29 and 30 week bump dates

Um whoops I actually wrote this yesterday and forgot to publish it!

Yes, I skipped 29 weeks. But I have a good excuse. First, this happened:

And then we came home and moved 36 hours later. And we didn't have wifi for a couple of days. And blogging from my phone is just not fun. So I will account for the last two weeks.

How far along: 30 weeks and 2 days

And 29 weeks and 3 days (taken at the airport)

The weird thing is that this is 29 weeks 1 day (another airport selfie)

How big is baby: Probably about 3 pounds. We find out on Monday at my growth scan :-)

Weight gained: Last week it was 15 pounds and this week it's around 16. "Goal" is to keep it within 25, but really I am just eating when I'm hungry and if that means more it'll mean more.

Maternity clothes: Yup. I have been living in one pair of leggings and one pair of jeans since Monday. Both maternity. Love them both. I have more but I haven't found the boxes of my maternity clothes yet, lol!

Stretch marks: Not that I can see! Just that stupid linea negra.

Miss anything?: Sleeping through the night, and laying down without heartburn. But I don't even care because Charlie's home. The dogs have been with the dog sitter since Monday with the move so I miss them terribly.
A couple weeks ago Lee tried on the baby's coming home outfit:

Movement: Yup! Charlie got to feel it on our flight from Baltimore to Boston. I was super tired and slept on his lap (we had the row to ourselves) and he had his hand on my tummy the whole time.  He still moves to the right ALL the time. I love it. Last night I was eating grapes in bed and the bowl was on my belly smack in the middle. Look how lopsided it got when he moved!

Cravings: Nothing in particular. Just super hungry.

Aversions:  Anything I think may worsen my heartburn.

Other symptoms: Well I mentioned heartburn and waking up to pee. My ribs and back started kind of hurting, back is just a little uncomfortable, and the right part of my ribs go through phases, and it's just a little sore. The plane ride home from Boston was pretty awful. I was so uncomfortable the entire time, even though I got up several times to pee and walk around. Oh, I've also been peeing a lot, lol! Today we ran a bunch of errands and my feet are really sore. I am also starting to get a little tired from going up stairs etc. Also, I've sporadically been having restless leg at night and it's pretty yucky. I just can't relax because I feel like I have to shake my legs super fast. If I don't move them when this happens I feel sooooo tense.

Best moment this week: Well, for 29 weeks it was this one:

And this one:

And for 30 weeks it was moving into here:

This is actually from the backyard (or the golf course which it is on). The Maddox resident is on the right and the Eisenberg residence is on the left. Their's is actually a tiny bit bigger than ours even though it looks the opposite in the picture. And if we're saying best moment, this is probably a roller coaster of best and worst moments because I hate moving and being unsettled and I've definitely had some hissy fits about not being settled. Um, hormones? Sorry Charlie and family.

I found this and texted it to my mom: 

But then we woke up at 6 am to this out our floor to ceiling bedroom window and felt a bit better:

The view actually isn't even in that picture. I was taking it straight on, but if you turn to the left a tiny bit, it's the entire strip.

Most looking forward to: Being settled, getting the baby's room ready, and in a few months, joining Charlie in on one of these:

28 week bumpdate

How far along: 28 weeks 2 days. Officially 3rd trimester by all means of calculating! (there are slight discrepancies as to what weeks are which trimester).

How big is baby: Probably between 2-2.5 pounds! He is a little taller than a foot from heel to head, and he is gaining some cute baby fat now!

Weight gained: I'm out of town but I weighed myself before I left and it was right around 15 pounds.

Maternity clothes: The dress in the pic above is not maternity, and fit fine, but it's a stretchy material. There's no way I would fit into regular non maternity jeans. I wouldn't even want to try!

Stretch marks: Same - none yet, just that stupid linea negra.

Miss anything?: Were in the gas lamp district in san diego and some drinks would be awesome.

