a couple of my favorite things are giving my opinion and "smelly goods". As you can imagine, I was very excited to receive the #EternityNow Voxbox from Influenster. I receive the items complimentary to test and share my opinion with you all.
I received a woman's perfume sample and a man's cologne sample. I'll start with the perfume. I have it on now actually. I LOVE it. It isn't an overpowering floral that will induce headaches. It's feminine, sexy and fresh. Rob's opinion of it was "this is how you hope a woman will smell" so he's a fan, too. Calvin Klein's Eternity Now is now (hehe) on my Christmas wish list.
Rob sprayed his without me knowing and to be honest, I didn't notice it right away. This for me is a good thing because I don't like to smell you in the same room. While the actual scent probably isn't my favorite man's cologne, I appreciate the softness to it. It makes me want to snuggle. To me, this is more of an everyday scent than a going out to a nice restaurant scent, if that makes sense. You can still wear it out to dinner though! :)
I hope you found my review helpful. I definitely recommend both fragrances.
Wednesday, October 7, 2015
Wednesday, July 2, 2014
Influenster TLC voxbox
I was stoked to receive this voxbox. I'm a mom to 3 young children so this was perfect for me.
Let's begin with what was inside my TLC voxbox.
Isn't this just a perfect mom box?!
Puffs (plus lotion) to go in a small convenient package. Yes! If you have small humans, you know how handy these are. The package doesn't take up much space plus the tissues are soft on sensitive noses. I will continue buying these to take with me.
Ivory bar soap. To be honest, one of my favorite things to do with Ivory bar soap (since I only use body wash) is a fun experiment that my kids love. Pop the bar of soap into the microwave and it expands to a foam. It smells so great too!
Neosporin "Neo To Go" came at a perfect time. My middle child scraped her toe so I used this while we were out. It's a gentle ointment that causes no added pain to a "booboo". This is another perfect item to keep in a purse or diaper bag, like the puffs tissues!
We haven't used the coupon for FREE Breyers gelato, but only because I keep forgetting it. I'm going to put it by my keys to take grocery shopping. Given Breyers' reputation, I'm sure it is delish. I will update this once we try it though.
The Fuel Rewards card is super cool. You can use the card at certain dining to earn fuel discounts. Once you spend $50 (which doesn't have to be all at one time), you earn 10 cents a gallon. There is an online mall (50 cents a gal. for every $50 spent) too! It's very simple, just look for the Shell Fuel Rewards symbol at partcipating locations, swipe or scan your card and add up your discounts. I had never heard of this program before receiving my voxbox.
The last item is Avon Anew Reversalist Wrinkle Smoother, which I haven't seen much of a difference. I'm going to keep using this for this upcoming week and I will update again.
*I received these products complimentary for testing purposes from Influenster. Thanks, Influenster!*
Let's begin with what was inside my TLC voxbox.
Isn't this just a perfect mom box?!
Puffs (plus lotion) to go in a small convenient package. Yes! If you have small humans, you know how handy these are. The package doesn't take up much space plus the tissues are soft on sensitive noses. I will continue buying these to take with me.
Ivory bar soap. To be honest, one of my favorite things to do with Ivory bar soap (since I only use body wash) is a fun experiment that my kids love. Pop the bar of soap into the microwave and it expands to a foam. It smells so great too!
Neosporin "Neo To Go" came at a perfect time. My middle child scraped her toe so I used this while we were out. It's a gentle ointment that causes no added pain to a "booboo". This is another perfect item to keep in a purse or diaper bag, like the puffs tissues!
We haven't used the coupon for FREE Breyers gelato, but only because I keep forgetting it. I'm going to put it by my keys to take grocery shopping. Given Breyers' reputation, I'm sure it is delish. I will update this once we try it though.
The Fuel Rewards card is super cool. You can use the card at certain dining to earn fuel discounts. Once you spend $50 (which doesn't have to be all at one time), you earn 10 cents a gallon. There is an online mall (50 cents a gal. for every $50 spent) too! It's very simple, just look for the Shell Fuel Rewards symbol at partcipating locations, swipe or scan your card and add up your discounts. I had never heard of this program before receiving my voxbox.
The last item is Avon Anew Reversalist Wrinkle Smoother, which I haven't seen much of a difference. I'm going to keep using this for this upcoming week and I will update again.
*I received these products complimentary for testing purposes from Influenster. Thanks, Influenster!*
Sunday, March 30, 2014
Influenster Optic White voxbox
My recent Influenster voxbox is the Colgate Optic White voxbox. I'm already a Colgate fan so you can imagine that I am excited about this one.
