booked and everything, for this same weekend last year. I was in my first trimester of my pregnancy in September, and I was exhausted. I could not fathom going on a vacation or being in casinos near smoke. I knew I would not be able to have anything to drink- okay not that I’m a drunk, but seriously, what’s Vegas without a few drinks here and there? Anyway we ended up cancelling our trip and we were only out $100… but sometimes I regret that. I wish we would have had the extra cash to take a nice vacation when I was like five months along. I wish we had the cash now. I would take Bailey with us and then pay a nanny to watch her so we could go out at night sometimes or relax by the pool Yeah, dream on. I just don’t want to think that part of my life is completely over. I guess it’s just “put on hold” for a while, really. Anyway, it’s too late and I’m rambling.

One More Thing

Filed Under Pregnancy, Thoughts | 1 Comment

Sometimes when I see pregnant women I miss being pregnant. I think I forget all the yucky and uncomfortable stuff and remember how nice it was to have my little Muffie in there

Bailey is HERE!

Filed Under Birth, Newborn, Pregnancy | 17 Comments

Born on Monday, April 16th at 9:38 pm
7 lbs 7 oz
19 inches long

We are all doing well- very busy and very tired! The labor and delivery went smoothly, for the most part. Bailey needs to figure out this eating thing a little better, but hopefully that will come with time.

We will update more later as we get a chance.

Induction Tomorrow Morning

Filed Under Birth, Pregnancy | 12 Comments

Just a quick note to let you all know that we still haven’t had the baby- so we are going in to be induced as planned tomorrow morning- 7:30- and we will call people and/or post an update once she is here and everything settles down.

Please pray that everything goes well. I’m a little nervous and we’re trying to stay distracted right now.

Updated (10:37 pm) I think the baby has FINALLY dropped today. I feel like I can’t empty my bladder all the time and it is uncomfortable to walk. And I am having trouble moving from sitting to standing. It just feels like a lot of pressure and a little bit of lower backache- but still no contractions!

Good baby- please help your mommy out and get as far down there as you can!

Happy Due Date to ME!

Filed Under Belly Pictures, Pregnancy, Week by Week | 3 Comments

Our baby is due today. What she is doing in there now is beyond me. Jonathon told me to enjoy my time with her now because once she comes out she’s going to want to be with her daddy all the time.

Here is my belly at 40 weeks. I honestly can’t believe we’ve made it this far! I decided to take this picture in the nursery- for the first time- in honor of Bailey coming out this week. She’s got two days left to enjoy her womb home, and then it’s eviction time

Last Doctors Appt

Filed Under Pregnancy, Symptoms | 7 Comments

Wow, I can’t believe I actually made it to every single one of my OB appointments. I am still pregnant. 39 weeks and 5 days.

I think my blood pressure was high again today. The nurse took it and didn’t tell me what it was- which she usually does- and then the doctor came in and took it again. The doctor has never done my blood pressure herself. Then she asked me if I had been having any headaches or seeing spots. I told her no, and she said that I was “okay” but that if I had anything like that I needed to go in to the hospital. This seems to be the theme of my appointments lately.

She also checked my cervix and I am now at 4 cm. Not much change from last week, but the good news is that she said even if I went to the hospital before my contractions were five minutes apart (she said like 5-7 mins or not completely consistent) that they wouldn’t send me home at this point.

I asked her to guess the baby’s size- and she said it was really just a guess and probably not very accurate but she guessed around 7 1/2 pounds. Yikes I don’t want a big baby! I was only 6 lbs 4 oz and I was hoping for a little girl more about that size. But that could be way off anyway.

She said she is still hoping I will go into labor this weekend but if not, I’ll definitely have a baby on Monday! I am glad I am making such a good snuggly home for Bailey but I wish she didn’t like it in there QUITE so much!

Other than that, I am just having a little more back pain than usual, and trouble sleeping because of being uncomfortable. I wake up about every half hour until about 5 a.m. and then I manage to get about three hours straight where I can sleep. That’s been the pattern for the past few nights. The reason I wake up is because my back and hips are in pain and I have to turn over- but then of course I have to pee while I’m up too- but I always fall right back asleep.

Missing You Already

Filed Under Birth, Daddy, Pregnancy, Thoughts | 3 Comments

I just realized something- I keep thinking I am so anxious to be done being pregnant and just have Bailey here- but I will never have her THIS CLOSE to me again. From the minute she comes out, she will start growing up. That’s so fast. I shouldn’t be wishing this time away. I have decided I am going to try to enjoy every single little squirm and foot poke these last few days. I always assume I will have other pregnancy(ies) but who knows- this could be my only one- and I am just wishing it away.

This is my little baby girl who I have wanted for as long as I can remember. I know I would love a little boy too, but this is my dream baby. I know we are in for a rough road ahead and hopefully not too much spoiling, but she is already perfect in my eyes. I think that’s why I can’t wait to see her. But the next thing I know she will be walking and talking and not my little baby anymore…. so I need to enjoy EACH day with her. Plus, it’s been pointed out to me that it won’t ever be this easy again and I’ll wish I could put her back inside for an hour or two and catch a nap

The other realization I had last night was that Jonathon and I have a maximum of FIVE nights together as a “couple” before we become parents. I don’t really consider us a family right now. I mean, I know we technically are, but we still seem like Just Jonathon and Tara. We are going to become a whole Family of Three in less than a week. I cried because I am worried that I will miss just us.