Movement: Yes! The last few days have been big movement days. My mom and I were watching something on my laptop yesterday, and I had the laptop rested on my belly while we were laying on our back. He was kicking and we could see the laptop move up and down about 5-6 times in a row. I also felt him a bit higher than I have before. Lastly, at one point he was kicking and I put my hand in the spot and put some pressure on it, and he tapped back. It was like he was saying "hey yup thats me mommy!"

Cravings: Nothing in particular. Just hungry a lot. I won't be hungry and out of nowhere I will be starving. Like, I need two tablespoons of peanut butter kind of hunger.

Aversions:  Not really, although I realized I haven't had beets in a while and I normally like them - I've picked them out of my salad lately if it comes with them and when we had them at big dinners I didn't take any.

Other symptoms: I must have had some bug or fever the last couple of days because yesterday during the conference I was SO HOT and could not cool down. We went to dinner with a bunch of people from Vegas and it was cold outside and I didn't even take a sweater because I was so hot. When I woke up today I was drenched in sweat so I must have had a fever that broke. I feel fine, kind of under the weather but not sick if that makes sense. Mostly tired. 

Also, we've been walking around for the conference and when I walk I will get braxton hicks, or this cramp on my right side. It's not very painful or anything, but I'm aware. I also have had to pee like, a million times. I will literally pee, go back to my session, and already have to pee again. I think it's gravity because when I am laying on my back that feeling subsides.

Best moment this week: For the first time a stranger recognized I was pregnant - I have popped! It really depends on what I am wearing, but for the most part people can FINALLY tell. I also had a great time at this conference and it was so powerful being with 5000 other URJ members for Shabbat this evening. Lastly, Charlie is officially on his "way home" aka, he is in a safer location in the middle east for about a week before a plane picks him up and brings him back. Shabbat Shalom indeed for him and our family.

Most looking forward to: Moving more stuff to the Ridges house, and starting to cook and bake things for Charlie's homecoming!

27 week (and 6 day) bumpdate

Last week (and this week) have been non stop. I feel so bad that I have fallen off the face of the earth for many of my friends. Hey guys, I neglected my once a week blogpost too. Recipes I promised to post? I promise it's not an empty promise :-)

I'll try to do this as much through last friday, and keep this week for Friday's 28 week post. Yes, 28 weeks - officially 3rd trimester by ALL standards.

How far along: 27 weeks and 6 days. And here are pics from earlier last week when I had just turned 27 weeks - one is holding my stomach tight (not sucking in) and one is completely sucking out. Regular is somewhere in between but I didn't get a pic. 

I feel like I popped over the weekend since then though!

How big is baby: At my appointment last Monday they didn't measure the baby but the doctor pointed on my belly where his feet where, and they were much higher up than i realized! probably halfway between the top of my ribs and my belly button. I am assuming he is about 2 pounds and something.

Weight gained: I didn't weigh myself last Friday. I was scared to. I weighed myself yesterday and it was about 13 pounds total, but I'm guessing by next week I'll be at 15.

Maternity clothes: Same. Can get away with most non maternity shirts but am just wearing the maternity shirts for fun.

Stretch marks: Still just the linea negra. I hope that fades eventually.

Miss anything?: Being able to sleep, and not having heartburn.

Movement: Yup, he still loves moving all the way to the right and I still absolutely love seeing my belly completely lopsided.

Kicks are still there but they aren't painful or that strong yet, just feel like movement and taps inside.

Cravings: Um, everything in sight? Lol! 

Aversions:  Nothing strong.

Other symptoms: I mentioned heartburn but ick, go away. Doctor said I could take tums, pepcid, and prilosec, and take all three if I need to. Also, just having bad sleep. Which I also mentioned. But I feel like complaining.

