A Jamberry Giveaway!!!!

 If you are reading this post right now, that means I have given birth and my hands are full at the moment, but want to celebrate! So let's celebrate babies and GIRLS by doing a GIVEAWAY!!!! 

I have mentioned before my obsession with nail polish. I love it and rarely do I leave a store without a new bottle. 

So you can imagine my excitement when I was approached by a Jamberry Nails representative (who also happens to be my darling cousin)  to sponsor a post and host a giveaway for their nail shields. Jamberry nail shields are affordable, easy to apply and last much longer than when you paint your nails with polish. There are DOZENS of fun designs to choose from that fit every taste and preference. If you want something fun and different or if you just want something a little more conservative, they have a shield for you. I was given the opportunity to try the product out for myself and I had fun giving it a go!

 Knowing that I would be giving birth soon, I really wanted a basic design and something that would last, where I don't have to worry about chipping or maintaining my nails. So I chose the classic French tip style and got down to business.

While it did take a minute longer than when I slap some paint on my nails, the quality is worth the extra time it takes and I was very pleased with the result (ignore my fat preggo hands please!).

The shields are supposed to last 2-4 weeks on your nails and 4-6 weeks on your toes, it looks as good as the salon and at a fraction of the cost. AND it's an American owned and operated business, which is a huge plus!!! Designed with busy moms in mind, you should give them a shot especially with Spring right around the corner! And for one lucky reader, I have one shield to give to you!

How to enter:

1. Go to Jamberry's website and pick the shield that you like best and tell me about it here and leave me your email address (if I don't already have it) so I can contact you if you win.

 AND

2. Go to Jamberry's FB page and "like" it! And then let me know that you did for a second chance to win!

Winner will be announces next MONDAY! Good luck!

A Final Reflection on My Second Pregnancy...

As I wait semi-impatiently on the arrival of my second born, I have had some extra time to reflect on the past 9 months. Everything is cleaned and organized ready for the sweet little lump that will soon be here to occupy the spaces we've made for her, in our home and in our hearts. So all that's left to do is just relax and wait.

As I compare my first pregnancy with my second one, I have felt a little guilty at times because life with my first born, who is also a toddler, is pretty much all consuming. And that doesn't allow for much time or energy to prepare or anticipate the arrival of a new baby like the first time around. During your first pregnancy you are fully consumed with the thoughts of pregnancy, birth and parenting. You are aware of every flutter, every kick and every stretch mark. The nursery and everything that goes into it is of utmost importance, and anything less than perfection is unacceptable. Which is why Kidd-O's room was painted 3 times--and I would have painted it again if Mr. Clean would have allowed it! I sent back 2 baby bedding sets before I settled on the one that would be perfect for my little boy. And once the nursery is set, then you research what kind of labor and delivery you plan to have and bury your nose into books about sleep training and breastfeeding once the little one arrives. Like I said, ALL CONSUMING.

Enter pregnancy #2. I bought some $20 baby bedding, and asked our friend who was painting the nursery to just pick out a neutral color because I really didn't care. I did have 2 very sweet showers and am so grateful for all of the blessings, but if they didn't happen, I would have been ok too! I haven't looked up the first bit of info on anything, but I have noticed the new stretch marks. I guess some things just can't slip by.

While I have felt a little bad about not being totally preoccupied with this baby like I was with the first, I am thankful because I think that means I'm a little more sure of myself this go 'round. I have matured and realized that I have diapers and a carseat, and that's really all I need. There is something very liberating about feeling like "I've got this." I'm positive that there will be new adventures with a new baby that has her very own, unique personality, but I'm ready for them!

While these last several days have added increased levels of discomfort, like with my first, I can truly say that I have thoroughly enjoyed being pregnant and I KNOW that I will miss it soon enough. While I feel like my stomach couldn't possibly stretch out any more, and I'm becoming quite impatient about seeing this baby, I am really trying to enjoy these last few moments of pregnancy. It has been a great road, full of gallons of orange juice, millions of sausage balls and ice water. I don't know if the Lord will bless me with more children or not, but I am thankful for the gift of pregnancy and all the amazing things that come along with it.

I can't thank my friends and family enough for all of the love, support, encouragement and the EXTREMELY generous outpouring of gifts that have been showered on this baby! I am humbled and thankful. Plain and simple. Thank you, dear reader, for stopping by and reading! And I am praying fervently that this is my LAST post until this child finally decides to come! You can pray for that too!

Ready and Waiting....

I'm coming down the homestretch and as of my last doctors appointment, little Lucy is due to make her arrival any minute now. Which is fine because all of the showers are done...

 ...Mr. Clean is back from his business trip to Boston, and I've traveled all over the world buying and exchanging last minute things. I have been given SO. MANY. CLOTHES and I'm pretty sure that Lucy will not need anything until she's 16. 

 I've been taking my boy on some special dates....

...and I've pretty much finished her nursery.

  The bags are packed....

Soooo, we are ready and waiting!

Just the 2 of Us.

I am now 3 weeks (or less) from welcoming my next little Kiddie and I have a lot to do. I am prepared in the sense that I have a car seat, and a few diapers, but I need to prepare my heart and mind for the arrival of another little one to love. I have no doubt that my love will only expand, but I am not going to lie. I am starting to get a little emotional about the transition from one to two. For 2 years I have poured my heart and soul into one little boy, my baby. We have our routine and it's a good one. He's my buddy.

 With the arrival of a new baby, I have needed to transition Kidd-O to his new room. And honestly, I have had a hard time moving him out of his crib and to his new room. I didn't think it would be a problem. But Mr. Clean has asked me a dozen times what I'm waiting for. And I have had various answers:"The room isn't finished," "he's not ready," "he does so well in his crib." But the truth is I haven't been ready. I know that he is ready and I know that he will be fine, but I know that when I move him to a bed, that's it. That stage of his life is over and never again will he be small enough to sleep in a crib. I will admit it's getting a little ridiculous since he's still in his crib, he still takes a bedtime paci, he has his lovey and he still wears a bedtime diaper. I am going to regret this in just a few weeks I am sure, but it is just.so.hard. But I told Mr. Clean that he would make his big boy transition on Jan. 1. 

 And we did it! He is a "Big Boy" who sleeps in his "Big Boy" bed. And he loves it. He actually asks to go down for a nap or to bed and has adjusted better than I have. I'm still working on some final touches to make his room "his" room, but he really couldn't care less! 

So, I have taken a huge step at making way for our new family member and I will be spending the next couple of weeks talking about being a big brother, having a little sister and soaking up every little minute I can with my first born. We will read, draw, go on "nature walks,"  and eat picnics in our living room. Just the 2 of us.

  I pray that he accepts his little sister with open arms and welcomes her right into our fold. I know that this year will be a great time of learning and growing for Kidd-O as he learns to love and prefer others more than himself and I pray he does so joyfully. I believe one of the greatest gifts we can give our children is the gift of a sibling and I pray so fervently that he loves that gift forever and always!