My Baby the Garlic Stuffed Olive

Okay so technically turned over to 9 weeks preggo on Friday. I have Mommy Brain and Pregnancy Brain combined. It's bad around here. Bare with me, please. :)
According to The Bump, our baby is now the size of a green olive (a grape according to Baby Center). So I handed my Hubby a jar of these Private Selection Garlic Stuffed Olives that we had in the pantry and said, "This is the size of your baby." We got a good giggle out of it.

9 weeks pregnant: baby is the size of an olive

I did this little what's going on this week thing when I was pregnant SweetPea, so I will try and update each week. :)

How Far Along?
9 weeks (& 4 days as of today)

Total Weight Gain:
None as of yet. :)

Sleep:
I had some restless sleep last night, but I have been exhausted and since I'm not uncomfortable yet and besides crazy pregnancy dreams that I can't remember the next morning, I have been sleeping ah-may-zing! Sometimes with naps for good measure. :)

Cravings:
Ice CREAM! But I haven't been giving in. ;)

Movement:
Nope. I have been feeling phantom flutters since a few weeks after I gave birth to SweetPea, so if I feel anything I still think that's what it is.

Best Moment This Week:
When we ask SweetPea if she wants a brother or sister, she says brother. We will also ask her where the baby is and she points to my belly and says "Tummy Baby" or "Baby Tummy".

Milestones:
Graduating to fetus. :)

Favorite Moments:
Re-Announcing our pregnancy to family at the family reunion on Saturday
2nd pregnancy announcement t-shirt

It's crazy how many things are different this time around. Laws are different for goodness sake! LOL Here's my little go to list. I have been asked why didn't you I something so many times by family that it truly is getting ridiculous. So I decided to make a go to cheat sheet, so we can go step-by-step exactly what has changed since the almost three years since I was pregnant with SweetPea.

Things That Are Different This Pregnancy:
1. cell phones, smart phones, apps - I got an Android smart phone that my pregnancy brain is making me forget the name of when SweetPea was first born. And it was considered a smart phone, but Androids didn't have all the apps that iPhones had back then PLUS there are even more apps now for smart phones that make keeping track of diapers, feedings, and all sorts of other things that would have been really useful! Like reminders for weekly/monthly pregnancy photos, tracking weight gain, or staying social on message boards. PLUS my phone I had when I was pregnant with SweetPea was a crappy flip phone with terrible picture quality.

2. breast pump through insurance - Thanks to new legislation, you can go through your insurance to get a breast pump. I had a hand-me-down Evenflo Comfort Select Double Performance Dual Auto-Cycling Breast Pump that my sister-in-law gave me. It was horrible. And although some people just aren't good at pumping, no matter what they do, I think my pump was a major problem in my pumping situation. It would have been nice to get Sweet Pea use to a bottle, so I could have a guilt-free night every now and again.

3. Rear Facing until age 2 - I felt forced to forward face Sweet Pea too early. Before I wanted to. And now looking back at it, others had the dumbest, most selfish reasons. But it is now the LAW that children stay rear-facing until age 2. The exciting thing though, I already have a brand-new infant carrier thanks to blogging. :)

4. No more drop down cribs - We have one and actually this changed right before Sweet Pea was born when we already had our crib. We just don't use the drop down side feature. When people ask us if we had lowered our crib, they need to remember - our crib is already lower than non- drop down side cribs.

I'm sure I can think of some more. But my previous pregnancy turned into mommy brain and now I have it mixed with pregnancy again, making my memory mommy brain worse x2. So that's what's new with us. How has your week been?

Please Vote For Us! :D
Click To Vote For Us @ the Top Baby Blogs Directory! The most popular baby blogs


Homemade Hummus Recipe with Green Giant Veggie Snacks



I am excited to work with Green Giant on reviewing their new chip varieties: Green Giant Roasted Veggie Tortilla Chip - Garden Ranch and Green Giant Multigrain Sweet Potato Chip - Barbecue! We have been huge fans of the Green Giant chip line for a few months now.

Green Giant: Veggie Snacks

As most of you know I have been on a weightloss journey since September of last year and now that I am pregnant it is even more important that I eat healthy alternative snacks (because goodness knows I don't want to have the blood pressure issues I had with Sweet Pea). That's why I love Green Giant veggie chips. They fit our on the go lifestyle perfectly, but leave me feeling fuller and more satisfied than the alternative with a healthy dose of veggies. You should still eat your, these are in no way a substitute.

Green Giant Veggie Chips #GiantFlavor

As far as snack options goes I feel confident letting my daughter eat them and as you can see she was a HUGE fan of the new Barbecue flavor! Garden Ranch was a personal favorite. I ate it with some hummus to give it that extra nutritional punch. SO GOOD!