Included in my box:
- Colgate optic white toothbrush + built-in whitening pen (so cool)
- trial size optic white toothpaste
- 6 $3.00 optic white toothbrush + built-in whitening pen coupons
The steps for whiter teeth in 2 days:
1. Brush
2. Apply the gel (no rinsing or waiting on those busy mornings)
3. Store your whitening pen in the bottom of your toothbrush!
Although, Colgate promotes whiter teeth in 2 days, it suggests to continue using until the pen until is finished and brush your teeth twice daily. You should be brushing your teeth twice daily without Colgate's advice anyway! Also, no children under 12 should use this product. If you're interested in learning more, visit www.colgateopticwhite.com.
Now on to my experience.
Toothbrush: I love a new toothbrush. The bristles weren't too hard, so so A+.
Toothpaste: It's a paste. I like gel, so that loses a few points, but my teeth felt really clean afterwards.
Pen: It's easy to use. Turn the bottom of the eon and the gel will come up, then just apply to your teeth.
After 2 days, truthfully, I did notice a small difference. I wouldn't have noticed one at all without taking before and after pictures (on zoom). I would definitely recommend giving this a try before you opt for a more experience teeth whitening, but I wouldn't expect a drastic change, especially after only 2 days.
I received these products complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes.
Included in my box:
- Colgate optic white toothbrush + built-in whitening pen (so cool)
- trial size optic white toothpaste
- 6 $3.00 optic white toothbrush + built-in whitening pen coupons
The steps for whiter teeth in 2 days:
1. Brush
2. Apply the gel (no rinsing or waiting on those busy mornings)
3. Store your whitening pen in the bottom of your toothbrush!
Although, Colgate promotes whiter teeth in 2 days, it suggests to continue using until the pen until is finished and brush your teeth twice daily. You should be brushing your teeth twice daily without Colgate's advice anyway! Also, no children under 12 should use this product. If you're interested in learning more, visit www.colgateopticwhite.com.
Now on to my experience.
Toothbrush: I love a new toothbrush. The bristles weren't too hard, so so A+.
Toothpaste: It's a paste. I like gel, so that loses a few points, but my teeth felt really clean afterwards.
Pen: It's easy to use. Turn the bottom of the eon and the gel will come up, then just apply to your teeth.
After 2 days, truthfully, I did notice a small difference. I wouldn't have noticed one at all without taking before and after pictures (on zoom). I would definitely recommend giving this a try before you opt for a more experience teeth whitening, but I wouldn't expect a drastic change, especially after only 2 days.
I received these products complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes.
Thursday, January 2, 2014
It's 2014. I'm erasing negativity.
Over the past few years I have relied on Facebook as my communication means, which in turn has become a minor addiction. It's so easy to overuse when all of your family and friends live scattered around. Unfortunately, FB comes with some negativity and its a total time waste. I don't want this in my life anymore. Since I will really miss a lot of my friends, especially my mommy friends that I've made through 3 pregnancies, I will allow myself one day a week to check in.
I will be posting more blogs so our parents can still have their grandkid doses. I signed off from FB on Monday and Emmett's already army crawling! I will try to share a video soon.
Keep in touch! :)
I will be posting more blogs so our parents can still have their grandkid doses. I signed off from FB on Monday and Emmett's already army crawling! I will try to share a video soon.
Keep in touch! :)
Thursday, May 2, 2013
Sugar n Spice VoxBox
I received my third complimentary Influenster voxbox, the Sugar n Spice voxobx full of products to review. Thank you so much, Influenster!
I'll begin with my favorite. Dickinson's witch hazel towelettes. I LOVE witch hazel since fighting pregnancy acne. This stuff is awesome and gentle on the skin. The smell is a little off for me, but it goes away not long after applying it. The convenience of individual packaged towelettes rocks, too! Must try!
The rest are in no particular order.
belVita breakfast biscuits. These were actually pretty decent tasting, but I doubt that I will buy more. They were the texture of a hard biscuit. For me, they were not very filling. I'm also pregnant, so this could vary for a normal person. haha!
We'll move on Colgate Optic White. It was a perfect time to receive this voxbox as I needed a new toothbrush! I received the entire regime (toothpaste, toothbrush and mouthwash) to review. I DID notice that my teeth were a shade whiter, but I prefer gel toothpaste. I'd recommend this though if you don't mind paste.
Vaseline Spray & Go Vaseline is next. This is such a cool concept. You spray your moisturizer on and it dries very quickly, allowing you to get dressed and head out the door! For me, I wasn't a big fan. I didn't like the spraying aspect or the consistency. This doesn't surprise me as I prefer body butter.
Nectresse is a natural sweetener product that I received in this voxbox. I'm sure you've heard of the company Splenda. Splenda makes Nectresse! This sweetener is 100%, nothing artificial, plus no calories. It's sweetened from monk fruit.
