Most Fun Thing To Do In Each State (Part 1)

I live in Florida which has some of the coolest attractions in the United States. However it doesn't have every cool attraction in the country. There are some things that I would really like to see elsewhere. Heck, there are even a lot of attractions in Florida that I have not gotten the chance to check out yet. Since there are so many things I would like to do, I decided to prioritize them by state. Then, I decided to add in what my favorite thing I have done so far is so that I could share on this blog. I have listed all 50 states in the country alphabetically and will tell you why I want to visit that attraction in that state. These will be the actual attractions themselves and not based on travel like a concert. They will also not be dependent on who you go with as that can also be a factor on how much you enjoy yourself.

I will start with the District of Columbia since it is usually considered its own entity and then get into the 50 states. For this edition Washington DC is covered along with states A-M. Next week will be the 2nd half of the list. Hopefully it gives some ideas for planning vacations, or if you have been to one of my desired locations you can give me some feedback on how it was. Enjoy the list!

Washington D.C.

I grew up just south of DC and went there often with my family/and or friends. I have done many things in this great city.
Best Attraction Visited: The Verizon Center to see a Wizards game.
Now, the Wizards are my favorite NBA team which influences this choice a great deal, but this was a very easy selection for me. Going to a basketball game here has always been a great experience and I have done it many times.
Most Desired Location To Visit: The White House
It was very difficult to think of a place I had not been inside since I have been to DC so many times. Then I realized that I have never actually been inside the White House. That would be a cool thing to go to when I get the chance.

Alabama

I have never been to Alabama. We have, however had a guest post on the Montgomery Zoo which seems nice.
Most Desired Location To Visit: Montgomery Zoo (Montgomery, AL)
This zoo seems like a very cool zoo. It is recommended by our friends and it has animals from all over the world. It is a place that we would really like to visit and probably will soon.

Alaska

I have never been to Alaska.
Most Desired Location To Visit: Alaska Zoo (Anchorage, AK)
Alaska is freezing and further than most other states. Not sure how likely it is that I will get up there, but I do love the wildlife that lives there. It would be fun to just go out and look at the fun animals. Seeing a Humpback in the wild is just awesome. As far as a tourist attraction, I picked the Alaska Zoo because it has most of this Alaskan wildlife where you can see it up close.

Arizona

Best Attraction Visited in Arizona: Slide Rock State Park (Sedona, AZ)
Slide Rock State Park was an absolute blast. It is an all natural waterpark basically and one of the coolest things I have ever done. I rarely get out west, but will certainly be visiting this attraction again with the kids one day. In fact, will probably take a big vacation with cousins when we go to do this state park. It will be a blast.
Most Desired Location To Visit: Wildlife World Zoo, Aquarium, & Safari Park (Litchfield Park, AZ)
This seems like the coolest thing to do in Arizona that I have not already done. With three separate categories in the zoo that alone makes it appealing. A zoo, an aquarium, and a safari park. It has the whole package. This zoo also has a very wide variety of species and looks absolutely amazing.

Arkansas

I have never been to Arkansas.
Most Desired Location to Visit: Little Rock Zoo (Little Rock, AR)
This zoo has some of the big names like lions, giraffes, and rhinos and also has some more rare species like servals and gorillas. It looks like a pretty neat zoo, but Arkansas isn't that high on my list of states to visit.

California

I have never been to California
Most Desired Location to Visit: Disneyland (Anaheim, CA)
For comparison purposes alone the answer has to be Disneyland. We are Disney fanatics and want to see the other Disney park in the United States. While I heard it is much smaller than Disney World it still seems awesome. It also seems to have some of the best attractions from 3 of the Disney World parks. This is a trip that will eventually happen. Actually a few California trips are in the future for my family.

Colorado

I have personally never been to Colorado, but Jenna has and she visited the Royal Gorge. We would like to visit together some day.
Most Desired Location To Visit: Rockies Game @ Coors Field
I would eventually like to get to all 30 MLB Stadiums and of course Coors Field is on that list. I also really want to see what the thin air does to the baseball live. It just seems like an all around great experience for me.

Connecticut

I have never been to any touristy attractions in Conn. I did visit some family in the state when I was little though.
Most Desired Location To Visit: Beardsley Zoo
This zoo is a very famous zoo that has some awesome animals. The animals include a pronghorn which I have never seen. They also have Tigers which makes this an interesting location to visit. I wouldn't mind seeing this one.

Delaware

Best Attraction I've Visited: Eastern Shore
While I have been to the Maryland and Virginia sides of the Eastern Shore more, I have been to the shore in Delaware as well and visited beaches in the area. It has always been a good time.
Most Desired Location To Visit: Brandywine Zoo (Wilmington, DE)
This zoo is very small, but it has a very diverse set of wildlife. They have tigers and red pandas among the many other animals that you are able to see at this little zoo.

