24 Weeks

Craving - protein shakes in the morning, cheeseburgers in the late afternoon and cookies in the evening.  If I continue to eat like I have been, I am definitely going to surpass Tyson's weight this time.  Sleep - I have thankfully only been waking up at 5:00 am to go to the bathroom.  During the day, now that is a different story. Movement - This little girls movements feel like popcorn.  I wish I could see what she was doing inside of there.  She feels so low.  I'm still waiting for her to make her way up to my ribs.  Tyson without a doubt can feel each movement.  There is a dance party in my belly every night at 10:00 pm. Missing - having a wide variety of options on what to wear.  My movement is also getting limited, especially while teaching Zumba. Belly Button - still in place, but making it's way to the top. Maternity Clothes - I went out and bought myself a couple new dresses for my anniversary and church.  For the most part of the pregnancy, I have been living in leggings and comfy shirts.  It felt good to have a couple of options, that make me feel a little more dressed up. Stretch Marks - belly, so far so good.  My skin hasn't started itching yet, but am fully anticipating the stretching to start soon. Swelling - It's a true miracle that I haven't started to swell.  I pray every night that it will stay that way.  I have fully prepared for the worst, but have been lucky thus far. Symptoms - I can now say that I know what braxton hicks feel like.  I never got them with P and didn't really know what to expect.  A couple have been pretty bad, but overall its just a slight tightening of my abdomen.  A bonus to this pregnancy, is having my hair grow like a weed.  I finally am starting to get that long hair I have always lusted over.  The only bummer, is my brows don't feel the same.  I have to get those things waxed every three weeks. Overall Mood - Things have been great this week.  I am fully embracing these last couple of weeks in my second trimester.   Looking forward to - a prenatal massage that Tyson got me for Mother's Day and a facial from my in-laws.  I have never experienced either.  Just trying to decide the best time to go. Highlight of the week - celebrating mine and Tyson's four year anniversary.  Dinner and a movie was just what we needed.  It was the perfect night! 
* My doctors appt. went great last week.  Hearing that heartbeat never gets old.  Baby is measuring ahead of schedule.  I am so interested to see when she is going to make her appearance.

Separation Anxiety

This past Sunday was the first time Penelope went to Nursery.  I honestly didn't think we would have any problems.  She is a champ when it comes to going to the gym day care, three days a week.  My plan was to walk her in and not look back.  I had imagined myself enjoying Relief Society and finally being able to fully listen to a lesson.  I made sure she was settled in and quickly whisked myself away.  

I peeked through the peep hole a time or two, to makes sure she was handling the new transition okay.  From what I could see, she was having a good time.  I was so relieved.  Just as I was about to check putting P into nursery off the list, I heard a scream and immediately knew it was my baby.  I quickly rushed down the hall to see P in Tyson's arms.  I was so confused, just minutes before she was doing great.  Much to my surprise she wasn't doing as well as I had thought.  

Tyson happened to step into the hallway at the exact same moment P walked out to get a toy, with one of the nursery leaders.  It was a total accident, but bad timing nonetheless.  P saw her daddy and became a total mess.  I had never really seen her so upset.  It took her a good 15 minutes to finally calm her down.  It was the sad gasping for air type of crying.  After getting some fresh air outside, I thought I would attempt to take her back in.  

The second I tried to set her down, she lost it all over again.  I decided it wasn't worth it to traumatize her any longer and took her with me to Relief Society.  She actually did great for me, which was a nice break.  Needless to say, it didn't go quit as well as we had hoped, but I think with time, she will learn to love nursery just as much as she loved the gym.

I say loved only because P is having a hard time going into the gym daycare now.  She lays her head on my shoulder and screams every time I take her.  It's rather heart breaking, seeing as she has never had a hard time with this before.  Luckily she ends up doing just fine after a couple of minutes.  
Watching her go through this new phase is a little rough, but it also has its perks.
See video below.......

Probably the greatest feeling ever.  I love how excited she is when she finally realizes I am back to get her.  There is no better feeling in the world, than knowing I am loved and needed by my own little person.  We have been having an amazing week together, where we actually are on the same page.  She has been so loving and adorable that I can hardly handle it.  It just goes to show me, there are the ups and downs in everything, but the good always out ways the bad. 

Essentials For Baby #2

My pregnancy/nesting brain is starting to stir like crazy.  With only three months left until baby #2 gets here, I have started to make lists.  List tend to calm my nerves and help put into perspective what actually needs to be done and what things I actually have control over.  Lucky for Tyson's paycheck we are having another girl.  This has really helped in the spending department.  I will be able to reuse almost all of Penelope's baby items entirely.  There are a couple of things however, that I am going to need to repurchase, due to P still using them, as well as some new items I have fell in love with since having my first.

1. Sound Machine - We recently started using one in P's nursery and it has helped her sleep so much better.  She is such a light sleeper and this tends to drowned out anything that might potentially wake her.  I need her to take her naps, just as much as she needs them.

