Oh Hey Friday Link Up and Christmas Wish List

It is finally Friday.  Thank heavens.  This has been the longest week EVER.  With coming in early every morning, due to not being able to travel with my team to New York City (boo), but living their schedule this week, I am drained.

In honor of Oh Hey, Friday link-up, I thought I would do a Christmas wish list or even a push present gift list.

One.  I am obsessed with Kendra Scott jewelry right now.  I want it ALL.  I have my eye on two special pieces right now.

Meet the Rayne Necklace

and the Elle Earrings

Two.  I really want a warm cozy down jacket and these two caught my eye.

  Patagonia Downtown Loft Jacket

Northface Duchess Herringbone Jacket

Three.  A Digital SLR camera.  I have my eye on a few different ones, but haven't decided.  I just want to be able to take better photos for my blog and of my cute little babies once they are born.  Iphone pictures just won't due.

Four.  Black booties.  These are just two of the pairs I want.  I am eyeing a few more too.

Cole Haan 'Chesney' Bootie

Sam Edelman 'Louie' Bootie

Five.  Hunter Rain Boots.  It doesn't rain that much in the Reno/Tahoe area, but I have been wanting a pair of these for a long time.  I just need to bite the bullet and get a pair.  Aren't they so cute?

Hunter Original Tour Rain Boots

Six.  Michael Kors watch.  I have been eyeing one of these for a few years now, but always miss out on sales and decide I need something else.  But this beauty has caught my eye.

Michael Kors Blair Pave Embellished Rose Gold Watch

Seven.  Jo Malone London perfume.  I love a lot of their scents, but I need to narrow it down to one or two.  Which is your favorite?

I could go on and on, but I will post another Christmas Wish List later with more items for the lady in your life or to pass onto my husband for me.

27 Weeks (the last week of my second trimester)

It is Wednesday again which means it is bump/pregnancy update.   I know you are all on the edge of your seats waiting for my update.  So without further ado...onto the babies.

  27 Weeks and counting

How far along: 27 weeks, 1 day (last week of the second trimester)

Babies are the size of a: Head of cauliflower/rutabaga

Babies are: Growing and doing so well.  I can't believe how much they have grown in the last month.  On Friday (at 26 weeks, 2 days) I was measuring 31 weeks.  Yikes.  How big is my belly going to get?

Babies are getting on a better sleep/wake cycle and finally opening and closing their eyes.  Their brains are very active now, but still developing.  That is why momma needs to up her protein intake.  The lungs are still maturing, but babies could survive outside the womb if they came at this point.  Which they better stay inside and bake as long as possible.

Maternity Clothes: Yep still rocking them.  But my maternity work pants suck because they itch and stretch out that I have opted for leggings at work now.  No one seems to notice or care, so leggings it is.  Plus I need to up my game on some sweaters for this bitter cold weather.  Suggestions on places to get cute sweaters maternity and non-maternity at a great price.

Stretch Marks: I have one, but it isn't as noticeable right now.  I freaked out because my sweater left a huge mark on my belly and I thought I got a big stretch mark there, but nope, it was just an indention.  But I do have that dark line that runs from the belly button down now.

Sleep: Ehh.  I have been having some carpal tunnel issues in my left hand so sleep has been a big issue this week.  So much that I cried in the shower yesterday morning because I am so tired and my hand won't stop tingling.  But I caved and bought a wrist guard yesterday.  Good news is, I woke up twice last night and slept a ton.  Not enough to catch up on my sleep, but we are working on it.

Symptoms: Carpal tunnel, backaches, swollen feet, tired and nasal congestion.

Best Moment of the Week: Having the twins baby shower.  We are beyond blessed and received so much.  We don't have much left to get (the car seat purchases will hurt though), but so much to set up and lots of laundry to do.

Movement: Lots of baby kicks and movement.  Still no hiccups, but these babies love to move, press on my lungs and bladder and have some kick boxing workouts inside.

Cravings: Pasta, pizza, sushi and sweets.

Gender: Two precious baby girls.

Belly Button In or Out: Out.

Wedding Ring on or Off: On, but they have been moved to my right hand as my left hand is experiencing the carpal tunnel so it is often too swollen to take the rings off my left hand.

Anything Making You Queasy or Sick: Nothing right now.

What I Miss: Working out, not being in so much discomfort, holiday drinks (eggnog and brandy, hot chocolate and peppermint schnaps, etc.), moving with ease, and basically anything that involves being active.

