Monday, July 30, 2012

Weekend Wrap Up

One word to describe my weekend:  OLYMPICS

This is from Friday night until Sunday night at 10:00pm (just because I fell asleep). I love everything about them...and I only cried 3 times so far. Here are some of my favorite moments and athletes:  
Ryan Lochte
   
 Where did you come from?? Well I know where you came from, but seriously?? When Lochte swam that 400 he was brilliant. That kind of talent does not come natural. YOU WORK AT IT. When Ryan (yea...we are on first name basis) got home from the Beijing Olympics he was dissappointment with how did. Heck, I don't remember hearning his name at all. It was all about Phelps, NOT THIS YEAR.

He got home and hit the weights. He knew that what he was missing was his strength. He worked out for 4 years everyday. He would wake up every morning and flip tires and hit the weights. He knew how to swim...now he just needed power.

He stated that every year he started out from the bottom. He works and works to be the best, he just didn't wake up and become the best. I love his humbleness, shy attitude...and most of all his SHOE collection.

Dava Vollmer
 

Vollmer is AMAZING. That's all I have to say. She is the sweetest, hardworking female swimmer out there. She didn't even qualify for the Beijing Olympics and now she is Queen of London. She broke the world record (.56) in the 100 meter butterfly. She swam through injuries and her cap falling of in the race. Just think about it....you train HARD for 4 years, sometimes a lifetime, for a race that lasts less than a MINUTE.

Gabbyy Douglas

AND....the baby of the group. I just love little Gabby Douglas. How does a 16 year old hold her composure like this with all the pressure? She is so focused, determined and not to mention a world champion on the uneven bars. Did you see her amazing routine last night? If you missed it...no worries, here is a recap!



Yes I know..AMAZING


If you haven't cried yet during these amazing games, BEWARE tears are coming when you hear Gabby's story. Below is the story of "Raising an Olympian" and in my view, a story of a mom that did whatever to make her babies dreams come true.

The story of all the these athletes are amazing. Hard work, determination and so much sacrifices. They sacrifice their childhood, social life, bodies, minds and most of the things we all take for granted. Now that I am approaching motherhood and having a daughter of my own, I now realize the sacrafice parents make for their children. I now understand so much more then I did before. I would do anything to make sure Riley's can follow her dreams:)

Happy Monday Ya'll

Future Blog Posts:
27 week bump attach
You know you live in the country when...
Cleveland Rocks!

Shannon

Friday, July 27, 2012

What NOT to say to a pregnant woman....


Coming from a pregnant woman (a hormonal one at that), I thought I would give you guys some input on "What NOT to say to a pregnant woman." This is going to save you embarrassment, dirty looks, maybe even a swift kick in the A%$.

Here we go. In no special order:

1. Are you expecting? OKAY people, if you are not 100% (not 90, but 100) sure that they are expecting...then please please please do not comment about them being pregnant. If they are not pregnant, this could cause you and them some embarrassment. If they are pregnant, they may not think they are showing that much, or not enough. Please lay off this question.

2. Don't go for the belly! This is not a question but more of a safety tool. DO NOT go and touch a pregnant woman's belly without her consent. Most of the time I say yes but I prefer no. Pregnant mom's are just protective. Unless you are extremely close to the mom to be, do not go for the belly.

3. How are you feeling? How do I look like I am feeling?? I have a basketball inside my stomach... how would you feel? This about sums up what a mom WANTS to say to you: tired, iritated, tired, hungry, tired, sleep deprived, tired, hot, tired. Instead we stick with: great, rested, nesting, excited. See what I mean?

4. What gender are you hoping for? I was one of those moms to be that really did not care what gender we were having. I just prayed for a baby for so long that nothing else mattered. Even though I always knew we were having a girl, I would have been equally thrilled if we found out we had a boy growing in there. Even if a parent is hoping for a specific gender they are probably not going to put it out there to later find out they're having the opposite gender. Ohh the guilt!

5. Were you guys trying? This question is also known as (AKA) WHAT THIS AN ACCIDENT? Okay...here we go again. Is this really necessary? Do you need to know this? If you are like me and were trying for two year and went through a very hard time to get pregnant, it can bring up some bad memories and you want to say "YES LADY! We were trying" or if you weren't trying and had an "uh oh.." moment, are you less excited? No matter if you were trying or it sort of happened...NEVER, I repeat NEVER ask a pregnant woman if she was trying, or if she is excited. OF course she is excited!! If she said she wasnt, that would lead into a whole different conversation and you probably don't want to go there:)

To sum everything we just talked about up this lovely FRIDAY (and Olympic Ceremony day) they best thing to say to a pregnant woman is:

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!

