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Floral Baby Shower

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(photographer: Angel Adriana Photography)

When we found out we were having a baby girl, I was a little unsure what kind of theme I wanted to go with. We had our hearts set on a neutral safari themed room for a little boy but I knew that I want all pink for a girl. I wanted something that can grow with her and be trendy opposed to the traditional Winnie the Pooh or Mickey Mouse. We landed on a pink floral theme. Our wonderful extended family hosted this gorgeous shower for us and she did not disappoint!

Location

For all my Tampa locals, we decided to host it at Foundation Coffee Co. Tampa Heights. It is located in an old historic brick building just near Tampa Riverwalk. There is such charm in the fact that is located in a restored building. They have an door sitting area along with an eclectic outdoor space with greenery and a pergola. Outdoor seated roughly 40 people and very reasonably priced. We opted for the back patio since it was spring in Florida and couldn’t pass up the gorgeous weather.

Theme

Everything was stemmed from the actual wallpaper we used in the nursery. (You can find it HERE) We had custom napkins made with the actual wallpaper graphic. What a gorgeous touch!

Desserts

My favorite part, DUH! Our only request was great desserts and she did not disappoint when arranging them.

We had mini cupcakes which I’m all about! There was a Guinness Chocolate, Cookie Dough, and Vanilla. The cookie dough was so good, but I may be biased because I love chocolate chip cookies.

Of course there was cake, what is a baby shower without one? We had a simple white cake and vanilla buttercream naked cake from Publix. I was so impressed with the quality of the cake. Definitely would order another for an event.

For some grab and go desserts, we also had pretzel rods and cake pops. The cake pops were traditional vanilla flavor but the wow factor was the detail of design. Almost too good to eat!

Games

Since we had a co-ed shower, we tried to keep the games to a minimum so guys didn’t feel obligated. To appeal to the guys, we did a bottle chug race. This was a race of who can drink the apple juice out of the baby bottle the fastest! You could also do it with beer (guys would definitely like that LOL).

A fun way to stock up our diaper pile was to do a Diaper Raffle. We asked everyone to bring a pack of diapers and in return we chose a random name to win a prize.

A really nice touch was that my sister-in-law handed out advice cards. She asked everyone to write a piece of advice down for us. It was so sweet for us to read through these once we got home. Most advice was to sleep when possible, remember to date each other, and don’t worry about keeping your home clean.

Favors

At most showers, they give a favor that you usually toss away. Following along with our sugar addiction, we gave custom sugar cookies as our favors. They had a beautiful “V” for Vivian. Let me tell you, these things were delicious! I totally am a supporter of cookies as a favor at any event!

We were extremely blessed with family and friends who have given their unlimited love and support during our journey. It’s incredible what positivity and love a little baby brings to so many people. So incredible to showered with joy and love. We thank everyone along this road.

Second Trimester Update

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Hallelujah! We are finally into the 2nd trimester! We are are officially 17 weeks and 5 days as I write this. The first trimester wasn’t the worst in the world but it certainly sucks the life out of you. I was constantly nauseous (luckily never threw up) and was always tired. Also, its the stage when you just look/feel bloated when you’re so anxious for the bump to pop.

Here’s my 2nd trimester update so far:

Health

Maintaining healthy blood pressure and vitals at every appointment. I’ve gotten dizzy/lightheaded a few times from moving so fast but that is common as there is more blood rushing through you. We had a NIPT (Non-Invasive Prenatal Test) done to screen for any chromosomal conditions and risks. Luckily, we were low risk and negative for all. Which also makes me thankful for medical breakthroughs that we are able to screen for things so early on. I have had some slight swelling occasionally which is usually from me not moving for a long period of time. No fun! I can only imagine how worse it’ll get.

Body

I am up 10 total pounds from when we first found out I was pregnant. I actually had spiked 6 pounds at my first appointment then had lost 6 by my next appointment. At out 16 week check-up, I was back up the 6 pounds and the doctor said I’m right on track. I definitely should be walking and moving more than I do. Round ligament pain has begun last week that just feels like extra sore lower back muscles. Warm showers, stretching and massages help. Also, my acne continues to rule my face which has to be the most annoying symptom as I’ve never had acne until now. I’ve been using witch-hazel and tea tree oil to help dry out and pull any dirts out. I’ve also caved and bought my first maternity clothes! WOO!

Cravings

Still on a salty kick! Potato chips have been my bestie although I’ve only had them a few times. I also caved and had a deli sandwich because it was ALL I could think about! Bought from a respectively clean grocery store near me and so far so good.

TIP: STRETCH! That will help alleviate the pain you may start having as your body is making room for baby!

Week 6 & 7 Pregnancy Update

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Hello to all the symptoms they tell you about pregnancy! Hit me right at the beginning of Week 6 and still haven’t gone away 🙁 But on the brightside, we are only 2 days away from our first OB appointment! I’m so nervous and excited at the same time especially since we’re still in the early stages for miscarriage. (This risk decreases after 12 weeks) I have a laundry list of questions to ask our OB so I’ll keep you posted!