I'll begin with my favorite. Dickinson's witch hazel towelettes. I LOVE witch hazel since fighting pregnancy acne. This stuff is awesome and gentle on the skin. The smell is a little off for me, but it goes away not long after applying it. The convenience of individual packaged towelettes rocks, too! Must try!
The rest are in no particular order.
belVita breakfast biscuits. These were actually pretty decent tasting, but I doubt that I will buy more. They were the texture of a hard biscuit. For me, they were not very filling. I'm also pregnant, so this could vary for a normal person. haha!
We'll move on Colgate Optic White. It was a perfect time to receive this voxbox as I needed a new toothbrush! I received the entire regime (toothpaste, toothbrush and mouthwash) to review. I DID notice that my teeth were a shade whiter, but I prefer gel toothpaste. I'd recommend this though if you don't mind paste.
Vaseline Spray & Go Vaseline is next. This is such a cool concept. You spray your moisturizer on and it dries very quickly, allowing you to get dressed and head out the door! For me, I wasn't a big fan. I didn't like the spraying aspect or the consistency. This doesn't surprise me as I prefer body butter.
Nectresse is a natural sweetener product that I received in this voxbox. I'm sure you've heard of the company Splenda. Splenda makes Nectresse! This sweetener is 100%, nothing artificial, plus no calories. It's sweetened from monk fruit.
Sunday, February 10, 2013
Vent
Ok, so I'm going to try to keep this in check.
I get so tired of people assuming that people that get genetic testing would abort their baby. I get genetic testing and I would NEVER abort my sweet baby. I would never love my baby any less. Aborting your child isn't the only reason why people choose genetic testing! I get tired of the answer "No, I don't get genetic testing because I'd never abort my child." Do you really think that's the ONLY reason people get these tests done? If so, you are wrong! I get it done because I want to be prepared. I want to learn about my child. I want to have everything necessary for him. If he has something operable, I want to have the best surgeon waiting for him after I deliver him. None of those reasons have anything to do with loving him less or not wanting him.
Yes, there are false positives. Guess what! There are also false positives on routine blood work at the beginning. I went 3 weeks in my pregnancy with Caden thinking that I had syphilis. An STD that could deform him or worse kill him. That was a false positive and that was from mandatory blood work. Also, in that same pregnancy, Caden's head measured abnormally large at the mandatory, routine 20 week anatomy ultrasound. Again, I went 5 weeks wondering what my little baby had wrong with him. Nothing. Just a bad measurement. I've had genetic blood work testing with all 3 and never had a false positive.
I don't think any less of you because you choose to opt out of testing. You shouldn't think any less of me because I choose to have genetic testing.
I get so tired of people assuming that people that get genetic testing would abort their baby. I get genetic testing and I would NEVER abort my sweet baby. I would never love my baby any less. Aborting your child isn't the only reason why people choose genetic testing! I get tired of the answer "No, I don't get genetic testing because I'd never abort my child." Do you really think that's the ONLY reason people get these tests done? If so, you are wrong! I get it done because I want to be prepared. I want to learn about my child. I want to have everything necessary for him. If he has something operable, I want to have the best surgeon waiting for him after I deliver him. None of those reasons have anything to do with loving him less or not wanting him.
Yes, there are false positives. Guess what! There are also false positives on routine blood work at the beginning. I went 3 weeks in my pregnancy with Caden thinking that I had syphilis. An STD that could deform him or worse kill him. That was a false positive and that was from mandatory blood work. Also, in that same pregnancy, Caden's head measured abnormally large at the mandatory, routine 20 week anatomy ultrasound. Again, I went 5 weeks wondering what my little baby had wrong with him. Nothing. Just a bad measurement. I've had genetic blood work testing with all 3 and never had a false positive.
I don't think any less of you because you choose to opt out of testing. You shouldn't think any less of me because I choose to have genetic testing.
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
Holiday Voxbox
About a month ago, I received this complimentary Voxbox from Influenster.
Next, I received Quaker Real Medleys Oatmeal in Summer Berry flavor. This comes in a container so no extra bowls needed, just add water to the line and microwave. For breakfast, simple and easy is what I like!
Also in the box was a package of Kiss Nail Dress. I've posted a blog specifically for those, if you are interested in reading more. They're fun for sure!
My most favorite item in the Voxbox was the NYC Liquid Lip Shine in Nude. I've posted a blog about that as well. Check it out!
Now this was pretty cool. A coupon from Sole Society to SHARE with my friends on their first purchase! Sole Society has lots of awesome shoes for reasonable prices.
And last, but not least, is the Goody Quikstyle brush. I've never seen or used a brush like this. The absorbent microfiber bristles absorb up to 30% of water. I did notice my hair dried faster, but I felt the bristles were harder than I'd like.
