31 weeks!

Thanksgiving ;)

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!!!!!!!!!!! (one day late)

We had a great week despite a horrific cold plaguing our Layla.

Last weekend, we had so much fun with Josh's parents!! They got into town on Thursday and we had a blast.

Friday, Josh & I went down the shore for the night to stay at Harrahs - we had a lot of fun, gambled a bunch, barely slept (literally) thanks to SCREAMING obnoxious 21 year old girls roaming the hallway until 5 AM, lots of food, getting baby B's room together (all furniture is put together and now it's time to ORGANIZE!) and more.

Sunday was my niece, Samantha's, baby naming. It was SO SO SO lovely -- Adam & Heather did a great job and it was a wonderful afternoon.

Monday was our last music class of the season :( I'm so sad! I decided we'll be starting again in January but it will be hard with a newborn so we'll see how it goes.

Tuesday was tumble tunes and when I realized Layla's cold was in full effect - blah! We had some work done on the house including a cat door installed for the basement (amazing), ceiling fans in the bedrooms, a bigger mantle to hold our cable box (no more hanging wires!) and the door to nursery is fixed (it kept sticking). I love all these little house improvements and we're really making progress. That afternoon, we had an ultrasound - Baby boy looked GREAT!!! He now weighs a whopping 4 pounds, 11 ounces (WOWOWOW) which is the 71%. I wonder if my scheduled C-Section date is a dream and he'll arrive early?! We'll see!! My mom came with me to the ultrasound which was great.

Thanksgiving was last night -- my mom did a beautiful job and it was really, really nice. The food, family and overall feeling was wonderful!! Layla also slept from 7:30 PM - 8:40 AM two nights ago, WOAH! Long sleep thanks to a cold. Combined with an almost 2 hour nap!! SO amazing.

We're having a lot of fun having Josh home from work -- we went to the mall this morning and got Layla her first pair of pink UGGS! This afternoon we were able to play on the swing set thanks to gorgeous fall weather -- now it's time for lunch, cuddles and relaxing!!

So much to write but my mind if all over the place and I'd much rather lay on my sofa ;)

Cheers to a great holiday - lots of love!!

How far along? 31 weeks, 2 days in picture, 31 weeks 4 days today!

Total weight gain/loss: Up 36.6 pounds. Sucks. And it's Thanksgiving this week so the normal person's weight gain combined with my pregnant weight gain? I'm expecting a 5 pound weight gain next week, literally. 

Maternity clothes? Yes.  

Stretch marks? Not yet - fingers crossed.

Sleep: Hard. Painful. Peeing a lot. And last night at 2:00 AM, I was greeted by my first leg cramp. I wouldn't wish this on my worst enemy. Painful is an understatement :( 

Best moment this week: Spending Thanksgiving last night with my family - it was SO lovely and the food was SO yummy and I was really, really happy.

Have you told family and friends: I'm 8 months pregnant. I don't think I can hide it any longer.

Movement: He is my moving boy!!!

Food cravings:  Always hungry. Always thinking about my next meal. Chubby.

Anything making you queasy or sick: Nope.  

Gender prediction: BOY!! 

Labor Signs: Braxton Hicks. Slight pressure.

Belly Button in or out? Barely in.

Wedding rings on or off? On! 

Happy or Moody most of the time: Very happy and VERY ready!!

Weekly Wisdom: Take seconds of the sweet potatoes or you'll regret it the next day. So good.

Milestones: We're in our 8 month!!

Walking with her grandparents!

Snuggles.

Music Class!

Love the shakers!!

My belly & Layla!

Proof that she was still asleep at 7:30 AM (and continued to sleep until 8:40 AM) - so proud.

Marley, Layla, Ava & POP-POP!

Goals before 30. (Part 1)

In just over 10 months, I'll be turning 30.
9/21/13.
I'll be saying goodbye to my 20s.
The best years of my life, thus far.
A time of change, happiness, sadness, love lost and love found, moving, discovering and learning.
I think back to the past decade and can divide it into emotions, cities, smiles or tears.
I'm ready for 30...
but not without wanting to accomplish a few things before!

My list. My goals. I hope I can accomplish some (if not all) of these. This is the first 5.... I'll write the next 5 later. When I have more time and can concentrate  Enjoy -- what are your goals?? (The remaining include eating organic, reading more books, traveling, dates with my love and more!)

