My Love of Shoes turns to Baby Shoes!

I have a shoe obsession!  When I moved out of my parents house at 18 to go to college, I had 152 pairs of shoes!  I know!  Crazy!  And I bought every single pair with my own money.  My parents had said years ago when the obsession with shoes started "Get a part time job we are not buying your shoes or jeans anymore!"  And I did.  They didn't!  Lol!  I don't blame them. 

I still have a problem with shoes.  But it is better.  JD and I have an agreement.  When my shoe closets and totes are getting full, any new pair of shoes means that 2 others have to be donated or thrown away (depending on condition).  Yes I am a member of Just.Fab!  What a great site for a shoe crack addict like myself! 

 

My shoe choice has changed since having babies though.  I've down graded my quality.  No more Nine West boots at $200 a pop.  Now my shoes range from $24.99 to $49.95.  Okay every now and again an expensive pair will slip in there, but mostly I try to keep my shoe budget a lot lower than it used to be. 

 

But...now I buy shoes for my girls!  Lots of shoes!  Lola has a ridiculous number of shoes.  Lucy has none!!!  How is this possible you ask.  Well I have such fabulous shoes from Lola that I've never bought any for Lucy.  However, Lucy grew out of the newborn and 0-6 months shoes so fast, she never even got to wear them.  Plus I had these awesome Robeez from Lola that were 6-12 months and looked like Uggs.  BUT....I've lost them!  I have looked everywhere for them to no avail.  So Lucy has no shoes.  And refuses to keep socks on, making me look like a terrible mom taking her baby out all over town with nothing on her feet when it is -22! 

 

Well I found a woman in my small town through facebook that crochets shoes.  I custom ordered 2 pair last week, and they are ready already!  Look at these awesome shoes!

 

How great are these?  I am in love.  And since I HAD to go shopping today for Lucy clothes...I decided to buy clothes that will look fabulous with her new shoes!  Of course I saw some great Robeez at the store that I really wanted to buy.  But I've learnt my lesson on having too many pairs of shoes for babies this age.  Just wait 2 months and you'll need a new pair as they grow out of them so fast.  Lol!  I will take some pictures of her in her new outfits and new shoes.  A little Lucy fashion show maybe!?  :)

 

Much Love!

 

ks

 

*My love affair with Nine West started when I was 17 and bought my first pair of ankle high leather boots in California!  I also fell in love with BeBe then!* 

** And I have sworn to myself I will never own another pair of Steve Madden's for the rest of my life!  His shoes are pure torture for your feet! **

Just my shoe review for you...

*** Oh and if you are ever looking for great boots that still look good in the winter (no salt stains, with no treatment for the leather) Always and I mean Always spend the money and buy Harley Davidson!  I've had mine for 5+ years and they still look brand new.  I wear them everyday (in blizzard conditions, through pregnancies etc...), and I just bought JD his first pair and he loves them too! ***

I Love Shoes!

I don't know if I have ever shared this with you all?  But I have a major shoe fetish!  I love me some shoes!  When I moved out for college I took 150 pairs of shoes with me!  No joke we counted!  150!  Since pregnancy and the ridiculous swelling that occurred, I have been unable to wear any of my super hot heels that I love!  The swelling started at about 19 weeks and just progressively got worse.  There were some heels I could wear until about 24 weeks, but after that it was Cr*ocs, flip flops and my Co*ns.  Fast forward to the end of pregnancy, I really didn't go anywhere where heels were required, so I've pretty much lived in my flip flops or my Harley*Davidson boots, until Christmas.  Then I broke a pair out.  Well surprise surprise...I can no longer fit into 3/4 of my heels.  My feet have grown a full size.  I did notice this when I went back to the gym, as I had to buy a new pair of sneakers, but I was really hoping that my heels (foolishly hoping) would still fit.  (F bomb about to be dropped)

(Are you fucking kidding me that I can't fit into any of my old jeans, shirts or SHOES!!!  Whatever!)