He reminded me of a freakout I had the night before we left for our honeymoon. (Not our wedding night, the next night)… I actually called my mom in tears at bedtime and said, “I can’t believe I’m living with a boy! I don’t know if I’m going to like this!” I was completely scared- and apparently not too worried about hurting his feelings, either- but I was terrified of the unknown. But last night he reminded me of this, and was like, “Look, now you’re so scared for that to change. But it’s going to be the same way. Scary at first and then you won’t be able to imagine anything else.”

I guess I am just feeling a little overly emotional and apprehensive of so much changing. And of course worrying about the birth- I’m sure that’s contributing to my freaking out.

Anyway, Bailey, I am looking forward to seeing you whenever you are ready to come out. But I need to warn you: Monday is your deadline to decide to come out on your own

38 (almost 39!) Week Pictures

Filed Under Belly Pictures, Daddy, Pregnancy | 3 Comments

Taken yesterday before my doctors appointment- I know I keep saying maybe this will be “the last belly picture” but I am really hopeful this time!

And apparently I am freezing Jonathon out of the house. I didn’t have the typical hot body temp pregnancy thing at all until about a week or two ago. Now I can’t stand to have the thermostat set above about 64. It has gotten a lot colder outside in the last few days but I hate to have the heat running because it just makes me feel sick- but then I realized how bundled up Jonathon was and looked at the temp and it was like 56 in our house. Here is my poor patient husband.

Checkup and Induction Question

Filed Under Birth, Pregnancy | 11 Comments

Today was my 38 week 5 day doctors visit… I guess it was disappointing in a way. For one, I was hoping to not make it to this appointment. I wish the doctors had never guessed that I would go early, because then I would still be expecting to be pregnant right now.

The appointment started out with my blood pressure being way higher than usual. 132/94 or something like that- please don’t comment on it and scare me because I don’t need anything else to stress over right now but yes that is high for me.

So I made a joke about them sending me over to the hospital right now, and the nurse actually said that I wouldn’t want to go now because L&D is FULL! How the heck does that happen? Besides a full moon and a low pressure system both in one week… anyway she said that people are starting out in the hallways and that they have postponed all the scheduled inductions for now and told people to stay home until they get a phone call! How crazy is that? ANd this isn’t some little podunk hospital. We’re talking about one of the main hospitals here in St. Louis. She said I need to hold off at least a few hours to go into labor so that they can get some of those people cleared out and/or delivered! I guess it’s good that I didn’t go in this morning before my appointment like I was hoping to On that note, I won’t be doing any walking or eating spicy food until at least tomorrow.

I told the doctor I was concerned that I was possibly leaking fluid and so she checked my water and it didn’t seem to have broken or be leaking. She used one of those pH strips and it didn’t change color, and then she checked something under a microscope and it wasn’t amniotic fluid- so I guess I have just been peeing my pants a little bit lately. Lovely. Yet another reason I would like to have this baby soon.

The other not-so-exciting news is that I am at 3.5 cm right now… which SOUNDS good since I haven’t been even having contractions yet, but it’s only a half a centimeter since last week. Jonathon was there and he said something like, “Only a half a centimeter in a whole week?” I got kind of snippy and said something like, “Yes, I’ve been telling my cervix not to do anything. I’d like to be pregnant forever!” She didn’t mention effacement this week so I was assuming no change (still at 75%) and didn’t want to ask. I asked if the baby was any lower and she tried to look hopeful and said, “Maybe just a smidge.” Great. Thanks. The good news is that she’s still head down. My belly has definitely gotten lopsided to the right lately so I was a little curious if she had twisted herself around.

Then the last event of the day was…. drumroll…. scheduling my induction! Ahhhhhhhhhhh I don’t want to be induced. This was NOT part of my plan. Everything I’ve heard about being induced has not been good. My due date is April 14th, which is a Saturday, and she said I could pick any day the week after that and they won’t let me go MORE than a week past my due date. So I randomly picked Monday the 16th (yes, still in hopes that I can make it to the wedding on the 20th but if I didn’t go until then that’s kind of doubtful anyway). She said I could change the date anytime… so now I am thinking maybe I should have made it for Wednesday the 18th or something instead and give Bailey a little more time to get out on her own. What are your thoughts? I would like to hear opinions from people who have been induced- please no horror stories but just helpful input about my options!

The crazy thing is that even if I go past my due date and I’m induced, I will definitely have a baby within two weeks from today! Wow…

This Little Piggy

Filed Under Pregnancy, Symptoms | 7 Comments

Okay, I hate feet and I know mine aren’t so pretty right now… despite the pedicure which LOOKS really bad in the picture but I think it’s the angle… but I had to take a picture of them and actually document how swollen they are or I won’t ever believe myself later.

These guys are causing me some pain. This picture isn’t even as bad as it gets. By evening, it hurts to walk because the bottoms swell too. That’s about the time when my toes look like they might pop off. I’m bringing sexy back.