Bump Watch: 15 Weeks

Pregnancy Highlights: Seeing Baby Collins on the ultrasound at eight weeks (total cutie) and hearing his/her heartbeat at 12 weeks.
How Far Along: 15 weeks
Size of baby: Apple Baby!
Total Weight Gained/Lost: 3 lbs. gained
Maternity Clothes: I love maternity pants!!!
Gender: We'll find out in December. Until then, my money is on BOY.
Movement: I feel all a'flutter from time to time, and according to the books I'm reading that could be because baby C. moving around.
Sleep: Sleeping great, minus all the crazy dreams about plane crashes and serial killers. (Seriously - what is wrong with me?)
What I miss: Red wine and Diet Coke
Cravings: Orange juice, steak, watermelon and fountain Diet Pepsi from Panera (specific, I know, but theirs is the BEST. And, yes, my doc said it's OK to drink caffeine in moderation.)

Aversions: Garlic makes me want to vomit!
Symptoms: Frequent headaches, stuffy nose, emotional and cranky (sorry, husband!)
Best Moment this week: Eating lots and lots of Thanksgiving food!!!

Giving (Extra) Thanks

I've lived a blessed life thus far, and I've always had much to be thankful for; a husband and best friend who loves me and treats me like royalty, amazing parents who continue to nurture me and teach me every day, wonderful family members who love and accept one another unconditionally, and an incredible group of best friends who have shown me the true meaning of trust, loyalty and friendship.

Every Thanksgiving I am reminded of these very, very important people I'm lucky to know. They're the stuff a good life is made of, that's for certain.

This Thanksgiving, I'm feeling a little extra thankful though, and it's not just because I get to eat as much turkey, mashed potatoes and green beans as I want (courtesy of my amazing maternity jeans). This year, I'm so incredibly, unimaginably, superbly thankful for the reason I get to rock these fabulous stretch pants in the first place... which would be my baby (of course)!!!

I've always known I wanted to be a mother-bear, but I never knew when it would actually happen. Apparently, now is the perfect time.

If you know me well, you know that timing is everything to me. I've had the stages of my life mapped out like a cruise coordinator since I was a kid. I like schedules, and I don't like surprises. I like to know what to expect, when to expect it and how it will affect my life. Of course, my control freak ways are ridiculous and unrealistic (as I've learned many, many times over). Making plans for the future is absolutely a good idea. But we all know that life happens when it's supposed to (you know, like in God's timing, not ours).

Now that I'm on my way to becoming a mom, I find myself more appreciative than ever before. I am so grateful for this time in my life, and I pray daily, which is something I haven't always done. I thank God for the opportunity to experience pregnancy and eventually motherhood. In fact, I thank God for every blessing in my life, because I've never felt more blessed. 

So, yes, this Thanksgiving I'm feeling a little extra thankful. And I have no doubt that by this time next year my heart will be full enough to burst.

Another Mamaw Milestone

Today is my Mamaw Mozella's 75th birthday! 

I can't say enough about my sweet mamaw, Glenna Mozella. She is most definitely one of the strongest women I know, and probably one of the strongest women to ever walk this planet. She's been through many, many trials in her life, and every single time she gets knocked down, she dusts herself off with grace and allows God to take control. Her faith is her strength; a quality I admire so much (and wish I had in me). She is such a beautiful, influential woman in my life, and I am so incredibly lucky to know her.

Last weekend my family celebrated this birthday milestone with a fun surprise party for Mamaw Mozella. It was great to get together with family to celebrate the life of such a wonderful lady!

Here are a few photos from the party...

 The yummy cake!

 My cousins - Katie and Jennifer

 More cousins - Emily, Katie and Leah

 Yes, we blindfolded her!

 Surprise!!!

 Mamaw and Leah

 Mamaw and  her siblings

Party hardy - Cindy Lou, Leah, Emily and my mom

 My fam: Jon, me, Dwight, mom, Nick, Kerry and Billy 

(Yes, you can see the "bump"in this picture!)

 My pretty mamaw and me

 Seth learning to share with others! =)

Mamaw and my cousin Stanley (known to us as "Dee")

Happy Birthday, Mamaw!!! 

