Counting down the days until...

Me today!!

I leave Utica College and go home!! And never come back to this place!! I don't want to sit here and bash the college, because that's just bad manners... but this place seriously drives me insane. I can't wait to leave here and never have to come back!! In fact, I hope I never have to come to Utica in general, ever again!! That's how much I despise this place!!

Only one week from tomorrow, and I will be packing up the car and heading back to Auburn, and never looking back. I'm so excited to get home, because I have a million and one things to do in preparation for Julian's arrival. I need to start working and really concentrating on saving my money, while also buying the things I'll need, helping plan my baby shower, registering for my baby shower, getting mine and Julian's room finished and the way I'll like it, and then finally, just relaxing and having some much needed good times with my friends and family. That's what I'm most looking forward to; spending time with the people I love, and hanging out with the friends I won't be able to see whenever I want to, once baby is here.

Hello midnight Dennys runs!!

Boy do I loooove summer. :) It's going to be a good one, I think. Besides the swollen ankles and restless, hot nights, I think it'll be fun. A different kind of fun than last summer, that's for sure. I'm going to miss last summer. It was so carefree and crazy and wild, and there seems to have always been something going on. Last summer was a lot of... parting... which was definitely fun. I'm not much of a fan of parties and drinking and such, but something about summer puts you in the mood to do things like that.

But, something about being 6 months pregnant with- what seems like- nothing sure puts you in the mood to work as much as possible and get everything ready. Ohh, do i sound like a mom more and more every day! I find myself giving my friends advice I feel only a mother would give, and being very worried about them! I always say, "Text me when you get home!" when I know they're going out, and if they don't, I have to text them to make sure. LOL!

I came across this website in my travels today (a.k.a Pinterest), and I love it! It's http://www.onextrapixel.com/, and it has tons and tons of articles on web design, illustration, graphic design... alll my favorite things!! There is so much inspiration on the site! I want to remember it for another day, when I might need one of the tutorials they have to offer.

Well, wish me good luck on all of my finals- I have one every day from Friday to Wednesday, except Sunday! Somehow I think I'll still find myself bored as all hell... that's what this place will do you you. Bore you to death.

OH! My birthday is on Thursday!! It doesn't feel very special this year, though. Maybe because I won't be home to celebrate it like I usually do. In fact, I'll probably be doing a whole-lotta nothing! On Friday, Hannah and I are going out to dinner, possibly to Red Lobster, and to see "Think Like a Man" at the theatre, so I'm excited for that. And I get to give her my gift that I've had for forever! I might even print her out one of my special birthday cards. Hmmmm :)

I'm sure I'll be writing again soon... I always have so much to say!! I love it!

Tootles!

Pregnancy Bathing Suits

So, two weekends ago I went to Target with my family to go bathing suit shopping. I was obsessing over bathing suits and had convinced myself that I wanted to try on "regular" ones, and maybe even a bikini, because I generally feel beautiful in my new body.

Not so much anymore...

The bathing suit top I bought.
(Target)

I picked out some plain ones that I would have normally picked out to fit my (huge) butt and growing boobs. I took about 4 tops and 3 bottoms into the dressing room with me (along with my sister, who's 16-today! Happy Birthday Liv!). I tried the first top and bottoms on, and looked in Target's wonderful mirrors, and just had to laugh. My sister didn't laugh. Instead, being the bitch she is, she said I looked "disgusting" and that my back rolls were popping out of the suit. Thanks Liv.

It was already apparent to me that I did not look good- I'm not blind. But it made me feel really bad about it, so ever since I just feel not as sexy as I did before. I ended up trying on a maternity tankini top, which actually looked really good. I guess I was just hoping I wouldn't have to buy one of those until my next pregnancy, when I'm older. The whole idea behind it just freaked me out, not to mention the price tag on the top alone made me unable to buy any bottoms! I think I'll just buy regular, boy-short bottoms... Unfortunately they didn't have an XL in store.... -__-

The bathing suit from ON.