Now that I am looking at going back to work in a couple of weeks, I really need to figure something out.  It's not necessary that I dress up every day.  Which is great since I can't fit (well I can but they are still snug) into any of my dress work pants.  And my shirts.... God don't get me started!  And I refuse to go out and spend a small fortune on clothes that I have no intention of wearing for more than 3 months.  So what I have decided to do is buy some tunic tops and a couple of pairs of leggings (not too expensive).  But now the question remains...what to do about shoes????  :) 

I walked casually into a sale yesterday!  CaChing! 

I thought these would look good with a pair of tights or skinny jeans (which I have) and a tunic or long dress shirt (which I also have).  Plus it's not a stiletto high heel which is going to take me awhile to get back to.  My feet really changed with pregnancy.  They still hurt a lot.  The Dr. thinks I have arthritis in my feet now.  Awesome!  So I don't really see myself rocking the stilettos for a 6-8 hour shift anymore.  Especially considering I actually do have to run quiet a bit with my job.  It's amazing that for 7 years before pregnancy I used to run all the time for customers in all kinds of weather wearing 4 inch heels, and never fell!  But at 6 months pregnant in flip flops I fell flat on my face walking!  LOL!  I really wish men could experience pregnancy.  Anyway onto the deal!  I actually scored these boots for $30!  :0  This is awesome since we are trying really hard to save money so we can do our FET in October.

Now if I had like $100 mad money I would actually go and buy these!  I love my Ni*kes but I would absolutely love a really, really good pair of running shoes.  My Ni*kes are more of a cross trainer, and since I'm running so much now...  Ahh well!

I did finally make it back to the gym yesterday.  I ran 3.06 miles.  So I ran for 31 minutes and walked for 4.  Not too bad considering I have pneumonia.  I had to use my puffer once at the 24 minute mark as I felt like my airway was closing up.  But it felt pretty good.  I didn't get to do much more than that there though.  I didn't even get to stretch and I'm suffering for that today.  But I'm planning to go tomorrow morning to do Cardio and strength training. 

Anyway this has become a long post, and I feel like I'm rambling...Sorry folks...! 

Much Love!

ks

30 Week Belly Shot

For your viewing pleasure....

This is one of the t-shirts I bought at the baby show.  It is the softest most fantastic t-shirt I own currently.

I know it's not a great shot.  It's really hard for me to take the picture by myself.  I think I'll try to get JD to take a picture on Sunday.  I think I've grown quite a bit this week already.

Okay I am going to rave a little bit.  The t-shirts I bought are organic cotton.  It is a small company that a husband and wife own, and I especially love that.  JD and I are the same, small business, family run, so we really like to support mom and pop shops as well.  The prices are great, quality is great, and the fit is true fit.  I ordered large as I like my shirts to be long, so I can wear tights and still cover my rear end.  Plus I also like to throw everything is the dryer and this gives me room for shrinkage.  But if you are a medium order a medium.  Please pop over and have a look, I promise if you get a shirt you will love it!  kss maternity

Okay now onto my day today.  I am blogging from home right now.  On my recliner with my feet on a pillow, and an ice pack on my knees.  I am swollen again today, and I fell at work this morning.  I think baby is okay.  I've felt her move a couple of times since then and I'm not cramping or anything.  I actually did everything in my power not to hit my stomach when I smacked down on the concrete.  I was stepping up on a high curb and caught my flip flops, went flying down.  I landed on my knees and elbows, and rolled to the left.  My toes, knees and elbows are bloody and very swollen now.  It wouldn't have been so bad but I was doing a fast walk, jog up the curb.  Dumb, dumb, dumb!

I have a lot more pictures to post they will be coming soon.  I really want to show off our new master bedroom.  It looks so good.  I stupidly didn't take a before picture.  Which was nice as well, very spa like, but it was so bright that it felt like we were sleeping with the lights on.  Anyway I'm home licking my wounds and cried out.  Now I think I'm due an afternoon cat nap.

Much Love!

ks

Ultrasound Results FINALLY!

