36 weeks {9 month bump}

From the very beginning I had it in my head that EVERYTHING must be done before or around December 1st. I'm by no means a pregnancy expert but I knew that the possibility of me being done and done by this time would be huge. It's November 30th and I am not going to lie I am kinda done. Luckily my 18 lists of "to dos" have mostly check marks on them. Most of the Christmas presents have been purchased and wrapped, the hospital bag is packed and the baby clothes/bottles are washed. Our calendar is much more clear then usual, so bedsides some Christmas events we are hoping to coast till baby girl's arrival. 

Last week I had some early labor signs (which I didn't have with Mason). Apparently, this is very normal for your second. The doctor said baby girl is head down and can come anytime between now and her due date. I have slowed up some more, with bending over becoming more difficult and a feeling a nausea present on and off throughout the day. Not to mention the shortness or breathe and insomnia that hits me every other night. That being said all the above are just making baby's arrival more real. I'm so excited about meeting our little girl but I am nervous too. I know it will be an adjustment for all three of us. 
                                                        

I already have in mind what I want post baby - Italian sub, lots of coffee (I want more then one cup a day) and some sushi. And oh man, if she comes before Christmas Eve I will be digging into to one of my favorite meals all year....fish fish and more fish. 

With less then 30 days to go (you're pregnant for 10 months not 9, in case you didn't know) we are enjoying our little family of 3 and the calm before the storm. 

                                 

Click Here to see my 9 month bump with Mason.

 

Thanks Day 2014

Thanks Day is one of our more recent family traditions!  It consists of getting together with my mom's side of the family which includes my cousins and Mason's cousins.  This pre Thanksgiving and non turkey event is something we all look forward to, however this year was extra special for the Murrays.  Mason had the most amazing time with his older cousins.  Matt and I were both able to sit back and relax most of the evening allowing his older cousins to keep an eye on him and entertained.  The pictures from the evening say it all:

Playing with his new favorite train

Big hugs for cousin Lauren

Eating with the big kids.

More Playing

Family is so important!  It warmed my heart to watch Mason enjoy his cousin and one of our family traditions.  We spent a lot of time with family growing up and it is nice that we will be able to do the same with Mason.

Thanksgiving is tomorrow and I am thankful for so very much!  I'm Thankful for my growing family, my husband who is truly the best and for my parents and sister for always being there for us.  We are so lucky and blessed and I know that.

Wishing you and yours a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Must try recipes {Part 2}

I don't know about you but I'm a little crock pot obsessed these days!  There is something about cold weather and a crock pot that go oh so well together.  Using the crock pot allows me to complete the clean up before dinner is ready (extra bonus, if you ask me).  Here are a few recipe successes I have had, easy, tasty & loved by my family.  

It's so great to help in the kitchen!

Slow Cooker Loaded Bake Potato Soup
This is soup was amazing!  Cutting all the potatoes wasn't fun but so very worth it.  Matt and I ate the leftovers for days and we even shared some with our neighbors.  Top the soup off with cheese and some bacon and not only is the soup tasty but filling.

Crock Pot Ranch Chicken Tacos
Wow, was this easy! I am planning on keeping the chicken broth, ranch mix pack and taco seasoning on hand; with no prep this is a great go to meal for when the baby gets here.  The chicken is so juicy and is loaded with flavor, yet not spicy.  Mason even asked for seconds!

Crock Pot Southwestern Corn & Potato Chowder
If you are looking for a little something different this chowder fits the bill!  It has tons of flavor and again can be eaten as a main dish.  The coconut milk adds a different element to the soup that I really enjoyed.  Next time I would add a little extra bacon....mainly because you can never have enough.

Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Tortellini Soup
This recipe makes a ton of soup but again it was one loved by all the Murrays.  This is an easy, hearty recipe that pairs well with garlic bread or a fancy grill cheese.  We will have leftovers for days so the next serving will be accompanied by grill cheese for sure.

Let me know if you try any of these dishes or if there is a recipe I should try!  Figuring out what to make for dinner every night can sometimes be daunting; plus simple and easy is key these days. I love checking out Pintrest for new ideas.  Want to see what else I've cooked up....click here.

A Little Exhausted

I'm sure you have seen all the mommy posts about how Day Light Savings is kicking their butt this week!  Well my friends our family isn't any different....however we might be battling a few other sleep issues at the Murray house.

Mason has always been good at making the transition with the time change but this year seems to be different.  Not only is he getting up an hour earlier then usual he is struggling with going to be bed.  Is he over tired?  Have we hit the 24 month traditional sleep regression (I know another one)? Or has he suddenly become afraid of the dark?  He spent the better part of Sunday night turning the light on from his crib, saying "turn light on." We are now sleeping with the closet light on and closet door open slightly.  This seems to have helped and we have made bedtime progress throughout the week.  This too shall pass but we are just a little extra tried in our household....all of us.

Oh, and 32 weeks of pregnancy has hit me like a brick wall.  Pregnancy insomnia has crept in and exhaustion by the end of the day is what I am feeling.  With a little over 7 weeks to go I can only hope this too shall pass.  My growing belly might just be getting the best of me this week and I am keeping my fingers crossed my energy will be restored soon.


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On a total side note, have you seen the sales going on?  Hello, Christmas shopping from my computer.  I'm totally getting a jump on Christmas gifts this year due to the potential timing of baby girl's arrival.

Mint Arrow is a great blog that will keep you updated on the best sales and sale items but if you want my two cents this is what is keeping my busy at night:

Nordstrom up to 40% off
Gap 40% off your entire purchase with code FFSALE
Tiny Prints 25% off  (their pillows are calling my name) & if you get their coupons you should be getting a 30% off in the mail
Carter's 50% off

8 month Bump {32 weeks}

                                             

Less then 60 days till baby girl arrives!  Time is flying yet moving so slow at the same time; I'm getting so very excited to meet our sweet baby girl who is going to make us a family of 4.  The reality of sleepless nights are just around the corner so I'm taking full advantage of the energy I continue to have (thank goodness for that).  Baby girl moves in a pattern throughout the day (unlike Mason who moved all the time).  I feel her when I wake up, when I relax while Mason is napping and at night. I rarely feel her while on my feet which had me nervous but the doctor said as long as I know her pattern and she continues to follow it or kick more there is nothing to worry about it.   Luckily, she doesn't keep me up at night moving and shaking.  This past week I felt her hiccups for the first time and I believe I have felt my belly tighten a few times (braxton hicks?).  Needless to say I'm getting bigger, it will be interesting to see what I look like right before the babe comes.  I am carrying so differently this time around....

In preparation for baby's arrival we hired a painter to paint the rest of the house. Matt and I also know we weren't good enough to paint bathrooms & kitchens.  It turned out great and I have a new love for my house once again.  The peeps at HGTV are more then right when they say paint can change the entire look of the house.

8 month Bump with