Let her take if from there. She may say that she's excited, nervous, sick as a dog. Whatever the situation, congratulations has you in a great conversation and you will always come out on top.

Happy Friday Ya'll

Shannon

Wednesday, July 25, 2012

26 WEEKS!

Guess what! Guess What! Guess What! Guess What! Guess What!

I have two important things to announce.

1.  We are in double digits....96 days to due date everyone. Woop there it is:0
2.  I can no longer see my feet


You see this...it is all baby! I love it.


26 Weeks has treated me well and I feel like a rockstar. It is almost my third trimester (AKA..the beginning of the END).


Size of Baby: Baby is now the size of a head of lettuce. She is about 2-2.5 lbs. Keep growing baby Riley. Mamma's belly has a way to go.

Movement: LOTS LOTS LOTS. She is one active little one. She keeps me up at night with all of her kicking. I like to think she is telling me a story. Maybe she is telling me to lay off the mexican:)

Symptoms: MIld heartburn. Mostly when I drink lemonade, which is everyday. I can not get enough lemons. I will NOT give it up. Good thing for tums.

Moment of the Week: Josh has been able to get more involved in this pregnancy. I can feel her move all the time. He just lays there with his hands on my belly. I think she already has him wrapped around her finger. Oh My...but love every minute of it.

Things to look forward to:
Furniture hopefully this weekend
Cleveland in almost 1 WEEK!
Olympics starting this friday

Future Blog Post:
What NOT to say to a pregnant woman
Pregnancy checklist (I better get started)

Happy Hump Day everyone.

Shannon



Monday, July 23, 2012

Monday Madness!

Well it's Monday again...back to reality and back to work! One more week down. Bring on week 26.

Highlight of my weekend was going to see "Dark Knight Rises". Great Movie. Great Actors. Great Directors. I felt I had to go see it opening weekend to even try and have a conversation with my brother these day.

Anne Hathaway...WOW

You are amazing. A Goddess. Can I be like you when I grow up? She looked awesome as catwoman and played the role amazing. She made me want to be catwoman. 

Great Movie. Go see it stat! It gives Magic Mike a run for its money..heeee. I still have dreams about Magic Mike ( Wow). Josh don't worry, I will turn down Chantum shows up at our door. My true love is only for you:)

In other news:
Roses are red, violets are blue, there are two men left (and one rose), so whom will Emily Maynard choose?

I think I am team ARIE. There is something about Jeff's hair that is just too 1980's for me. We will see tonight!

The TOP newstory of today!!!
OLYMPICS start this week....and I can NOT wait


I can not wait for basketball, swimming, gymnastics, volleyball...all of it. Especially the opening ceremony. I will just warn you now, I am going to cry cry cry. I cried at batman...I am surely to cry at the opening ceremonies. All of the controversy surrounding the uniforms will be gone once we take the stage.

Yes! I think the uniforms should be made in USA. However, it wouldn't be American if they weren't made in China.

Yes! I think the uniforms look like they are from England and have nothing to do with how American's are perceived. Again, we are always trying to keep up with some other country in fashion, so it fits.

Yes! The Ralph Lauren horse is bigger than the American Flag. He paid for the uniforms. Did anyone else...NO.

Now let's watch the olympics and all play nice. It is going to be a great week!

Happy  Monday!

Shannon



Thursday, July 19, 2012

It's Okay Thursdays

Okay this is my first offical "link up" with another blog. I am not sure if I did it correct or not. My blog link DID show up on her website so I am going with YES. It's Okay....

Its Ok Thursdays

It's OK....

....I woke up super late today and did not take a shower before work but had time to go to BK and get some french toast sticks. YUM

....that I am more excited about the Bachelorette finally then I am the presidential election these days.

...my husband's main priority at this current moment is making sure he does not miss ONE olympic basketball game. Yup, saw the schedule posted on the counter. Sweet!

...that I really can not paint my toenails by myself anymore so I absolutely NEED to get pedicures. That's my story!

...to eat two pieces of brownie cake for dessert when your pregnant. One is for the baby, right???

...that the highlight of my week is going to the grocery store. Yes I live a crazy life these days.

...that my 26 year old brother is more excited about the Batman movie than a 15 year old.

Have a great Thursday! What's okay with you?

xoxoxox

Shannon


Tuesday, July 17, 2012

BUMP ATTACK!

Week 25 and growing growing growing. I am over my hurdle and really starting to get excited. I told myself that after 24 weeks I would STOP being a nervous wreck...and start being HAPPY about being pregnant. Not that I am not still some what nervous, however I am getting very exciting.

I know baby Riley is growing because her kicks are getting stronger and stronger. I think she is getting ready for some serious karate, or cage fighting inside there.