1. "Skinny Minnie" -- It's no secret that weight gain is inevitable as you get older. Combine two pregnancies in 2 years and you've got yourself some WORK to do. My body is different. I'm wider, fuller, thicker. My boobs and butt no longer resemble a 21 year old. And while I'd love to proclaim that I LOVE my mama body... I'd be lying. I'm craving that feeling of feeling thin.  Despite loving all the dessert I've consumed over these past few months, I'm sick of feeling slow. Sluggish. Out of shape. SO... my goal for 30 (or rather the month before as we'll be spending a week on the beach in the Outer Banks) -- I goal is to get to my college weight. Not the skinny, borderline anorexic number but rather the graduation from college number. I know I can do it. Breastfeeding will help me lose some of this weight and then diet & exercise will help with the rest. It will be hard work, no doubt. Josh has been working out almost daily at our new local gym (couldn't be prouder of you, babe) and I can't wait to join him. They have free babysitting so I have NO excuse.

Enough said.

2. "Martha Stewart" -- We bought our new, single home in March 2011. Layla was born in June 2011. And thus began the months upon months of NON-DECORATING. The house remained the same. The cream walls and boring art. It drove Josh & I crazy but we never made a change - until recently. We're finally starting to decorate and buy furniture we love. We're going slow and making it our own, but it's coming together. My goal is to have the entire house (or as close as possible) represent us. I want to print more pictures. Invest in furniture. Paint. Add lighting. We've already started and I can't wait to see the finished products.

I love this whole room. It's so inviting and warm.

3. "Get it together" -- Organization. I pride myself on being on time, keeping track of everything (via my planner that I carry everywhere), keeping daily track of our finances, never paying a bill late -- but my drawers and closets tell a different story. They are messy and I'm constantly searching for important paperwork when needed. I need to get it together and organize our lives. Binders, a file cabinet or something of the sort. A home for batteries, coupons and pictures. Everything needs a space and I need to figure it out. My goal is to have all of important paperwork in one place and organize/clean every junk drawer.

I need all of these.

4. "Picture this" -- A few years back, I discovered the fun of a professional photographer. I've learned how amazing & important a picture can be. These days are flying by and I never want to forget any moment. I took weekly pictures of Layla, monthly pictures of Layla and professional pictures every 3 months for her 1st year of life. I LOVE these pictures and vow to do this again with baby B. I've created albums and will continue to do so. I don't want B to feel left out so I promise to do the same amount of pictures with him that I did with Layla. My goal is to take a million pictures of our family, frame and organize them into photo books and FINALLY CREATE OUR WEDDING ALBUM!!

Similar to my camera - combined with my new IPhone 5 - I'm set for picture taking!!

5. "Snobby Goal"-- I never dreamt I'd be able to afford a Louis Vuitton bag. Or rather -- never thought I'd marry someone who could ;) My goal before 30 is to buy, cherish and love a Louis Vuitton bag. It's silly and naive and dumb to spend that much money on a bag - but they're beautiful and classic and I dream of them. And my goal before 30 is to own one. 

Hello, lover. (Torn on which bag I want - I love them all)

30 weeks - 75% cooked!

LAYLA.  the best. eating a french fry. her goal in life everyday.

It's been a lovely few days... the weather has been SO crazy - Sunday & Monday were literally SO warm we didn't need jackets and it was great to spend time outside. Now today, it's cold and breezy but sunny - it's confusing and I think we've really pissed off mother nature :( 

Today is exactly TWO months until the babe's arrival. I can't believe it and yet I'm so ready for him to be ready -- it's getting harder. I'm getting bigger and my energy levels are starting to dip. My back pain is so severe sometimes I literally want to scream out. The nursery isn't finished (not even close) and it's giving me anxiety. Thanksgiving is NEXT week, December is fast approaching and time is flying and moving so slow all at once.

Layla has been a gem lately - truly spectacular  I love every second with her. She's been a sleeping queen lately - going much closer to 12 hours a night (instead of 11) and sleeping two LONG naps each day. It's glorious and so very appreciated. She's just incredible. If I had to pick one word to describe her, I think it would be LOVING. I mean - the kisses and hugs are endless. And to everyone. My youngest nieces, Remi & Sami, are constantly being smothered in kisses and I can only hope she feels that way about the new babe!!