Best moment this week: Last Saturday was a good friend's son's bar mitzvah and I had an aliyah - I told the Rabbi on the bimah that it was the baby's first aliyah! He told me how good the baby's accent was :-) I also had a med student come with my doctor to my appointment on Monday and he was showing her things on the ultrasound (he just peeked, not an official check or anything). He asked if she knew what something was and she had no idea, and it was my aorta! He then said that "because I am so thin" you can see my aorta through ultrasound and it's not typical. Not sure if he says that to all his regular weight patients (he is high risk so who knows what his patient population is) but it made me feel great! Lol.

Most looking forward to: Charlie coming home, duh!

26 week bumpdate

How far along: 26 weeks 2 days

How big is baby: on Monday at my 3d ultrasound he was 1 pound 12 ounces. Getting close to 2 whole pounds!

Weight gained: 11 pounds. My belly is definitely different sizes at different points in the day. Not necessarily bigger at night, but just varies. It goes in and out.

Maternity clothes: Still getting away with non maternity shirts, but enjoying my new wardrobe :-)

Stretch marks: My linea negra has darkened a bit but is still from belly button down

Miss anything?: Nope, not this week!

Movement: Yup, about the same. Still waking up with him completely on the right side at time, and I love it. It feels so weird and it's my favorite because I'm so aware of him!

Cravings: Fruit. Last night I came home from the Smith Center (we saw Evita) and I seriously could have just sat there and eaten an entire can of mandarin oranges. 

Aversions:  Nothing in particular, but I am not loving the smell of all the deep fried goodness for Chanukah - the smell that lingers in the house. There's also a brisket in the oven right now and I know I will hate the smell in the morning. Last Chanukah is when I found out I was pregnant (when I miscarried) and I remember after I took the test I was like, "Ooooh, that's why I smell the oil from several rooms away several days later".

Other symptoms: Heartburn still. Yesterday (Thanksgiving) my stomach just felt weird. Just like, lots of pressure and uncomfortable, but it passed today. We went for a walk and I had to slow down. Lee felt bad for me and decided to give up as well:

Best moment this week: A few really good ones! First of all, I got to see this face at my 3d ultrasound on Monday!

My mom got teary eyed and said he looks just like me. Charlie's sister and mom said he looks just like Charlie - what do you think? Haha!

Also, we had an AMAZING Thanksgiving yesterday. My dad was working so we went to the country club with the Rabes and had the nicest time and such good food. I'll post about it (do you guys still believe me when I say I'll post about things? At least I'm sticking to these weekly updates!)

Most looking forward to: We got an official date Charlie should be leaving Afghanistan. Nothing is set in stone and sometimes they get delayed for a while. But still, it SHOULD BE less than a month away!

25 week bumpdate

Oh my gosh, I actually forgot how many weeks I was yesterday. I could NOT figure out if I was 25 or 26. I seriously am losing it.
But, I'm 25 - 15 weeks til D-day!

How far along: 25 weeks 2 days *I think! Lol*

How big is baby: according to babycenter, 13.5" and 1.5 pounds

Weight gained: 10 pounds, give or take a pound or two (give more than take this week!)

Maternity clothes: I just bought two low rise maternity jeans yesterday. For some reason I just hate the panels, even the low ones. Well these have side/sretch panels and go under my bump and are so much more comfy in my opinion. Everyone has a different body so I am glad I found what works for me. Also, thanks to the lady at motherhood maternity for asking how far along I was, and when I said 25 weeks, she said, "Since it's your first..." (um, who told you it was my first? I sure didnt), "...you won't show until you're 4 or 5 months and then you'll get huge." First of all, I'm 6 months, and second...thanks? I'll be sure to buy bigger pants from you when that happens. Good thing I am not overly sensitive but I thought it was a weird approach for a sales lady.

Yup that's my bloated belly. #notembarassed. (Omg, I just hash tagged my blog. #sorryimnotsorry).

Stretch marks: No, and I hope it stays this way.

Miss anything?: The warmer weather. In the last two days it has been rainy and dreary and cold, yuck!

