three + four month favorites

...doing this quick before yet another month flies by!

november has been a bit of a tough month over here. from harper being sick with a yucky cold, to then tanner coming down with bronchiolitis. I'm not quite sure where the last three weeks went. sick babies make for such a roller coster of days/weeks. it looks like we're finally seeing the light though! 

so... a few of our favorite things for three + four months!

floor play mat // since tanner began reaching and playing with toys- toys have been a big new favorite around here. the floor mat we have is from when harper was a baby and it's just as loved!

car seat toys // we're entering the phase of needing entertainment in the car. of course tanner gets very entertained by harper :) a few carseat toys have also been helpful. we have this elephant and this hanging toy and he really likes them both. 

nursing cover // I ended up buying a second of these after tanner was born. being that it doubles as a carseat cover, it easily got dirty and days (or weeks) could pass by the time I got it washed, dried, and back in my bag :)

paci clips // we use these every day! though my legs could benefit from the squatting down all day long, it's much easier that we use a clip to keep the paci from falling on the ground. and these leather ones by Ryan & Rose, I love for tanner.

monitor // we had/have this exact same levana monitor for harper and were so happy with it that we bought a second to have for tanner. harper's has been dropped a thousand and one times, but is somehow still hanging in there and working for us!

play chair // we used this chair allll the time when harper was a baby. and we're already getting lots of use out of it with tanner! it's also so easy to clean- which makes me love it that much more :)

mama roo // another hand-me-down from harper. we're likely nearing the end of swing days as tanner prefers more and more to be in a sitting position. but it's still quite useful to bring into the kitchen for him to hang out in while i"m making dinner on the nights where he doesn't want me out of his sight :)

how in heaven's name will he be tuning F I V E months in just less than two weeks!?

xoxo

-Brittney

follow along on instagram @brittneyhjelseth

dry shampoo review

I had listed dry shampoo as one of my favorite things on my two month favorites post and thought a post like this might be fun :) I'm no beauty expert, but I have tried my share of dry shampoos. and there are LOTS of them out there! I've loved some and hated some! here are my opinions on the handful of the ones I've tried. I'm always trying new ones too, so over time this list may change and I may come upon new favorites.

I'm all too dependent on my dry shampoo, but as a mom, I don't think I could live without!
I know.. I know.. first world problems.

I've seen this floating around on pinterest, and isn't it the truth!?

kardashian beauty take 2 dry shampoo

dislike! which I was very disappointed about. I had high expectations for this one. but I found it didn't help with the greasy-ness. and hello(!!) that's the point of using dry shampoo. it actually made my hair feel more oily. the only pro I found- it smells good.

big sexy hair volumizing dry shampoo
this one almost makes my hair feel worse! I thought I would like it much better than I did. it covers up the dirty hair look pretty well, but if I touch my hair, it feels more dirty... weird. and no thanks.

keratin complex lock launder dry shampoo

LOVE this product... the only downfall, which is a big one... the spray on the bottle tends to break and no longer spray. I had some that didn't and some that did. which is so disappointing, because the dry shampoo itself is my favorite. if there wasn't that issue, this would be my number 1.

psssst! instant dry shampoo

this one is ok. a good fresh smell. I don't find it to leave any white residue in my hair. it's decent at taking care of the greasy hair.

batiste blush floral & flirty dry shampoo

a good strong spray- which is great to cover more area at the root. I find I have to make sure I shake it well before spraying to avoid the white powder look in my hair- cause no one wants that!

eva nyc freshen up dry shampoo
love it! sprays really well, great cover, and no white residue. win, win, win!

not your mother's clean freak refreshing dry shampoo

I'll say this is my favorite! it covers so well, and for the price- can't be beat! I don't find it to leave any white residue and it covers around so well. this is my go to for sure!

tips:
-shake really well before spraying
-rub into scalp/roots well with your fingers
-brush your hair after

would LOVE to know any other brands that you've tried and tested! please share!

xoxo

-Brittney

follow along on instagram @brittneyhjelseth

two month favorites

here's a quick run down of my favorite things over this last month with our baby Tanner Ross.
still love and use everything from last month. plus a few more!
life with a two month old! :)

solly baby wrap // let's just say hands free! with this I can run around with Harper and keep Tanner close. it's A-MAZE-ING

medela sterilizing bags // we've been trying to offer Tanner a bottle a little more frequently to get him used to it. these have been great in cleaning my pumping supplies. I hand wash them as well, but it's also great to use these sterilizing bags every so often and when I really just don't feel like hand washing with the bottle brush and soap :) it's so quick and easy to throw it in the bag and pop it in the microwave!

