2017

Just wanted to wish everyone a Happy New Year and share Rynnie's 6 month snapshots with you guys! As you'll see, taking these pictures is getting much more difficult...

2016 was all about baby. I took a six month maternity leave and let myself worry about nothing but her. But now it's 2017 and time to get back into the swing of things. Motherhood has definitely brought a whole new meaning to the term 'multi-tasking,' but alas the time has come. 

During my last trimester, I craved sweets and unfortunately that craving hasn't gone away. I could eat an entire watermelon in one sitting (which was slightly impressive, yet alarming) and a half dozen donuts. I sure wish I had the same excuse now!

I know it can be a slippery slope, so this week, I started setting my alarm an hour before she wakes up for some 'me' time with breakfast, meditation, and a quick workout. It's not about the weight for me, its about what makes me feel good, hence making me a better wife and mother. 

If you've wanted to hit the snooze button and grab a bag of Reese's at night like me, let's power through and start the year off right. 

My next post is a video about "The Aftermath" of pregnancy and everything you'll need to know about it. I touched on it in my last article for the Huffington Post, but will get deeper into it - oh goodie for you, I know ;)

Wishing you the happiest 2017 yet!

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Happy Halloween

Happy Halloween from Rynnie the Pooh & Tigger too!

xoxo

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We Survived!

Don't worry - I haven't forgotten about you guys! We've kept this little gal alive for officially three months now, and yes, she is just as surprised as we are. It's gone by fast, yet slow at the same time when I think of all that has happened, but I've been trying to stay as present as possible throughout this whole motherhood thing! Here are some snapshots from Rynnie's latest photo shoot:

I will be kicking off my blogging/writing sabbatical with my first piece for Huffington Post Parents next week as well as starting to share my adventures in parenting so far on here. There are some good ones, so stay tuned!

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Hello World!

Happy Fourth - We get to celebrate with a little firecracker this year! Check out my personal site for all the details! Have a great holiday...

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Final Thoughts

Check out my take on motherhood on my personal site today. Home stretch folks!

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Nursery

After months in the works, the baby nursery is finally finished! 

Not going to lie, it was a bit of a challenge trying to decorate without knowing the gender, but I wanted to stick with colors and textures that were the vibe of our house already. Plus, I'm not a pink or purple, diamond studded, "princess" type. In fact, I'm sure I was told on numerous occasions growing up, "You ain't no damn princess." So if I do have a girl, let's just hope she's more of a blue/green kind of gal like me. 

The space we had to work with wasn't huge, so Kyle had the idea of adding a Murphy Bed Wall Unit so that our queen bed could still be useful in that room. I not only like the look of it and its storage, but that it is functional as well. Point for Team Husband!

Crib: Jenny Lind Convertible Crib  Crib Sheets: Quick Zip  Crib Skirt: Carousel Designs  Rug: Living Spaces  Glider: Pottery Barn Outlet  Pillows: West Elm  Murphy Bed Wall Unit: Costco  Woven Baskets: The Container Store  Oars & Adventure Wall Art: HomeGoods Lamb Rocker: Pottery Barn Leaf Wall Art: West Elm   Poof: The Land of Nod

If anyone has questions about any of the products, be sure to comment below or shoot me a message!

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Gender Guessing Game

Many people have asked why we aren't finding out the sex of the baby. My answer - Why not? I guess I just grew up with my mom telling me it was more fun that way, so I just always assumed that is what I would do. It's actually probably for the best, because I haven't been able to buy any clothes. I can't just randomly spend on cute items I see. Our kid currently owns five white onesies. Please do not judge its fashion sense in the early weeks of its life. It will be living in all it has - diapers, swaddles, and white onesies!

Kyle is convinced it's a girl, and I really am 50/50. I could care less as long as its healthy. I believe that whatever comes out is what we are supposed to have! It is kind of fun to guess though. A little boy at Benihana told me I was having a girl, and an old man at Home Depot approached me while looking at appliances and told me I was having a boy. (I never need appliances, but one of my favorite past times is looking at the latest and greatest fridges whenever I go there. It's sad what gives me kicks these days.) 

I love a good psychic, superstition, and old wives tales, so here is what they are saying about the kiddo:

Chinese Gender Predictor: 
I typed in my age at conception (30) and month of conception (October). 
Verdict: Girl

Psychic Readings:
At two different readings, both psychics said I would have a boy first. One also told me that Joan Rivers was in great health and the show would go on for years. She passed 2 months later, so uh yeah...
Verdict: Boy

Ring on a String: 
Kyle hung my wedding ring over my belly. If it swung in a straight line it was a boy, a circular motion it was a girl. It was a circle. 
Verdict: Girl

Heartbeat: 
Above 140 beats per min, it's a girl. Below, it's a boy. At our 30 week ultrasound it was 141.
Verdict: Girl

Cravings: 
If you are craving salty, spicy things it's a boy. If you crave sweets its a girl. The entire first trimester I couldn't even stomach fruit it was too sweet. The baby may come out Mexican, I ate it so much of it at the beginning. 
Verdict: Boy

Sickness: 
Some say that if you are sick and nauseous during the First Trimester, it could be due to the extra hormones produced by a girl. People - I was sick as a dog. No brainer on this one. 
Verdict: Girl 

Well, the signs look to be pointing to girl as well. One thing is for certain, if she gets my gusto and Kyle's ghetto booty, Dad is going to be in for one long road ahead!