Bump Watch: Weeks 10 - 14

After publishing my previous post, I realized that you're probably dying to see my "gigantic" baby bump. Of course, I've been taking weekly bump pictures for a month in anticipation of this moment. Hold on folks, you're about to see the "new" me (it's really not all that dramatic, I promise). 

  

 10 weeks

 11 weeks

 12 weeks

13 weeks

 14 weeks

Clearly, I "popped" around the 14 week mark (I'm aware, just in case you were planning to point it out).

If you feel the urge to comment on my bump/weight after viewing these photos, please refer to "Dear Family, Friends and Perfect Strangers" found here. This letter applies to all comments, unless (of course) you are going to tell me how adorable and amazing I look. =)

Oh, the things people say...

Dear Friends, Family and Perfect Strangers, 
Just because I am pregnant, does not mean you can openly comment on my baby bump, weight or anything related to the afore mentioned characteristics. If you do so in front of me, there's a pretty decent chance I'll either sob uncontrollably or punch you in the throat. There's also a pretty decent chance I won't say anything at all, because I am too shocked by your audacity to share your personal opinions regarding a pregnant lady's bump and/or weight. Then, I will go home, put on the stretchiest pants I own and proceed to eat a lot of peanut butter M&Ms. I might even cry, because you have successfully ruined my self-esteem for the day.
XOXO, 
Melinda

"Whoa. Where is this coming from?" you ask.

Funny story.

I'm not super, duper pregnant just yet. Yes, I have a little lump in my abdominal area that looks more like a big lunch at Krystal burger than a baby bump, but I am not exactly large and in charge (yet). Most of my clothes still fit, but I have experienced issues with pants, in particular. Sometimes they button, sometimes the don't. Guess what that means, friends? Maternity pants! (Can I get a hell yea?)

In case you're unaware, maternity pants are quite possibly the greatest invention of all time. They're stretchy, comfortable and overall amazing. The best part: no one can tell they're stretchy or comfortable. They look like regular ol' britches. I am in love.

I digress...

Last week, in a fit of wardrobe frustration, I took a trip to one of my favorite retailers to search for a few new items to wear to work. After perusing the racks of pants, tops and dresses, I found several things that looked promising, so I headed to the fitting rooms.

On my way out of the fitting rooms I handed the "no" items to the sweet-looking attendant (who turned out to be my instant worst enemy).

"These didn't work for ya, sweetie?"

"No. The dress is really cute, but I'm having a hard time finding maternity pants that work."

"You look so cute though! How far along are you?"

"Oh - thanks. I'm 14 weeks now."

"Oh. You're only 14 weeks? Are you sure there's only one baby in there?"

Seriously, lady??? I'm pretty sure you just told me -to my face- that I'm too fat to be only 14 weeks pregnant.

WOW.

My actual response:
"Just one baby. I'm sure of it. Thanks - have a great night." 

And then I walked away gracefully, went home and proceeded to eat a lot of peanut butter M&Ms.

What I should have said:
"Oh you think I'm too big to only be 14 weeks pregnant? That's funny, because you're awfully big for someone who isn't pregnant at all."

Image from Baby-GaGa

The Tale of Two Pee Sticks

It was the morning of Friday, September 10. I was getting ready for work, as usual, when I decided to take a pregnancy test. It was partially on a whim, and mostly partially because we were headed to Knoxville that night for a tailgating extravaganza and a Tennessee football game. It was a precaution (you know, so I wouldn't drink a bunch-a-beers on Saturday and then find out I was preggo a couple of days later - yikes!).

So, I took a test that morning, placed it on the bathroom counter and walked away. I'm not the girl who can stand there and wait for the line/lines to appear. The whole process gives me panic attacks. Plus, I didn't want to feel disappointed if it wasn't positive, so I tried not to make a big deal of it (even though my heart was fluttering during the entire three minute wait).

A few minutes later, I returned to the bathroom and looked at the little plastic pee stick on the counter.

Two little lines.

TWO little lines?

TWO LITTLE LINES!

I looked up and faced myself in the mirror. I cracked a smile and then started crying. (Hello, hormones.)

A second pee stick verified the news. It was definitely positive, and I was definitely pregnant.