I was just browsing on OldNavy.com, and I came across this cute one-piece suit that I really like, too. It's just as much as my top from Target! I want to order it, but I'm always so skeptical about ordering online. Good thing for ON customer reviews, though. It seems like it would be a good buy. I'm going to start writing reviews for everything I buy, too, especially maternity clothes, because it really helps.

I should be writing one of the many papers I need to finish for these next few weeks that are left of school. This year flew by soo fast- thank God. I hate college. I like the school part, but I hate everything about living with other college kids, eating with them, and just... almost everything. Maybe it's just this school, but I doubt it. I can't wait to get home in a few weeks.

It just goes to show you that the grass isn't always greener somewhere else. Going away definitely gives one an appreciation for where they're from, so I don't regret going away at all, but I can't wait to get back! If the sidewalks in Auburn weren't so grimy, I'd kiss them when I get home.

Mommy Survey- 24 weeks!!

My estimated due date is: still August 10!

The baby is the size of: an ear of corn?

So far, I’ve gained: I think about 15 pounds...

My sleep habits: ehh... so, so. Can't get comfortable and always end up on my back, which doesn't feel good in the morning when I try to get up!

My eating habits: good, although I keep forgetting my stomach has less room than before and is shifted up my torso, so when I do overeat at a meal, it's very uncomfortable and feels like my food is in my throat... TMI?

My exercise habits: walking around campus and to and from my third story dorm room tires me out enough...

My wardrobe: I love it! I finally look more pregnant and less chubby. I'm starting to find my belly band a little uncomfortable, so I'm thinking about investing in some maternity shorts for the summer soon. I bought a pair of khakis the other day for an event I had to go to, and I LOVE them!! They're the most comfortable non-active pants I own.

The baby’s movements: moving almost ALL the time- I love it!! Every time i feel him, I picture him in my head (which may or may not be an accurate image)

I feel: this week I've gotten a much needed, hugely appreciated burst of energy. It couldn't have come at a better time with the last weeks of school ahead. Physically, I'm starting to feel a little uncomfortable as the temperature gets hotter.

One thing I really miss is: sleeping :(

Stork Craft Sheffield crib from
cymax.com.

One thing I really look forward to is: getting home in just a few weeks, and starting to work and get money!

My obsession of the week: I've been obsessing over nurseries and cribs lately, as you can see from my most recent post. I've been scouring the internet for the perfect crib, and I want a Jenny Lind crib SO badly. That, or a nice, simple, modern crib I found online somewhere. Oh, and I'm obsessed with chevron patterns. I'm determined to make my own chevron crib skirt, and I would love to paint the crib a funky color.

I don't take credit for this survey- I found it at A Mommy in the Making.

I wish I had a nursery to decorate

For the time being, Julian and I will be staying with my dad and my stepmom, until Dom and I can even start thinking about getting somewhere of our own to live. So, baby and I will be in my room together. But, if I could decorate a nursery/room of his own, this is how I'd do it!

LOVE this!!

I was browsing the internet today, and visited one of my most favorite blogs- that of "HannaMac". She makes the most beautiful things and takes the most gorgeous pictures, and her two little girls are so adorable! I swear I'm her biggest fan- not to be creepy or anything!


She makes great baby and maternity book templates which I'm so tempted to buy, but don't because I know I can create something great of my own once Julian arrives. But I just want to share these two for some personal inspiration!

Chevron baby book

Chevron baby book

Pennant baby book

Pennant baby book

Pennant baby book

These templates, plus all of her great work, including other templates, photoshop actions, and her portfolio, are available at  http://blog.hannamac.com/ 

And now, It's almost 3 a.m., so I'm going to try to go to sleep! You just never know when inspiration will strike you- LOL.

I feel so lucky

Julian's little profile! He's got
mommy's nose!! (And daddy's lips?)

There hasn't been a day or night that I regret my decision to become a mother. I feel like it has already changed me in so many ways that are for the better, and has made my life so much more meaningful and bright, even halfway through my pregnancy, that I couldn't possibly regret it. There's no telling how I will feel once Julian is actually here, but I have a feeling that how I feel won't change then, either. Those hourly feedings at all times of the night will definitely try to break me, but I am so lucky to have such a great support system that will help me both physically and emotionally.