This is me at 25 weeks. YES! Those are not maternity clothes...maybe they are over sized but still are not maternity clothes. Shirt is from Express, earings are from Franchesca's Collection. I made Express into a maternity store this weekend:)

Size of Baby: She is the size of a Cauliflower. I am guessing the whole big bushel of cauliflower you buy at the store, not the one that I usually buy already cut. Approximately 1 and a half pounds! Uterus is measuring at 27 weeks so we may have a big baby on our hands. YOU GO GIRL!

Total Weight Gain: 12Ibs. I was totally shocked when the nurse told me that. I feel more like 22Ilbs. This is good.

Cravings: Still nothing crazy. Milk, Lemonade, Hamburgers with lots of ketchup.

Best Moment of the Week: We ordered all the furniture and it should be here in the next week or so. Also Josh has been able to feel her kick more and more. I love the way he smiles when he feels her. He is going to be the best dad.

Worst Moment of the Week: I am been emotional all around. Every little thing makes me cry these days. I had a couple break downs but we will not go into details.



Love you all...xoxoxox

Shannon

Monday, July 16, 2012

Manic Monday!

Okay remember that post below when I was so happy about my Friday the 13th! WELLLLL today is Monday and it caught up to me. It sure has been a  Monday for me. I wish I could put the stress away...like Zac Brown Band:)

Recap of the weekend: Nothing too crazy...shopping, relaxing, cooking, and this: I had to buy this for Riley. This just melts my heart.



I discovered Pottery Barn for kids and this could be BAD! So many cute things on there.

I was also forced to purchase these blocks:


Of course the name will be RILEY and that is not actually my belly (although it is very very close)!! I can't wait to use these for maternity pics and Riley's room.

Furniture ordered- CHECK!

25 Week Post tomorrow with a doctor update!

Happy Monday....watch the Bachelorette:)

Shannon

Friday, July 13, 2012

Friday the 13th!


It's friday the 13th...and while everyone is staying indoors and having their superstitions about his day, I am at work and loving the fact that it is FRIDAY!

Why is today such a good day:

1. Woke up late...but okay because got to work on time. Bonus for me:)

2. Had a great conversation with my brother early this morning. I mean EARLY. It was 8:30 people! Anyone that knows Corey will understand how this is amazing. We love you.

3. Got two 33.8 ounces of BIOLAGE shampoo and conditioner for 29.00 at ULTA when they are usually 30.00 a piece. Also recieved a free Ulta nailpolish with a coupon I have. BONUS!

4. Ordered my first thing for Riley's room. It is from Pottery Barn for Kids. I can not wait to get it.

5. Lots of baby movement today. She must love the Wendy's I ate for lunch today....I know I did.

I would say Shannon 5, Friday the 13th 0

Weekend Plans:
grocery shopping
clothes shopping. I love gift cards:)
Sam's club (for whatever kind of shopping I want)
Dinner with friends
Church
Baby furniture
POOL!

Sign me up!

Happy Friday Ya'll

Shannon

Tuesday, July 10, 2012

24 Weeks!

Look out for the bump attack....here we go!




24 weeks and feeling good. This week seems to have gone by slow, especially since I am counting down the days (Literally I have 112 days to go)

Size of Baby: Riley is now the size of a cantalope. Yup...we are still in the fruit section but she is growing up way too fast.

Total Weight Gain: I would say around 12 pounds. Last wednesday it was 10 pounds. I have a doc app on Thursday so I will know more specifics.

Cravings: still just Milk. I liked milk before though so I am not sure. All I know is that I eat all the time. I now have to eat every hour or so. Good thing I stocked up on healthy snacks:)

Sleep: Sleep is great. I love sleep. I bought a body pillow the last time I was at Costco and that thing has saved my life. I sleep about 10 hours a night. I am still so tired during the day though.

Best Moment of the Week: Cleaned out the nursery and everything is ready for the furniture to arrive. I can't wait to start posting nursery pics on my nursery page. I think I might pass out when I have a crib in my house. Am I dreaming?

Worst Moment of the Week: HEAT! Ok, I love the summer and I love the heat but come on. I can not even go outside. This is the first summer in history that I just want to fly by. I can not wait for FALL.

Things I miss: coffee. spinning. exercise. going outside. energy.
The think I miss the most is my beloved coffee every morning...and afternoon, and whenever I wanted. I love caffeine but have decided to give it up 100% while pregnant. I know you can have limited caffeine and it will not hurt your baby but I just don't want to.



Cheers to another week!  You go baby Riley. Mama loves you:)

Shannon

Friday, July 6, 2012

Happy Friday!


