My name is Allison and I am a 25 year old Floridian (born and raised) and married to my high school crush. I met him when I was 15, started dating when I was 23 and got married in December of 2007. We are expecting our first child, a daughter, in June of 2008. We are extremely excited!
This blog is a mix of daily ramblings, product reviews, photography and anything and everything "Mommy" centered.
Motherhood is a TOUGH Job!
By Allison | June 30, 2008
… but I am enjoying my moments doing it.
I think Carli is going through a growth spurt because she was up almost every hour last night and had about 11 feedings today when she normally has 8-9. So she is squishing in some extra calories for growth. She has also cluster fed, where she’ll feed and half an hour or 45 minutes later, she wants to eat again. It’s really hard on my nips, as I am breastfeeding her (attempting to, anyhow). I admit I do succomb to the bottle every once in a while (a formula bottle - not liquor… although I wouldn’t mind a drink right about now)
I think waking up during the night time is the hardest so far because I am NOT one that likes her sleep to be interrupted. I grown and kick off the covers.. and sometimes just sit there for a moment. What’s frustrating is sometimes she’ll let out a scream/whale for a second and I go to get her, and she’s sleeping. Moments like those when I really just want to whimper and pull the comforter WAY over my head. Last night she kept waking up and wanting to be held. Usually when she wakes up in the middle of the night, she wanted to be fed.. but she had no interest in eating. She would fall asleep the moment I picked her up.. and then wake up the moment I put her back down.
I think I ended up bringing her to bed around 5am.. where she slept peacefully for an hour. When Forrest had to wake up at 6am for work, he changed her diaper and then helped attach her to my breast as I was laying down. When I woke up, I had discovered I had leaked through my bra, nursing pads and t-shirt (on both boobs). Always funny.. It really always is. So Carli and I nursed laying down and fell asleep. We ended up sleeping from 7:00am to about 9:30 when I finally woke up (refreshed, amazingly after that long night!)
Later tonight I gave Carli 2oz of formula (I know.. I know…) and she’s been zonked out every since (and that was at 7:15pm) and it is now 10:30. I anticipate that she’ll wake up very soon as she usually doesn’t go more than 3-4 hours in between feedings at night time. I swear, formula is like some kind of tranquilizer.. I wish my breast milk did that.. then I may actually GET sleep.
Anyhow - today I was VERY fortunate to receive a surprise in the mail from Mandy [Night Owl Baby]. She sent me this ADORABLE 0-3 sized white t-shirt with this GORGEOUS fabric C on the front in awesome stitching. I thought it was the coolest thing I’ve seen lately. Unfortunately it’s still too big for Nugget (everything is still as she’s in preemie sized stuff right now) but I cannot WAIT to take some pictures of her in it. Until then, you’ll have to deal with this picture of it (yes from my cell phone!)
Isn’t it just an awesome piece of clothing. I wish they made one in adult sized so I could be a geek and match my daughter (hehe). I can’t help it if my daughter has a great sense of style! She’s really got it going on in the clothing/style department. It’s just so unfortunate she can’t fit into anything YET! Anyhow, here are some new pictures of her.. some of her ADORABLE cry (God I can’t resist her!)
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REVIEW: Diapees & Wipees
By Allison | June 27, 2008
Thank you to Ashley from [Born Fabulous Boutique] for this wonderful product, Diapees & Wipees. Now, with the delivery of my daughter, Carli - I have had the pleasure of putting this handy product to use. Diapees & Wippees come in a variety of patterns, including this pink camouflage. The inside is a nice chestnut brown, which complements the camouflage nicely. The product is nicely sewn and with incredibe stitching. It’s very well put together with a sense of sturdiness that encourages daily use for years to come.
The great thing about Diapees and Wipees is that it has multiple uses (the most popular being diapers and/or wipes). It’s big enough to hold about 5 or more size 2 diapers. It’s also big enough to carry a medium container of wipees. Whatever your use, it comes in handy. It keeps those diapers organized and close together and is a MUST have for those who don’t have the best diaper bags out there with their own diaper compartment. If you want to keep your diapers in one place, this is definitely the product to have. This product is a staple in any newborn/infant/toddler diaper bag and personally, I wouldn’t go anywhere without it.