Thanks again to Influenster for all my awesome complimentary items that I was able to test and review.
I'll begin with the package of EBOOST in pink lemonade. EBOOST is a natural energy power mix. The taste wasn't amazing, but it did give an energy boost. I think it would be worth giving another taste test as it is healthier than other energy boosters.
Next, I received Quaker Real Medleys Oatmeal in Summer Berry flavor. This comes in a container so no extra bowls needed, just add water to the line and microwave. For breakfast, simple and easy is what I like!
Also in the box was a package of Kiss Nail Dress. I've posted a blog specifically for those, if you are interested in reading more. They're fun for sure!
My most favorite item in the Voxbox was the NYC Liquid Lip Shine in Nude. I've posted a blog about that as well. Check it out!
Now this was pretty cool. A coupon from Sole Society to SHARE with my friends on their first purchase! Sole Society has lots of awesome shoes for reasonable prices.
And last, but not least, is the Goody Quikstyle brush. I've never seen or used a brush like this. The absorbent microfiber bristles absorb up to 30% of water. I did notice my hair dried faster, but I felt the bristles were harder than I'd like.
Thanks again to Influenster for all my awesome complimentary items that I was able to test and review.
Sunday, January 20, 2013
NYC New York Color Liquid Lipshine
I received this awesome complimentary lipshine through Influenster in my Holiday VoxBox. Love it! They sent me the perfect neutral color to test and review.
The color was perfect for someone that usually only wears sheer lipgloss. It gave me just a tint of color while moisturizing. You can't beat the price either!
Here is some information from their product page:
Straight from the city that never sleeps, NYC New York Color offers products with uptown style at down-to-earth prices, from $.99 - $4.99. The energy, style, and color of New York City shines through the wide range of shades, textures and innovative products. NYC always delivers the most on-trend products & shades hot off the runway!
Product site: http://bit.ly/ZmNfMI
Product reviews: http://bit.ly/10cwV7v
Thanks, Influenster!
The color was perfect for someone that usually only wears sheer lipgloss. It gave me just a tint of color while moisturizing. You can't beat the price either!
Here is some information from their product page:
Straight from the city that never sleeps, NYC New York Color offers products with uptown style at down-to-earth prices, from $.99 - $4.99. The energy, style, and color of New York City shines through the wide range of shades, textures and innovative products. NYC always delivers the most on-trend products & shades hot off the runway!
Product site: http://bit.ly/ZmNfMI
Product reviews: http://bit.ly/10cwV7v
Thanks, Influenster!
Kiss Nail Dress
I'm far from girly girl, but I started getting into nail polish this year, so I was excited to try these out in my Influenster Holiday Voxbox.
A small nail file is included to file the ends of the tips.
The Kiss Nail Dress were super easy to apply. Removing the Nail Kiss Dress tips was simple, but did leave a little adhesive residue on my nail. That didn't bother me or sway me from using it again. Personally, for ME, a bit flashy, but it was still fun. I would definitely buy these again if I had an event to go to.
Here is some information about Kiss Nail Dress:
Introducing Kiss® Nail Dress™, ultimate nail fashion for tips and toes! Just peel, apply, and shape for a manicure that lasts up to a week. On in minutes, off in seconds without remover. Nail Dress is available in 21 different styles, many of them featuring 3-dimensional jeweled designs. Check out Peplum, a deep silver with multi-colored gems for a pop of color, or Babydoll, for a golden and glamorous jeweled look. Skip the topcoat, Nail Dress has it built in.
With 28 strips in each package, you can cut up your extras to create designs that can be used on top of polished or artificial nails. Add some pizzazz and use with imPRESS® Press-On Manicure™ by Broadway Nails for the ultimate DIY manicure. Nail Dress doesn’t dry out the way other polish strips can, so you can save them to use on your next mani. A nail design booklet is included in each package, just in case you need a little inspiration.
And don’t forget about your feet! Nail Dress looks awesome on toes, too – just use the square side of the sticker for a perfect fit.
Kiss Nail Dress’ suggested retail is $6.99 and is available in all major drug chains and mass retailers like WalMart, CVS and Walgreens. Visit KissNailDress.com to learn more!
Here is is the link to the Kiss Nail Dress site: http://bit.ly/SipR5S
Other reviews, if you're interested (I love reviews!): http://bit.ly/11cEdY7
*I received this complimentary product from Influenster. Thanks!*
Wednesday, January 16, 2013
48 hours post Mohs surgery
I took off my bandage and it was a bit more than I expected. I guess I didn't expect to see blood. I'm sure the hormones have a part and just the fact that my face was cut on, but it's just a lot to absorb right now. Although, I am thankful that it wasn't worse or malignant.