Tomorrow, Josh's parents arrive... I'm so excited!! We are getting a lot of stuff done around the house and Josh & I were lucky enough to score a free room in Atlantic City for the night on Friday. I can't wait!! Layla will get some quality time with her grandparents while Josh & I get a true date night!! I hope I can stay awake - I'm also reaaally hoping to squeeze a maternity massage in!! Other plans include a night out with friends on Saturday to celebrate Shari's birthday and Sami's baby naming on Sunday, wahoo!!!

Next week - we're having some stuff done at the house - ceiling fans, extended mantle, cat door put in and the new nursery's door fixed. It's fun doing all this house stuff!!

Sometime right around now.... 10 years ago.... Josh & I met. I can't believe it's been 10 years. Is that real?? I think back on our relationship and can't help but smile. It's been a whirlwind, to say the least. Ups. Downs. Long Distance. Break ups. Engagements. Two houses. One amazing wedding. Millions of smiles. One perfect baby girl. One baby on the way. I can't wait to see what  the next 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 and 100 years brings. I love you, my bee.

Big belly. Low belly.

In a shirt - looks pointy??

How far along? 30 weeks, 2 days.

Total weight gain/loss: I am NOT counting my way in today - quite frankly because I don't want to believe it. Is it normal to gain 3-4 pounds EVERY week?! I don't think so. Here's hoping next week I'm back to normal. 

Maternity clothes? Yes.  

Stretch marks? Not yet. LET'S GO BIO OIL!

Sleep: Last night was actually decent but it's painful, painful, painful. I can't turn over without severe pain. Nothing really helps. I also wake up early and can't go back to sleep.

Best moment this week: Our dear friends getting engaged. Lots of meals out with the family. Spending time with my BFF Melanie. 

Have you told family and friends: Lots of love on facebook this week thanks to posting a few pictures - this helped a lot as I feel like a house. People are kind, even if they don't mean it. hahaha. 

Movement: He doesn't stop. Literally doesn't stop.

Food cravings:  Hunger, hunger, hunger. I just eat all the time.

Anything making you queasy or sick: Nope.  

Gender prediction: BOY!! 

Labor Signs: No. I had a dream that I was having a C-Section on Friday which was way too early. I was terrified. I think baby boy is going to come early.

Belly Button in or out? Barely in.

Wedding rings on or off? On! 

Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy!! 

Weekly Wisdom: Don't weigh yourself. You may want to commit suicide. Just kidding.

Milestones: Josh's parents come tomorrow for the last visit before baby B's arrival. whaaaaaaaat?? where is time going?? 75% cooked - wowza.

Favorite recipes!!

A quick post to write about our recent favorite recipes.
Josh & I are crock-pot obsessed. And with good reason. It's, without a doubt, the best cooking took available.
In our family, Josh is the cook. He loves to put together new dishes, try new things, and overall really enjoys the act of cooking.
I, on the other hand, do NOT like to cook. I'll bake something and if a recipe is easy, I'll enjoy it but otherwise - the thought of prepping and cooking a dinner is not my cup of tea.
Unless, of course, we're talking about a crock-pot.
We have now made Sundays are crock-pot days and we've been swapping between these recipes (all thanks to Pinterest!) and I thought I'd share. If you don't love to cook, enjoy... these will make you feel like a big shot from the cooking channel - meanwhile, you are really just putting a bunch of different random foods at 10 AM and buy 5 PM, your dinner is ready and you seem like the hero!

Enjoy!! :)

Feel free to swap out things to make them healthier... we use all organic meat in everything we cook and buy low-fat! 

If you have any easy, yummy, favorite recipes - I'd love to hear about them!!!! 

Crockpot Sloppy Joes.
(We serve this with sweet potato fries and it's perfect for football Sunday!)

Ingredients:

•2 pounds lean ground beef
•1 medium onion, chopped
•2 cloves garlic, minced
•1 cup ketchup
•1/2 bell pepper, seeded and chopped
•3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
•3 tablespoons brown sugar
•2 tablespoons prepared mustard
•2 tablespoons cider vinegar
•1 1/2 teaspoons chili powder
•hamburger buns

Preparation:
In a heavy skillet, brown ground beef with onion and garlic. Drain off excess fat.
Combine ketchup, bell pepper, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, mustard, vinegar, and chili powder in slow cooker. Stir in ground beef mixture. Cover and cook on LOW setting for 5 to 7 hours. Serve spooned over hamburger buns.
Serves 6 to 8

Hawaiian Chicken

(We just made this for the first time this weekend and it was SO good - the chicken ending up shredding and we added a can of cubed pineapple for the last hour which was YUMMY - we served with a salad and a side of potatoes. Next time we'll add assorted veggies just to increase nutritional value).