It fits so nicely into your bag, it’s like it was made especially for you. [Born Fabulous Boutique] currently has the following patterns (and more) but these are my favorites:
Diapees and Wipees will also fit very nicely into a large purse and/or a backpack. While you are at [Born Fabulous Boutique] purchasing your [Diapee & Wipee] make sure you check out her other amazing products available such as [Headbands and Hairbows], [pettiskirts], [room decor] and more! [Born Fabulous Boutique] is very chic and has anything you could possibly need for your haut couture baby!
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I love clearance sales!
By Allison | June 26, 2008
I found these two skirts at Kohls for $1.60 (each). They are 3-6 months, which means she probably won’t wear them for a WHILE but they are just TOO cute and I couldn’t pass them up!
I thought they were ABSOLUTELY the cutest.. and two adorable skirts for $3.20 total? I couldn’t pass that up! Then I saw this little outfit and it looked very retro to me and I thought it was WAY cute and it was also 50% off - so I got this for about $6.
We had fun with Mitra and Elizabeth today. Elizabeth brought her daughter, Evie - however Mitra left Giuliana at “school”. After our little shopping trip to Kohl’s (where both Mitra and Elizabeth took turns holding Carli!) then we went to the Olive Garden. I must have had 4 bread sticks, lol - and now have the garlic breath to prove it. But I don’t care… they are yummy! Then I also had a salad. Carli just slept like a good girl. 
I am enjoying being able to eat because someday she’ll make it more difficult!
My old job called to check up on me and see if I had Carli… and since I was passing by there on the way home, I went by and showed the ladies in the office Carli. I also had to see my old demon of a boss. (Oh, how I don’t miss her at ALL!) Then I came home, fed the milk monster again.. and we took an hour and a half nap, cuddled up. It seems she sleeps very well when we cuddle. (I won’t complain!) She’s definitely becoming more alert! It almost seems she is beginning to react to me a little.. She watches me and looks at me.. and smiles more. I know the smiles aren’t TO me, but I love them nonetheless.
She has a great smile!
Comment Plugs:
- Heather
Mom & Dad’s first night out (without the baby!)
By Allison | June 25, 2008
Every parental unit MUST do it (eventually). I guess we did it a bit EARLIER than most. Forrest and I decided to go out on a little date. We dropped Carli off at my parent’s house (Memaw & Papa) and I nervously wondered and thought about her the whole time. Because I breast feed, she wasn’t familiar with bottles and the few bottles we have tried have not had much luck. When we tried to give Carli the Avent brand, she would mostly spit out the formula and then would spend a good 20 minutes sounding as if she were gulping down her meal, only to discover that she was (in fact) not eating a thing. After this happened twice with this brand, we decided that Avent is not for us.
So I premade some formula for her and placed it in 3 bottles (each with 2oz) and placed them in the fridge to give to my parents when they babysat. Unfortunately, when I pump - I barely get out an oz a DAY, let alone 2oz each time I pump to store for her feedings. So when I can’t breast feed her, it’s formula (ugh). Ah well.
Forrest and I went to the OUTBACK and neither of us were overly impressed with our meals. I barely ate half of mine. Then again, since I’ve had Carli, my appetite has cut in half. Okay, more like 1/4ths.. and I get full REALLY fast (which I don’t mind..) Hopefully it’s helping me to lose the baby weight. While we were at dinner, I texted my Mom to see if Carli was doing okay. I was VERY worried about her not eating because of the whole bottle issue. She then sent me a picture of this:
Yes, my little girl was eating from her bottle. I was so happy! Over the course of four hours that we were gone, she ate two bottles.. probably a total of 3 oz that she ate total. I am very content with that! When we picked her up (oh how I felt sick with anxiety of being away from her!) - she was COMPLETELY zonked out in my mother’s arms.
… and so I survived. My first evening away from my 2 week old (and yes, tomorrow she’ll be TWO WEEKS OLD already!) and she was happy, healthy and content… and now she’s happy and content in my arms as I write in this blog (dedicated to her!)