nursing bra // really I've loved this since day one of nursing, but it is still hanging on as a favorite!

dry shampoo // well because- I now go longer than I ever have before with washing my hair. how would we live without this stuff!?? I started using dry shampoo once I became a mom with Harper, and I don't see myself e v e r stopping! I've tried so many different brands too. some that I love and some that I hate. (thinking of doing a dry shampoo review post! - if anyone would care) ;)

grass drying rack  // I wouldn't say it's a complete necessity, BUT it works really well for the inside of the bottles to dry well when they're upside down

pacifier // we introduced Tanner to the pacifier when he was having a couple of fussy days at 7 weeks old. since then he has grown to really like this one and it soothes him so, so well! and I'm a fan of the solid, simplicity of it :)

Happy Friday, all!!

Xoxo

-Brittney

one month favorites

we've gotten through our first month with a newborn, and I have to say we have transitioned quite well! beyond thankful for that! though a lot of it is due to having a sweet, mellow baby, there have been some items that have helped ease us into our new normal. now don't get me wrong, we've definitely had our times where morning comes all too quickly and bedtime can't come quick enough.

nuroo swaddler // we started swaddling Tanner at 2 weeks when he had his first overtired/fussy night. this made all the difference in helping him settle down and relax. I love swaddles with velcro because it makes swaddling SO easy. this particular brand has been the one we use every night. the fabric is super soft and light enough so he doesn't get too hot during these summer nights.

noise machine // (we also have the portable version which I keep in the diaper bag). another game changer at two weeks when it came time to help Tanner settle down. white noise, played about as loud as a running shower, is so soothing for babies. Harper liked it as a baby just as much as Tanner does. if you haven't I would recommend reading The Happiest Baby on the Block. it's a great book in helping to understand your baby and figuring out how to help them feel comfortable (less crying!!).

white onsies // simple. easy. my go-to. and I just love a baby boy in a plain white onsie!

aden and anais swaddle blankets // I couldn't resist these ones pictured :) I use these blankets every single day. I think I have a swaddle blanket obsession. just ask my husband- he would agree! there really isn't much more to say, other than they're so great!!

boppy newborn lounger // my friend Kaylani had one of these for her baby who's the same age of Harper and it always looked so great. so with Tanner I just HAD to get one and we've loved it! Tanner loves 'lounging' in it and it's been so convenient in taking him every where we go around the house. often during Harper's bath he's right there with us on his pillow :)

boppy nursing pillow // so helpful in the beginning nursing months when baby is still so little!

IKEA spoka night light // when my friend Holly had her baby a few months ago I saw this night light she had gotten and was very intrigued. since it's a dim light, we use it in the middle of the night for diaper changes. it's great because it gives enough light to see, without being too bright to where it would wake Tanner too much. and what's even better is that it's so portable. the battery lasts so long and is rechargeable. since using it over the past few weeks, we haven't needed to recharge it once.

freezer meals // (hoping to post more on this soon!) last, but most certainly not least! I made a number of freezer meals towards the end of my pregnancy to have on hand for after baby was born. I did this while pregnant with Harper as well. hands down the best thing I ever did to prepare for baby!! between freezer meals and meals that friends/family have brought to us, I haven't had to 'really' make dinner once since Tanner was born! nothing compares to a hot, home-cooked meal. this way we get to enjoy that with such minimal work. 

xoxo

-Brittney

follow along on instagram @brittneyhjelseth

Week/end

I truly never know the difference between our week vs. weekend. a day is a day around our home. with me being home with the kids and Brandon being in real estate (which never sleeps!), it doesn't make much difference if it's a Tuesday or a Saturday. 

so with a little recap of our 'weekend' let's start it on Thursday! :)

THURSDAY - a fun relaxing evening at my in-laws filled with sitting out on their back patio, eating pizza, and swimming. I don't have a single picture, but you can picture Angela, Tanner, and I lounging on the patio furniture while Harper and her nana are running around playing. so many giggles come out of my sweet little two year old. and it is the absolute BEST sound my hears have ever heard.