I think you can see how happy I am that today is Friday! It actually feels like Tuesday so it is an extra BONUS. Sort of like a short cut to the weekend. The plans we have this weekend include...movies and air conditioning. I know, we live an exciting life these days. I guess we are just gearing up for parenthood. OK WITH ME:)

It is extremely HOT outside. 106 her in Indiana already for this lovely friday. I am feeling good but really tired and congested. I am not sure if I have a cold or they whole pregnant mucas thing has caught up with me at 23 weeks. I didn't sleep last night, Riley was up moving around all night. That actually makes me happy so I am in a good mood today.

Friday Fact:  4 more weeks until my baby shower in Cleveland. I can not wait for the excitment and to see everyone that I miss so much!

What do you love about Fridays?

Happy Friday!

Shannon

Thursday, July 5, 2012

It's Okay Thursdays


So I totally stole this from Brunch with Amber's blog but it is cute I had too. Every Thursday I am going to write my "It's Okays" and feel great about my shortcummings:)

It's Okay

... to hit snooze on your alarm 5 times before getting up

... to go to bed at 9:00pm on Fourth of July

... that I love going to the grocery store more then the mall these days

... that I have 3 books going at the same time and can not finish any of them

... to check your facebook before you check your work email daily

... that my favorite dinner these days is cereal and milk

... I love to watch the Kardashian and Mrs. Eastwood and Company more than CNN
... that I am really starting to feel at home here in Indiana and can not wait for the next 4 months to go by!

Tomorrow is FRIDAY!!! I love short weeks and can not wait for the weekend. Not that I have any real plans besides spin class. BUT it's OKAY that Spin Class is the highlight of my weekend......just relaxing:)

Shannon

Tuesday, July 3, 2012

23 Weeks!

Holy Guacamole...I am 23 weeks pregnant and loving every minute of it. I am still nervous every day that are little girl is growing strong and being all she can be in my belly. I think once she is here then the worrying will stop....YEA RIGHT! I think my worry free life is over as we know it.

Look at this belly

This looks like a healthy baby girl to me....

How far along: 23 weeks exactly! 119 more days to go.

Baby Size: She is 1 pound (roughly) and the size of a papaya. Even though I have never actually seen a papaya...from the looks of it she is bigger then a lemon.  Each week is different fruit, it cracks me up.

Gender: Baby Girl all the way. I hope I can keep up with her:)

Cravings: MILK MILK and more MILK. I can't get enough of it. I drink probably about 3-4 glasses of milk a day. Other than that, I think I am having adversions more than cravings. Things I used to love to eat do not sound good at all, like chicken or any kind of meat for that matter.

Moment of the Week: Realizing that next week is 24 weeks. MEANING this is concidered a viable pregnancy and if something were to happen (like labor) there is a 50/50 chance she would survive. YAYYAYAYAYA...I feel like doing the running man or something:)

Movements: LOT OF THEM! She kept me up from 4-6 am this morning. She sure is a night owl.....Lord please give me the stregnth to keep up with her. Secretly though...even though I was up some of the night, I LOVED every second of it and it kept me smiling all night.

Happy Tuesday and make sure you smile today:)

Shannon

Monday, July 2, 2012

New Blog. New Shannon

Okay so the promise I made below that said I would update you on everything that is going on in my life.....yea...well I FAILED! However I am back and have so many things that have happened in our lives over the past six months.

1. Grandma Passed: Yup my Grandma Mudrock passed away on Friday May 11th. She was very close and dear to my heart and I miss her everyday. Just typing this makes me get emotional because of the amount I miss her. I am just so lucky to have 32 wonderful years with her. Grandma I love you and I hope you are drinking all the wine with Jesus you possible can:)

2. Doctorate School: There it is...it is out in the universe. That means I really have to do it...right? This is something that I have been thinking about but really did not make the decision until last week. I am applying to Indiana State University's Higher Education Administration program for Fall 2013. It is 20 weeks and mostly online so I think I can handle that. I am deeply, utterly terified of the dissertation so if you keep up with my blog you will feel the same fear I'm sure. Wish me luck and hold me too it. I mean if I am ever going to be a president of a big university then I have to keep moving up.

AND the best for last!!!!

3.  I'M PREGNANT!!! Can you believe it...I can't. I still think it is some wierd, crazy joke someone is playing on my. All the months (25 to be exact) of doctors appointments, blood test, ovulation tests, temping, praying and crying. All I had to do was relax and buy a big house with a swing set in the back.

We are 23 weeks today and a nervous wreck. I had some complications but baby GIRL Niedzwicki is growing, kicking and doing great. You read correct...its a girl (Riley Mea Niedzwicki).




So the new blog name "Diva to Diapers" fits with my new life. I want to document my pregancy and have an online journal that one day Riley can look back on.  I hope you join me on this new ride we are one. Life is good:)