What I am Looking Forward to: The last home game for the Nevada Wolf Pack football team.  Tailgate theme is chili cook-off.  Since I can't cook for more than 30 mins (max), we will be bringing a dessert, but you bet your tush that I will be enjoying lots of yummy food.  Plus we are going through our baby shower stuff, setting some of it up, seeing what we still need and going into full nesting mode.  I love it.

Labor Signs: We have some Braxton Hicks contractions going on, but no signs of labor.  Thank the heavens for that.

Nursery: We put up the gold polka dots last week and now we got a bunch of things from the shower to start setting up.  Our girls are going to be so spoiled and I can't wait to reveal our nursery to all.

Emotions: Good, but more emotional this week over my exhaustion.

Stay tuned for a baby shower post soon.  I hope to get the camera today or tomorrow to start my post.  I can't wait to show you all how amazing it was.

Why You Should Join Influenster

So I know it is Tuesday and I never did a weekend update.  But that is because I am saving it for my Baby Shower post.  I am waiting on some photos that were taken with my moms camera in order to finish the post.  Let me just say the girls and I were spoiled.  Everything from the amazing food, decor, cake to the presents galore.  You name it, we were treated the very best.  I can't wait to share that with you all.

In the meantime, I am going to tell you more about one of my programs I participate in.  I will keep this short and sweet.  I am an #Influenster.  I have talked about my Vox Boxes a few times (here and on twitter mostly), but my favorite box was the Something Blue - I Do Vox Box which had some of the best essentials to prepare for your wedding.  From teeth whitening toothpaste to fake eyelashes to Dr. Scholls foot cushions, this box had it all.  I used it all and still use my KissLashes because they are so much easier to put on than the ones I have bought at Mac and other stores.

I have received quite a few boxes since becoming a member in May 2012.  It is super easy, fun and you get to try out some of the latest and greatest new beauty, electronic and practical every day items.  You can sign up at Influenster or download their new app in your app store.  Just search #InfluensterApp.  It makes taking pictures, uploading pictures and reviews so much easier.  Plus you can take pictures using the products and put them into your reviews, questions and answers.

Did I also mention that you can get perks for becoming an Influenster?  They have deals on clothes, pet insurance, gaming memberships, wine, etc.  It is a great way to connect with other bloggers, test products and get your name out there.

The Holidays Are Upon Us

I can't believe November is almost half way over.  Where has the time gone?  I still have so many holiday things to get in order before December 1st and I haven't started one of them.  Until today.  I really need to get my butt in gear now as I am sure I won't have as much motivation in the weeks to come.  

First...Christmas cards.  I am slacking here and usually have mine ordered and already being sent to me.  I need to get these created ASAP, so I can get them sent out early.

Second....Christmas shopping.  I know what you are all thinking.  It is only mid-November.  But I am a procrastinator and have the hardest time  choosing gifts for people.  I will sit in a store staring at the same item for 30 minutes contemplating if said receiver will love it or not.  I usually talk myself out of it, get frustrated and end up buying it later.  I do this in front of the computer too.  I put it in my shopping cart, let it sit there and if I forget about it, it wasn't meant to be, and if I remember it, I assume it's the perfect gift.  I do a lot of my shopping on Cyber Monday though.  So I do have some time to prep, but I would rather go in with ideas.

Third....Decorations.  With the babies coming, I want to start buying way more holiday decor.  This means decor for Halloween (missed that mark), Thanksgiving and Christmas.  I have been trying to get my husband to go to Hobby Lobby with me for some crafting stuff and Christmas decorations.  Hopefully I can wear him down tomorrow after our doctor's appointment.  If all else fails, tears should do the trick.

Fourth....Maternity photos.  I was told that taking photos around the 7th month mark would be a good idea for myself as we are pregnant with twins.  They say I should still be able to bend down, sit in positions for awhile and get some cute photos.  Well I am at 6 1/2 months and I still haven't scheduled anything.  Heck I feel huge now and not sure how this belly and pregnancy will translate into something magical and cute that I want to keep forever and hang up around the house.  Plus they are expensive and with the holidays and massive amounts of baby things we need, I am at a loss here.  Do I skip them or buck up and get them?  Opinions?

Fifth...Annual Wish List.  I always do a wish list for this blog and my family.  I haven't even thought of anything I want for the holidays.  My mind is fully on the twins and I am not sure how to "spoil" myself.  Clothes are pretty much out of question, so that leaves me jewelry, perfume and shoes.  And the more I "shop" around for these, the more likely I will just buy them for myself.  Any holiday wish list suggestions?

Are you prepared for the upcoming holidays?