Tomorrow I have a date with some girl friends of mine. They have this “Mommy group” which until now, only consisted of the two of them with their 1 year old daughters. Now I feel SO blessed to join with MY daughter. I am not 100% sure of what we’re doing.. and it doesn’t matter. I get to be out of the house and get to spend it with people I enjoy and the kids I love!
Right now, life is sort of.. great.
Comment Plugs:
- Heather
VIDEO: Future Blackmail
By Allison | June 25, 2008
Turn your sound up. It’s not the same (without it).
Backstory: Carli had started crying and she has the CUTEST most PATHETIC cry EVER. (So - naturally..) I wanted to record it. The moment I pressed record… well.. you’ll see. 
Comment Plugs:
- Heather
My BIG Girl!
By Allison | June 24, 2008
We had Carli’s 2nd pediatrician appointment today - something I had anticipated all week. When she was born, she weighed in at a WHOPPING 5lbs, 4oz (yeah, heifer, right??!) lol. The 2nd day in the hospital, she went down to 4lbs, 12oz but went up to 5lbs before we left. (The very first day, she ate barely anything because all she wanted to do was sleep). It probably didn’t help that I was on morphine and she was breastfeeding… so I can understand her wanting to sleep all the time (for I fell asleep at awkward times, usually in the middle of talking or doing something).
At her first pediatrician appointment, she went down to 4lbs, 9oz and I started bawling when I found out. I thought I was starving her! At that point, I was feeding her when she told me. Her pediatrician then told me that I had to wake her up to feed her every 2-3 hours. Boy was THAT tough! However we did just that, except we let her sleep at night. The past few days she had been feeding like a maniac, although her dr said it sounded like she was using me as a pacifier, which I didn’t agree with because her mouth was full of milk and she was swallowing. Either way - she got weighed today and was back up to her birth weight of 5lbs, 4oz. We no longer have to feed her every 2-3 hours.. but when Carli asks for it.. and she often makes it very obvious when she is hungry! No matter who has her, she goes straight to their chest and tries to find a nipple. It’s so cute seeing her root.
I am very happy that she has reached her birth weight. Maybe by next week she can be out of preemie clothes and start wearing the newborn clothes. We have a few fourth of July outfits I would love to see her wear. She has one dress, in particular, that I hope she can fit into because I want to do her announcements in them. It’s this cute white sundress with red and blue stars on it. Not sure what I am going to use for props.. I may use digital props (I haven’t figured out yet).
Tomorrow my mother & father (her Memaw & Papa) are babysitting her while Forrest and I go see THE BLUEMAN GROUP. I have a great deal on tickets.. $50 for the both of us to go.. but it’s a June special so we have to go tomorrow. We’re looking forward to it! (Though it’ll be the first time away from Nugget since we’ve had her!)
Comment Plugs:
- Heather
Welcome to the World, Carli Veronica!
By Allison | June 23, 2008
Alright, alright - I am back. I had a very good reason for my absence. Like I previously stated, my job was ending and they were working me to the bone. My last day was June 11th 2008, and I gave birth to Carli on June 12th, 2008 via c-section.
Stats:
Born: June 11th 2008
Time: 10:28pm
Length: 18inches
Weight: 5lbs, 4oz.
Being a mother is definitely much more difficult than I anticipated. Because I am nursing - my schedule consists of nursing, changing diaper and then getting half an hour of sleep (maybe) and then doing it all over again. To say the least, I am exhausted. [Emotionally. Physically.] But I wouldn’t change it for the world, because I know this shall pass.
As for the birth itself - for me, it was rather traumatizing and I am not quite ready to go into detail yet. For now, I’ll just enjoy her and someday, maybe I’ll write the detail - every emotional, scary, embarrassing, painful detail. Would I do it all over again, though? Yes - I mean.. just look at her. She’s beautiful.
So, I apologize to my sponsor companies for my absence. Reviews and contests will shortly commence. However, I will no longer be doing them weekly. They will go up when they go up. I will announce the winner of the [Mom Agenda] product soon.
Can we forgive me?
Comment Plugs:
- Heather
- Amanda
I am still pregnant :(
By Allison | May 31, 2008
Tomorrow I will be 36 weeks pregnant - and I am growing more miserable by the moment. More so with jealousy and the feeling of being way too impatient. The ladies on my birth board are pushing out their June babies with full force and here I am, knowing that I am due at the END of June and will probably be one of the last to meet my little girl. It’s rather depressing.. I just want to meet her now.