FRIDAY - uhh... pizza for dinner. again. but apparently it's the weekend and that's what people do on weekends. eat pizza! 

earlier in the day the kiddos and I had to run to costco to get some things for Angela's baby shower that we would be hosting on Saturday. and it was by all means... a costco adventure. but when is costco ever not an adventure, right? the place is always packed. keeping your eyes out for a parking spot while trying your best not to hit or even be hit by a shopper and their massive cart. then it's trying not to hit or be hit by anyone while making your way through the store isle by isle. the shopping went great and was actually fun! Harper loved riding in the basket and gathering our groceries. trying to sit and balance on the watermelon was so funny and (not so funny) she sat right on the fresh croissants. sorry to all at the shower who's croissant for the chicken salad was a bit flat! we got all of our things and both babes made it out the door without a single cry. hallelujah and all the praise hands!! I loaded everyone and everything into the car and then that's when the true adventure began. if you follow me on Instagram, this is where the explanation comes in about me kicking the watermelon across the parking lot ;)

while getting the last of the groceries loaded, Tanner was suddenly hungry and wanted to nurse. and wanted to nurse NOW. I thought maybe if I got driving he'd fall back asleep until we got home. nope. I had gotten to the other side of the costco parking lot without any slowing down of his cry. I pulled over, let Harper out of her car seat to roam the car, grabbed Tanner out of his, and began nursing him. Harper found her way next to me in the front passenger seat. she LOVES to play around in the car. before I knew it she pressed the button to open the back gate of the car. after hearing a big thud, I realized our watermelon had rolled out. of course that's the item that happens to be leaning up against the door! I hopped out with baby in my arms and to my complete surprise the thing didn't crack open! buttt instead it rolled across to the other side of the parking lot.
"do I just leave it???"
but I need it for the shower Saturday and if it gets ran over, I am NOT running back in the store with two kids to buy another. soooo my best option since my arms were full with Tanner was to play a little soccer (and I'm certainly no athlete!) and kick it back towards our car where it could sit safely until I was done nursing Tanner and had two free hands.
so that's exactly what I did.
I was thinking to myself (while stressed as to what mischief Harper might be getting into now), "is there not anyone around to see this happening?! I could really use some help right about now!"
I left that darn watermelon sitting by the car tire with the car gate open.
I figured the hard part was over now so I got back in the car to finish nursing Tanner.
a voice from behind me said "ma'am, can I help you with that watermelon?"
someone had seen me!! slightly embarrassed, but then also relieved, I hopped out of the car. it was a guy working at the tire center who had seen me kicking that massive watermelon and came on over to offer me a hand.
I was a hot, sweaty mess, but all was taken care of now.
we hit up chick-fil-a on our way home :) the perfect fix.

Friday ended with a girl's night at my house with the best friends I could ask for. and you know they're the best of friends when they're there to give you all the support you're in need of with the baby's first major, MAJOR blow out! what are friends for ;)
I'll spare you the picture!

SATURDAY - Angela's baby shower!!!
we had such a great time celebrating this beautiful mama-to-be and her sweet little boy. it is such a blessing to have our baby boys just two months apart. she's going to be one amazing mama and has a heart made of pure gold.

SUNDAY - a day full of rest and being home with my babies. just what I needed. oh and dinner at Cafe Rio for a cherry on top :)

here's to a great week ahead filled with sunshine and laughter!

Xoxo

-Brittney

39 weeks

I almost grabbed the '38' for the banner for this week's picture. and then it hit me... nope! we're at 3-9!! just one week's time makes such a difference at this point in pregnancy. technically it's just another week passing, but at this point, one weeks is soooo much more! 

I mean, it's possible this could be the last bump picture. although I'm feeling quite sure that it won't be ;) 

before we were about to snap this picture, Brandon said "only two more". so he's thinking this one, and then next week at 40 will be the last. I'm not quite sure... I wouldn't be surprised if we were able to get ourselves a picture at 41 weeks! 

would not be surprised one bit.

we had an appointment with my midwife yesterday. and well, there really isn't a lot to report.

still pregnant. and it looks like I will most likely be making it to my appointment next week as well.

How far along? 39 weeks

Total weight gain: 41 pounds

Maternity clothes? well of course. and due to this horrible weather we've been having lately (it seems more like October than July...) I wore my maternity jeans for the first time in awhile. I thought I was looonggg done with them.