I've been quiet as I was waiting for the results from the specialist about our big u/s appointment.  I finally got the results today!  Perfect!  She looks great, growing on target, placenta has good blood flow, umbilical cord is functioning fine, no blood clots, and my 2 main arteries are feeding into the uterus fine!  Yahhhh!  Phew!  I feel like I can breath again!

I hate getting an u/s at the hospital, they never tell you anything, and they are so cold.  We have been sitting here for 5 days worrying.  But thankfully no more!  I guess the only thing left now for the papp a score is me.  I guess this means that I am at a risk for hypertension and pre-e.  We'll just have to watch, and I'll really have to watch my intake of sodium.

Other than that not too much else new here.  I'm busy at work trying to make up for the fact my mind has been somewhere else for 5 days.  LOL! 

Oh and here's the link to the site I ordered that t-shirt from...Infertility T-Shirts and more!

Much Love!

ks

Back to Work...

I so wish I could have just stayed in Arizona until winter is over.  There wasn't a cloud in the sky the entire time we were there.  I was in the pool everyday with my mom.  JD golfed every day with my Dad.  We shopped, ate and soaked up the sun, what more could you ask for!?

Can I just tell you how much I love Pea in the Pod?!  I just wish I had no hips and bum, then I could fit into their pants, but alas I am a baby got back woman, so I need booty room!   But the shirts are lovely, the bathing suits are great looking and will still work when I'm a small whale, and I picked up the most fantastic dress!  Which you can see here Awesome Dress!  You can't tell from the picture but the material is so slick and sheer, you would think it would be see through but it's not.  It'll be perfect for summer.

I also came to a realization that it doesn't matter what I do I do NOT photo well!  LOL!  I swear I am so much better looking than my photos.  I photo UGLY!  When I post my baby bump pics on here they will be headless!  LOL!   Cause man every picture that was taken last week I look FUGLY! 

Anyway I just wanted to let all my peeps know I'm back safe and sound!  Tomorrow we have an OB appointment and then a quick u/s.  I will do a post tomorrow with my 20 week survey!  I'm so happy to be home!

Much Love!

ks

New Friend on the Street!

My neighbours did have their baby on Jan 27.  7lb 7oz little boy named Antonio.  They only just got home on Tuesday this week as he had a bit of jaundice.  But mom and baby are doing well, exhausted but happy!  JD and I had bought them a little something for the happy occasion.  We saw the hubby out yesterday getting ready to snow clear so we ran over to drop it off and chat with him for a quick 5 minutes.  

Sure enough we were right it was a long struggle for them as well.  I knew it.  We were the only 2 houses on the street with out kids and we are both in our 30's with good jobs and houses made for kids.   I just had a feeling that they were struggling, as were we...  Now I don't think they went the IVF route but I don't really know.

We came out to him though that Antonio might have a playmate come July.  He was thrilled for us.  I admitted to him it had been a long time coming, that's when he said us too.  It took us a long time as well.  We are going to pop over there sometime in the next week or two and meet little Antonio, so I'm sure the Mrs. and I will probably have a better chat then. 

JD and I are trying to get ready for our baby moon.  We are leaving in 6 days for Arizona.  Okay so it's not really a baby moon per se, as we are going to visit my parents.  My mom and dad are snowbirds now and we promised them if they bought a place in Arizona rather than Florida that we would still visit them, so we are making the trip.  It actually couldn't be coming at a better time.  We both just need to get away.  And I miss my mom and dad something terrible.  I usually see them at least once a month, well I haven't seen them since we lost B.  So it's been 11 weeks.    My mom and I are planning some maternity shopping!  Yahh!  I love shopping! 

Anyway I will do a pregnancy update on Monday, and answer whether we are pink or blue team.  Please blogger friends just pray that there is still a heart beat and that Bebe is healthy!

Much Love!

ks 

To the Dr's I Go...