I want to share this, if nothing more than a scare tactic. Watch your sun exposure! I know Vitamin D is important, but trust me, you do not want to overdo it. What I have is most commonly seen in 50 year old men. I'm only 29 and obviously a woman. I know everyone thinks it won't happen to them, but it can. It happens all the time.
I'm swollen and possibly a bit allergic to the tape.
I want to share this, if nothing more than a scare tactic. Watch your sun exposure! I know Vitamin D is important, but trust me, you do not want to overdo it. What I have is most commonly seen in 50 year old men. I'm only 29 and obviously a woman. I know everyone thinks it won't happen to them, but it can. It happens all the time.
I'm swollen and possibly a bit allergic to the tape.
Thursday, December 6, 2012
Dino Lingo
Adalyn and I watched a fun complimentary video clip through Influenster. It is a language learning program for kids. I chose to watch it in a Spanish as I know a little from school. She loved to watch the dancing dino and smiled a lot. It seems to be child approved by her! I liked the upbeat rhythm.
There are many languages (quite impressive actually) offered, but like I mentioned, we watched Spanish. Here is a link to the Spanish video:
Spanish Dino Lingo Video
You should check it out.
There are many languages (quite impressive actually) offered, but like I mentioned, we watched Spanish. Here is a link to the Spanish video:
Spanish Dino Lingo Video
You should check it out.
Thursday, November 1, 2012
November's "I'm Thankful" Challenge
I'm participating in a Facebook challenge, but instead of adding it on Facebook, I'll make an ongoing blog post.
11/1/12: I'm thankful for having the opportunity of motherhood. What a fun, scary, overwhelming and blessed roller coaster ride!
11/2/12: I'm thankful that I know what kind of person that I don't want to become in life.
11/3/12: I'm thankful that I have a house to call home. Even though it has caused us a lot of stress over the past few months, it still gives us shelter. It's still our home.
11/4/12: I'm thankful for the mornings that everyone wakes up happy. That is such a great start to my day!
11/5/12: I'm thankful there's only a few months of cold weather.
11/1/12: I'm thankful for having the opportunity of motherhood. What a fun, scary, overwhelming and blessed roller coaster ride!
11/2/12: I'm thankful that I know what kind of person that I don't want to become in life.
11/3/12: I'm thankful that I have a house to call home. Even though it has caused us a lot of stress over the past few months, it still gives us shelter. It's still our home.
11/4/12: I'm thankful for the mornings that everyone wakes up happy. That is such a great start to my day!
11/5/12: I'm thankful there's only a few months of cold weather.
Friday, October 26, 2012
My first Influenster VoxBox
I received my first free test products from Influenster.
Inside the box was 3 full size Palmolive Fresh Infusions dish soaps.
Not only is it awesome to receive free items, but you also get coupons and Influenster wants you to share! I plan to share with my Mom.
The scents are unique and smell great. The three scents are Lemon Thyme, Lime Basil and Ginger White Tea. I've only used one so far (Ginger White Tea), which was my favorite of the three. It smells lovely and fresh. The dish soap lathered and washed great. Also, I like the shape of the bottles.
I hope I get chosen to receive another VoxBox in the future. This was a fun experience.
Thanks, Influenster!
Inside the box was 3 full size Palmolive Fresh Infusions dish soaps.
Not only is it awesome to receive free items, but you also get coupons and Influenster wants you to share! I plan to share with my Mom.
The scents are unique and smell great. The three scents are Lemon Thyme, Lime Basil and Ginger White Tea. I've only used one so far (Ginger White Tea), which was my favorite of the three. It smells lovely and fresh. The dish soap lathered and washed great. Also, I like the shape of the bottles.
I hope I get chosen to receive another VoxBox in the future. This was a fun experience.
Thanks, Influenster!
Tuesday, October 9, 2012
Let them be little.
A child's innocence is magical and beautiful. My children's innocent ways help me live young at heart and see good in the world. I know as they get older, they will lose their innocent ways, but I wish I could bottle it up.
Caden was talking to me about Bragen, Sarah and a mean boy. The girls don't like the boy because he chased them and then they chased the boy. This was a serious story he shared with me. I wish this would be the most serious event he would experience in life. Unrealistic, yes, I know.
Rob and I don't always agree on everything, but we do agree on never talking about adult life around the kids. We don't talk about the news, money, relationship issues, etc. This could most definitely be too sheltering to some parents. You can teach your children about money without worrying them about bills. You can teach your children about "stranger danger" without letting them hear about the little girl that was raped and killed. Our approach is to let them be little. They have the rest of their life to worry. Preserve that innocence.
Caden was talking to me about Bragen, Sarah and a mean boy. The girls don't like the boy because he chased them and then they chased the boy. This was a serious story he shared with me. I wish this would be the most serious event he would experience in life. Unrealistic, yes, I know.