Sleep: napping nearly every day. once Harper goes down for her nap, it's like my energy level just tanks. I've been taking advantage of her sleeping and getting myself a little nap in too. and not feeling an ounce bad about it, because here soon sleep will be a lot less than it is now! to the newborn world we will go :)

Best moment this week: the 4th of July for sure! we didn't have any big plans, but hung out with great friends, enjoyed great food, and watched some great fireworks. even though it's her second 4th of July, this was Harper's first time seeing the fireworks. after a little bit of warming up to them in the late afternoon, by the time it was dark and the real show was happening, she didn't have any fear of the loud booms. she still, four days later, has been talking about the "fie-wooks" :)

Current symptoms: just those that go along with being 39 weeks pregnant. uncomfortableness.
Miss anything? I'm really missing being able to have Harper sit on my lap in the rocking chair before bed reading books. with a belly this big, there isn't any space left for her to sit. baby brother is taking up allll the room! but Brandon has been completely taking over this duty and it's actually so sweet to watch them sit and read together :) warms my pregnant mama heart!

Labor signs? no. no. and no.

Looking forward to: Harper's second birthday party on Saturday!! HOW is our baby just days away from turning t w o??! her days of being the 'baby' are limited now and soon she will be a big sister girl! we are so excited to celebrate her and I can't wait to see what she thinks of her party :) then, (as long as baby boy is still comfy in my tummy) mommy + daddy will celebrate her again on her 'real' birthday on the 13th :)

and there we have it. week 39 is here!

bags are packed. car seat is in the car. and we're ready to roll once he decides to give us the green light.

I'm sure you will be hearing from me again in another 7 days! but I won't be complaining if you don't ;)

xoxo

-Brittney

follow along on instagram @brittneyhjelseth

38 weeks

There's just something about being at this point of 38 weeks- that makes it all so.much.more.real. as if I haven't known since October we'd be having another little babe join our family.. mentally it has taken time to become so real.

and the 'real' part of all this is that labor and delivery are near and WILL be happening anytime now. (though I don't expect it for another couple of weeks- at least). 
now watch- he's going to come early ;)

but with all that the 'real' part means mentally it's time I get myself there. for me- with natural childbirth- it's about a lot of reminders. 
each contraction is doing work to get me closer and closer. 
through all the hard work it's going to end with having my baby on my chest. 
don't fight the contractions- let them do their thing. 
God made my body to do this. 
women have been birthing babies since the beginning of time- I can do it too. 

How far along? 38 weeks

Total weight gain: 39 pounds

Maternity clothes? wearing the same 5 things- the only things that fit- day after day :) but hey! we're almost there and what I'm wearing is actually the least of my concerns these days

Sleep: love it and hate it. I want to just sleep, sleep, sleep. finding a comfortable position at night is not the easiest though! my snoogle pillow definitely helps, but there isn't anything that makes it great. some nights I would like to just sleep on the couch! I've been having Brandon massage my calves before going to bed and it really does make such a difference in helping me to relax and fall asleep. such a good husband! :)

Best moment this week: Brandon and I had a date night. just us. it was so great to get some quality time in together just the two of us. we don't have it in us anymore to stay out too late though! come 9pm we were both ready to hit the sack! we also have the nursery 100% completed and it feels.so.good!

Miss anything? I've been trying to spend more quality time with Harper, but I wish it were a bit easier to move! getting up and down on her level is certainly not the easiest and I miss being able to run around and play with ease. there isn't anything quick (or pretty) about me trying to get to my feet from sitting on the floor.

Movement: it's the best! I always wish I could see through my belly to see exactly what it is that I'm feeling when he moves. foot? knee? arm? elbow?

Food cravings: notta. cereal has been my go-to because it's quick, easy, and is a way for me to at least eat something. I believe we have nearly ten boxes in our house right now. never, ever have we had this much cereal!

Labor signs? nope!