 

Babe Update

 

Little babe has grown from 0.25 inches to 0.51 inches in these past 2 weeks! They went from the size of a sweet pea to a blueberry. About 100 new brain cells are forming per minute! How wild!

 

Health

 

I have had crazzzyyyy nausea and food aversions literally since the beginning of Week 6. I mean the type of nausea where you only eat crackers, water and saltines. When I am actually wanting to eat food, it’s usually whatever I am craving at that moment (Chicfila, Chicken Noodle Soup, etc.) Week 7 started with a sour stomach that brought me to tears. It felt as if I had a bad stomach ache for 4 straight days! I could barely eat anything because nothing agreed with me. Thankfully that has subsided the last 2 days.

 

Body

 

Just some bloating still but not really a bump I would say. I’m just at that stage where I looked a little bloated in the tummy and want to wear all the baggy clothes. I have a feeling I’ll have a bump by Week 12 which I’m soo excited about. I’ve already stocked up on some bump friendly dresses to wear to work during the transition.

Cravings

 

Cravings have been off the chain!! I mostly have wanted ALL salty foods…which is sooo unlike me. I barely even want anything sugary. I’ve thought about potato chips for like 5 days now. I’ve mostly craved macaroni and cheese, egg bacon and cheese bagels, and vanilla ice cream. As soon as I think of something, I immediately crave it until I get it.

 

TIP: Keep crackers handy for morning sickness! Once you feel some nausea, snack on a few crackers!

 

XOXO,

Shie

Pregnancy Reveal

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What was the day that changed our lives forever actually started as a normal Sunday morning. Lee was away on a golf trip while I stayed back to work on the blog. I had woken up that morning and like everyday I would track my fertility and period in the Glow app. When I logged in, I realized my period was two days late!! In my mind, I was like ehh it’s no big deal this is my first month off of birth control so I’m sure my period will be off. I thought about taking a test but brushed it of then within 20 minutes I couldn’t stop thinking about it.

Soooooo I sat down and started peeing on it….it was positive before I could even stop! I couldn’t believe it! I thought there was no way it could be positive especially since we’ve only been trying for a month. Well I was wrong, I took a digital Clear Blue test and it came up positive too! Seeing the positive on the test was the absolute happiest moment of my life.

Now I had to think of a way not to spill the beans to Lee before he made it home 6 hours later! We talked on the phone during his drive home and I was trying my hardest to play it cool. To keep my mind busy, I went shopping (doesn’t every new mama?)

 

Reveal Gift

I knew there was a cute little children’s boutique, so I had them make a customized onesie that said “Hello Daddy”. Then I went over to Target, grabbed this super cute book by Jimmy Fallon called “Your Child’s First Word Will Be Dada”. Perfect for Daddy’s gift! I went home, threw it in the box along with the first positive test I took and waited impatiently for Lee to arrive.

Once he got home, I couldn’t wait any longer! I sat him down (all while secretly recording him) handed him the box and let him open it.

His reaction was exactly what I imagined. He opened the box and was in utter shock. I immediately jumped on him and held him close. I was shaking with such excitement. A feeling similar to what winning 1 billion dollars probably feels like. We cried, laughed and screamed of our joy for our new baby. Something I will forever cherish and remember.

Week 5 Pregnancy Update

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Been carrying my little babe around for five weeks!! This was my first full week knowing that I was pregnant. We’ve processed the initial shock although it still feels surreal that we are finally pregnant. Something that we had planned many months for showed up within a month of being off of birth control.

They don’t warn you of the emotional roller coaster that you go through the first few days that you know you’re pregnant. I was completely overjoyed when I saw those lines cross on the test. My heart was beating out of my chest. We have felt absolutely over the moon this past week. I’ve felt so happy and complete. Also, the fact that you’re growing a human….freaking awesome.

 

Health

I am rather healthy, no history of diseases which could be seen as a complications. I do have poor circulation in the legs which something we will definitely monitor. Walking and exercises will help me keep the fluids flushed and my body limber to carry. I’m planning to exercise 3-4x week. I also have started taking my prenatals as well! I was on. Hormone balancing supplement for the past 4 months which contained enough folic acid for my new little babe.

 

Body

No size changes yet! Just feeling and looking a little bloated. Oh and super sore nipples and boobs! It’s crazy and actually the first symptom that made me think I was pregnant. I’ve had light and intermitent cramps everyday mostly at night. These are normal as it is the egg attaching to the uterine wall and growing. If these are to get stronger and more often then I would be worried.

 

Cravings

No cravings! I naturally have such a sweet tooth so I obviously had a few sweet treats. I actually find myself not hungry, probably because there is so much on my mind.

 

TIP: Take your prenatals! Folic Acid is extremely important to your little appleseed.

It helps the baby’s neural tube develop into their brain.

 

 

I am so excited to share how I’m feeling week by week with you all!

What symptoms did you have at 5 weeks?!