Movement: Yup! Jaren has officially felt it too :-) Clara wanted to feel it but I knew a 3.5 year old wouldn't know to be patient, so I whispered to Jaren "should I just make it move" and she nodded so I just sort of lifted my stomach. Clara was SO EXCITED! Speaking of an excited Clara, she is obsessed with this Disney princess make up box that I have that I got in college. Um yeah, college. Have you ever seen such pure joy?

Cravings: Fruit, candy, and peanut butter. Especially fruit and peanut butter. And then when I finish the apple or banana, I may or may not be eating pb out of the jar.... I am just super hungry and it's so filling! Also yesterday I had a sip of Stacy's Toffee Nut latte from Coffee Bean so I got one today. It was decaf, although I do let myself have caffeine - I try to save it for my true love, diet coke. If you're near a coffee bean, go get one of these, so yummy!

Aversions:  None this week! I had a burger for lunch and fish the other day :-)

Other symptoms: Gas pain! Holy sh** (literally). A couple of days ago Jaren came over and wanted to feel the baby. I laid down because that's kind of a guaranteed way to get him to move about, and she put her hand on my lower belly. She barely put pressure down, and I yelled out in pain. She was like "What? I barely touched you?!" (sorry for scaring you Jaren). Then she was trying on dresses and pointed out that I was just not being myself, and I realized how much pain I was actually in! It's crazy because I knew it was just benign silly stuff, but wow, I literally couldn't even stand up straight. I've also still had heartburn every day but it's really not that bad, totally manageable, thank god!

Best moment this week: I got to spend sufficient time with Jaren and the girls, which is always such a treat, and I got to see a dear friend Leslie today that I don't get to see often enough because life gets in the way. It was SO SO NICE to finally catch up with her.

Most looking forward to: I'm really sad that my favorite 3d ultrasound place is closing, so I scheduled an appointment for next week so I can see the tech, Whitnie, before they close. So sad, but excited to see little man and experience it with Whitnie before they close. I'm also excited to plan the baby shower and plan the move. I had a mini panic attack because both houses (ours and my parents) have a European kitchen and there isn't enough cabinet space right now for everything I have, but we will build a pantry right next to it to take care of it. Problem solved, blood pressure lowered. Now I'm excited again. And look, baby boy has his first item moved into the house, courtesy of my mommy, his Savta:

She got him baby hangers for his adorable clothes! Based on my addiction to baby boy clothes, I suspect I will need more of those....

And just because these are fun, here are some belly pics from this week:
(that was holding my stomach tight)

versus:

Sucking out! Lol

I'll try to post some updates from my Philly trip nearly a month ago and some recipes soon. Shabbat Shalom, y'all!

Quantity vs Quality

I have posted about my friend Dana that I met a few months ago, and her new baby girl Leah. Dana writes a blog that you can find here.

Yesterday Dana wrote such an incredible post that I asked if I could re-post it. So glad she said yes. But before we get to the nitty gritty, here are some very important pictures:

And now onto Dana's brilliant words:

Brian told me a story the other day, one that he heard during one of his many trips this past month. I believe it's an actual study done at some school, somewhere:

There were two groups of college students who were asked to make pots that would be judged at the end of the competition. One group was told the judging criteria would be based on quantity of pots, the other group on quality (at this point in the story I had Brian clarify what they were making... not pot as in weed, pots as in pottery, duh. Although I'm sure that would have made for an interesting competition).

The quantity group got started right away. They made short pots and tall pots and small pots and big pots. They just kept turning them out, one by one. The quality group, however, started by researching pots. They checked out pottery made by ancient Greeks and other cultures that withstood the test of time and beauty. They took months to complete their research and finally, days before the end of the competition, they made their pot. They placed it carefully in the kiln and waited for their perfect piece. Meanwhile, the quantity group just kept making pots.  They made wide pots and narrow pots and deep pots and shallow pots. They made lots and lots of pots. 