Rob and I don't always agree on everything, but we do agree on never talking about adult life around the kids. We don't talk about the news, money, relationship issues, etc. This could most definitely be too sheltering to some parents. You can teach your children about money without worrying them about bills. You can teach your children about "stranger danger" without letting them hear about the little girl that was raped and killed. Our approach is to let them be little. They have the rest of their life to worry. Preserve that innocence.
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
A work in progress
Assuming that all goes well with the surveying and DHEC appointment, this will be the future location of our home.
It is .91 acres on a cul-de-sac. We have a lot of clearing to do, but even with that expense, we got an exceptional deal on the size. The lot beside us is selling for $24,000 more than what we paid and is smaller. Ours was bank owned, which is how we got such a great price. We have 30 days to change our mind, but as long as we don't receive any negative news with DHEC, we have no desire to do so.
I will keep you all updated with the progress!
It is .91 acres on a cul-de-sac. We have a lot of clearing to do, but even with that expense, we got an exceptional deal on the size. The lot beside us is selling for $24,000 more than what we paid and is smaller. Ours was bank owned, which is how we got such a great price. We have 30 days to change our mind, but as long as we don't receive any negative news with DHEC, we have no desire to do so.
I will keep you all updated with the progress!
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
30th Birthday Wish
Last week, Rob asked me what I want to do for my 30th birthday. I want to run. A 5k? A 10k? I don't know yet. I've never ran other than in high school when we had to run the mile for P.E. or that one time in a nightmare when I was being chased by a scary. I've always wanted to participate in some type of run, but that seems far fetched for someone that doesn't run. Participating in a run usually requires RUNNING. What a concept! Once my 29th birthday rolls around in several weeks and we're finished with Insanity, I'm going to start running. It will probably be more like hobbling/walking, but you have to start somewhere. It is better to start at any level than never starting due to the fear that you can't do it. This blog will hold me to some sort of accountability, too. Lets do this!
Monday, March 5, 2012
Buddies
After I had Caden, I couldn't comprehend loving another child. The love a mother has for her child is so overpowering. How could your heart handle that much love? Even while pregnant with Adalyn, I still wondered, but I reminded myself how easy it was to love Caden. I just did. He did nothing but breathe and I was head over heels. From the moment I held him in my arms, I knew that I would let nothing harm him and I would give my life for him. Loving another child had to be the same. It's just a maternal thing, right?! Well, it was. My heart is so full of love each and everyday. What makes loving two little people even better? Watching those two little people interact and be buddies. I could watch Caden and Adalyn play together all day.
Double the work, double the love.
Monday, January 23, 2012
An announcement
Rob was offered a job a few days after his interview back in December, which he accepted. He'll be working at Duke Energy Oconee Nuclear Station. We'll be moving to Clemson, SC in May. Rob didn't feel comfortable with making a big announcement so that's why it's been a little shady about locations. We're very excited about moving to this area. It's a small town, but small isn't a bad thing. :)
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Opposites attract..
If you've ever met Rob and you know me, you will quickly notice that our personalities are quite different. Rob is very outgoing and I'm more reserved. He could give a public speech naked while I'd rather hide in a box while giving one. I think this is ideal for us. Our differences compliment the other person. I'm his emotion and he's my reason. Even though our personalities are polar opposites, we mesh together when it comes to life decisions.
So, we just took personality tests. Rob is ENTJ and I'm ISFJ. It fits me overall, but I don't feel as patient as this describes me. Here's my description:
Sensitive, caring, patient, and conscientious, ISFJs can take time to warm up to new ideas and people. Painstakingly accurate and methodical when working with facts and details, ISFJs are patient with follow-through tasks. They tend to take commitments and deadlines very seriously, have excellent memories and are especially good at remembering details pertaining to people.
They are patient listeners, eager to help people in real and practical ways. Quiet, private and reserved at first, but once they make a connection they are exceptionally loyal, generous and devoted. ISFJs are down-to-earth and realistic people and use practical judgment in making decisions and lend stability through their excellent commonsense perspective. ISFJs are modest, serious and hardworking and highly supportive of friends and colleagues.
So, we just took personality tests. Rob is ENTJ and I'm ISFJ. It fits me overall, but I don't feel as patient as this describes me. Here's my description:
You Are an ISFJ (Introvert, Sensor, Feeler, Judger)
ISFJs represent between 9 and 14% of the U.S. populationSensitive, caring, patient, and conscientious, ISFJs can take time to warm up to new ideas and people. Painstakingly accurate and methodical when working with facts and details, ISFJs are patient with follow-through tasks. They tend to take commitments and deadlines very seriously, have excellent memories and are especially good at remembering details pertaining to people.