Florida

Best Attractions: FSU (Tallahassee, FL) & Disney World Resort (Kissimmee, FL)
I am a Florida resident currently and love the tremendous amount of things that you can do in Florida. As a Seminole alum I have to say that my #1 attraction is Florida State University in general. My favorite place at FSU is Doak Campbell Stadium where they hold football games. However, I cannot forget any of the other places especially Dick Howser Stadium their baseball facility. As a Disney fanatic I have to put Walt Disney World up there as well because of the pure joy it brings people. Then there is Busch Gardens and oh so much more. If it wasn't for friends and family in different locations, I'd be okay with never leaving Florida. There is so much to do here.
Most Desired Location to Visit:  Lion Country Safari (Loxahatchee, FL)
While there are so many fun attractions I have done in Florida, I have not come close to doing them all. At the top of my list is this zoo located just north of Miami. It is a drive through safari, and a walk through safari, there is also a safari boat ride, and even a miniature golf course. This place really seems to have it all and is seemingly as close to an actual safari as you can get!

Georgia

Best Attraction I've Visited: Zoo Atlanta (Atlanta, GA)
This zoo is the best one that we have visited so far. The review can be found here. It was just simply amazing and we will definitely be doing this again.
Most Desired Location To Visit: Georgia Aquarium (Atlanta, GA)
This aquarium is a location where you actually get to see whale sharks. They also have beluga whales!!!! I can't wait to go! Our Atlanta trip with this zoo and Zoo Atlanta should be happening in the next year.

Hawaii

I have been to Hawaii once and I was only 1 when we visited. Needless to say, I do not remember anything about that trip. I want to go again at some point.
Most Desired Location To Visit: Pro Bowl (Honolulu, HI)
Assuming they ever move the Pro Bowl back to Hawaii I would love to go and see the game there. It was always near the top of my bucket list.

Idaho

I have never been to Idaho.
Most Desired Location to Visit: Silverwood Theme Park (Athol, ID)
Who knew that Idaho had a theme park? Not me until I looked for what the heck people do in Idaho. This park actually looks fantastic and is a place that I would love to visit one day.

Illinois

Best Attraction I've Visited: Lincoln Park Zoo (Chicago, IL)
I don't really remember this trip well because I have only been once and it was when I was in middle school, but I went to the Lincoln Park Zoo. At this zoo they have a really awesome diversity in the wildlife at the zoo. I would love to go again to see the bushbabies and more.
Most Desired Location to Visit: Chicago Cubs Game @ Wrigley Field
As a baseball fan, this pretty much has to be on my bucket list. One of the most famous stadiums, with one of the most famous teams. We just got to see a day game at Wrigley.

Indiana

I have never been to Indiana.
Most Desired Location to Visit: Notre Dame University (South Bend, IN)
As a Catholic it would just be cool to visit Notre Dame. It would be neat to see a football game there to visit the campus and experience the atmosphere. This is a trip that will eventually be made by us.

Iowa

I have never been to Iowa.
Most Desired Location to Visit: Blank Park Zoo (Des Moines, IA)
The Blank Park Zoo is the highest rated zoo in Iowa and it seems like a cool place to visit. There is actually a surprising list of attractions in Iowa, but the coolest one for my family would be this zoo. It has Giraffes, Leopards, Lions, Rhinos, Tigers and much, much, more..

Kansas

I have never been to Kansas
Most Desired Location to Visit: Kansas Jayhawks Basketball Game (Lawrence, KS)
As much as I love basketball there are few times that I would rather see basketball than baseball or football. This is one of those time. The history of Kansas basketball is astonishing. The inventor of the game was once a Kansas basketball coach and the founder of the NBA went through the Kansas program. This team has so much history and it has to be quite the event going to a game there.

Kentucky

I have never been to Kentucky
Most Desired Location to Visit: Louisville Zoo (Louisville, KY)
The animal species that are available to view at the Louisville Zoo are incredibly diverse and awesome. This is definitely near the top of my list of zoos to visit. They have addax, bongos, komodo dragons, penguins, polar bears, rhinos, snow leopards, tigers, and so much more. The only animal attractions I haven't visited that I want to see more are the Columbus Zoo, the GA Aquarium, the Monterrey Beach Aquarium, and the San Diego Zoo.

Louisiana

I have never been to Louisiana
Most Desired Location to Visit: Audobon Nature Institute (New Orleans, LA)
This is a full experience with a zoo, an aquarium, an IMAX theatre, and a butterfly garden. They have a full zoo (which includes a dinosaur section), a full aquarium, and more. You can do one part or all of it and I would choose to do all of it as it looks simply amazing. This one definitely has found its way onto the bucket list.

Maine

I have never been to Maine
Most Desired Location to Visit: York's Wild Kingdom (York Beach, ME)
This is New England's only amusement park making it the easy choice here. They also have several animals including Lions and Tigers. The amusement park has 22 rides to enjoy and the park also has a butterfly garden. This place seems like a lot of fun.

Maryland

Best Attraction I've Visted: Camden Yards for Orioles Game (Baltimore, MD)
I've been an Orioles fan since birth and I am a huge baseball fan in general. Seeing this stadium which is the best I have seen to date and getting to enjoy a game there was priceless. I have been to this location many many times and have typically gone every single year. The most fun games I have been to are FSU vs. Maryland at College Park though. However, as I said earlier, my choices won't be opponent based or based on who you go with. That matchup is entirely based on both factors so the Orioles win.
Most Desired Location to Visit: Catoctin Wildlife Preserve &  Zoo (Thurmont, MD)
This zoo has animals from all around the world. They are from 6/7 continents with only Antartica being left out. You rarely see animals from Europe so that is pretty neat. I really look forward to visiting this one and will eventually.