When the time came to judge the pots, both groups were told they would be judged not on quantity as one was originally told, but on quality. And wouldn't you know, the quantity group made the better, higher quality pots. You see, in the time the quality group was researching, the quantity group was doing. They were practicing. They were perfecting. 

Now, this story isn't exactly surprising. At some point while Brian was talking, I actually figured out what was going to happen.  While he had to finish telling the story before relating it back to our lives, my mind started doing that somewhere in the middle.

I can read all the books and ask all the questions I want, but I'm not going to learn what works for me or for Leah if I don't start doing (don't get me wrong- I will still read and ask because it's what I do, but I cannot take it as gospel).  Sitting at home in my beloved Kansas sweatpants because I am exhausted, overwhelmed, stressed, and frustrated is not going to help me become acclimated to our new normal nor will it allow me to learn from my experiences at home or in the community (except for maybe what show is on what channel at what time).

I need quantity.  I need to remember that it's not going to be perfect every time (or maybe at all) because it's all new for both of us and I need to practice.  I need the opportunity to struggle and fail and troubleshoot.  It's the only way I'm going to learn, and it's the only way Leah is going to learn.  And you know what quantity leads to?  Quality.  I will be a better mom raising a better daughter to have a better life.

So here's to screwing up, not being on schedule, and disastrous trips to Target because we will learn and we will get better.

24 week bumpdate

My first late post! I have done these on Fridays always and I officially feel like a mama now that I am behind on something! Lol. In my defense, I did have a yucky cold earlier in the week and had to sub with barely any time for going to the bathroom 8 times an hour (oof, bladder).

Yesterday, before subbing:

How far along: 24 weeks, 3 days (officially hit V-day aka viability day, if Gd forbid I were to go into labor now, the hospitals would take every effort to save baby)

How big is baby: big enough to look pregnant! I think about a pound and a half. 

Weight gained: let's go with 10 pounds, even though sometimes it's 9. I have a feeling I'm about to hit a growth spurt so if I say 10 pounds this week, 20 pounds next week won't sound as bad.

Maternity clothes: Need the jeans! I went to Old Navy to get two pairs of low panel jeans (pictured above) because as of now, they fit better than the high panel. I am sure in a month that will change.

Stretch marks: My linea negra has significantly darkened. That's the line from my belly button down. 

Miss anything?: Sleeping through the night. And people not saying snarky comments like "oh get used to it". I will gladly get used to it, thank you much, I can't wait to be completely and utterly exhausted and delirious while loving on my little man!

Movement: Yup, I feel him when I lay down and sometimes when I sit. When I go for walks I get braxton hicks contractions. They don't hurt, but just feel awkward to walk through. Also, he has been moving around and switching positions, and sometimes I can see exactly where he is! It's crazy. The other day I woke up and my belly was lopsided to the right:

That night I was with my mom and he did it again! Since I was with her I could have her take the pic from the other side. Eden pointed out my giant body and tiny head. Laugh away. (and please ignore that gorgeous line negra making its debut).

Cravings: Candy (skittles, sour patch kids), kit kat bars, fruit and water, and let's just throw thai food in there because, um yummmm. Jaren was over the other day and I gave her some Osem pickles to eat (the best pickles EVER) and we ate the entire can. I do admit, that was more her than me, but still. Those pickles are heavenly. I found a dozen on amazon for $20 including shipping. Pregnant friends, get ready to taste the best pickle you've ever had. It's so flavorful and has no artificial colors.

http://www.amazon.com/Osem-Mediterranean-Pickles-Passover-19-Ounce/dp/B000ZK5NV6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1384638762&sr=8-1&keywords=osem+pickles

Aversions:  When I get heartburn I can't think of anything to eat, blahhhhh.

Other symptoms: Heartburn has been bad ish this week. Really not like, bad bad. But I've definitely had to have tums every day. Still getting braxton hicks every once in a while. Also had a cold earlier this week, and I hate being sick. I'm such a baby. Being pregnant and sick SUCKED. 