They are patient listeners, eager to help people in real and practical ways. Quiet, private and reserved at first, but once they make a connection they are exceptionally loyal, generous and devoted. ISFJs are down-to-earth and realistic people and use practical judgment in making decisions and lend stability through their excellent commonsense perspective. ISFJs are modest, serious and hardworking and highly supportive of friends and colleagues.
Saturday, October 29, 2011
It's a Girl!
This is a story about the day that we met Adalyn for the first time. Her birth story.
Adalyn's birth was completely opposite to Caden's, from the length of time to her health afterwards. We chose to be induced on the Friday before her due date. Rob's parents could travel from Maryland, my Mom could request off from work and we would have plenty of help with Caden.
I cried after I told Caden "good night" that night because I knew our life would never be the same. I didn't sleep the night before either. I was so nervous, yet so excited! That would be one thing that I didn't enjoy about being induced versus going into labor on my own. When you go into labor on your own, you don't have as much time to worry, or in my opinion at least. Plus, I've had a baby before and I wasn't looking forward to the recovery.
We showed up at the hospital about 6 am, filled out paperwork, did blood work then waited on my OB until 9:30 am. Once she arrived, we started pitocin. She told me to get my epidural as soon as it started getting too painful. Don't wait! It takes me a bit to dilate, but once I start, I go fast.
Around noon, Dr. Sutton came in to check me and I was about a 3 and almost fully dilated, which wasn't much of a change and my contractions were weak. She broke my water. If you've ever had your water broken, or it broke naturally (like mine did with Caden), you know that the contractions become evil afterwards. About 1:30 pm, I'd say that active labor started. I was uncomfortable and mean. I yelled at my Mom and Rob for talking about the release of the iPad that weekend. How dare they talk while I'm laboring? ;)
About 3:30 pm, I wanted my epidural. The nurse told me that I needed to wait because I was only 3 1/4 dilated. A 1/4 of a centimeter? Are you kidding me? Get real. My room was across from the nurse station and she apparently heard how unhappy I was with that response because she came back in shortly telling me that she called for my epi.
4pm-ish, the Anesthesiologist came in and gave me my epidural, which was more painful this time than last. It also didn't work like my first one. The nurse checked me and I was at a 5. I was very much looking forward to a nice nap, but before I could get comfortable, I could feel "the baby" (didn't know her gender) moving down. A very cool feeling since I was completely numb with Caden. I told Rob. He laughed and said, "This is coming from the person in labor." And I responded with, "NO, I can really feeling the baby coming." He called the nurse in, which was in disbelief since she just checked me. By this point, I was starting to freak out because my body was wanting to push. She checked me, sure enough, we were ready to have a baby! She called my doctor to come over to the hospital from the office since she didn't think I was close to pushing. The nurse told me not to push, but I kept telling her the baby was going to fall out. haha. She kept reassuring me that the baby wouldn't just fall out. I worked with everything I could to not push. It really is a natural instinct. If you aren't going to willingly push, your body will.
Less than an hour after I received my epi, my doctor showed up and I started pushing. About half-way into my 18 minutes of pushing, my body stopped contracting. Adalyn was stuck with her cord wrapped around her neck. I feel in my heart that this is why my body dilated so quickly (5 to 10 in less than 20 minutes) to get her out. My doctor looked me the eye and said, "You have to get this baby out." I pushed with everything I had and she was born. We asked no one to tell me the gender before Rob, but I was so excited when I saw that I just blurted out, "It's a girl!" then I started crying. I didn't realize right away that she wasn't crying or very alert at all and her arms and legs were blueish. As soon as I realized that she wasn't moving or crying, I instinctly moved her away from me, it was a strange feeling. All of this stil makes me sick to my stomach. Life is so precious. I started asking why she wasn't crying and the nurse was forcefully rubbing her. Within a minute or so, she took her first cry. Those few minutes seemed like forever.
Adalyn swallowed amniotic fluid and she had a fever of 101. We're still not sure why she had a fever and it was never written in her medical records. My doctor told me that her face would be bruised, but to be honest I never noticed it much until I saw pictures of her later. She was just beautiful and perfect to me. After we spent some time together, they took her to the nursery to be cleaned up, which was another new experience. Caden never left my side. I started questioning where my baby was and was told that she wasn't regulating her temp so she had to stay in the nursery for a bit longer. They were nice enough to let my mom go take pictures while she got her first bird bath.
The first night was rough. She kept choking on the amniotic fluid so we had to kept suctioning it out. We were supposed to go home Saturday evening, but due to her bruised face her jaundice levels were dangerously high. She had to stay in the nursery under the bili lights until Monday morning. We could hold her for 30 minutes every 3 hours. That was tough. My heart aches so much for any parent that leaves the hospital without a baby. When we walked out without her, it was so unnatural.