It was the day my life changed forever.

Jonathan was out of town for work, but he'd be home later that afternoon before heading to Knoxville for the weekend. I could not wait to tell him the news!

For me, work was incredibly difficult that day. I couldn't concentrate on anything at all. I was elated. Excited. Nervous. Scared. Anxious.

Luckily, I was able to leave the office a little early that afternoon, so I could put together my carefully-crafted "tell the hubs I'm preggo" plan. I stopped by a local store on the way home and bought a cute little novelty book about parenting. I put the book and positive pregnancy tests in a gift bag and headed home to greet the papa-bear-to-be.

When it comes to gifts though, Jonathan is nothing like me. If someone gives me a gift, you better believe I rip into it immediately. Patience is not my strength. Jonathan, however, is much more casual. He's like "oh, a gift?" and then keeps going about his tasks as usual. So, of course, he kept running around the house packing for K-town while I stood in the kitchen with his little gift bag.

"Jonny, come open this present I got for you."

"Right now?"

"Yes, right now. I'm excited about it."

He read the card first. It had a picture of a bride and groom on the front. The inside read "First comes love... Then comes marriage... Then..."

He looks at me a little wide-eyed.

"Is this a joke?"

I shook my head, holding back tears.

He looked in the bag and immediately saw the two positive pregnancy tests.

"Oh my gosh! Seriously?"

We hugged, smiled and I think I even cried a little (again). It was very surreal, very exciting and very terrifying at the same time.

We're going to be somebody's parents.

The boy I crushed on in 8th grade; fell in love with in high school; my best friend; my husband - he's now going to be the father of our sweet child. We're having a baby, and we couldn't be more excited!

Secrets and Lies

I haven't been entirely honest with you lately. For many, many weeks, I've kept a pretty big secret from you. Admittedly, I've even told a few (tiny) lies. It has to stop though, because eventually you'll discover the truth on your own. And I'd rather tell you myself. 

The secrets and lies end here... Right now.

The truth is - we're going to be parents. 

See...

I'm mega preggo, y'all!

This ultrasound photo was taken way back when I was only eight weeks along (see the black dot? that's baby Collins' cute lil brain!). These days, Baby C. is much bigger (about the size of a lemon). 

Needless to say, Jonathan and I are beyond thrilled! 

Mr. Mustache

My friend Will is growing a mustache. A real Mo. For real, yo. 

If you know Will, you probably wouldn't peg him as a "mustache man," but apparently he is (at least for the month of November).  That's because my sweet friend William is a make-a-difference kind of guy. So he's donating his upper lip for a month to participate in Movember ("Mo" short for mustache, plus "ember" short for November).

Movember is a campaign to raise awareness about the number one cancer that affects men - prostate cancer. Oh, and Movember raises money too, to fund research for better treatments (and ultimately finding a cure) for prostate cancer. All of the money raised during the campaign benefits the Prostate Cancer Foundation and LIVESTRONG, the Lance Armstrong Foundation.

Clearly, Movember is a win/win situation.  

Win: Two fantastic organizations receive thousands of dollars to conduct research and provide better treatment options for a cancer that affects so many men and their families. 

Win: I get to receive weekly photos in my inbox of Will's evolving mustache.

 Week 1

Week 2

If you're feeling inspired by Will's new look, or if you too are a make-a-difference kind of guy/gal, click here to donate to Will's Movember campaign.

National Unfriend Day

Have you heard? November 17 has been declared National Unfriend Day. Jimmy Kimmel created this oh-so-necessary social media holiday, and I am totally on board. It's time to trim the Facebook fat, y'all. 

 According to Jimmy, you should unfriend someone on Facebook if:

• You wouldn't loan them $50
• You wouldn't invite them to your birthday party
• You wouldn't cry if they got hit by a bus

Pretty simple stuff. Basically - if you don't know the person or care about them (like, in real life), then chances are they don't need to be on your list of virtual friends. 

Currently, I have 601 Facebook friends. I certainly don't know 601 people. And I definitely don't like 601 people. 