Best moment this week: Had an echo on Monday and baby's heart is looking perfect!! I also subbed at the school my mom teaches at and it was so nice being there. I really love that school. I barely got to see her but we drove together and it was a fun bring your daughter to work day for us :-) I got to see some of the students I had in 5th grade that are now in 9th grade, etc. It was really nice! Lastly, I got to spend the day with my friend Dana and her 5 week old precious baby girl Leah:

Most looking forward to: Charlie should be home in 4 ish weeks!!! Also, we are moving some of the baby stuff to the Ridges, which is where we will be living starting next month! It's one property technically, split into two homes, each complete with a master bedroom, kitchen, laundry room, etc. We are so excited to be so close to my parents and to be able to continue renting our house out like we have been!

That's actually the back of the house. From this angle, we will be on the right and my parents will be on the left. Those windows actually face a view of the strip. In January we will have a big housewarming/baby shower party for our friends and my parents friends as well. That means we'll have about a month to settle in before then.....Eeeeeek!

I promise there are lots of good recipes and updates coming soon!

#hashtags

I hate myself just a little. 

23 week bumpdate

Sorry it's a blurry selfie today!

How far along: 23 weeks, 2 days

How big is baby: about a foot and a little over a pound. I am going to guess that he weighs between 1.25 and 1.5 pounds at my appointment on Monday.

Weight gained: 7-8 pounds

Maternity clothes:  Big milestone. I can still kind of zip my jeans up but they look awful, it aint happening. Officially need the rubber band trick for my non maternity jeans. Maternity jeans - still using the low panel stuff and the fold over leggings.

Stretch marks: No

Miss anything?: I had a busy day yesterday and had a long walk and a workout, and I felt it at night. I guess I miss not feeling the wear and tear. But really, it's not so bad. I also miss sleeping through the night without having to pee 800 times.

Movement: Yes. Placenta is still anterior so the movements feel like taps and nudges. My mom has felt a few times. Also, two nights ago he decided to kick my cervix. That was a fun feeling. Then last night he decided my cervix was a trampoline, and then he must have gotten tired and fell asleep on it because it was such a strange and uncomfortable feeling for my lady parts. Is that tmi? Is anybody even reading this? Lol

Cravings: Sweets! Candy candy candy. And thai food, again. Mmmmm could eat it every day. Stacy if you're reading this, lemme know when we can go back....

Aversions:  The smell of fish, which has never bothered me.

Other symptoms: Braxton Hicks contractions and heartburn.

Best moment this week: I got to Jaren and spent time with her and the girls, and see Nikki for lunch. So good catching up with friends. We also made some movement in our decision of where we're moving to. Nothing is officially decided yet. When we know 100% what we're doing I'll announce. 

Most looking forward to: For the next 5-6 weeks the answer to this is "Charlie coming home". Baby related, have a scan on Monday, and being able to say I'm "6 months" on Wednesday!

22 week bumpdate

How far along: 22 weeks 2 days

How big is baby: I have stopped following the size really. I am guessing maybe a pound? And a foot? But really I'm guessing. I have a doctor's app in a week and a half and will find out exact measurements :-) (well as exact as ultrasound lets on)

Weight gained: 7 pounds. I have officially hit the next decade of weight. Is that a thing? It's depressing. But good!

Maternity clothes: Same as last week. I wore a pair of non maternity jeans last weekend and they still fit, but about halfway through the night I used the rubber band trick. Surprisingly, my leggings are more uncomfortable because they're digging in so I've switched to maternity leggings and the kind with the fold over panel. they aren't maternity, but they work great for it!

Stretch marks: nope, phew!

Miss anything?: Last weekend we celebrated Essy's birthday and I would have loved to take some shots with them or had a beer at the dueling piano bar we went to.

Movement: Yes! I can officially say yes! Eden even felt him! It was so fun. It feels like little taps on the outside. I only feel him when I'm laying down at night and in the morning. Can't wait for the taps to become kicks (I know I will regret saying that when I feel like my insides are bruised).