There are literally millions of different situations that I could be bringing my baby into, and although mine isn't ideal, I feel like because of my amazing relationship with my boyfriend- Dom- my family's support, and my personality and the way that I have always been, really make the situation so much better than it could have been.

It's still a boy!! LOL

I couldn't imagine what my life would be like if I had any less than what I do now. I see some of the girls that teen pregnancy happens to, and I feel bad. I feel bad for them, the fathers, their families, and mostly their babies. Even though I decided to keep my baby, I'm pro choice because I believe that every situation is different, and every girl/woman has the right to choose the life they want for themselves and their unborn child. Some people just really can't and shouldn't take the responsibility that comes with having a baby.

I'm not condoning having babies so young. If I could tell a girl, that is faced with the choice I had to make about four months ago, anything, it would be to really think about it. Think about your life. Think about all of the people in it. Talk to someone that knows you better than anyone- if you can. Talking to my best friend Morgan, who has basically been a part of my family since we were 13 helped more than all the thinking that happened in my head. Find a base of support, and use it. If you can, take a few weeks to think about it. Those weeks will be the worst of your entire life, but it's worth it. Also, as terrible as this sounds, don't listen to what the baby's father says, if you can. This is your choice, and while you should take it into consideration, at this age, you don't know what they will and won't do anyways. If you think you can be strong for your baby alone, and it's what you want, then go for it. If you are the type of person (and you'll know, deep inside) that can't live without the guy if he does decide to bail, and you don't think you'll be able to be strong for your baby, then you should reconsider having it.

The most important thing for any mother- no matter how old- to remember is, that your baby comes first, and you need to do what is best for them, not just yourself. I have a friend who is struggling with this now, and it's hard to put myself in her position completely because my relationship with Dom is so much better than her's with her baby's father, but I can't tell her now that staying with him won't make things better for their baby. If he's not there not, he probably won't be later.

There's no telling how anything will be when Julian arrives. There are a lot of things I don't have any answers to, and that scares me. But I'm excited for the future and what it holds. I feel like this was meant to happen, and that it's happening for a reason. It's already brought me and Dom even closer and even more in love. It's brought me closer to some of my friends, my step-mom, my dad, and my step-sister. It's made me love my dogs more- don't ask why! I've grown to see a purpose in my life, and I feel like I have a plan for myself more than ever right now. Thinking about where I will actually be in about 2 years scares me a little though, and I can save talking about that for another time. I just know that whatever I do, my family and very best friends will be there for me, just like they have been from the beginning. I know Dom will be there for me, too, which probably sounds a little naive, but I am confident that no matter what happens between us, we will always be there for each other, because before anything, we're best friends.

I just couldn't be luckier, more in love, or loved more.

Thank you to everyone who is there for me right now. Someday, I'll find a way to repay each and every one of you for what you're doing for me.

Sincerely,
Hormonal, Emotional, Sappy, Corny Pregnant Girl

Just dropping a line

I got this cute idea from a pinterest nail art design I just saw. I love it! Simple cards are the best. I really want to have some of these printed....

Today is such a boorringg day. I've been on the computer and talking on the phone pretty much all day. I love the weekends because they mean no class, but they also mean nothing to do, pretty much from the time I wake up until the time I go to sleep. Hate it! I can't wait until I'm home. At least I'll be able to find something to do because things are closer, and I have more choices than going to the cafeteria to eat or sitting in my room.

I'm definitely going crazy here! Counting down the days until I'm outta here! Although, I will really miss Hannah a lot. I think that's literally the only thing I will miss about this place.

4 Facts About Your Baby Bump!

This article from Bellyitch was really interesting!!

Made one more today!!

Yes, I squeezed in one more card today! I was pretty busy all day, and then went on my usual Friday evening shopping spree with Hannah, and this time went with her and her step sister Nicole. It was so fun! I got a sweet little one piece... thing... for Julian from TJ Max that I couldn't pass up, and two onesies from ON, one of which says "Babe Magnet" on it (haha) and the other just has a cute little summer print on it. Hey- I'm a sucker for cute little prints! Then, we had a ridiculously filling meal at Applebees. And by filling, I mean that I couldn't breathe. Yeah...