Ingredients:

1 cup pineapple juice 

1/2 cup packed brown sugar 

1/3 cup light soy sauce 

2 pounds chicken breast tenderloins.

Cook on low 6-8 hrs and they should just fall apart.

Crock-Pot Lasagna

(We made a different recipe once before and didn't love it - this was SO much better. Yummy, stayed together perfectly and tasted divine! Served with a salad)

Ingredients

1 lb. ground beef

29 oz can tomato sauce

8 oz pkg. lasagna noodles, uncooked

4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese

Directions

1. Spray the inside of the crock-pot with cooking spray

2. Brown the ground beef

3. Stir the tomato sauce in with the ground beef

4. Spread 1/4 of the meat sauce on the bottom of the crock-pot

5. Arrange 1/3 of the uncooked noodles over the sauce (I usually break them up so they fit better)

6. Combine the cheeses in a bowl. Spoon 1/3 of the cheeses over the noodles.

7. Repeat these layers twice

8. Top with remaining sauce

9. Cover and cook on low for 4hrs (I've started the crock-pot on high in the morning before I leave for work and then put it on warm when I leave and it's perfect when I get home)

10. Let the lasagna stand in the crock-pot with the lid off for at least 10 minutes 

"Cherry Cheesecake Dip"

(We can't forget dessert. This was a huge help and was quite possibly the easiest thing I've ever made. Served with low-fat graham crackers and low-fat cool whip).

Mix Jello No-Bake Cheesecake mix with one container of Cool Whip.   Chill.   Top with a can of cherry pie filling.   Serve with graham crackers.
Yummy Goodness (I don't know what else to call this, hahaha) (Not low-fat. And I'd suggest adding muffin papers next time or at least using Pam to spray the dish - we had to eat these with spoons. Which was totally okay by me.)

Preheat oven to 350; 

Smoosh 1.5 squares of break-apart refrigerated cookie dough into the bottom of each well. (i used a muffin tin)

Place Reese cup upside down on top of cookie dough (or an Oreo!). 

Top with prepared box brownie mix (prepared however the box says) filling 3/4 full. 

Bake for 18 minutes! 

HEAVEN.

17 months!!!

Attempting a smile. Goofy face. Not in the mood for 17 month pictures. DUH MAMA!!

Here Mr Bear...YOU wear the silly sticker!!!

I'm tired. I have a cold. What do you want from me.

Love this face.

17 month stats:

Weight: 25 pounds. (50th percentile)

Height: 32.5 inches (75th percentile)

Eating: Lots!! AND trying new things everyday - continues with organic whole milk when she wakes up, before naps and before bed.

Clothes: 12-18 month, 18 month, 18-24 month and 24 month! 

Diaper: Size 4. Size 5 at night.

Shoe Size: 4 1/2 - 5

Layla Jules...

17 months... are we sure?! I can't believe how fast time is flying. I know I say it every month, but these past few weeks have been my favorite with you. You are SO funny, your personality is starting to seriously shine and you make everyone around you smile. We can't wait to spend time with you everyday and we simply want you to know how loved you are.

A walking, yelling, talking, screaming, laughing, singing MACHINE!! The days of crawling are completely behind us and you are becoming the fastest walker/runner/climber ever. You are a TRUE toddler and I see this everyday, especially when you get frustrated. I am working on teaching you to "use your words" instead of hitting or crying when you get frustrated. You seem to (mostly) understand and we're working on keeping emotions under wraps. You also hit & bite sometimes and laugh afterwards. We are teaching you this is not nice and isntead to give kisses & hugs, which is your speciality!!

This month including Sesame Place, Florida, Halloween and your SECOND hurricane (thanks Sandy!) - it's also randomly snowing today so we'll have to make sure to get you outside as it barely snowed last year. We haven't had the chance to use your swing set much but you get plenty of playtime in. Your favorite toys are your blocks, car, huge Grover, stuffed animals, and flash cards. We are going to really work on your letters and numbers. When you are in the mood, you can count - and WELL!! We count to 10 and you chime in on most numbers. My genius. With just about 1 month to go until you start school, I have no doubt you'll blow those teachers away with your knowledge!! I'm very nervous for you to start school but so excited too. You sometimes have stranger anxiety but I know you'll learn to love your teachers and make many friends as you are indeed a social butterfly. 