Nothing to do with Bebe necessarily.  It's this dang flu!  I've been knocked on my butt since Monday afternoon with it.  And it's just a flu, but because I've been running fevers JD and my Mom are all over me to go to the Dr's to make sure it's not an infection or anything.  So today at 12:30 I will go to the Dr's.  Yahh!  (sarcasm)  Today is my first day back in the office, and really the only reason I came in was to let my staff sleep in and because I have to get my level II blood work done.  So now after work I am driving 1/2 hour south (I live north) to the Dr's then drive back to town to the opposite side of town for my blood work (another 1/2 hour drive), to then back track my way home which is yet another 1/2 an hour drive.  So today I will be doing a lot of driving!  Dang it!  Oh well!  Better to air on the side of caution when it comes to Bebe right!?

I'm feeling a little better today, no fever since about 9pm last night.  Still am not eating much and I can't breath through my nose, but better than I have been feeling.  I actually have make up on today and my hair done which is a big improvement from the last couple of days!  And wouldn't you know it JD wanted to try to take pictures of the bump last night.  I could have killed him!  LOL!  I'm in a wife beater with Vick's vapor rub all over, no bra, no make up, no hair done, fevered and he thinks it's photo op time!?!?  WTF!?!?  LOL!  God love him!

I'm hoping tomorrow I will feel up to going shopping after work.  There is a great sale at Thy.me Maternity and I have a coupon for $20 off when you spend over $100.  I really need some shirts and sweaters.  All of my non-maternity shirts and sweaters are starting to look like 'fat guy in a little shirt!'

Anyway not too much else new on this front.  Unless you want TLC and Spike TV updates!  LOL!  I'm going to go catch up on my blog reading now since I'm finally back on my computer! 

Much Love!

ks

All Over the Map!

That's my emotions!  I can't seem to get a handle on my moods lately.  I guess it is the hormones.  Driving into work this morning I started crying, not like one or two tears, but like sobbing.  I was just so overcome with sadness about B, Evelyn, Greyson, and all those lost babies that were loved so very much.  I just don't understand why it has to be so hard for us infertiles.  I mean haven't we struggled enough?   I still think about B daily and wish that my body had been able to hold onto it.  But it is what it is. 

JD and I have been to Babies.R.Us three times in the last couple of weeks.  We keep watching and waiting for the deals.  Yesterday there was some great deals on playpens with the bassinet attachments and the diaper changer.  Did we buy one?  Nope!  Why?  Because we are still way too nervous to even think about bringing anything real baby into the house.  I asked JD if he was nervous about buying anything.  And he looked at me and said "yes I'm afraid to jinx anything!"  I said "me too!"  I asked him if he wanted to wait until 20 weeks.  He said yes please!

The reality is that we do have to try to buy somethings every pay.  We don't really have an income where we can just go out one weekend and spend a couple of grand on decorating a nursery.   So the reality of the situation is that when we find deals like we did last night, we should buy it and just put it in the basement until we are ready.  Even if something does go wrong at one time a baby is coming into our house.  I am renewed with hope. 

I think I'm going to call JD right now and have a serious discussion about the awesome crib we saw last night for $200.00.  Another post coming soon. 

Much Love!

ks

Merry Christmas!

I hope all of you have a very wonderful Christmas! 

I am working today, all day!  It is very boring in this office today, but Corporate demands us to be open so here we are!  I only have one other staff member in today and he's only here for 4 hours.  I'm unfortunately open for over 9 hours today.  Crazy! 

I took some quiet time this morning to slip away to the mall across the street and finish my shopping.  Thankfully I work across the street from one of the best malls in the area.  So I hit it right when it opened.  While I was there shopping with my pants undone I thought maybe I should buy a pair of maternity pants.  Oh man!  I can actually breath!  And my stomach doesn't hurt today!  My stomach actually does hurt!  It's so hard!  And I swear it's getting bigger on a daily basis.  The jeans I had on today I wore last week to get my hair done.  And now...nope not buttoning them up!  LOL! 