We parted ways with Nicole, and went to the mall, where every store seemed to have some sort of sale going on- including Aerie, my fave. So... I ended up spending about $60 dollars there. I needed new undies! Mine are all either shrinking in the dryer or my butt is just getting bigger. I don't want to know which. And, I got 2 cute v-necks, which I really needed because mine are all getting crappy. Plus, these are nice ones that aren't just slubby. And.. I couldn't say no to this sweet little heart necklace, which was cheap and buy one get one 50% off- so I got Hannah one too! I'm feeling so generous lately!

We looked around in Gap Kids, and they had some seriously adorable things, all of which I had to pry myself away from, but there was this hat on sale that I've had my eye on, and I had to get it! I was really tempted to get the elephant one they have, but it wasn't on sale, and I figured it would be like torture to my baby to put a hat with 2 giant floppy elephant ears on either side of his head, on him.

So, now I think I'll either sit on Illustrator more and let my mind just go wild with more card and design ideas, or relax in bed! Because of my swollen feet, I should go with the latter...

Bye for now!!

PS- Happy 21 weeks to me!! (And Julian!)

I just love cards!

I've always been such a fan of pretty cards and stationary... my mom always gets me a cute set for new holidays. The only trouble with cute cards is that I hate giving them away! I personally know what I do with cards I get... I put the best ones on display for a month, and then they go in a box somewhere. But I know there are people out there that throw them out immediately! So sad!

Despite knowing this, I made a bunch of card sets for a few occasions that I'd really love to have printed up to even give to people as gifts. Here they are:

So, now that I've been playing all day... time to make this brochure for my PR class that I've procrastinated on doing all week! ;)

Officially Crazy

Just made possible shower invitation and registry card! My stepmom, Dom's mom, and my best friend Morgan are hosting it, but I slipped Morgan a color scheme idea that I'm quite fond of, and told her I'd create the invites. ;)

More Creating...

I got this idea in my travels to make a virtual desktop calendar. It was sort of meticulous, so I don't think I'll do another one right now. I have terrible computer posture and my shoulders are aching!

Always Getting Ahead of Myself...

But who can blame me! I just made these birth announcements for Julian... they'll probably need some tweaking (unless he IS born on August 10 and IS 7 lbs and 4 oz- freaky!), and a picture, but I can always go back and fix them later! I love them both! The color schemes are so fun!

PS- Lobster is my favorite font right now! (used in the giraffe one)

I'm in creating mode!!

Obsessed with Letterpress and Typography!!

Blank Note from Smock.

My boyfriend thinks I'm completely crazy, my best friends laugh when I tell them I need to go buy crayons, and  the truth is that I really AM going crazy! This school has no artistic element whatsoever and it drives me nuts! There are no art classes I could take, no artwork of substance, and I hate it. So, I sit here on my computer in my spare time, lurking for hours upon hours on Pinterest at design, letterpress, and illustration pinboards, following the links, and then spending another half hour on the site they bring me to! Then, once I get an inspiration, I have to open my sketchbook, take out the box of 94 crayons my best friend Hannah took me to Wal-Mart yesterday to buy, and just draw away!

Baby Card from Smock.

Last night I was up until 2 a.m... drawing.

I'm going to change my major, after taking the fall semester off, to graphic design. I'm obsessed, and I love it! I recently discovered letterpress, which has made me fall even deeper in love with typography. I never thought one day that I'd be obsessed with greeting cards, invitations, and thank you notes. (I thought I hated thank you cards after having to write them out for TWO graduation parties last summer).

Picture of me and Dom I drew last night.
It's not very good, and it didn't
turn out looking like us.