Massachusetts

I have never been to Massachusetts
Most Desired Location to Visit: Franklin Park Zoo (Boston, MA)
This zoo has several exotic species from all around the world. These animals include the anteater, giraffe, kangaroo, hyena, lion, red panda, warthog, and so much more. This would be a cool trip. It could go great with Fenway Park too.

Michigan

I have never been to Michigan
Most Desired Location to Visit: Children's Zoo @ Celebration Square (Saginaw, MI)
This zoo is catered to kids which is awesome for a family like mine. It has a train ride for them, awesome animals that kids can get close to, a fossil find, a garden, and even an underwater viewing cave. The animals include a bald eagle.

Minnesota

I have never been to Minnesota
Most Desired Location to Visit: Mall of America (Bloomington, MN)
Normally I wouldn't be excited about shopping or going to the mall, but the Mall of America is different. This mall is an experience. It has something for everyone. They have roller coasters, themes, and even an aquarium inside the biggest mall in the entire country. There is even a theme park inside called the Nickelodeon Universe. This is some place that we will be going as a family someday.

Mississippi

I have never been to Mississippi
Most Desired Location to Visit: St. Mary's Basilica (Natchez, MS)
This church is recognized as one of the most beautiful in the country. It is considered a masterpiece and one of the finest Catholic Churches in the entire south. Many consider it to be the most beautiful Catholic Church in the country. It would be great to go to mass at that church as a Catholic.

Missouri

I have never been to Missouri
Most Desired Location to Visit: Cardinals Game @ Busch Stadium (St.Louis, MO)
I have long been told that the Cardinals have the best fans in baseball. I have also been told that this stadium is one of the best in baseball. Naturally I want to find out and have long held this location high on my bucket list. St. Louis is on my top 5 cities to visit and we will be going in the not to distant future.

Montana

I have never been to Montana
Most Desired Location to Visit: Zoo Montana (Billings, MT)
This seems like a really neat little zoo. I must admit that Montana isn't high on my states to visit list, but this is a trip I wouldn't mind. This zoo has a red panda, bighorn sheep, a bald eagle, a grizzly bear, and more.

This post is also a bridge post for ZooZoo Review. With all of our stuff getting packed up and ready to move we are unable to load pictures until we move in June. There will not be any zoo review on here until the move. However, once we are moved and go through and load the pictures we have several zoo reviews that will be ready to go this year. We will also document our awesome adventures all over as always. Hopefully, several of the places on this list today we will visit in the near future. Those reviews that are definitely coming are...

Brevard Zoo

Central Florida Zoo
Sarasota Jungle Gardens
Zoo World (Panama City, FL)

Thanks for reading and have a wonderful week. Stay tuned next week for the list of States N-Z.

-Noland

Our Trip to Dinosaur World

Recently, Noland and I had a friend (Anaclaudia) visit and wanted to do something fun and affordable. The forecast for the entire weekend was RAIN…RAIN… RAIN. We woke up Saturday morning to find that it wasn't raining yet so we should do something fun before the rain began.

We decided to head towards Dinosaur World. We've driven by it on I-4 plenty of times and have always wanted to check it out. We went in the morning time. The park opens through a large gift shop, where you purchase your tickets for the day.  You can purchase your tickets on their website here.  Adult admission is $16.95. Child admission is $11.95. Kids under 3 are FREE.

I was truly shocked by the amount of things to do. As I stated earlier, we've passed Dinosaur World several times before and I always thought it was just a park full of giant dinosaur statues. It was very large with trails all through out the statues. My son is 23 months (almost 2) and loved running and looking at each of the dinosaurs! He would yell, "Rawrrrr!"

Besides viewing the life-size dinosaurs, the park had:

• bone yard (where the kids could pretend to be archaeologists and excavate dinosaur bones)
• cave show
• fossil dig (dig for real fossils, and they even tell you what each fossil is, you get to keep 3)
• giant dinosaur puzzle
• large gift shop with all kinds of goodies (many are very affordable).
• museum (with lots of fossils and artifacts)
• playground
• plenty of picnic tables (for parties or packed lunch)
• station where children could mine for gems

Check out some of our pictures from the day ( I don't have a professional camera, all of these were taken on my i-phone.)

I really loved Dinosaur World. They had a deal when we purchased our tickets in August, and we got a free pass to come back in December. I know that Noland Jr. will definitely want to go back and I'm excited to spend more time there. You can call them and ask about deals and they also have some more information on their website.

If you live in Florida, or are vacationing in the Tampa or Orlando area, I'd say that Dinosaur World is definitely worth checking out... especially if you have a little boy or little girl who loves dinosaurs! Most of the dinosaurs, you are not allowed to touch but, as you can see above, they do have a few woolly mammoths that you are allowed to touch. There are plenty of great picture opportunities. All in all, it's a very affordable and fun family outing! Here are some more pictures:

This post was NOT sponsored or paid for by Dinosaur World. We went as a family for fun. All opinions found in this post are my personal opinions and information that I've gathered from our visit and the website found here.

Have you been to Dinosaur World? Is it a place that you are interested in? I'd love to know your thoughts in the comments!

2 months.