26 Weeks

We have made it to week 26.   This week is full of lots of fun regarding our babies.  Not only do we have our baby shower this weekend, but we saw our precious little girls on the ultrasound yesterday and they were so cute.  One was yawning and had the perfect little profile ever.  Pouty lip and just gorgeous.  The other was being silly and had her legs folded up to her face.  She was in the breach position, but still cute as ever.

Babies are moving around and prepping for birth (but not for another couple months please)! Baby A was head down by my bladder and I suspect she is the one kicking/punching/headbutting my bladder and making me feel like I am going to pee my pants at any moment.  Baby B is right up in the rib cage area and she was in the breach position.  Both are movers and shakers and perfect in every way.  Please stay that way sweet babies.

Onto the weekly update.

Don't worry there will be lots of bump photos this weekend from my shower!

How far along: 26 weeks

Babies are the size of a: Butternut Squash/Head of Lettuce

Babies are: Well we have more official updates on the babies sizes.  They are currently measuring 2 pounds and 2 pounds 2 ounces.  I am not sure how long they are at the moment, but websites suggest they are around 15 inches each.  They are ahead of schedule, so that is a bit more comforting since twins usually come early.

This week our babies eyes are forming and they will soon be able to open them up.  Their eyelashes are growing too which hopefully they get their daddy's long lashes.  Babies are building their immune systems and taking breaths too.  We even saw them breathing on the ultrasound yesterday.  So amazing.

Maternity Clothes: Still the same clothes.  I did manage to buy two pairs of sweats (I live in them when I am not at work or having guests over), a cardigan and another shirt.  I need some more sales and cute stuff to spice up this wardrobe.

Stretch Marks: I am really sad to say I found my first stretch mark on the underside of my belly on the right side.  I kinda felt it, and then saw it in the mirror.  There may have been a tear or two.  I love these babies more than anything, but my body is taking its toll here.

Sleep: Just ok.  Between the stuffy noses, the nightly trips to the bathroom and the lack of room for the babies in my belly, sleep is getting harder.  Though last night I passed out fast and only woke up twice.  I call that a major win! 

Symptoms: Backaches, skin stretching and overall exhausted.

Best Moment of the Week:  Seeing our little girls on the ultrasound screen and how beautifully they are doing.  I just love them more and more every moment and can't wait to meet them.  I can't wait to see their faces, smell them (nothing like "the" baby smell) and hold them.  I am one proud momma here.

Movement: Lots of baby kicks and movement.  I love watching my stomach move and feeling the babies kick at me.  I often talk to them after their kicks and this is definitely one thing I will miss once they are born.
Cravings: Fruit (big time apple kick), ice cream and pizza.  Same as always.
Gender: Two precious baby girls.
Belly Button In or Out: Mostly out.
Wedding Ring on or Off: On, but tight.  Might have to move them onto my right side and figure something out soon.  So sad.
Anything Making You Queasy or Sick: Nothing right now.
What I Miss: Working out.  I see all these mommies to be who are still working out (anywhere from 16 weeks to 25 weeks) and I feel a pang of jealousy.  I want to go on a run, take a workout class, walk my dog, or something.  I did manage two shorter walks with my hubby and pup this weekend and it felt great.  I am stretching at home, but that is about it for this momma.
What I am Looking Forward to: My baby shower this weekend thrown by my mom, sister and mother in law.  I can't wait to spoil these girls!
Labor Signs: We have some Braxton Hicks contractions going on, but no signs of labor.  Thank the heavens for that.
Nursery: It is coming along even more.  We have both cribs up, the recliner in, some of the decor done (polka dots on the wall and mobiles) and things are moving along in there.  I absolutely love their room right now and can't wait to have it complete.
Emotions: Way better this week than last week.  Things are more calm at work, things are great at home and just a overall sense of happiness this week.  Let's keep it that way please.

Weekend Update and a Gender Reveal

It is Monday again, but also a mini Friday since we have tomorrow off of work.  Then another two days of work and bam three day weekend for me.  So I take this week as a win regardless if I have two doctor appointments this week that could upset me once again.

This weekend was full of fun, relaxation and baby stuff.  Great weekend if you ask me.

Friday evening started off with date night with the best husband at Campo.

 Isn't he such a goofball?

He drank yummy (or I am assuming it was yummy since it was wine) wine and I had a strawberry Italian soda.  Oh have times have changed.

But don't worry because I indulged on so much food that night.  I pretty had a food baby and two actual babies in my belly.  Check out my husbands squid ink pasta filled with crab and other yummy goodness.

And we can't forget my amazing beef sugo rigatoni pasta.  Pure heaven.  I could have licked my plate clean.