I had a dream about her last night - and it was kind of gross but I still woke up absolutely in love and upset she wasn’t here yet. In my dream she was a newborn, with little blond hairs and I was changing her diaper on my bed because she was wet. Well - the diapers off when I notice she starts to get that pushing look on her face and she starts to poop! Luckily I catch everything with the new diaper but have to throw that way. Watch that happen, lol. I even remember what it looked like.. all kind of yellow like and grainy. In my dream I handed the poopy diaper over to my husband so I could clean her up and put a fresh one on her. Then I leaned over and gave her kisses all over her cheeks.
I woke up this morning to her hiccuping. I really do love her.. and can’t wait to meet her.
On a positive note, my doctor visits have started to become weekly. He hasn’t checked me for effacement or dilation.. I hope he does soon just so I can know if I am even anywhere CLOSER to being ready. When I got checked at the hospital last week (long story) - I was high and closed. (SOOO disappointing!) I’ve been noticing contractions.. but nothing constant or continuous.
My last day with the kids is on the 6th. The past few weeks have been beyond stressful.. and this weekend I have to finish lesson plans, a picture slideshow, report cards AND I have to work for about 11 more hours this weekend with jobs… so yes, 9 months pregnant and working way too much. But my last day at my job is the 11th and I’ll have my life back for the most part =) So I look forward to that.
Comment Plugs:
- Heather
- Jenn
- Amanda
- Milk Mama
- Crafty Mama
MomAgenda: Every mother’s “MUST HAVE” (Contest & Review)
By Allison | May 24, 2008
** CONTEST ENDS on SATURDAY, MAY 31st 2008 **
If you are anything like me, you can get wrapped up in the hustle bustle life of obligations and must do’s. Before you know it you realize SOMETHING has been neglected. SOMETHING has suffered - and in my case, my blog. How on earth am I to manage everything that is going on in my life? That’s why I am glad to own my own copy of [MomAgenda]. It’s the MUST have for Mom’s (like me) with crazy-go-to-go-have-ADD lives.
You know you’re nodding your head.
Unfortunately my planner can not be utilized until August - but that’s just a short amount of time away and believe me, I’ll still have a lot to manage in August! This book is absolutely amazing from head to toe. It even tells you how to use the book (so if you’re pregnant and pregnancy brain has taken over and you’re NOT quite sure how to use it.. It shows you in a friendly, easy to read manner.)
[MomAgenda] also gives you a few pages of incredibly useful mommy approved websites on health & fitness, pregnancy, parenting, kid’s health, shopping! Everything a Mommy needs! It also includes favorite links to Mommy Blogs. (Maybe someday I can make the 2009-2010 edition: hint, hint). You also are supplied with helpful toll-free numbers to airlines, car rentals, hotels and resorts, credit cards and more! Anytime you need to reach an important company because you need to find information on a flight, or you lost your credit card while at the park on a fun-filled play date.. this book will have it.
If you are anything like me, you want your children to be aware of holidays around the world - and [MomAgenda] tells you all about international holidays as well as holidays in the United States, and their dates from 2008 to 2011!! My first mother’s day (this one didn’t count, regardless of what other’s said) will be May 5th, 2009. My daughter will almost be a year old by then, and believe me, it will probably be one of my most favorite holidays. (Until now, I would not have known when the holiday was) but [MomAgenda] puts it down in black and white. (Okay, well my edition is black and pink!)
Organization
The 2008-2009 edition starts on Monday, July 28th 2008. It is categorized down the left “My Week” where you can put little notes to help you remember. To the right, you write things YOU need to do on those dates (Monday through Sunday). Then below on the left, you have it organized by Kid. You put their name on the left, and then what they need to do that week underneath the days of the week. On the very bottom, under the kids section is a “Dinner” section. When I discovered the ability to plan a week’s worth of dinner I happily expressed to Forrest, “Look! It allows me to plan dinner for every day of the week!” and then he jokingly (with truth) said, “You mean where you can write down what you want me to cook for dinner?!” I just smiled. Yeah, maybe so. But at least I can plan it in my [MomAgenda].