I just can't take the cuteness. How do u do it? I just can't take the cuteness of my own child. This may sound stuck up because everybody knows that you always think your child is the cutest. It's human nature because he or she is a part of you. If you have children, you know what I mean. Even when they frustrate you by being fussy, being smart mouth or whatever, it's like an ache inside your heart that you still love them so much. Not that my child has been a smart mouth... but I know I have been to my mom and now I finally get it. I wish I could have explained that more eloquently.

I haven't even been able to get on the computer lately to blog, check email or anything because I feel the need to hold the little man, watch him as he sleeps, catch up on my own sleep, clean, do laundry or just entertain him plain and simple. 

Here are some instagrams lately. I'm asking Santa for a new camera for a Christmas!

He's only been here 2 months and has stolen pieces of my heart. He's a big boy! Already 15 lbs and I could just eat his chubby lil legs! His smiles drive me wild as I dance about the house being as goofy as can be to get some constant smile action. He does have a few fussy moments here and there but they are very few. Most of all he's just a happy and content lil guy. His favorite thing this month is sitting up. Even thought he can't sit up on his own yet, he loves when u hold him like he is sitting up! He'll look around the room and make the cutest little face. He also enjoys talking... Not that he can talk but he makes noises and its fun to pretend we are having a conversation. It's funny because sometimes it will almost sound like he understood...and who knows, maybe he does.

I was talking with my friend Victoria the other day, who now has 2 little ones. She mentioned how when she had her first little one, she looked at parents of multiples like they were rock stars. I am totally there. I try to give Noland Jr. my complete attention and can't imagine having a second little one running around. I know there will come a day and time when it happens, and I'll just figure it out like everyone does. For now, I'll enjoy my naps with baby boy soaking in every ounce of his smell, smiles, chubby legs and coos.

Being a mom is definitely one of the best things I've ever done. And my husband is the best dad! When I'm not patient or at my best, he is. And that's what it's all about. We're a team that works together. It's been a pretty great 2 months as we try to cherish every moment because 3 months will be here before we know it! 

If you are still looking for a Christmas gift for that special someone, check out my Datevitation review and giveaway going on here.

Insta-Baby Lately

Well, this past Tuesday was 5 weeks of sweet snuggles, kisses, and smiles with our sweet baby boy! I've been absent from the blog but with good measure. I'm starting to get the hang of things and I'd say we have somewhat of a schedule going for us. Today, I decided to share some baby instagrams of late.

 If you've been wondering what I've been up to well, I just can't get enough of this little man. When he sleeps, I sometimes just like to stare at him because he's so handsome. He's like a part of me and a part of my husband. I stare at him and see both of us. 

Every day when Noland comes home from work, he holds him for an hour or longer because he hasn't seen him all day and I throw something together for dinner. The two of us are just so in love with this little fellow. Just when you think you can't love anymore, your heart grows three sizes and makes more room to love.

I always think it is funny when people ask who a baby looks like because other than particular features, you can never tell at 0-5 weeks old... or at least I can't. Our little man just looks like both of us. Sometime I look at him and think, "that is totally a Noland face" and other times I think, "he looks just like me." Today, I think his eyes are shaped like mine but he has Noland's eyes. My baby pictures look like him minus a few features. It's just so exciting every day to watch him as he grows. He's already bigger.

 His most recent appointment was on Monday. 

He is 12.44 lbs and 23.75 inches long at 5 weeks old. Crazy, huh?! He's a big boy! 

He loves eating, playing in his play gym, swinging in the swing, riding in the car, his pacifier, being held, waking up when he is put down, staring at mom and dad, when we hold him like he is sitting up, rocking in our rocking recliner, tummy time (he can already hold his head up and almost roll over). 

He likes to play the game where his pacifier falls out of his mouth and then he makes a little fussy noise until you put it back in. Sometimes he'll be laying in his little bouncer and it will fall on shoulder, he will make a fussy noise and try to move his shoulder to maneuver it back into his mouth. He has been unsuccessful so far but it sure is fun to watch for a second as I reach to put it back in his mouth. 

He is just so fun and we are so excited and blessed to have him in our lives! I wake up with him in the middle of the night to feed him during the week because the hubs has to wake up early for work and I'm able to nap while he naps during the day. It's actually not too bad. He probably wake up twice a night around 1-2am and 4-5am. I say that now and tonight he will probably wake up like 17 times... haha. No, but he has been a really amazing baby, such a little angel.

Alright folks, well that's all for today. Stay tuned: in the next day or 2, I'm going to be giving away 25 FREE Red Box codes to 25 different people! And more fun posts coming soon! (still waiting on newborn pictures but hopefully I'll have those soon too!)

A Baby Story

I've been so busy with our little guy lately that I haven't had much time to share about his arrival. He is currently napping on my lap and I finally have time to tell some of the story on this lazy Sunday afternoon.

I was told that our little guy would definitely arrive early. Well, you guessed it, my due date (Sept 29) came and went and still no arrival. I was told we could schedule an induction... and that's what I decided to do. So on Tuesday, October 2, 2012, my husband and I woke up early and headed to the hospital. We were supposed to be there by 6 am. We anxiously waited in the hospital waiting room for the nurse to come get us. We filled out some paperwork and were shown to the labor and delivery room!