Homemade Hummus Recipe:

Pin to Pinterest:

What you need:
1 clove garlic
1 (19 ounce) can garbanzo beans, half the liquid reserved
4 tablespoons lemon juice
2 tablespoons tahini
1 clove garlic, chopped
1 teaspoon salt
black pepper to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil

Directions:
1. In a blender, chop the garlic. Pour garbanzo beans into blender, reserving about a tablespoon for garnish. Place lemon juice, tahini, chopped garlic and salt in blender. Blend until creamy and well mixed.
2. Transfer the mixture to a medium serving bowl. Sprinkle with pepper and pour olive oil over the top. Garnish with reserved garbanzo beans.

What do you think of Green Giant Veggie Snacks and of the new flavors? Do you have any favorite dips or snacking tips that you would love to try with Green Giant Veggie Snacks? Please share them below!

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls Collective and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.

Creative Pregnancy Announcement Ideas: From Tradition to TikTok

In case you missed it...
 
You can click on the image to view the original post. Includes and ultrasound picture. :D

Stories from the Brightside #hfbrightside

I am so excited to share this blog post as part of a paid SocialMoms and Happy Family blogging program. The opinions and ideas expressed here are my own because we have been HUGE fans of Happy Family's product line for a long time!

Messy Eater - Happy Baby Stories from the Bright Side

When SweetPea was testing out foods, she always had this very clear way of telling me she liked something...
most of it would end up on her. Seriously, she would maybe get a total of two complete bites in her mouth. But her hair, clothes, and high chair received most of the morsels.
One time we were having spaghetti and she loved it so much that she rubbed it in her hair. So we headed up stairs for a bath as soon as she was finished eating. On the way up she accidentally touched the wall (multiple times) and my carpeted stair way. When we came back down stairs, the dog had decided to treat himself to the unrated portions of spaghetti making my (again carpeted) dining room floor a vibrant red color. The bright side? She enjoyed her spaghetti! :D

My daughter has always been a huge fan of the Happy Family product line. Happy Family is the first organic brand to offer a complete line of nutrient-rich foods for babies’, toddlers’, and kids’ growing bodies. Constantly innovating, Happy Family has been a pioneer in the industry, adding extra nutrition to its products—like Salba, the super chia, probiotics, and Choline for brain health—whenever possible

Every parent has had food thrown at them, experienced temper-tantrums, and/or received flat-out refusal to eat something at some point in their parenting career. Bring some of these moments to life by hopping over to the Bright Side on Happy Family’s Facebook page to share a video or written story and image of your own to win $20,000 toward your child's college tuition!



Happy Family also partnered with some great mommy and daddy bloggers to improv their very own "Stories from the Brightside" and bring them to life.
This week it was Kristen Chase from Motherhood Uncensored



How do you get your kids to eat their veggies?

I know some of you have your own viral tells of food time hishaps. So why don't you submit your own "Stories from the Brightside" on Happy Family's Facebook Page and take a shot at $20,000 for your child's college tuition? Don't forget to grab a $0.50 off any Happy Family product coupon while you're there or a $1 off Happy Tot or Happy Baby pouches!

This blog post is part of a paid SocialMoms and Happy Family blogging program. The opinions and ideas expressed here are my own.

Super Summer Giveaway

Get outside and enjoy the summer with some cool new gear for your little one, perfect for going on walks, taking snacks on the go, and adding a little décor to your life!

Super Summer Prize Package:

  • Yummi Pouch - Little Munchkin Set with Yummi Pouch Brights. ($29 value)
  • Luca & Company - Chocolate Chip Cookies or Pink Lemon Aid Artwork ($90 value)
  • Sticky Bellies - $25 gift certificate
  • Mixie Baby - 8oz Mixie Bottle ($19.99 value)
  • SVAN - Totseat portable child seat ($35 value)
  • Greater Than One Kids - Hold-On Handles - Bumblebee Single Handle Set ($19.99 value)
  • Simple Nature - 8 fl oz Fragrance Free Diaper Rash Cream, 8 fl oz Fragrance Free all in one Shampoo & Body Wash, 8 fl oz Fragrance Free Face & Body Lotion ($35.47 value)

Total Value = $255

Yummi Pouch - Reusable Food Pouches

Yummi Pouch reusable food pouches little munchkin set giveaway
Little Munchkin Set - Retail Price: $28.95
The Little Munchkin set has everything you need to get started with using Yummi Pouches! Yummi Pouch reusable food pouches are perfect for filling with homemade baby food, blended snacks, healthy smoothies, and more. Designed by a husband a wife team, Yummi Pouches are dishwasher and freezer safe, BPA-free, phthalate-free, easy to fill and clean through the wide zipper opening, and encourage healthy snacks for active kids! For more information visit yummipouch.com.
  • Set of 4 Yummi Pouch Brights reusable food pouches - hold up to 6oz each
  • 16oz filling funnel pitcher
  • 10 dishwasher safe name label stickers
  • 2 decorative dishwasher safe sticker sheets
  • 6 mixed color extra pouch caps