How did I end up with 601 friends, you ask? Because I am a Facebook pioneer. I joined the website in 2004, when FB was brand-spankin'-new. At the time it was strictly for college kids, and we used it to stalk everyone on campus. From classmates to potential new members (that's sorority speak for "pledges"), we gave away our virtual friendship like a freshman virgin, drunk at her first frat party (sorry, Mom and Dad, I know that was foul). For example: if you met a bunch of weirdos at Cool Beans one Tuesday night, within a few hours you'd be F.F.F. (Facebook Friends Forever), even though you'd probably never see them in person ever again. That's just how we rocked it in '04.

Fast forward to 2010...

We're "grown-ups" now, and anyone can get a Facebook account. We decided to delete the countless albums of embarrassing party pics, because somewhere along the way we realized that maybe we'd like to get professional jobs someday, get married, have kids and maybe (just maybe) act a little more like adults. And, plus, we're Facebook friends with our parents now. And our grandparents. Our siblings, cousins, aunts, uncles. Our bosses. Our co-workers.  High school classmates. That bunch of weirdos from Cool Beans that time (whose pictures of drunken silliness have been replaced by photos of weddings and newborn babies). 

It's feeling a little outta control.

So, yes, I will participate in National Unfriend Day. Actually, I'm launching a full blown audit of my Facebook account. To those of you I leave behind - I'm sorry. I doubt you'll notice though. 'Cause I don't know you, and you don't know me. It's time to say goodbye, virtual friends. It's been real. Actually it hasn't been real at all.

Holiday Greetings (I heart Shutterfly!)

Who loves a good holiday greeting card (preferably with photos)? Um, me, of course.

When Jonathan and I officially became Mr. and Mrs. two years ago, I was uber excited about creating our first official family Christmas card (complete with wedding photo, of course). The family holiday greeting card is a rite of passage of sorts. You know, like, welcome to adulthood, marriage, minivans, etc. OK -you're right- let's scratch the minivan part. Nonetheless, family Christmas cards are a pretty big deal in a young family's woman's life (us girlie girls get pretty excited about this kind of stuff).

Luckily Shutterfly has gorgeous and -better yet- affordable options for fabulous photo cards.

Here's the inaugural Collins family holiday card from 2008:

Mistletoe Green Christmas

Shop Shutterfly.com for elegant Christmas photo cards.

View the entire collection of cards.

Then, in 2009, I created this little number:

Coronet Cheer Holiday

Christmas cards and holiday thank you cards by Shutterfly.

View the entire collection of cards.

Pretty cute, huh? 

With the holiday season right around the corner, I'm already searching for the perfect template for my next Christmas card creation. Luckily, Shutterfly has cute card options for Christmas and equally cute card options to celebrate the holiday season (for folks looking for a seasonal greeting that isn't Christmas-specific). How cute and modern is this option? Love! This one is pretty fabulous too (I must be a total sucker for green and black). So what will I choose for the 2010 card? You'll just have to wait and see...

Hey fellow bloggers: Want to receive 50 free holiday cards from Shutterfly? Sign up here.

Christmas in November

So... I decorated our house for Christmas this weekend.

A bit premature? Definitely. But, apparently, the Collins family calendar is booked for the next 8-10 weekends. If celebrating the holiday season is a priority (which -of course- it is), this weekend was my one and only opportunity to prepare the nest.

The halls are decked, the stockings are hung, the holiday-scented candles are a-burnin'. Bring on the holidays (and cooler temperatures, please)!

Baby Boy's Birthday

Dear Alfie,

Today is your fifth birthday. It’s still hard to believe my sweet baby is a “big boy” now. It seems like only yesterday I was cuddling my precious one-pound pup in my arms. My heart was full when you came into my life, because I knew I would never be alone (at least for the next 10-15 years, anyway).

We’ve been through a lot together, little man. You were my only friend when I first moved to Johnson City in 2006. You were still a tiny baby, but I needed you just as much as you needed me. I thank God I had you then. You kept me company, snuggling with me while tears fell into my wine glass as I watched “Sex And The City” on DVDs alone in my little living room. This usually happened on Tuesday nights in Johnson City, because Tuesday was my Friday, and there was nothing else to do on Tuesday nights. We had dinner together, dance parties together, long walks through the neighborhood together. It was just you and me, kid. And we made it work.