Not long after our arrival, we met our nurse and I requested an epidural. She gave me my IV & started the pitocin to get the contractions started. Soon, anesthesiology came in to give me my epidural. For me, the IV and the epidural were the worst part of labor. I didn't feel any contractions for a few hours and then they came back to check on my epidural and give me some extra meds. 

Our room had a DVD player and TV in it, so as soon as I was set with the IV, pitocin and epidural, Noland and I began our movie marathon. We watched Tangled, The Jungle Book, The Lion King and then the Avengers. I thought it was so weird that I was in labor because I didn't really feel much pain. 

About 4:30-5pm (ish), the doctor and nurse came in and said I needed to try and push... and then it began. It just felt like pressure but not a lot of pain. I pushed for about an hour and a half (possibly longer) until Noland Jr. arrived! He finally arrived at 6:33pm.

He was 9lbs 14oz of pure LOVE.

(The hospital photos I have are not that good but here is a picture I took the other day)

I got to hold him after delivery for a few minutes. He was perfect, beautiful and healthy. I was  having some problems so I didn't get to hold him long. I had a uterine hemorrhage on top of a fever and high blood pressure so he was sent to the nursery pretty soon after I got to hold him. My husband went up too and was able to bring our little man back that night to stay in our room with us. I had to have two blood transfusions that night as well as some other medical things done which I won't elaborate on. Luckily, everything is a lot better now that it has been two weeks. Recovery wasn't too bad. I had a lot of help from my amazing husband, friends and family. Baby is doing well and I'm feeling a lot better. Thank the Lord that everything turned out alright.

I would share the whole story about the after birth hemorrhaging but I read a billion birth stories before I had Noland Jr and I can honestly say I was terrified going into the hospital on the morning of October 2. I don't want to share that part of my birth story because well, everyone's birth experience is different. The most important thing is that giving birth is one of the most life changing experiences you will ever have. And although, the hemorrhaging thing was pretty scary, I'm alive and healthy today so it wasn't that bad. Most of all, if you haven't had a baby and read this...think of it this way. Thousands of people do it every day and live to tell the story, even have multiple kids, so it can't be that bad. I look back and can't believe I did it. Don't ever live in fear. And so...

Our sweet boy is here! We are just enjoying every minute of snuggles, coo-ing, his facial expressions and trying to sleep when he sleeps. It's just crazy that I'm a mom!

I found this poem online a week or so ago... and it pretty much describes my life right now

"Cleaning and scrubbing can wait till tomorrow 

for babies grow up we have learned to our sorrow. 

So quiet down cobwebs, dust go to sleep 

I'm rocking my baby, cause babies don't keep!"

And that's all for today! More posts to come as I continue to get the hang of multi-tasking.

Thanks for stoppin by! 

xoxo. Jen

Baby Growing & Pregnancy Recap Ramblings

First, I have 2 giveaways going on for awesome products! 

You can enter the Knot Genie Giveaway over at My Yellow Sandbox!

You can enter the awesome OOFOS footwear giveaway here!

I've decided to do a little baby belly & pregnancy recap...

Baby should be here any day. We actually thought he was going to come this weekend... but I guess today I'm glad that he hasn't arrived yet so that I can write this post!

Pregnancy is great. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise. It's a blessing and a 

gift from God. 

My entire pregnancy has been pretty easy. 

The first trimester (0-12 weeks) I experienced a few nauseous moments but only when I hadn't eaten every hour or two. I soon learned that as long as I was snacking all day, I was fine. The only other issues I experienced during the first trimester were really bad headaches. Drinking a lot of water helped that. And of course, being tired was a first trimester experience. To be fair, I was working a 20 hour a week internship at a hospital, taking 5 graduate school classes, cooking dinner every night, doing laundry and keeping the house clean with some help from my wonderful husband! Oh and running to the bathroom thing is something that goes on ALL of pregnancy but you get used to it. Honestly, the first trimester was really not bad at all, just a few small random hiccups here and there.(Numbers are in weeks)

 The second trimester (12-24 weeks) for me, didn't really start until 16 weeks. Everyone tells you that at 12 weeks when you are starting to enter your second trimester, the headaches, nausea and tired-ness will subside. Well it didn't for me until week 16. I remember this clearly because I spoke to some of the moms at my hubs school and we were all laughing about it. 

But when week 16 hit, it was smooooth sailing. I felt good good good. really no problems and certainly the easiest part of pregnancy. The second trimester was pretty cool too because you start feeling little flutters, baby kicks and you get to learn the sex of your baby, if you choose to do so. 

I wish I would've written all the feelings I experienced through out pregnancy before now. I guess I've shared some here and there on the little blog of mine but never this detailed. We decided we wanted to know the sex of the baby, not because it mattered but that way we could pick out particular clothes etc. I had this intuition that it was a boy. Noland had no idea. When I would ask him, he would say "Well, it's a 50% chance." I guess he didn't feel a particular pull towards a certain sex. I would have been just as happy with a girl but I just had this feeling it was a boy. And I kinda wanted a little boy too because Noland & I both grew up with an older brother. I know we both wanted an older brother for our future youngins. It's just nice to have an older brother always on the look out. I just know Noland Jr. is going to be a great older brother one day.