The beef was so tender with veggies mixed in, lots of cheese, pasta and the best sauce (from the beef sugo).  I wish I was having this for lunch and dinner tonight.

But then we got dessert because this pregnant gal loves dessert even if she is full.  I will make room and wait until I can have dessert.  We got the last homemade ice cream sandwiches with peanut butter ice cream and peanut butter chocolate chip cookies.

Yes we each got one of these.  There was no way I was sharing this piece of heaven.

Then we went home full of food and my husband proceeded to crash within an hour of getting home.  Food coma.

Saturday was full of baby stuff.  We put together the second crib, the recliner, the dresser pulls and then my husband and pup went on a hike.  I finished baby #2s mobile and relaxed until it was time to get ready for Jess' gender reveal party.  Is it a boy or girl?

Isn't this the cutest cake for a gender reveal?

It's a girl!!  Little Miss Piper McKenzie Morning will be gracing us with her arrival in May.  So excited that our baby girls will have another girl to have play dates with.

Some of the ladies from the party

There are 14 girls in this picture.  Because four of us ladies are having baby girls (I am having two!).  Such a great evening.  Plus I had the biggest slice of that gender reveal cake...almond cake.  Yum.  And the pretty lady who made the cake is making my baby shower cake for this weekend.  So excited.

Sunday was a day of relaxation because I needed it.  My husband golfed, I watched football and grocery shopped.  That was literally it for me.  I ate food, kicked my feet up and enjoyed Sunday football and cuddles with my handsome pup.

Now I can't wait for this upcoming weekend.  My baby shower is finally here, friends are coming into town for it and I can't wait to celebrate the Butler babies.  Oh and did I mention these little girls have names all set?  That post is to come this week.

Hope you all had a good weekend.

Oh Hey, Friday!

Oh Hey Friday.  I am actually around, functional and have something to say for this Friday link up.  So let's just get right into it.

One.  My bikini Brazilian wax wasn't as bad as I imagined it would be.  So let's break it down here for a second.  I came in with every intention on getting an extended bikini wax, but after talking to the sweet Alana, she convinced me Brazilian would hurt about the same, but I would be happier with the results in the long run due to pregnancy.

So there I was, laying spread eagle on the table with my huge belly showing.  Alana puts some green hard wax on.  Basically it is a warm wax that hardens and you don't need fabric strips to rip it off.  She let's it harden while talking to you and making you relax a bit more.  Then she pulls a test area/area to grip, counts to three and rips.  And you should breathe out at 3 and then she puts her hand on that area for the pain.  Wow that was shocking and painful, but not that bad.  Then she uses the wax with the strips for the bikini area around the belly because the hard wax can leave a hickey like bruise if you use the hard wax.  Then it was onto the other side, then the back side and some clean up.

I made it through and she used this heavenly coconut oil after that was amazing.  It is also great for stretch mark prevention and doesn't leave your skin oily or stain.  So I definitely will be picking some of that up today.

Overall, it was a successful appointment and I even made another appointment 4 weeks from now and plan to keep going throughout and after this pregnancy.  You can say Alana won me over.  Pro wax now!

Two.  My sweet friend has her gender reveal this weekend.  I can't wait to see what the Morning's have in store for them.  I am guessing BOY, but also hoping for a girl, so my little ladies have more playmates.

This was yesterday at the ultrasound.  Will Baby Morning be Baby Piper or Baby Griffin?  Plus the girl on the left...ya she makes the best cakes and she is making the gender reveal cake plus my baby shower cake and I can't wait to eat so much yummy cake.

Three.  Nordstrom is having their 40% off sale right now and I am coveting these booties.

 Sam Edelman 'Louie' Booties

BP 'Trolley' Ankle Boot

Not necessarily in these colors, but I need these!  Actually several colors of each would do.  Should I pull the trigger?

Four.  I still haven't received my glucose test results and I am worried that I didn't pass.  You know with twins, my massive amounts of sugar consumption (except the week of the test) and my plain luck, I am not so sure I passed.  If I leave the nurse a message asking for an update, please call me back so I don't keep eating sugary things everyday.  I do have cake on the menu tomorrow evening and next week.  I want to be able to eat piece after piece.  Thank you.

Five.  Date Night.  I can't wait to have date night tonight with this fella.

Yummy Italian food, my handsome husband and a movie.  My heart gets so excited for these nights.  We have to soak it in now because date nights will come less and less once our girls are here.  I just wish Horrible Bosses 2 and Hunger Games: Catching Fire were out this weekend.

What are your weekend plans?  Wanna join in on the link up fun?

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