Tonight JD and I are on our own.  I am going home to finish wrapping, then he and I are going to the Ke.g for dinner.  After that I am going to get things ready for tomorrow.  I am making a breakfast casserole to take to my MIL's house for the morning.  And appetizers for the afternoon.  Appetizers are crab cakes and Mexican Rolls (these yummy tortilla rolled, baked goodness, that you dip in salsa).  So I still have a lot to do today!

Anyway I just wanted to pop on and wish all my blogger friends and very Merry Christmas!  I am thinking of you all.  Praying for you all!

Much Love!

ks 

Scan is Booked!

Thursday afternoon we shall see!  So nervous!  But y'know there is nothing more I can do...I've done everything I possibly can.  It's really out of my hands.  I just have to dig deep and try to continue to have hope!  Ha!  Easier said than done!

Today I am hopefully going to go and finish off a little bit more Christmas shopping.  I have got to get some things for JD.  I know bad, mall walking...but it's gotta be done folks.  And I'm feeling pretty good today.  While at the mall, I plan on picking up a few long cardigans.  I really need some clothes that will hide the belly bulge I've got going on.  It looks as though I've eaten nothing but pizza for the last month.  It's not a Bebe bump yet, just the in between bloat and feeling huge.  Urrrggghh!  I refuse to go to the maternity stores yet.  I can't make myself do it.  Maybe after Scan.day, but not yet.  I almost went yesterday to get the belly band, but chickened out at the last minute.  And boy this morning was I sorry I did that.  5 outfit changes this morning!  JD was laughing pretty good at me!  It's great that we live in the great white North.  It really is sweater time here.  I can definitely hide this from my customers for a good while!

Anyway, enough of me jabbering on.  I better get back to work!  LOL!  Please pray for us that Scan.day is a good day!  I would really appreciate it! 

Much Love!

ks

AOF - Art of Fashion

Art of Fashion was great last night. It had everything going on there. The sample sale, fashion show, and a designer contest. The contest was for the designer to try to capture the female iconic spirit. That was interesting. All the patrons were to vote on who they think captured the spirit the best! Four of us were there together and I think all 4 of us voted for a different designer.

I voted for the collection called 'Eco-Avenger of the Urban Garden'. All of the material was made out of recycled clothing. I loved all of the outfits. 3 of the things shown were things I would wear if I was 20 pounds smaller! And I really liked the way it mixed a woman's career with her thought on being / living green. To me that is what most 20th century woman are about!

I didn't get home until about 1am lastnight, so I'm a little tired today. And I think I might be getting a cold. I've had a raging headache for about 3 days and now my nose is stuffed and I'm sneezing non stop. I really hope that this will pass quick as I go for baseline u/s and b/w tomorrow. My fingers are crossed that we are finally going to start DE IVF #1 - part 3! I guess we'll find out in less than 24 hours!

The Art of Fashion!

That's where I'm headed to tonight. My SIL and I are going into Toronto's Distillery District tonight for the Art of Fashion - Fashion Show and Sample Sale. Wow! Should I rename this entry the Art of Shopping! LOL! Because anyone who knows me knows I'm all over the sample sale... What does Betty Rubble and Wilma Flinstone say????? CHARGE IT!!!! That will be me tonight!

Okay, okay, realx JD! I probably won't buy anything. Everything there will probably be for the super skinny, nothing there to fit this chubby bunny! Unless they are selling purses and gloves! Hah! Hah!

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Still waiting for AF to arrive. Still nothing! Unbelievable! I'm on Day 34 now. My donor co-ordinator e-mailed me this morning that even if my period doesn't start this weekend I am to go in for u/s and b/w baseline on Monday. So I think we are still going to push forward even if AF is missing. And no there is NO CHANCE that we could be pregnant on our own. Not with my mangled tubes. So we wait and see what instructions we get Monday afternoon!

I was a little worried about starting a cycle with out shedding my old lining, but I asked my support group on Network 54 if anyone else had done this. 2 woman had and both were successful on that cycle. So you reallt never do know do you!