On April 5, her original due date, we brought our beautiful baby girl home.
8 lbs 5 oz, 20.5" with a head FULL of dark hair
4ish hours long labor
Adalyn's birth was completely opposite to Caden's, from the length of time to her health afterwards. We chose to be induced on the Friday before her due date. Rob's parents could travel from Maryland, my Mom could request off from work and we would have plenty of help with Caden.
I cried after I told Caden "good night" that night because I knew our life would never be the same. I didn't sleep the night before either. I was so nervous, yet so excited! That would be one thing that I didn't enjoy about being induced versus going into labor on my own. When you go into labor on your own, you don't have as much time to worry, or in my opinion at least. Plus, I've had a baby before and I wasn't looking forward to the recovery.
We showed up at the hospital about 6 am, filled out paperwork, did blood work then waited on my OB until 9:30 am. Once she arrived, we started pitocin. She told me to get my epidural as soon as it started getting too painful. Don't wait! It takes me a bit to dilate, but once I start, I go fast.
Around noon, Dr. Sutton came in to check me and I was about a 3 and almost fully dilated, which wasn't much of a change and my contractions were weak. She broke my water. If you've ever had your water broken, or it broke naturally (like mine did with Caden), you know that the contractions become evil afterwards. About 1:30 pm, I'd say that active labor started. I was uncomfortable and mean. I yelled at my Mom and Rob for talking about the release of the iPad that weekend. How dare they talk while I'm laboring? ;)
About 3:30 pm, I wanted my epidural. The nurse told me that I needed to wait because I was only 3 1/4 dilated. A 1/4 of a centimeter? Are you kidding me? Get real. My room was across from the nurse station and she apparently heard how unhappy I was with that response because she came back in shortly telling me that she called for my epi.
4pm-ish, the Anesthesiologist came in and gave me my epidural, which was more painful this time than last. It also didn't work like my first one. The nurse checked me and I was at a 5. I was very much looking forward to a nice nap, but before I could get comfortable, I could feel "the baby" (didn't know her gender) moving down. A very cool feeling since I was completely numb with Caden. I told Rob. He laughed and said, "This is coming from the person in labor." And I responded with, "NO, I can really feeling the baby coming." He called the nurse in, which was in disbelief since she just checked me. By this point, I was starting to freak out because my body was wanting to push. She checked me, sure enough, we were ready to have a baby! She called my doctor to come over to the hospital from the office since she didn't think I was close to pushing. The nurse told me not to push, but I kept telling her the baby was going to fall out. haha. She kept reassuring me that the baby wouldn't just fall out. I worked with everything I could to not push. It really is a natural instinct. If you aren't going to willingly push, your body will.
Less than an hour after I received my epi, my doctor showed up and I started pushing. About half-way into my 18 minutes of pushing, my body stopped contracting. Adalyn was stuck with her cord wrapped around her neck. I feel in my heart that this is why my body dilated so quickly (5 to 10 in less than 20 minutes) to get her out. My doctor looked me the eye and said, "You have to get this baby out." I pushed with everything I had and she was born. We asked no one to tell me the gender before Rob, but I was so excited when I saw that I just blurted out, "It's a girl!" then I started crying. I didn't realize right away that she wasn't crying or very alert at all and her arms and legs were blueish. As soon as I realized that she wasn't moving or crying, I instinctly moved her away from me, it was a strange feeling. All of this stil makes me sick to my stomach. Life is so precious. I started asking why she wasn't crying and the nurse was forcefully rubbing her. Within a minute or so, she took her first cry. Those few minutes seemed like forever.
Adalyn swallowed amniotic fluid and she had a fever of 101. We're still not sure why she had a fever and it was never written in her medical records. My doctor told me that her face would be bruised, but to be honest I never noticed it much until I saw pictures of her later. She was just beautiful and perfect to me. After we spent some time together, they took her to the nursery to be cleaned up, which was another new experience. Caden never left my side. I started questioning where my baby was and was told that she wasn't regulating her temp so she had to stay in the nursery for a bit longer. They were nice enough to let my mom go take pictures while she got her first bird bath.
The first night was rough. She kept choking on the amniotic fluid so we had to kept suctioning it out. We were supposed to go home Saturday evening, but due to her bruised face her jaundice levels were dangerously high. She had to stay in the nursery under the bili lights until Monday morning. We could hold her for 30 minutes every 3 hours. That was tough. My heart aches so much for any parent that leaves the hospital without a baby. When we walked out without her, it was so unnatural.
On April 5, her original due date, we brought our beautiful baby girl home.
8 lbs 5 oz, 20.5" with a head FULL of dark hair
4ish hours long labor
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