I'm just in love, and I want to know more! I wish there was somewhere in my little town of Auburn, NY where I could learn letterpress. There's an awesome shop that I found online that's in Syracuse. I'd LOVE to visit it!! It's called Smock. (This link is more for my reference tee-hee). Also in my travels, I found this gorgeous paper design site called Minted... with amazing birth announcements. A little pricey, though, but cool for inspiration and ideas for what to do when it comes time to make my own. (I can't wait for that!)

Some more cool sites like these: (mostly for my reference, again)
http://www.finedaypress.com/default.aspx
http://ohsobeautifulpaper.com/
http://www.hellolucky.com/

Thank You card from Fine Day Press.

I'm just so in love with all of these things. They make me so inspired and want to create something of my own like them... but I don't know what! Hopefully I figure it out! 

Until next time!!

Mommy Survey- Week 20!!!

My estimated due date is: still August 10!

The baby is the size of: a  small cantaloupe... oh my gosh!

So far, I’ve gained: ten pounds (as per last visit..)
My sleep habits: great in the past week, once I can finally fall asleep, and if you don't count waking up at 7 am every morning on my own.

My eating habits: same as usual.. trying!!

My exercise habits: up and down 6 flights of stairs and to class every day exhausts me! (still!)

My wardrobe: less yoga pants, and I love it! My stepsister Lindsay gave me some of her old maternity pants and shirts, and although the pants don't quite stay up well, they make me feel like much less of a bum in comfies.

The baby’s movements: feeling him, finally! He's been a jumping bean today and yesterday- I love it!!

I feel: pretty good, but tired! Still very excited and soo in love :) be jealous!

One thing I really miss is: my family, friends, and Dom, who are all back at home.

One thing I really look forward to is: putting all these adorable clothes on Julian!

My obsession of the week: aside from craving a corn dog for the first time in my entire life... nothing that I haven't been obsessing over. Oh, but I did buy my first jar of pickles- bread and butter!

I don't take credit for this survey- I found it at A Mommy in the Making.

Retail Therapy!!

This week seemed to fly by, but not without the usual stress of each week here in college-land. It's almost like every week is a cycle, starting with Monday, the least stressful, and getting increasingly more stressful until Friday arrives, which is the most stressful day of the week. It's always a relief to see the end of it.

Today, Hannah and I went to the mall, originally in search of sunglasses and Friday afternoon entertainment, and walked out with some good purchases. I bought a windbreaker jacket that was on sale (Navy Blue- my current obsession!), a new purse (Navy Blue- again- with white stripes), ON flip flops, 2 new bras (I had to go up a cup size... I'm now sporting a pair of D's -__-), and my most exciting purchases, three adorable things for the little one! H&M has great prices, but not much of a selection (it could have just been this branch) for baby boys. But, I did pick up an adorable sweater which will fit around Christmas time (hopefully), a pair of pants that are great material for the end of Summer/beginning of Fall season, and a little pair of boots that will hopefully fit him this Winter! Those were only five bucks, so if they don't, I won't be heartbroken.


I also bought some snacks for the dorm room to satisfy my sudden hunger pains throughout the day :)

Last night, I was feeling pretty corny and emotional, so I sat down and wrote a two-paged (double sided) note to Julian, talking about me, and a little bit about Dom and I, and what life has been like being pregnant with him thus far, and some of our hopes and dreams for him and as parents. It's prettyy corny and sappy, which I realized when I read it aloud, but I love it. I can just imagine him when he's a teenager receiving it, along with the others I plan on writing him throughout his life, and just thinking I'm crazy and weird. But I'm hoping he will secretly cherish them :). Ahh... a mother's wish. But I really want Dom and I, and anyone else, to write him little letters like that, which I can eventually compile into a book and give to him once he's older.

I'm 20 weeks today, did I mention!! I can't believe I'm halfway through already. It feels like yesterday that I first found out, and was going through all the drama of telling my family (even though there is still plenty of drama, now that everyone knows...) and trying to figure out what to do. Now seems like such happier days, when I pretty much have created a plan for us, with much help from cooperative family members, and can focus on the more enjoyable parts of being pregnant. Life is so good!

I'll probably do another mom survey soon- probably right after this. I'm in a blogging mood!!

Ciao!