Anyways, our ultrasound where we found out the sex of the baby was soo funny. The sonographer was around the baby's private area and you could clearly see that it was, indeed, a male. She didn't say anything though. Noland & I just looked at each other and made googly eyes. We didn't want to say "IT's A BOY." and then it not be... so finally, I asked. And she said, "Yup, it's a boy!" Rejoicing all around because we already knew what his name was, where we were having a difficult time with girl name ideas. 

He's going to carry on the family name of Noland, which has apparently been in the family for a long time. And I love that it is not common too! 

The only hard part about the second trimester is towards the end, I started feeling some back pain. Exercise is important. Summer is good and bad with pregnancy. It's good to be pregnant during summer because you can go float in the POOL and that takes some pressure off your back, legs etc. But pregnancy during summer can be tough too...because when you want to go outside, it's boiling hot. We would go walk around the mall for exercise. window shopping.

The third trimester (29-40 weeks) has been the most difficult but it still hasn't been too hard... of course, I haven't delivered yet so my tone could change. The bathroom runs are still constant and I thirst for water like I've never thirsted before. I had to start taking iron supplements because the doctor said I could become a little anemic, which is why I crave ice like constantly. 

Back pain and legs are sore. Luckily, I have a great husband who will give me back rubs. He's been mastering the art of a massage. I make him put lotion on my back, it helps him to be gentle lol. Sometime I just tell him to punch it because my back muscles are so tight. Also, warm showers and baths are magical. Pools are great too. Just to float in a pool is something I could enjoy all day. 

Feet and hands are a little swollen but not overly so. My wedding ring doesn't really fit but I've been wearing it on a necklace. Shoes are all pretty tight. I bought a pair of flip flops as well was given a pair of OOFOS to review...that have been so comfy to wear!

But, every day I get to feel the little guy kick and continue to grow. Towards the end of the third semester, you start going to the doctor every week, which is exciting because you get to hear his heart beat. For a woman who worries a lot, that is reassuring that everything is good. 

The other thing I noticed... when you use a public bathroom. You know the ones where the doors open inward. That must have been designed by a man. You have to back into the toilet to get out normally. Well with a pregnant belly, I feel like I'm a ninja as I try to get out of that stall... Now, if I have to go in public, I try to use the handi-cap bathrooms just to avoid the inward doors!

The worst part about the third trimester is the anticipation, especially since it's my first baby. I haven't really felt what a contraction feels like and it's probably different with every person. The past few weeks I've just been a little busy with nesting, packing the hospital bag, putting the car seat in, getting his room ready, washing all his little clothes... and now I feel like I'm finally ready for him to come. God & him must be having daily meetings about teaching me patience because he's taking his sweet time.

Last appointment, I was told he's dropped and is head down. I am 3cm dialated and 70% effaced so he could be here anytime.

But I'm excited to see his sweet face and know all the little difficult things about pregnancy will be well worth it when Noland & I get to see his sweet face. It could be today or tomorrow or any day now! If your awaiting his arrival too, I'll keep you posted,  just like my facebook page.

Anyways, that's my little recap. Pretty long but it's been awhile and I had a lot to say. Hopefully, we'll all get to see this little boy soon!

xoxo Jen

34 weeks...Almost

I'm 34 weeks tomorrow. 

So crazy.

Here I am being goofy.

How big is the babe? : Well I'm not sure but last time they measured my stomach, it was 32 inches. I'm big and uncomfortable.

Weight gain : About 20 lbs. I feel like I see many women who are this far along and they look like they are about to pop. I don't look like that.. just got a belly. I guess I'll give it a few more weeks then maybe I'll be there.

Stretch marks : None. I must have good genes

Cravings : Oatmeal creme pies. You know, the Little Debbie ones. The other day I almost bought some more but then I saw pie crust and decided to bake an apple pie. It turned out well. I've definitely been craving plenty of sweets.

To do before baby arrives : Well, I still have to pack the hospital bag, get organized and ahead in grad school work, take a birthing class or research more about labor and delivery...

Discomfort : Yes. Yes & Yes. Having a hard time sleeping when I want to. I'm constantly thirsty and then 5 minutes later I have to go to the bathroom. I might go buy some gum today, I hear that helps with dry mouth. Although, I'm not sure if I have dry mouth or just extreme thirst. I am definitely getting the right amount of daily water intake.
Also, my legs are constantly sore, must be the extra weight gain. And my hands and feet are swollen especially upon waking up. I'm wearing my wedding ring on a necklace. Hopefully the sore-ness & swelling goes away after birth.

How's the hubs? : He is such a gem. He has been so patient with me and my mood swings. And most of all he is so excited to meet our little guy. I can't wait to see him in action as a proud pops.

Well, almost there and can't wait!

In other news... Did you watch the Olympics? I'm not going to lie, some of it was boring. But I enjoyed gymnastics, swimming and track. Diving was on way too much but that is a whole other story. They played this song when showing some gymnastics re-plays on Sunday... I love it.

Home by Phillip Phillips.

That's it for today.

Thanks for stoppin' by!

xoxo. Jen

PS. Have you entered the SHABBY APPLE GIVEAWAY yet? you should, it's pretty awesome.

Pregnancy Brain is Real

So this is so funny! Pregnancy Brain is real. I shared last Tuesday some details from one of my awesome baby showers, you can check it out here! I was blessed with two sweet baby showers because when we were visiting Noland's family in June, they also had a baby shower for me. 