Looking forward to: Harper's 2nd birthday party is on Saturday! we are so excited to celebrate our sweet girl and make it her day. I'm so excited to see her excitement at her party :) baby boy just needs to make sure he stays put until a f t e r Saturday! then he's more than welcome to come any day after. even if he's two days early on Harper's actual birthday (the 13th). what a birthday gift that would be for her!

it's been a slow process, but I finally did all the shopping and made some freezer meals this week. I have a few more to finish up this week. I'll be feeling like I'm on top of the world once I have them all finished!

we had a great 4th last night and hope you did too!

it's one of the best holidays! relaxing and having fun with family + friends, little responsibility, bbqing, laying in the grass on blankets, and watching the sky light up. nothing like it :)

xoxo

-Brittney

follow along on instagram @brittneyhjelseth

third trimester favorites

as I'm nearing the very (very!) end of the third trimester (which means the end of PREGNANCY all together!) I wanted to share what my favorite things have been these last weeks.

and with having a summer baby, it's mainly been geared towards comfort and staying cool.

comfy tanks // a comfortable tank that I can wear with absolutely anything has been my number one go-to. shorts and maxi skirts if I'm leaving the house. lounge pants/shorts around the house. and even as swim coverup when we're headed to the pool. I've always loved these basic tank tops. pregnant or not- I wear them all the time. they are long + stretchy + comfy! I've recently discovered these tanks and have a new found love for them! they're lightweight and there are so many color options that I may or may not have bought myself seven or so of them! but when they're on sale (and they are now- for only $6!) who can resist??!

Schick Intuition Razor // a friend of mine told me about this razor while she was pregnant and as I entered into the third trimester of being bigger and harder to bend down... I went and got myself one. it's AMAZING! you do not need any shaving cream! it makes for shaving my legs (which should happen far more than it actually does) so, so much easier. without this razor.. let's just say shaving my legs would be a task that would've gotten thrown out the window :) so we should allll be thankful for this razor! ha!

Flounce bralette bikini tops // I hadn't ever worn this style of swim top until recent. I picked one up before we went on our trip to Hawaii and after the first time of wearing it, fell in love! being pregnant there's a bit more going on up top ;) and these have great coverage! I can wear it all around the pool with a toddler whom I'm carrying, bending over to help, throwing around in the pool, and never feel like I have to be adjusting my swim top to keep things 'contained'. my favorites that I purchased were from old navy and are they ever on sale right now(!!), but I also JUST scored this one for $5!

Dr Teal's Epsom Salt // what pregnant woman doesn't love a nice bath soak in lavender epsom salts??! I wish I was able to do it more!

Tumbler // it's must to keep hydrated and it's even that much more important in the heat! a good (non-leaking) tumbler makes it simple and easy to drink throughout the day. I fill mine about 6 times a day.

Electrolytes // in the summer when sweating more, it's a must to not only replace fluids, but also electrolytes. this body has to be well hydrated and prepared for the marathon of labor! I also make a labor aid drink (provided by my midwife, but there are lots of recipes out there) that I freeze into ice cubes and add to my drinks throughout the day to just boost my electrolytes that much more.

labor aid recipe:

1/3 cup fresh lemon juice

1/3 cup honey

1/4 tsp sea salt

1/2 tsp liquid calcium

6 cups water

-mix it all together & drink or freeze as ice cubes.

hydrated + comfortable. that's the focus this trimester!

and only about 2(ish) weeks left!! can't wait to meet you, sweet boy :)

xoxo

-Brittney

follow along on instagram @brittneyhjelseth

36 + 37 weeks

full. 

term.

whoa.

baby.

we're here. we've reached the point where baby boy is welcome to come any day now! I'm certain he won't, but he's (semi) welcome to ;) I went 8 days past my due date with Harper & I still have a few things to finish up before he comes, but soon, very soon he's going to be joining us!

hitting the 37 week (full term) point (and still being low risk) gives me the 'good to go' to deliver at The Birthing Inn. 

we had an amazing experience bringing Harper into the world at TBI and as long as all continues as 'normal' we plan to grow our family and become a family of four the same way.

the last two weeks have been a whirlwind. 

day trip getaway + bridesmaid in Jill's wedding + pregnancy sickness/exhaustion

but I'm getting myself back to life now and we're all doing good! (and Brandon is still busier than ever with work!)
I've got a burst of energy back and have plans to tackle some freezer meals this next week for after baby is born. I did this with Harper, and hands down the BEST thing I did to prep for baby!

here I am. 37 weeks pregnant and officially doing the 'waddle' when I walk.

this baby is LOW! and I can feel him being all comfy there in my hips. lower than I ever felt that Harper was in pregnancy!

sunday afternoon as we're about to run off to the pool for the day, I realized I hadn't yet taken my bump pic for the week! so swim suit and all.. we hurried and got it taken care of!

adventure awaits.

it sure does!!