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A Christmas Surprise

So happy for our editor, Raquel Kelley and her new journey into her own I Guess I'm Due moments!

Be sure to stay tuned for some great posts from our very own mama-to-be! 

Cheers,

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One Proud Mama!

What a great way to start off Jakson's first year as a level 4 competitive gymnast with EVO Athletics! After countless hours of hard work and dedication, our little guy made us so proud at the Judges Cup.

Despite Jakson's feeling of being "scared" when he started the meet, he left with a neck full of medals. He came first place in vault, floor, rings, and high bar. Third place on the P-Bars, sixth place on the pommel, and placed first as all-around. Jakson continues to amaze us!

As I put him to bed tonight he told me he couldn't fall asleep because he was too happy. I guess when you find what you love to do, it truly makes you happy! Thank you so much to the coaches at EVO for making my son love his sport. Here's to a great gymnastics season...

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Through the years...

As I started writing this post for Halloween, I begin to reminisce with the kids on all our Halloween adventures. I was quickly reminded how many great (and funny) memories we've had on this special night. So today, enjoy our post as we highlight our Halloween's through the years.

. . .

Halloween 2009

Halloween 2010

Halloween 2011

Halloween 2012

 

Halloween 2013

Halloween 2014

Halloween 2015

Happy Halloween from I Guess I'm Due! May your day be filled with a few tricks and lots of treats!

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Double the Fun

The wait is finally over! Meet my newest nephews...

These little nuggets were born on Monday, September 7th. Andrew arrived at 3:38 am and Nash at 3:40 am. At six weeks early, the boys weighed in at 4.7 lbs and 4.9 lbs. 

And yes, its true, I may be the crazy Aunt that everyone warns you about, but I just can't help it! It doesn't matter how many nieces or nephews I may have, it never gets old.

"Sometimes the smallest things take the most room in your heart." -Winnie the Pooh

 "Aunt"

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A Rainy Day...

With rain in our forecast, the girls and I decided to have a nice girly afternoon. With a nail session and a tea party on the agenda we were all pretty excited.

We had so much fun raising our pinkies, sipping politely, and using our British accent.  I even managed to squeeze into my prom dress for the occasion! So when the rain falls, let loose, embrace the moment, and be a kid again (you'll be surprised how much fun it really is).

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A New Use for Toilet Paper

Move over Oscar De La Renta, because there's a new fashion trend hitting the runaway. We like to call it: The TP Movement. It's comfy, versatile, inexpensive, and let's face it super cheeky, I mean chic.

Okay, so maybe the Kardashian's wont be found wearing this new fashion, but maybe we can sell a few to Miley Cyrus. But if not, at least my girls already have their wedding dresses picked out!

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A Week of Firsts...

Well, like some parents this week, we survived our first week back to school. It took a few days to get back in the rhythm of waking up early, packing lunches, picking outfits, and making it out in time, but we did it! This week also marked the first time in six years, that we will have all three in school for two out of the five days. This new found freedom seems strange to me. But, I'm sure it won't take long to enjoy some lunch dates with the hubby, tackling house projects without interruptions, and taking some time out for me.

This week also marked the first day of dance class. As you can see, with one diva and one class clown, this new experience already came with some I Guess I'm Due moments! Raina refused to take off her favorite blue t-shirt until the very last second. I was pretty convinced, I was going to have to ask to the ballet instructor if she would make an exception to the dress code, just this one time. Thank goodness Raina changed her mind!

So from one parent to another, here's to a great week of firsts and here's to a great school year of I Guess I'm Due moments!

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'A Perfect Pair': Baby Shower Edition

This past weekend we hosted a "Perfect Pair" baby shower for my sister, who's expecting twin boys! It turned out so cute that I just had to share the final product with you all...

The gorgeous mommy-to-be, Raquel (and yes, she really has twins in there!).

A rustic, but elegant table setting, using burlap hints of white and green. 

The menu included:
~ chicken salad croissants
~ cucumber tea sandwiches
~ pear and Gorgonzola crostini
~ sausage blossoms
~ mini quiches
~ fruit tray
~ cardamom pear bread
~ cake with pear filling

 I couldn't believe my cardamom pear bread actually turned out (pictured in the center)...if you are feeling adventurous you'll find the recipe here.

Invites, thank you cards, and thank you tags for the cake pops were all designed with love by my sister Ysabel! 

A 'Babyganics' wreath made by my crafty mom and an amazing diaper cake created by the talented Ysabel!

And to make the shower even sweeter, a beautiful (and yummy) rosette decorated cake with green ombre layers and a pear filling- created by Raquel's mother-in law, Suzette. 

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