Centrum Vitamins Giveaway!

I am so excited to be giving away vitamins! 

With being pregnant 3 times I have always searched for the perfect pre-natal pill...

One that isnt HUGE and one that covers all my needs...

Centrum is actually the prenatal pill I have been using all 3 times, 

so therefore I felt that I could properly host a giveaway for them...

PS. Look how cute my boys turned out...

Was it the prenatal pill !?!?! haha

On Centrum's Nutrition Possible site you can fill out a quick assessment to see which vitamins 

would be a great match for you depending on what you eat and your lifestyle.

It only takes like 1-2 minutes and it actually not only suggests what you should take 

as far as vitamins go, but also what foods and exercise would be good for your health.

{There is also a coupon at the end for you}

The Giveaway:

One winner will get...

 $10 off coupon for any Centrum product plus two supplements: 

Centrum ProNutrients Fruit & Veggie and winner’s choice of: 

Women’s multi-vitamin OR Energy Specialist OR Prenatal Specialist OR Vision Specialist OR Heart Specialist.

To Enter:

Answer these trivia questions, you can answer them in one comment 

For example: ABBD 

TRIVIA QUESTIONS

Which gives you the same amount of omega-3 fatty acids as one serving of ProNutrients® Omega-3 supplement? 

A.            34 ∏ cooked shrimp 

B.            1 palm size portion of fish

C.            A can of tuna

D.            5 oysters

How many active probiotic cultures does ProNutrients® Probiotic have per serving?

A.            100 thousand

B.            2 billion

C.            1 trillion

D.            1 million

Which of these products supports eye health as indicated by a health icon on its package? (Select all that apply)

A.            Centrum Specialist® Vision

B.            ProNutrients® Fruit & Veggie

C.            ProNutrients® Omega-3

D.            Centrum Specialist® Prenatal

Which of these products supports digestive health as indicated by a health icon on its package? (Select all that apply)

A.            ProNutrients® Omega-3

B.            Centrum Specialist® Energy

C.            ProNutrients® Probiotic 

D.            Centrum® Women Under 50

GOOD LUCK!! Giveaway will last until 3/8 @ 11:59 PM

Winner will be contacted by email on 3/9

Disclosure: I am participating in a sponsored campaign hosted by One2One Network. While all opinions stated are my own, I make no claims about NutritionPossible.com as a product or its effectiveness.

39 weeks....Where are you Jude!?!?

Alright, I really did not think I would make it this far...

{COME ON JUDE}

But the funny thing is the night I posted my 39 week post for Luke

I went into labor!

Fingers crossed something works....

{I already tried pedicure, spicy food, membrane stripping} haha

I had my appt last week and I was 4cm 50% effaced...

(thankful for only 6 more cm)

So we are making progress...

My next appointment is Thursday, I keep hoping I do not make it to it but 

I have a feeling he is going to come late!! 

I am skipping the whole questions thing because nothing has changed...

Little Jude is being stubborn as all get out!:)

Here are some pics...I am ready to POP....

It hurts to pretty much do anything but I keep pushing myself!

 At least my toes look cute!:) 

Because my chubby face isn't the most flattering! haha

I probably will end the pregnancy with 35 extra lbs!

1/2 of what I gained with Vincent {eeeek}

Which I am thankful for because with Jordan's diet he is way lower in weight and we are no joke

a mere 10 lbs a part at this point!! Which is NOT COOL!

So come on little Jude mommy cannot fathom to weigh in the same weight bracket as daddy!!!

Let's ALL pray this is my last belly post!:)

Thanks so much for ALL YOUR LOVE....

I love all the sweet comments on twitter for #JudeWatch2012!

I will be sure to update twitter while in labor!:)

Unless it is so fast I can't even function....ha

xoxox

Gluten Free Banana Chocolate Pancakes Recipe

Jordan is really the master behind this wonderful recipe...

I am a waffle person, I like the crispness of waffles...

Jordan is a pancake person, I just hate how soft they are and how they get soggy...

Therefore when he suggested pancakes I was a tad skeptical...

BUT...

The end result was AMAZING!!

We tried a ton of different combinations...

Apple

Apple Banana

Apple Chocolate

Banana

Banana Chocolate

Pretty much any combo we could come up with!:)

My faves were the Banana Chocolate

Here is the recipe...

{makes 6-8 pancakes depending on size)

1/4 cup coconut flour

6 eggs

4 TBS melted butter

2 TBS honey 

1 TBS cinnamon {optional}

3-4 bananas {mashed}

Chocolate Chopped {we used half 77% dark chocolate bar-use whatever you fancy}

Melt the honey and butter together, Whisk together with eggs. Slowly sift the flour in, add cinnamon, chocolate and bananas until mixed {somewhat lumpy} 

Fry them up on your stove, I butter the pan each pancake, makes them even yummier!