How far along? 37 weeks

Total weight gain: 37 pounds. my weight had dropped when I was sick for a couple days, and it has now gotten back up to where we were two weeks ago.

Maternity clothes? honest. I would prefer to run around in my sports bra and underwear all day. the weather is suppose to get nice again this next week (it's been yuck lately!) so maybe I'll live the days in my swim suit at the pool. I don't think Harper would oppose tagging along for that.

Stretch marks? oh yeah. just embracing it, because who really cares :) and what am I to do about it anyway.

Sleep: hit or miss. the last few nights- great. the few nights before that- not so great.

Current symptoms: here's to the longest list of pregnancy symptoms I've ever had... carpal tunnel syndrome. random throwing up + achy stomach. sore back and neck and feet and hands (time to get in for another prenatal massage!).
Miss anything? sleeping on my tummy!

Movement: yesss! he's settled on a side though and seems to be staying put. 

Food cravings: no cravings. lunch has been a struggle. for some reason it's the meal of the day that I just do not have any desire to eat. I'm finding myself to snack my way through from breakfast to dinner.

Labor signs? just irregular braxon hicks throughout the days. nothing consistent, though I sometimes do find them to be more uncomfortable than ever before.

Looking forward to: we're on the weekly schedule for check ups now so after having an appt this week, we'll be back again next week to check that all is still going well!

I had forgotten how itty bitty teeny weeny newborn diapers are!!

(especially when I'm currently seeing Harper's size 5's every day)

here's to the very, very tail end of carrying our sweet baby boy!

I am so thankful for the blessing of carrying to term and that God has entrusted Brandon and I with these sweet children we've been giving.

it's true- children are life's greatest blessing.

can't wait to meet and hold you baby boy!!

Xoxo

-Brittney

35 weeks

as if I haven't said it before.... time is flying! and what a thief it is. 

it saddens me to think I'm only a handful of weeks away from being done with this pregnancy. I know, call me crazy... but after I had Harper, I so missed being pregnant and felt like I didn't cherish it enough. the same day she was born and I felt that immense love for her, I was ready and excited for more babies! and here we are. already so close to meeting our second baby!!

I certainly find myself getting nervous for labor/delivery. this time I don't have the benefit of being naive on what's to come. but then again I have the benefit of knowing (kinda) what's to come. 

a natural childbirth is no joke (but so great!) and with time being so short until baby boy begins to make his arrival, I am trying oh so hard to prepare myself mentally. as well as I can, that is :)

How far along? 35 weeks

Total weight gain: 37 pounds. I've now officially passed my total weight gain from pregnancy with Harper! this time I'm having swelling that I know is contributing to this weight gain. I didn't experience any swelling with Harper. but I'm also on my feet and running around all day A LOT more than I was first pregnancy. this time I have an active almost two year old to be running after allll dayyyy longggg! :)

Maternity clothes? throw 'em at me please! I'm determined to now not buy any more clothes to wear while pregnant. because well... I can't find it worth it for only a few more weeks! so here I'll enter the phase of 'wearing the same 5 things over and over again' :) and if it were really up to me (and socially acceptable) :) I'd be wearing boy short underwear and a sports bra all day every day. in the house it isn't an uncommon site to see!

Stretch marks? well yeah. pretty certain more have formed (I think). when I no longer have this big belly, I'll be able to better see what has happened in this department!

Sleep: just more of it please!!

Best moment this week: we had a midwife appointment this week! love hearing that little heartbeat! and now we've moved to the every two week appointment schedule. it's getting close to go time!

Worst moment this week: my hormones are getting the best of me. as well as thinking of the changes to come for my little family and I. Brandon has been super busy with work. which is such a blessing and we are so thankful for the business that comes his way! but it certainly isn't always easy on me. when he's busy with work, it makes for longer days for me too. but when you add the pregnancy hormones on top of that... well I just start missing my husband! but tis the busy season of real estate and all is good!!
Current symptoms: carpal tunnel syndrom. this is related to the swelling. but it's no joke! tingling/numbness in my hand and arm, and soreness in my hand and wrist joints have become quite the disturbance. especially at night! I'm trying so hard to get my fluids and electrolytes in but I just can't seem to get a handle on it. 