Luca & Company

Luca and Company art
Chocolate Chip Cookies or Pink Lemon Aid artwork - Retail Price: $90.00
Luca and Company makers of the multi-award winning FunPod which provides a safe environment to get toddlers from 12 months up to six years up to the kitchen worktop on their own safely constructed platform comes the Classic Recipe Collection. Choose from Chocolate Chip Cookies or Pink Lemon Aid artwork which is perfect for the family who loves to cook. This series is not only for children – these prints would be lovely in any kitchen. MSRP $90. For more information visit lucaandcompany.com.

Sticky Bellies

Sticky Bellies gift certificate
Sticky Bellies™ - $25 Gift Certificate
Invented by a mom, Sticky Bellies™ are removable stickers that help parents document baby's amazing growth with style and ease! By combining the look of a custom shirt with the convenience of a sticker, Sticky Bellies™ help create adorable pictures from pregnancy through the toddler years. Simply peel, stick, and snap a pic! 13 new styles will be available on September 1st. For more information visit stickybellies.com.

Mixie Baby

Mixie Baby 8oz bottle
8oz Mixie Bottle - Retail Price: $19.99
Mixie is the revolutionary formula bottle that allows you to fix a bottle now and mix it later. Powder formula is stored in an airtight container separately from water. When you are ready to feed, simple press the button at the bottom of the bottle to release the formula into the water, shake, and feed. Moms on the go will never again need to fumble around with formula containers in public, and a pre-mixed bottle is already ready when you need it. Mixie is great for caretakers and grandparents, travel, and those sleepy middle-of-the-night feedings. For more information visit mixiebaby.com.

SVAN

SVAN Totseat - portable child seat
Totseat - Retail Price: $35.00
Our newest seat for children is the original portable, washable, and "squashable" seat. Made of fabric, The Totseat is designed to safely attach to all types of chairs. Adult chairs can be quickly transformed into the perfect seat for a baby or toddler.
Available in 6 colors with a variety of patterns, The Totseat eliminates the need to hunt down a highchair when traveling. The Totseat is ready to go in its own carry pouch which fits neatly into your diaper bag, purse or other carry bag. For more information visit svan.com.

Greater Than One Kids

Hold-On Handles
A Bumblebee Single Handle Set from the popular Bizzy Bugs collection - Retail Price: $19.99
Hold-On Handles from Greater Than One Kids helps keep children within arm’s reach without restraint. It is the first stylish stroller accessory and walking rope for 1-3 children. Snaps easily onto strollers or worn on parent’s wrist/belt loop. Children love the whimsical handles. Available in Double and Single Handle Sets in three fun themes, Bizzy Bugs, Ocean Odyssey and Zany Zoo.
Greater Than One Kids designs mom, baby, and kid products for growing families with greater than one child. As parents of multiples, company founders Susanne Budofsky and Robyn Spritzer experience first-hand the challenges parents of greater than one face each and every day. Although life may be challenging at times, with the proper gear, organizational tools, guidance, and a sense of humor, raising more than one child need not always be difficult. In fact, it can simply be greater! For more information visit greaterthanonekids.com.

Simple Nature

Simple Nature natural face and body lotion
1 Fragrance Free Diaper Rash Cream
1 Fragrance Free all in one Shampoo & Body Wash
1 Fragrance Free Face & Body Lotion
Retail Price: $35.47
Simple Nature is a fresh new brand of truly all natural and certified organic baby care products that are stylish, effective, easy to use and totally free of harsh ingredients and toxins! Based out of Las Vegas NV, the brand was created by a licensed cosmetologist and skin expert who felt that children deserve only the best. Inspired by her daughter who has very sensitive skin, Simple Nature's founder created the most luxurious products available that are:
  • Dermatologist tested and approved
  • Fragrance free
  • pH balanced perfectly for newborn skin
  • Tear free
  • Soothing, gentle and non irritating
  • Does not contain synthetic fragrances or dyes
  • Does not contain scent masking agents
  • Biodegradable and Eco friendly
  • Does not conduct any animal testing
  • Completely free of toxins and harsh/irritating ingredients
  • Suitable for all ages
  • Vegan
  • Made in USA
For more information visit simplenature.co.

Enter to Win $255 in Great Prizes!

One Winner will be selected August 19th. Good luck!
Super Summer Giveaway hosted by Yummi Pouch reusable food pouches a Rafflecopter giveaway