Well as soon I got home from this past weekend's shower, I started writing my thank you notes because my wedding thank you notes took forever to write and I'm not even sure that I covered everyone due to the plethora of items we received and some un-updated lists/un-labeled packages received.

So I promise this story is going somewhere... I received a gracious amount of gift cards at both showers, which are awesome because you can then purchase the much needed necessities! Let me just say that I am usually a decent writer and try to spend a lot of time putting together a nice thank you note. I am so beyond thankful for the gifts we received and we feel so blessed, so thank you notes are important to me.

Today, I was writing my last "Thank You", I realized that I had misspelled the word "stock" probably a lot. In several thank you notes, when someone had given me a gift card, I wrote a sentence similar to: 

Thanks for the gift card we were able to stalk up on some much needed baby necessities. 

stock v. stalk

Yes. I got them confused.

How embarrassing...

By the time I noticed this mistake, I already sent out almost all except five thank you notes... Oops. So if one of you that receive(d) a "Thank you" with "stalk" instead of "stock"... I'm so sorry. Pregnancy brain?

Here is a maternity picture taken by my talented sister-in-law, Ashley. More pictures to come soon!

This has just been a common occurrence lately. I hope my husband doesn't think I'm losing my mind. Pregnancy brain is REAL. Momnesia... also real. (Story #2) Today, I took a shower and half way through, I couldn't remember if I washed my body, so I washed it again. 

(Story #3) Last week, when we were on our way to visit my family, I started the drive to get my focus off of my back pain. We left our place and headed to the interstate... After about 30 minutes of talking with my husband about our day, he asked, "Where are you going?"

I had accidentally taken a wrong turn thinking I was heading in the right direction and didn't even realize where I was going. It was one of those weird feelings because I was paying attention to the drive but not so much the destination. Hard to explain.

I guess it's just all the exciting preparation for baby is filling up the bookshelves in my brain instead of proper spelling of words. So forgive this post if there are spelling and grammar mistakes! Haha. 

Thanks for listening to my thoughts. Don't forget, pregnancy brain is real.

Thank's for stoppin' by

xoxo Jen.

Baby Shower Fun

Hey Everyone! 

Once again, I've been M.I.A. due to a weekend visit to see my family and a baby shower! Noland & I are so blessed and received some awesome gifts! My sister-in-law, Ashley did a great job putting everything together in her beautiful house with three of my best friends Cynda, Tiffany and Holley.

So here are a few pictures of decor details and us.

Here was the centerpiece with the baby shower invite! It was so cute.. Looked like a baseball game ticket!

They used popcorn, cracker jacks, double bubble, and sun flower seeds as part of the decor.

Here's some of the goodies.. Vanilla Cupcakes, Salted Caramel Cupcakes, Emeril Coffee Cakes and Pecan muffins... so delicious!

Here's me and the hostesses. 

R to L : Holley, Cynda, me, Ashley & Tiffany

 

Love the little details in decor.. Ashley made this awesome chalkboard on the right! 

And here is my mom, me and Ashley. 

Cute little table with plates etc!

Thankfully, my mom's friend Elaine captured some great pictures displayed in this post! And the blurry ones are from my phone.. The shower was a lot of fun, great time to visit with friends and family. I can not express the thankfulness I feel to all those who came. 

Yesterday, Noland & I put together the crib. Today, I'm washing all of baby's clothes so I can put them away. We also went through almost everything to find a place to put it all! Can't believe our little Jr. almost here.

That's all for now! Thanks for stoppin' by

xoxo. Jen

29 &30

Pregnancy goes by so fast. I can't believe I'm almost 31 weeks. Baby boy is due at the end of September and I'm sure September is going to be a long month. The old song "Wake me up when September Ends" will now actually mean something as I await the end of September so we can count 10 little toes and 10 little fingers. Not that I want to bypass the whole month but I'm just so excited/scared/anxious for his sweet arrival.

Friday was crazy as we woke up to hear the terrible news of the Movie Massacre in Colorado. We had made plans to go see the Dark Knight Rises on Friday night with a friend who was coming to town. After discussion, we decided not to go see it...at least not this weekend. I don't want to live in fear but it moments like these when I fear bringing sweet babies into this world. Truth is, fear sucks and is useless. All it does is paralyze us and impede us from living our lives.

I was reading a few other blogs (a miniature clay pot, the wiegands) that shared thoughts about the Colorado shooting. Both made some really great points. It got me thinking, if God is with us, we have nothing to fear. Prayer and scripture are two weapons that we can use in our battle against fear. We have to continue to look to Him and trust Him in everything. So my little fear about bringing a kiddo into this broken world can be removed because I have faith that God will be with my family in good times and in bad. And everything will work out according to his plans. 

In other news, we just moved recently so we are still getting settled in at the new place... which is much smaller. So, we attempted a yard sale this weekend and it wasn't very successful. To be fair, we didn't put it in the newspaper and I was too tired to display things nicely. Mostly, we just threw it out there. I made some awesome signs though and we had quite a few people come by, made a little extra money even if it didn't meet my expectations. 