“Nothing will ever be attempted if all possible objections must first be overcome.” - July 28th to August 3rd
On each page, you are also given a wonderful quote. They are good mantra’s to help you make it through the week. Do yourself a favor and don’t read ahead. Enjoy each mantra/quote as you get there. They will mean that much more as the weeks arrive.
At the end of the [MomAgenda] are some green pages for notes on:
- Books
- Movies
- Music
- Fashion
- Restaurants
- Wines
- Health (Nutrition Plan)
- Fitness (Fitness Plan)
- Gift Record (will come in handy for Carli’s first birthday!)
- Entertaining Resources (Caterers, Wines/Beverages, entertainment, lodging, florist, invitations, equipment rentals, taxi/limo)
- Parties (helps you to organize parties from date, time, menu, beverages, guests and if they RSVPed!)
- Vacation ideas
- Vacation planning!
This [MomAgenda] is so realistic and helpful for the every day mother to help her stay organized when all else fails! The last part of the [MomAgenda] are some blank pages for notes, and believe me, you’ll use them up!
If you’re a mother, or know someone who is - this is the best give to give (even to yourself!) Head over to [MomAgenda] and purchase yourself a copy. They have multiple versions available including crocodile cover, multiple colors (mine is pink as shown!), A portfolio planner and much more!
The Contest
Score yourself your very own [MomAgenda]. (You’ll have an extremely nice product to brag about to your other Mom friends!)
//blog owners //
- Post a blog about the contest at [Envyla] about [MomAgenda].
- Explain why you need something like [MomAgenda] to keep your busy life on track!
- Pick out your favorite product.
- Post a comment to let me know you have met the requirements.
//non-blog owners//
- Email me at [envyla@gmail.com].
- Explain why you need something like[MomAgenda] to keep your busy life on track!
- Pick out your favorite product.
- Post a comment to let me know you have met the requirements.
*** The contest ends next Saturday! ***
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Oh my gosh - when will time stop?
By Allison | May 19, 2008
I am too exhausted. With good reason, I am sure. I am still working heavily and feel the need to in preparation for the baby (and no job coming up!) I am now 34 weeks and Carli is free to come any time she wants to (in 3 weeks!) I just had a REALLY exhausting but incredibly fun and exciting weekend with friends and family. The baby shower was GORGEOUS! I couldn’t have felt more blessed than to have been surrounded by SO many people and a mother and father who really dedicated their lives to making me happy AND now, are doing what they can to make Carli happy. They spent a small fortune on my baby shower, but justified it with my not having a huge wedding.
I won’t complain. It was the most BEAUTIFUL party I have EVER had! See the pictures?
And that’s just the BEGINNING! Check out my FLICKR set to the right to view the rest. I tried to avoid the “drama” that surfaced at my shower.. after all, it was supposed to be a celebration, right? I just wish that all my high school friends had been at my table and didn’t have to sit elsewhere. But that’s okay - what is done, is done. I am just glad for the most part, everyone made it. There were a few mean no -show which REALLY irked me since my mother and father paid for every head to be there and they didn’t have the decency to call and say they couldn’t make it.
Then there were a few that decided that opening presents time meant it was okay to leave without saying goodbye. That was rude. (Yes, I have to complain about SOME parts of what was rather a GLORIOUS time!) Again, I stress, I am very thankful for what I got. I think in many ways, I was more than lucky!
THE WINNER OF THE HAPPY PANDA CONTEST: Laura Ch. (I had to make sure I put her in there, because I announced almost a week ago I would let her know! Really - I am more responsible than this.. Just a girl who has a lot on her plate now). The new contest will go up this Friday and all contests have been pushed back. I sincerely apologize!! Things will be MUCH better after work has ended and I can stay home =) 3 more weeks! Well, to be on the “exact”, 4-4-5. 4 more days this week. 4 more next week (Monday we have off due to Memorial day) and then 5 next week. Even though W-F on the last week are half days. =)
It’s hard to believe by the time school is over, I will be full term. WoOOHoo!
Comment Plugs:
- Laura
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