When you are in the car or sitting playing, you sometimes talk to yourself. I have no idea what you are saying but it's SO SO SO cute and sweet and funny. I'll hear random words mixed in including Rigby, Shluffy, Mama, Dada, Marley and assorted other family members. It's clear you are telling a story and I LOVE IT! 

Now that the minivan has a DVD player, you are completely obsessed. I only let you watch every few car rides so we can continue our car "chats" -- your favorite movies this month include Lion King ("Simba"), Toy Story ("Woody Buzz"), Tangled ("Rider"), Finding Nemo ("Nemo"), Shrek ("Donkey") and Happy Feet. You also LOVE Jack's Big Music Show and Sesame Street. If music is on, you better believe your little bum is dancing all over the living room - it's so cute. 

You love to sleep -- you LOVE your crib and pretend to go night-night often. You even fake snore (and real snore while sleeping..haha) - You sleep 11-12 hours a night going to bed at 7:30 PM. You nap twice a day and I'm nervous for when school starts because your naps will be completely screwed up on those days, but I guess we're bound to get to one nap a day soon? You'll adjust I'm sure. You still love Kyle and Mr Bear. 

I'm so proud of you and the way you are trying new foods!! Your current favorites are matzoh ball soup (your # 1 food!), fruit (apples, raspberries, oranges, blueberries, bananas, grapes), string cheese, sour tomatoes, pickles, apple sauce and all yogurt drinks/smoothies. You finally loved a big bowl of spaghetti and sauce so we'll be trying that again ASAP (probably tonight). You eat whole wheat chicken nuggets every once in a while and enjoyed a bowl of black bean soup last night!! You love tastes of my cookies and cakes and ice cream but really prefer french fries and chips (all in tiny amounts). I am working hard to keep your diet primarily organic and I want you to lead a healthy life. 

This is our last month of our current schedule. Mondays continue with music class and lunch with Pop-Pop, Tuesdays continue with Toddler Tunes, Wednesdays spent with Brooke, Thursdays at Mom-Mom & Pop-Pop's and Fridays free! We love the weekends most because Dada is home with us. We have so much fun as a family and giggle often. You love to snuggle and play. Right now, you're in a bit of a Mama phase - you want lots of mama time and I'm 100% okay with this :) :) :)

This month coming up should be lovely and fun... plans include a visit from Grandma & Grandpa, Thanksgiving and snuggles by the fireplace!! We are doing a lot of house changes and my list includes turning part of the basement into your very own playroom. I am on the search for the perfect play kitchen for you (Hanukkah is soon!) and I think you'll love it.

Less then 10 weeks to go until your world will become VERY different... your new baby brother will enter the world. We will be spoiling you rotten these last few weeks. I know you'll never remember the times we spent together, just the two of us, but I will forever cherish these memories. You are the best.

LOVE YOU!!!!!!!! 
MAMA

I never get tired of looking at her name on the wall... and now she reads it too! :) (Designs by Dee Dee made her letters if interested!)

Putting together baby B's bookcase!!

A quick break for a smooch!

Her favorite seat in the house... the new babe's chair. She doesn't fit and doesn't care. 

Fun at music class!!

Voting with MAMA!! So proud!!

29 weeks!

happy 29 weeks!!! 

a quick post but I have Layla's 17 month all ready (just need to upload pictures). 

Yesterday included Layla turning 17 months, our 4 year anniversary of getting engaged (and buying our 1st townhouse which we've since sold) and ELECTION DAY! Proud to say Obama will be president another 4 years. I was so nervous.  

Three rooms in our house  are officially painted and looks amazingggggg - I need to finally decorate but it's all coming together!!! 

I am also going to do a post of all the yummy and easy recipes we've been enjoying lately. I'm pinterest obsessed!! 

If you get a quick second, give a little prayer or thought to my dear Mom-Mom Rose and Mom-Mom Millie. Both going through health issues and I think of them daily. I love them so much and I'm so lucky to have them in my life. 

... okay, until later! it's snowing today! 

Is it me or does it seriously look LOWER?? I think he's coming early. 