I’m still not sure if you realize it, but you’re blind, my boy. You were a baby when I learned that you were born with a genetic eye problem. The doctor told us there was nothing we could do for your sight. It broke my heart when I found out, but also made me love you more. I wanted to take care of  you and give you the best life you could possibly have. It’s a good thing you have such a kind-hearted momma. Many people probably wouldn’t pay for your expensive vet bills or your prescription eye drops. You are special needs, indeed. But that’s OK; I love you anyway.

You began to thrive when mommy and daddy were married; when we became a real family. You had a father figure to look up to, and he had his boy. He does love you, even though you’re a Yorkie (not exactly the most manly of breeds). You were two happy fellas, until you realized that daddy loves mommy. Then, you started peeing on stuff. You thought I was yours. And as much as I hated cleaning up pee pee, I couldn’t help but think it was sort of sweet that you loved me so much.

I cannot begin to express the joy you’ve brought me, Alfie Ralphie Perkins-Collins. To date – you’re the best gift your sweet daddy has given me. Well, it's probably a tie between you and my engagement ring, because it is sparkly and expensive. But you’re definitely important, little man. You’ve taught me to be more patient and more loving than I thought possible (mostly because I’m not the most patient or loving person in the world). You brought the good out in me. Taught me how to nurture.

I love you, Alf-Ralph, Ralphie Roo, Buster Brown, Honey Bear, Punkin’ Head, Bubba Scrubba, Alpo, Angel Face, Yorkie Porkie Puddin’ and Pie, Rootie Tootie Fresh and Fruity.

Happy Birthday, Alfie!

Before and After (Waaay After!)

Earlier this year (like, way back in January), I decided to give our master bedroom a much-needed makeover. At the time our bedroom consisted of contractor's beige paint, hand-me-down furniture and an overall "blah" feeling. It needed a major boost, and I needed a project to keep myself occupied for the winter. And "Operation: Master Bedroom Makeover" began. 

And, no, it did not take ten months to complete the project. In fact, our master bedroom has been complete for many, many months. It just dawned on me (via my friend Brittany, who keeps asking to see pictures) that I never blogged about the project or provided the uber fun before and after photos. So... here ya go, friends!

Before... How u-g-l-y. 

 Our old furniture... The kind of stuff first apartments and newlywed homes are made of!

 New paint... New furniture... Progress!

The color is "Oyster Bay" by Sherwin Williams.

The furniture is from Thomasville's Cinnamon Hill Collection.

 Looking better already!

 Much, much better!!!

Bedding: already owned, Target

Artwork: already owned

Silk panel curtains in "Pewter": West Elm

Crystal lamps: JCPenney
Throw pillows: striped pillows, already owned; ruffle pillow, Pier One

Pocketwatch alarm clock: Pottery Barn

Silver frame: Target

 I decided to drape the curtains with single panels rather than a panel on each side of each window. I think it looks more modern... and I saved money by only buying two silk panels!

Another view...

Samsung TV: Amazon

Round mirror: Home Goods

Silver crackle vase: Pier One

Glass frame: Pier One

Hourglass: gift

Glass candlesticks: Pottery Barn Outlet

So, there ya have it, folks. The before and after... (waaay after)!

Happy Anniversary!

Today marks a pretty big milestone in the world of Mr. and Mrs. Collins; our second wedding anniversary! Two wonderful years of wedded bliss! It's hard to believe, because sometimes I feel like our wedding day was just yesterday. Man, it was PERFECT. Perfect day, perfect boy, perfect ceremony, perfect reception, perfect honeymoon, perfect, perfect, perfect! 

See, I told you it was perfect.

But perhaps even more significant; today also marks another anniversary. Fifteen years ago today, Jonny and I became a pair (i.e. boyfriend/girlfriend). On November 1, 1995, I asked Jonathan to "go with me." He said yes (after turning down at least two previous asks). And the rest is history.

 
And that's just a tiny glimpse into the millions of pictures I have collected over the past 15 years. I feel pretty darn lucky to be married to someone I've known practically my whole life. He's my best friend in the world.

Happy Anniversary, Husband!