{Jordan in his church get up, plus his trusty down vest...STYLING!} 

ENJOY! 

XOXO

My advice for 2 under 2....

I posted last week about my schedule with the little men...

I wanted to get it down on the blog before all hell breaks loose Jude arrives...

I also got asked what advice I have for tackling 2 under 2...

Figured I would get that on the blog too before it becomes 3 under 3

::I am hoping the same advice and lessons still apply::

So here goes....

I not so fondly remember when I was about 25 weeks pregnant with Luke...

I was at Gymboree class with Vincent...

I noticed when I pulled in the car beside me had 1 forward facing car seat and one rear...

I was so excited because I knew there was a mom inside who had 2 little ones...

::mommy friend potential::

She had both her kids with her so I knew who she was right away...

The classes are small so I knew we would chat...

But what she said to me I will never forget....

She asked how far apart mine would be and I smiled and said "16 months"

The look on her face was priceless...she said hers were 27 months apart....

Following that she said "It's horrible...I want to pull my hair out EVERYDAY!"

She no joke went on to say how tough it was and how much work it was...
Needless to say...I steered clear of her from that day on...

Well ladies...I am NOT going to tell you anything like that....

I think that is just down right rude...

If someone tells me they are expecting close together I don't scare them...

Because let's face it....you are already a little nervous of it...

It is a lot of work...but it is a lot of work regardless of 1, 2 or 3 kids...

Any mom has days where she is stressed to the max....

::and wants a glass bottle of wine::

It is just a juggling act when you throw another in the mix....

So fret not ladies...

{I would not be having another if it were as hellish as that mom made it out to be}

Vincent and Luke are 16 months apart {Jude and Luke will be 19}

Throw out all expectations...

This was VERY HARD for me...

In my eyes I had the whole mom thing down with Vincent...

I could handle him and all the tasks of being a SAHM {I even nannied 3 kids when he was a babe}

Therefore I knew I could handle it ALL....

But when Luke came I fast realized that I needed help...

and guess what...I was far too proud in my mommy pants to ask for it...

{BIG MISTAKE}

I wanted to do everything myself {I am still this way lol} but I just did not want help...

It backfired BAD...It turned into more stress than anything...

I wasn't sleeping and pretty much wasn't functioning all because I wanted to do it all...

Once I let those expectations go, things were much easier...

The kitchen does not have to be perfect...The laundry can wait...

I really got into the groove of things and enjoyed Luke more once I chilled out...

So please take help those first weeks {months} while your settling in to 2 under 2

Handling two sets of needs at once...

I was so used to running to Vincent's every need...

but with having 2 it was not always possible...

I think it actually has helped because now one of the other has to wait...

Mommy only has 2 arms guys....

Just try your best to handle their needs, if the older one has to wait...don't feel bad! 

I found it just makes for each of them to be a little more independent!

Which is nice as they become toddlers!

Jealousy?....

I was very nervous about this one...I had no idea how the two would mesh...

From day one we let Vincent help with Luke...

Whether it be getting wipes, diapers you name it...

He loved helping and I think it helped form the bond they have now...

I included him in everything we did..

He takes the big bro gig VERY serious now...

 

Feeling Guilty...

I have had these moments a lot...

{and looking back it wasn't worth the stress}

Have I spent enough time with Luke or has it all been about Vincent...::vice versa::

It is impossible to have the same attention focused as you did when you only had one...

And let's face it, they do not need that much attention...

I would no joke hover over Vincent 247 haha...

With Luke I have not been able to...and guess what he is fine!:)

He is thriving and hitting every single milestone on time
{actually a good chunk ahead of Vincent}

Tired Much?...

It will be very tiring, just like it was when you had your first born...

Give yourself a break and take your time...

Things will all fall into place...

A schedule will slowly form...

The kids will all live even if you are not at full mental capacity haha...

Another time when it is great to ask for help, vent to a friend hire a sitter...

Friends are amazing, especially ones who have been in your shoes...

They will let you know there is light at the end of the tunnel...

BECAUSE...THERE IS....

Each day is a day closer to our kids growing older and not relying 100% on us! 

Ps if all else fails strap them in the car and hit up your fave coffee drive through...

Chances are they will pass out and you will have some "me" time!

Sleep Schedules:

We tried our best to make sure Vincent was sleeping as best he could before Luke arrived...

THANK GOD we did because Luke was a HORRIBLE sleeper...

But at least I only had to deal with him and not both at night! Whew!

Luke was in our room until he was 7/8 months old...
During that time we transitioned Vincent out of the nursery and into a big boy bed and room..
We then moved Luke to the nursery...
Next step will be Vincent & Luke sharing a big boy room...
We will transition them while Jude stays in our room...
eeeeeek!

Get out of the house...

This was huge for me...

