Garage Sale Treasures

Garage sales in Texas... during the month of July... while pregnant seem to lack all appeal!  However, I was feeling extremely optimistic a couple of weekends ago and Mike was, obviously, filling very patient because we ventured out for a few hours to two separate neighborhood garage sales.  Neighborhood garage sales are the way to go if you are looking to go garage sales on any given weekend!  We loaded up on snacks (apple slices and carrots for me | granola bar and peanut M&M's for Mike) and tons of water and headed out!  

Neighborhood garage sale #1... Complete Bust!  It was a HUGE neighborhood that had signs all throughout promoting the grand participation they were going to have and even arrows leading us through the neighbor that eventually led to nowhere!  We ended up seeing nice houses and land for sale that interested us more than weaving our way even further through the neighborhood so we left there and headed to neighborhood garage sale #2.

Neighborhood garage sale #2... Complete Hit!  This neighborhood setup was exactly what one would expect from an entire neighborhood.  At least every other house or two participated and every house had a wide range of children's items or large furniture items.  I really didn't have anything particularly in mind to buy but thought that if I could take a look at baby clothes and found anything in great shape than that would be fantastic.  I have said since the beginning of our pregnancy that I was NOT going to purchase any new clothing until after our baby shower so then I could see what/if I needed anything.  That being said, I am very aware that I will need an excessive amount of clothing since they'll go through clothes/changings like crazy throughout any given day.  For this reason I wanted to start stocking up on our basic onesie collection.  I am particularly picky about wanting clothing without stains or ones that don't look too worn.. as I'm sure that our sweet angel babies will work their own magic on breaking in the clothing with stains and such. :) 

Sooooo... I seem to have found a few things that I liked! :)  We totally hit the jackpot!  We found over 50 onesies, pants and outfits!  I also found a couple of older wooden toys which I really favor because I like the nostalgic feel of them. :) Throw in a tummy time mat, new/un-used crib sheets (great as backups) and a couple pairs of shiny/glittery infant shoes and that was the majority of our haul! 

My BEST BUYS, however, were:

1. Dr. Brown Bottles: One mom was selling 6 brand new, never been used Dr. Brown bottles ranging in size from 4 oz - 8 oz and sold them to us for $5... for ALL 6!  Theses bottles typically cost between $15.00 - $20.00, depending on where you purchase them.  That was just a ridiculous deal! :)

2. Summer Swaddle Wrapsacks: These usually run about $15.00 - $25.00 each, depending on where you purchase them, and we bought 3 for no more than $2.00!  Two of them had never been used! 

I would, most definitely, consider that a successful adventure! :)  "The girls" totally hung in there, with the summer heat and all!  I have to admit that it was because of them that we probably received the awesome deals that we did.  Sellers would ask how far along we were and if we knew that gender to which we replied, "Just over 5 months and THEY'RE girls"! :)  It was usually at this point that we'd discuss price and I think most people just felt "sorry for us" or knew the adventures that awaited us and gave us splendid deals!  :)  Thank you angel babies for getting mom and dad great deals! :)

22 Weeks (Picture)

These sweet little angel babies are growing at a much faster pace these days! It's amazing how different my stomach can look day to day but also morning to afternoon!  Sometimes they are more 'out there' than other times. :) I am really beginning to feel these sweet babes and the toll that is being placed on my body.  I just find myself wanting to clean, go through and organize every room, closet and drawer in our house... my body, on the other hand, is beginning to remind me that it needs more frequent breaks.  I wish I could say that this is an easy transition but it, most definitely, is not.  It is hard to stop physically when I'm willing and mentally ready to do things.  It also makes me nervous and leery about the coming weeks and months.  So for now, I pray and talk sweetly to the girls! :)  I'm trying to stretch and exercise, safely, in order to keep my body healthily active as long as it can be! :)

Here are the sweet babes and I at 22 weeks!  Love you sweet girls!

22 Weeks

These sweet angel babies have made it to 22 weeks without complications, thanks be to God for that! Here are some fun updates:

Total Weight Gain: 7 lbs

Symptoms: Headaches - I have been battling headaches throughout my pregnancy and really try to relieve it by drowning it with water or laying down for a bit; I try to not have to take medicine / Growing Pains - OUCH!  I have been experiencing these, very off and on for about 5 weeks now.  The last time these were extremely uncomfortable, the sweet babes were completely shifting their position which was neat and made sense at the sonogram that followed the growing pain discomfort.  The pains have shown themselves again in the last couple of days and boy can I tell these girls are bigger now! / Insomnia - Yawn... I have never, and I repeat NEVER have had a problem sleeping or napping!  However, this has completely began to change.  I find myself staying up till 5:00am or 6:00am cleaning (nesting), organizing, reading or working on my computer only to still wake up by 9:00am - 10:00am.  I. Am. Tired!

Stretch Marks: None... yet!  :)  I apply lotion/oils 2-3 times a day to aid my skin in its involuntary stretching!  (See photos below of the ones I'm currently switching back and forth with):

Avon Skin So Soft

Bio Oil

Signature Collection Cucumber Melon Ultra Shea Body Cream

Belly Button... Out or In? Half out and Half in! :)  Depending on where these girls are hanging out in there, my belly button looks more out or in! LOL

Maternity Clothing: Although I have enjoyed wearing the pretty and comfy maternity tops that my mom has bought for me, this was the first week I've worn maternity bottoms (Shorts that my older sister bought for me back in June) and they were so comfortable! :) I am still wearing a majority of non-maternity clothing but that's going to quickly change! :)  My little sister bought me a couple of non-maternity tank tops but the way they're cut and fit, I will be able to use them all hot summer long! :) 

Sleep: Please Refer to 'Symptoms'.  I am able to get a good nights rest about 3-4 days out of the week.

Best Moment This Past Week: Movement! :)  I have been praying and begging to feel these sweet girls move and I have finally been able to feel them this week!  Mike can feel the sweet girls too which just makes my heart so happy to see his expression when the kick/push against his hand on my stomach.  

Movement: Yes! Yay! :) I can feel them daily now!  They are still light pushes and kicks but most definitely movement!  It's so neat trying to figure out exactly which baby is moving and what body part is we're feeling. :)

Cravings: None... I'm eating a lot of fruits and vegetables but I typically do this any way and my body naturally craves healthy, light foods... especially during these hot summer months!

What I Miss:  I have just gotten my taste back for coffee and I wish I could have a cup with hazelnut creamer every morning!!!

Medical Updates on Babies: We found out this week that Baby A seems to be breech.  She needs to move within the next 2-3 weeks or she'll lack the room and space to be able to.  If she does not or is not able to do a complete 180, then we will definitely be looking at having to have a c-section.  We have a sonogram scheduled in about 2 weeks so we're praying that Baby A is doing some flips in there! Baby B is looking all good though! :) 

How is Daddy? Mike is so very loving and attentive, even more than usual ;) He is completely calm, cool and collected but I know he has 100 things running through his mind at any given moment.  He continues to pray and support the idea of us making it to 36 weeks, which is great when my confidence falters! 

Also... Happy 4th of July (belated)!