2. Storksak Diaper Bag - I am going to need some more space, seeing as I will have two in diapers.  I have read great reviews on this one.  I particularly like that it looks more like a purse and has lots of different compartments.  This will come in handy to keep things organized.
3. Jenny Lind Changing Table - With P I didn't need a changing table, because I used the top of her dresser as one.  Baby #2's bedroom is shaped differently and will not fit a low dresser, but it will fit this adorable changing table, that matches her crib.  I can't wait to find some cute baskets to go underneath and fill them with diapers, wipes, etc.  
4. Aden and Anais Bamboo Swaddles - I have a good amount of the classic cotton swaddles from Aden and Anais, but didn't realize how utterly soft the bamboo swaddles were.  P still uses hers, so this is the perfect excuse to get the new little one, some of her own.
5. Baby Jogger City Select Double Stroller - We sold our single Bob and purchased this bad boy.  I am still going through withdrawals, but know that this one will be awesome for two babes.  I have also heard great things about this stroller.  I love the color we found that was made exclusivly for Buy Buy baby. 
6. Freshly Picked Moccasins - I have decided that I want each one of my kids to have their very own pair of moccasins, to keep and pass down to their own children.  I went so gender neutral with all of P's things, thinking we would have a boy next, that this time around I am embracing the pink and going all girl. 
7. Little Crane Headbands - One of my favorite things about having a little girl, is putting a bow on her head.  I love the size of these bows, especially on a tiny new born.  The only problem is, I want one of every kind.
8. BlaBla Doll - I have been told by countless people, how fun it was for their child/children to take a present to the hospital, for the new baby.  They said it helped with the transition and acceptance of the new baby.  I am also planning on having the baby get a little something for miss P.  I don't want her feeling left out at all.
9. Covered Goods - I am not the classiest of nursers out there and a pro by no means.  For the first while with P, I had to strip down to almost nothing to be able to nurse.  The nursing cover I used for P, just didn't do the trick.  With one swoop of her arm, I was all sorts of exposed.  I love the practicality of this one and the fact that I don't have to worry about my back being exposed.
I hope some of these items help you new mamas out there, especially if you are welcoming baby #2.  I am anxious to move into our new house, so I can start putting the new nursery together and working on transitioning P into her big girl room.  Until then, I will continue to makes lists to help ease the slight anxiety I am feeling.
I would love to hear what your go-to baby essentials are!
* & don't forget to enter the awesome GIVEAWAY with Freshly Picked below.........

Freshly Picked Giveaway (CLOSED)

I couldn't be more thrilled to tell you all about one of my favorite baby shoes ever made.  If you missed Susan, the woman behind Freshly Picked killing it on Shark Tank, here is your chance to learn a little more about her amazing company and what they have to offer.  I am obsessed with this company and all that they stand for.  They make the most darling moccasins I've ever seen.  From the second I saw them, I knew I had to get my hands on them.  

They happened to be the only pair of shoes that would fit Penelope's chubby baby feet.  You can buy them a size up and because of the elastic around the ankle, they will stay on your baby's feet.  They are made out of the softest leather, which make for comfortable wear all day long and allow your little one to learn how to walk.  The fringe around the ankles couldn't be more adorable.  I absolutely love watching P prance around in them.  They come in an assortment of amazing colors.  I am currently obsessing over their spring and summer line.  The best part of all, they are handmade here in the U.S.A.

Freshly Picked was beyond generous and sent P a new pair.  From the second we received them in the mail, we couldn't stop smiling.  The quality is exquisite.  We had to immediately test them out at the park and let me tell you, they were a hit.  I can't tell you the countless compliments we receive on a daily basis.

I'm so excited to tell you that Freshly Picked and I have teamed up to giveaway a pair of Freshly Picked mocs, to one lucky reader!!!!
Even if you don't have a little one, they make for the best shower gift!
HOW TO ENTER:
1. FOLLOW me on Instagram, and repost the "GIVEAWAY" picture, with the #nessaandfreshlypicked
for an extra entry....
2. FOLLOW my blog and leave a COMMENT with what color you would pick.
* winner will be selected at random & will be announced on May 26th
GOOD LUCK!!!!

4 Year Anniversary

Today is our four year anniversary!  It honestly feels like we have been married for much long, and not in a bad way.  I really can't remember what my life was like without Tyson, nor do I want to imagine it.  Each year our relationship has gotten better and better.  We are that couple that can finish each others sentences and seems to know exactly what the other is thinking.  I am grateful for the perfect balance that Ty brings into my life.  He is the soft, sweet, calm and loving side.  He brings out the best in me and helps me strive to be a better person.  I can honestly say I love everything about him.  He is a true gift from my Heavenly Father and has blessed my life in more ways than I can count.  

^^^I will never forget the day where I became his forever and he became mine.  My face hurt from smiling so much.^^^

Each year gets sweeter and sweeter and I can't wait to see what the future holds.  
I'm looking forward to dinner and a movie tonight.  I can't remember the last time we did both in the same night.