I never thought it would be possible to get out more than I did with just Vincent...

But I must say we have...

SHOCKING RIGHT!?

I was so anal about traveling when it was just Vincent....

But when Luke was about 2 months old we decided to travel with Jordan for work...

Terrifying as it was...it was AMAZING...

Since then we have hit the ground running with traveling 

{it helps because Jordan travels for work and we can come}

But we also did a family vacation driving through 10 states...it was shockingly pleasant...

So get out there....and don't let the fear of 2 babes stop you from creating memories!

We also bought a double jogger {that also is a stroller, and bike carrier}

It is so nice to bike downtown with the boys then stroll around!

It's also just nice for a jog, walk or run around the neighborhood!

Or invite your friends to your place...host playdates...try to keep active{for your sanity haha}

Keep Communication Open...

Sometimes you may feel like your the one doing all the work...

I remember with Vincent I felt like I was ALWAYS the one changing diapers...

So one day I told Jordan how I felt...

He had no idea since I would just always change the diapers...

I wouldn't ask for help so he figured I didn't mind {when inside I was annoyed}

But once again, I didn't ask so he was clueless lol

Now I have no problems speaking up and asking...

Husbands want to help, they love their kids but I think because we are the mama bears

:and a tad over protective:

They have trouble figuring out what we want/need them to do!

PS Jordan and I love to giggle about how crazy and nuts our life is with kids...
I love having someone to share in all the ups and downs of the craziness!

Small Random Advice:

When doing the grocery: Park by the cart return!:)

It is so much easier to have the cart right there to throw the kiddos in and get them situated!

Feed your babe wherever... With Vincent I would go into a quiet place...

But when Luke came I didn't have that luxury, so I fed in whatever room Vincent was in!

It helped me keep an eye on Vincent and also to keep us all together in the same room...

I would just give Vincent a book, toy or snack to entertain him

1 on 1 time...

Vincent and I get a lot of time alone when Luke naps...

I save special messier activities for this time {baking, markers}

I also like to take one or the other to run errands...its nice to spend alone time separate!

Just walk away...
Sometimes when they are both being hellish I will just put them in the toyroom
and walk away....
Sometimes I just need 5 minutes to decompress!
PS, they love playing together...BONUS!

Mommy & Daddy Time...
This is great for the sanity...
Jordan and I plan "alone" trips to have alone time
::we rarely do date nights for this reason::

It also gives you something to focus on during the rough days...
I would no joke think "only 27 more days til we take our trip"
It's great to focus on just us and recharge for these cuties....

It may not always be perfect...

But seriously when is having kids all rainbows and butterflies!?!?

Just go with the flow!

Enjoy the little moments they share...
The bond these little men have is INSANE...
I cannot wait to watch them grow and share life moments with each other...

And when your ready...add more to the mix....

bahaha

COME ON JUDE! 

I am sure I have MISSED a ton of things...

but this is all I can come up with {lack of brain lately}

If you have any advice on handling 2 or more leave comments:)

If you have questions on something I skipped, please ask {hopefully I have an answer lol}

Thanks so much also for all your sweet thoughts lately as were nearing Jude's arrival...
I must say this pregnancy has been the best with ALL your support!
I couldn't ask for better blog friends!!!

xoxo

Wordless Weds {as of late}

Gluten Free Fruit Pizza

Typically I would just use a regular sugar cookie recipe for the crust of my fruit pizza...

But since were trying to cut gluten I was on a mission to find a recipe using coconut flour...

{we also experimented this morning with coconut flour pancakes...OMG they were amazing}

::we made apple, apple banana, banana, and banana chocolate ones::

But this post is not about those....

Here is the recipe for the fruit pizza...

Gluten Free Sugar Cookie Crust

4 eggs

3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar

1/2 teaspoon vanilla

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup butter, melted

3/4 cup sifted coconut flour

Combine all into your mixer!

{I am so vague with directions but come on...that's pretty much the gist of it!}

 The dough was a tad sticky so I wet my hands to be able to press it on the sheet...

Bake at 375 for 10-15 minutes or until the edges start to brown...

Allow it to cool...

For the "frosting" I did not want to stray away too much from my old fruit pizza 

{just in case the dough was not good}

So I went with the old faithful cream cheese and marshmallow cream mixture...

Fruit Dip

8oz cream cheese

7oz marshmallow cream

Then top with whatever fruit your heart desires! 

The verdict....

Let's just say this lasted LESS than 24 hours...

The crust was AMAZING...

It was seriously heaven and no gluten...SCORE!

Here is a little chart to show the difference between coconut and wheat flour...

Not only does it not contain gluten it is less calories/carbs and TONS of fiber!

A lot of people ask if you can taste a coconut-y taste and I really do not notice it...

I like coconut so that is a plus but the taste is very subtle...

ENJOY! 