Cravings: Sweets! I have wanted a cupcake or donut or chocolate constantly. 

Aversions:  Pizza and the smell of pizza sauce (thanks for making me smell that jar Eden). Every Tuesday my high school class gets pizza and I couldn't do it this week. I think maybe I don't like oregano? Not sure, but just, blah.

Other symptoms: Heartburn at night, I hope that means he's growing some blond hair so he can look like baby charlie! Also, last night I had a braxton hicks contraction, I THINK. So exciting! My abdomen got really hard and tight below my navel, and I could just tell. When I felt it, it was rock hard and almost protruding. It lasted a few seconds and went away. 

Best moment this week: Knowing people can finally feel him kick! Eden and my mom both got to feel, and my friend that I teach with felt also!!! Also, when I came home from Philly Charlie's anniversary gift had arrived and it is a really nice fetal doppler! We send him a recording of it and my dad has this ancient wooden tool that they used to use, like, centuries ago, and he got it when he was working at a hospital in Israel many years ago. It's only a collectors item, but we decided to see if it works. My dad didn't even know what way to use it, and we got nothing. But it was hysterical.

Non baby related, I absolutely loved spending so much time with Eden. It's been a while since we had so many days together and I already missed her the day I got home. Love you Essy!

Most looking forward to: My belly is coming and going and I guess I just want to look obviously pregnant already. For example, this was my belly last night. After dinner with my mom at Cheesecake Factory. I guess my Halloween costume was a not pregnant woman. 

But really, I am hoping this means I will lose the weight fast. I am excited to be 24 weeks so I can say I'm 6 months pregnant. For some reason that seems like a big milestone. 

Boots and Booties at the Venetian

When Jaren was pregnant with Elsie, she told me about a military baby shower through the community. When I knew this little bean was going to turn into an actual baby, I searched around, and found that it was happening in October. Boots and Booties was happening at the Venetian, and I was officially invited! I wanted to make sure that Charlie's rank as an officer would not be an issue, but I was told with enthusiasm that there were more than enough donations for us, and to please come.

A few of my pregnant friends went as well - Leah Churchill due about 10 weeks ahead of me with a baby girl, and Ariana Wethington, who is due about 3 weeks before me with twin girls! Ariana and her husband moved into the house 3 doors down from my parents! It's been so fun having a pregnant military spouse so near.

We drove together and I got a text from a really good family friend that they were volunteering and saw my name. Her daughter, Kyra, is the sweetest thing, and I was so happy to see her!


The Venetian donated the space, staff, AND food. And one more big thing I'll write at the end.

THey had a really cute cake on display:


Volunteers throughout the community donated items for over 200 expectant mothers, and rolled I don't even know how many diapers for each mom to get a diaper cake!




Very excited to see Ariana's gifts:


And then of course we had to go find mine!




Me and Ariana:


There was food for all, and an MC for all the speakers. Lots of state representatives came and spoke, as well as people involved with military non profits.

I was kind of obsessed with these:


There were raffles for some big items including 11 cribs and 5 new car seats! Since we have a crib and carseat I put my ticket into a photography package and didn't win. But that is fine by me, this event was SO ridiculously generous, from the community and the venetian.

I didn't open the gifts there because I wanted to do it at home where I could really dig in.





As if this wasn't enough, they made an announcement that the Venetian had donated a gift card to every single mother for $150 for babies r us. ARE YOU KIDDING ME?

Sheldon Adelson owns the Venetian and the school my mom teaches at, so I have seen his generosity with the Jewish community. He has donated millions to amazing organizations such as birthright and Yad VaShem. His and his hotel's generosity hit a personal level with this though. Mr Adelson and the powers at be at the Venetian, the thank you note that I sent is not enough. What you did for these military moms is absolutely amazing and life changing for so many of them/us. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!