Movement: yep! and he flips from side to side in my belly. each day he seems to be in a different spot. although he is head down (yay!!!) soon he's gonna need to settle on a side and hopefully it's the preferred left side :)

Food cravings: I'm more so having an issue of finding things that actually sound good. as of late it's been rare if I actually eat lunch. my go-to has been snacking on some cheese and crackers. I try to thrown a fruit in with it and call it good. oh and redvines!! I think I could eat nearly a bag a day!

Labor signs? just an increase in braxton hicks. but no significant discomfort there.

Wedding rings on or off? well I never take my ring off. really, I  n e v e r  do. and well with this swelling... I don't think it would be possible for me to get it off if I tried.

Looking forward to: we're making a day trip to Cannon Beach, OR and I am so excited for one quick little getaway before we welcome our fourth family member!

Xoxo

-Brittney

Baby Shower | Baby Boy Hjelseth

allll day I have been thinking today is Thursday.

well to my surprise at 3pm, I just realized that it is actually Friday!

which I guess is good news! ;) BUT I then also realized that I am officially 35 weeks pregnant- that only leaves 5(ish) weeks left until we meet baby boy! ahhh!!

in some ways we are sooo ready to meet him. and in some ways we are sooo not ready to meet him.

I feel like my to-do list is just too long!

but more on that when I get a 35 week update posted. until then I'll pretend that I am still just 34 weeks ;)

last weekend Angela threw me the greatest baby shower. 

I felt so loved by all of our family + friends. it warms my heart beyond words just how blessed our baby boy is. he is surrounded by the greatest love. my little family and I couldn't be more grateful for the love and support we have. growing a family isn't always easy, but it makes it all the better when we're doing it surrounded by loved ones!

an afternoon full of being spoiled! 

treats + drinks + friends + family + gifts + laughter + love

we are so excited to meet you little one! the gift to be your mama is one that I can never repay. the Lord has already blessed us beyond measure by giving you to us. as I feel you in my belly, I can only try to imagine how much my heart will grow once you're here.

you are so loved and that won't every change!

Xoxo

-Brittney

34 weeks

34.weeks.

no.way.

I had to do a double check to make sure I was tracking right and not ahead of myself. I was pretty sure today was 33 weeks. but NOPE  a n o t h e r  week flown by! and here we are at thirty four weeks into this pregnancy!! with a baby the size of a cantaloupe!

I am getting so darn excited to become a boy mom and have our little here. looking forward to those sweet newborn snuggles and that sweet newborn smell :)

and I'll guarantee at the same time (once he's here) I'll be thinking how great life was being able to get an entire night's sleep. but I know he will be oh so worth every bit of sleep deprivation! I'll have to remind myself of that over and over in the moments of exhaustion though ;)

Harper was (and is) overall such a great sleeper. praying this little guy is the same way, but I'm certainly not getting my hopes up! but we will take it all as it comes and only control what we can.

but please Lord, give us another good sleeper!

How far along? 34 weeks

Total weight gain: 34 pounds- I believe this is the first week of the pregnancy that has gong by where I haven't gained any more than the previous week. crazy how these pounds are packing on! I'm only two pounds shy of reaching my total weight gain from pregnancy with Harper.
Sleep: definitely getting harder to get comfortable in the night. but thankfully I'm so tired by the end of the day that it hasn't been a challenge to fall asleep. just more tossing and moving to find that comfortable position.

Best moment this week: I had the greatest massage AND got my hair done. it was a good week! and thanks to my amazing hubby for helping to make it happen!

Current symptoms: ahh just third trimester stuff. sore feet. tired body. and starting to feel a little bit of nesting coming on! I've been wanting to take on tasks that I really shouldn't be worrying about right now. like organizing all of our pictures on the computer and completing house decorating in the areas that have been neglected since we moved in. but let's be real- those are not the things I should be putting this nesting energy towards! oh and though I don't always feel them and they aren't too uncomfortable (other than lower back cramping) I'm noticing more and more braxton hicks contractions. my uterus is definitely practicing for delivery day!

Looking forward to: baby shower today!! and a fun weekend ahead with a m a z i n g weather!! hello June!!

Xoxo

-Brittney