A "typical" Day with 2!

Gearing up for Jude is a little nerve wracking...

I felt the same way leading up to Luke...

I think it is the fear of the unknown...

How will Jude be?

Will he be easy going, needy, quiet, loud!?

Vincent was a dream baby, he was VERY easy going, and quiet.

Luke on the other hand has been my crazy one since he popped out,

He was very tough, loud, really needy, and a crab as a newborn....

It's funny because they are still the same...

Vincent is laid back as all get out...

And Luke is my crazy kid who doesn't slow down...

I have no idea what Jude will be like...

I am really hoping for a dream baby...

The one that loves to sleep...

{my boys were horrible sleepers until about 6 months}

Side note: I always see adorable pics of babes/toddlers passed out in random places

{during dinner in their high chair, mid playing, going for a walk}

My boys have never done that....I am semi jealous haha

I hope Jude loves naps and is a happy go lucky babe...

{knock on wood people!}

Right now this is a typical day in the life of us!

7:30-8:30sh Wake Up

8-30-9:30 Breakfast/Cartoon

9:30-11:30ish Play, Play, Play {toyroom, playdough, color}

11-11:30 FOOD!:)

12-2ish Luke naps {Vincent hangs with me, we like to cook/bake}

2-5ish PLAY

5-6ish Dinner 

6-7ish- More PLAY!

7:15-7:30 Prayers, Brush Teeth, Luke goes down

7:30-8 Vincent Rosary {cuddle time}

That is a typical day, a lot of the play times are filled with errands which I love...

I love getting the kids out of the house...

Jordans office is from home so a lot of the time Vincent and I will go when Luke is napping...

Cleaning and cooking is done while they are "playing" or when Luke is asleep.

Thankfully the weather will be getting better so we can get out and PLAY!

Blogging/Me time is after 8, which I have a feeling will become non existent for a couple months...

We are just going to go with the flow once Jude arrives...

He will fit in perfectly, it will just take some juggling!

It is so nice because Vincent and Luke {and Verner pup} play together amazingly...

Which is not something I had when Luke arrived...

I had to entertain Vincent and tend to Luke's every need...

Now I at least can send V&L off to play...

Or to just be adorable....

I am going in this 3 under 3 gig with no expectations...

I feel like whenever I set up a "perfect" scenario I just get stressed...

So here is to adding another little man to the daily schedule...

Wish us luck!:)

38 Weeks- AHHHHH!

I am seriously in shock that we are 38 weeks...

I no joke sometimes forget HOW PREGNANT I AM...

{until I look down}

or I get some nice crampy feelings...

Then I remember...

I HAVE TO PUSH THIS LITTLE SUCKER OUT....

IN 2 WEEKS OR LESS...

Talk about a little bit of stress... haha

GOOD STRESS...

but stress nonetheless....

BUT....

I CANNOT WAIT TO MEET HIM!!!

Time for the weekly questions...

How far along are you? 

38 weeks...eeeek! 

Total weight gain: 

31 lbs....Excited to soon be nearing the end...

How big is baby?:  

Jude is somewhere near 7lbs and 19inches...

Stay under 8 buddy!;)

Maternity clothes: 

No lol but it's getting pretty unflattering! 

Thankfully I haven't left the house much hahah

Stretch marks?:  

No more than what I received from V&L

Sleep?: 

Random bouts... 

Best moment this week?:

Packing the bags...

knowing that he will be coming home in the little outfit I packed...

{okay I lied they aren't officially in the bag but they are on the counter in a pile}

Movement?: 

Lots and LOTS!
It is pretty painful at times...

Food cravings?:

I gave up sweets for Lent {along with facebook...bad idea haha}

Anyways sweets are what I want now...

I made cake balls for our Potty Party this weekend and it was so HARD

not to eat one...

Food aversions?:

None really

Labor signs?: 

More braxton hicks...

Leakage lol

Belly button in or out?: 

Still in!

What I miss: 

My body...and I could use a glass of wine!:)

What I'm looking forward to: 

Meeting Jude!:)

What I'm not looking forward to: 

Transition period (7-9cm)

We have been talking a lot about the hardest part and it was that

wonderful transition period...

Just trying to mentally prepare myself for that....

UGH

Milestone: 

I had a different midwife and she CHECKED ME...

{last week the one said they wouldn't check me until labor...}

Anyways I was glad to hear we are at 3cm...

Now all I have to focus on is 7 MORE cm! 

Much better than envisioning the entire bagel {hahahah}

Now I just have to add a can of pop to my banana! 

{you have to check the chart I posted}

It could still be the full 2 weeks til we meet him but I am just glad something

is happening down there...:)

About to pop face haha...

Until next week!

xoxo

PS My belly pic from last week was featured today on Birth Stories On Demand...
I do not think I will be able to top that photo!