• How far along? 29 weeks, 2 days.
• Total weight gain/loss: +31.6 pounds. Crap. 
• Maternity clothes? Yes.  
• Stretch marks? Less then 10 weeks to go - praying I make it stretch mark free.
• Sleep: Still tough. Extremely painful. And on top of it, Layla's monitor broke. I am obsessed with the video monitor and until it's fixed, I wake up often wanting to see her and can't. Blah.
• Best moment this week: Date night with Josh to see "Argo" and Obama winning the election. 
• Have you told family and friends: Everywhere I go, people now comment on how big my belly is. The nice thing is they lie and say I don't look big anywhere else. HA! I'm up 31 pounds. It's okay and appreciate your lies <3 
• Movement: TONS - and he loves food. And he loves to make weird movements and Josh watches and loves it.
• Food cravings:  I'm just always hungry. And as soon as I'm done eating, I'm wondering what to eat next.
• Anything making you queasy or sick: Nope.  
• Gender prediction: BOY!! 
• Labor Signs: No. I think I may have started with braxton hicks but I'm not positive.
• Belly Button in or out? Barely in.
• Wedding rings on or off? On! 
• Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy!! 
• Weekly Wisdom: Don't want things that give you anxiety - such as Argo and the election coverage. You'll feel as though you are having a heart attack.
• Milestones: We painted and cleaned out the babe's nursery - it's time to decorate and put all the furniture together. It's all coming together!!

LOVE MY GIRL.

28 weeks!

•  Busy but quick update!!!
• Hurricane Sandy has come and gone and left a huge path of destruction behind. We were beyond lucky to experience no damage and kept our power. It was extremely scary and I would never wish that wind on anyone. Jersey, NYC, PA along with so many other places were seriously effected. Scary. Horrible. And my beaches will never be the same :(
• We booked our flights for March -- baby B's first trip to Florida!! It is all very exciting. And equally terrifying to think about flying/traveling with two babies. Holy moly. 
• Three rooms our being painted in our house today. I looked in on the living room and love it (yellow). The baby's nursery turned out a lot more blue then I anticipated (despite a paint name of LAZY GREY!?) - hoping it turns into a bit more grey as it dries but I love it regardless. I haven't seen my master bedroom but I really hope it's more grey (I chose a color called essential grey).  There are 5 men painting here and they are fast and good. I'm excited.
• I have a dentist appointment this afternoon for a routine cleaning. I'm almost 5 months late. Uh. 
• Layla took a 3 hour nap at my parent's house this morning. This is a record and I'm so proud of her. 
• Must go but lots to say - plans this weekend include lunch with the girls downtown tomorrow, dinner with my lover Jaime tomorrow night, a date night to the movies and dinner Saturday and FINALLY starting to clean out the nursery on Sunday!!!
• I can't wait for the election to be over. 6 days and we're done!! (p.s. please win, Obama)

Please ignore my dirty mirror.

• How far along? 28 weeks, 3 days.
• Total weight gain/loss: +28.6 pounds. Looking like I'll gain as much as I did with Layla. Not cool. 
• Maternity clothes? I'm in a non-maternity shirt today and if clothes could talk, I'm fairly certain this one would say - "OW... I CAN'T GET STRETCH ANY FURTHER!"  
• Stretch marks? I thought I saw one this morning but it's gone now - phew! None yet. I'm hoping and praying I can get through the next 11 weeks mark-free!
• Sleep: Rough. I sleep okay but wake up often and it's extremely painful to turn over. Last night I woke up at 4 AM and basically never went back to sleep.
• Best moment this week: Hearing the babe's heartbeat last night. And surviving the hurricane.
• Have you told family and friends: I'm knocked up. I think all know. 
• Movement: Lots of movement. I was told at my appointment last night I need to start doing kick counts.
• Food cravings:  Nothing really. I guess this week the theme is everything bagels.
• Anything making you queasy or sick: Nope.  
• Gender prediction: BOY!! 
• Labor Signs: No.
• Belly Button in or out? Barely in.
• Wedding rings on or off? On! 
• Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy. Scary week with the hurricane.
• Weekly Wisdom: My doctor told me I can take Benadryl for my random left itchy foot. I am going to try it this weekend. I think it's time I got a good night's sleep.
• Milestones: The baby's nursery getting painted today is making things very real. He will be here. In 2 1/2 months, exactly (unless he makes a random early appearance!)

Dada & Layla laying on the kitchen floor randomly during the hurricane.

Hurricane Sandy picnic!!