Pregnancy is going well. I haven't been sick or anything. My only is issue is back pain and sometimes not able to sleep at night for whatever reason. At times, its because I napped too late in the day and others its because I can't decide which side I'm most comfortable on. But only 10 weeks or less and the little guy will be here! We can't wait... we are trying to get everything set up and I feel like we are running out of time but I know its all going to work out. So that's my life update! 

Sorry no Movie Monday today... maybe next week!

So here  I am without my make up.. weeks 29 & 30! 

T-shirts are my friend lately.

Taking some maternity pics soon though so can't wait for those!

That's all for today! Thanks for stoppin' by

xoxo. Jen

Reflection and Preparation

The past month has been quite a time of reflection and preparation as I realize this little guy is definitely on his way and every day, I grow closer to being a real mom, not just a pregnant mom. Sorry I haven't been around, but since I last posted, we have visited the hubs family in Virginia, my family in North Florida, had a dryer fire disaster at our old apartment and moved into a new place! No more apartments for us! Life is good and I feel incredibly blessed. 

Today, I was looking back through old blog posts. Some of them, I absolutely love and others make me squirm as I realize I had absolutely no idea what I was doing when I started this blog. As of today, I'm up to 298+ GFC Followers! That's so exciting and it is so awesome to have met you all. I love getting to know each of you better through comments, blogging collaboration, giveaways, guest posts, facebook, Instagram, twitter and all the other ways we connect! I've also realized that I love reading blogs that are more personal, you know, the ones where you read them and you feel like you know the person. I'm not the best writer but I hope to make this little blog of mine more personal. Tutorials are fun and I will still be sharing recipes and tutorials here and there. Link Parties will still go on but I'm moving them to Thursdays! but for the most part, I want to share stories that I can look back and remember for years to come. Thoughts. Feelings. Memories.

With sweet baby boy on his way, it is finally feeling real. We have set up the pack-n-play and baby swing. Hubs still needs to put together the crib but for the most part, we are ready. Ready as we will ever be because, are you really ever ready for change? I must admit thinking about the sleepless nights to come are scary but I know it will be worth it all when we see our sweet little one's face. I can't wait to meet him and memorize every little thing about him. 

Most of you blogging mommas know about having kids because after all you are already moms. Up until a few months ago, I had no idea that most women receive their last ultrasound at 20 weeks. What? I was about 24 weeks when I learned this and I got a little upset because we only had 3 ultrasounds total. Now I don't get to see my sweet baby until he is in my arms. The ultrasounds are probably my favorite part about doctor visits because you get to see exactly where the baby is and how he is laying and moving. I'm not a huge "going to the doctor" fan so when I learned no more ultrasounds, I was a little disappointed. But, I am thankful that there is no problems or need for further ultrasounds as well. 

Anyways, now I'm back and excited to make some blogging changes (appearance and post-wise). So get excited because its time to spice up *Its just called SPICY* 

And now, even though I'm at 29 weeks,

 here are some ultrasound pictures from 20 weeks that I don't think I shared:

Here is baby's face with his arm and hand up by his mouth.

Here is a side view of sweet boy's head and chest and you can see his spine a little bit.

And here is the picture of his bottom half. The arrow shows that "its a boy!" One of my favorite parts of this picture is the beauty of his spine. It's so pretty.

Well that's all for now! Thanks for stoppin by,

xoxo Jen.

Happy 4th of July

Jenna will return to blogging very soon, but for now we would just like to wish you a Happy 4th of July. We are very proud to be Americans and proud of the country we live in. Today on the way to visit family, we listened to patriotic songs about the country we love. We will post three of our favorites for your viewing pleasure. Enjoy!

Aaron Lewis - Red, White, & Blue

Johnny Cash - Ragged Old Flag

Ray Charles - America the Beautiful



-Jenna and Noland

Trip to Savannah, GA in Photos

My birthday weekend (June 9), Noland and I traveled to Savannah, GA for the beautiful wedding of Mr. & Mrs Hotard. Pictures are not ready yet or I would post one of the beautiful couple.

However, throughout our time in Savannah, I attended a bridesmaid luncheon on Friday morning. Afterwards, 2 friends and I decided to take a stroll around Savannah and found the cutest kitchen store.. Kitchens on the Square

They even have a website.. with the cutest kitchen gadgets! We spent like an hour in this store.. and I didn't buy anything but it was very tempting!

Here are some adorable aprons!

Funny Magnets

I didn't want anyone to think I was weird for taking pictures in the store but here is one of the shelves.. 

They had mustache clips, lots of things for theme parties, artwork for the kitchen, funny magnets, salt and pepper shakers of every kind and so much more! If you are ever in Savannah, I recommend stoppin by this little jewel of a store.

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Here are a few other pictures from the weekend

We found this little painting in a different store.. and this is a pic of me and my friend Gloria after the wedding in our sunglasses.

Here is a blurry picture of Noland and I getting ready for the Rehearsal dinner. I am in my first maternity dress and he is brushing his teeth.. nice.

Here's Gloria's hair that I did... thanks to myyellowsandboxblog.com.

It turned out soo cute! I've got to start trying some of these cute ideas with my hair! Anyways.

And here we are after the wedding as the bride and groom are getting their pictures on! Love my smiley guy!

That's all for today! Thanks for stoppin by, 

xoxo Jen.