14 Weeks: When life hands you lemons

This week ended a little rough, not because of the growing baby in my belly, but just in general. See, a little less than two months back it was decided my workload was big enough to split between two people. I was overjoyed! No more ridiculous amounts of overtime and 10pm departures from the office!

Well  ... on Wednesday I went to work and found out that same girl who was assigned to help me out had just put in her two week notice. However, because she was going to work for a competitor, she had to be walked out that day so I had one hour to get up to speed on everything and take over once again. Needless to say the last part of the week saw a few late nights. Fingers crossed they find a replacement soon!

But now the weekend is here and I couldn't be happier because Saturdays bring the start of a new pregnancy week! So here we are ... week 14!

13 Weeks: Happy Birthday Kaden James

This week marks two big milestones. First up is the 5th birthday of my handsome Nephew, Kaden James!

I can't tell you how much I adore this little boy. He is seriously so intelligent and just the most loving kid ever. His happiness knows no end and every time I am near him I can't help but smile. He is just precious and now, he is a big 5 year old and in kindergarten. Happy birthday Kaden! Auntie Sam and Uncle Mac love you more than you even know!

The second milestone ... 

12 Weeks: Goodbye First Trimester!

Well here I am ... just one day from officially beginning my 2nd trimester! Around the start of week 11 the bump officially made it's appearance and there was no turning back. No matter how much sucking in and ab flexing I tried the little bump was always just slightly noticeable. Of course, anyone who doesn't know would think I just had one too many cold ones the night before, but nope - that's little baby Mac trying to make his or her presence known. This kid is definitely mine ;)

So, I say goodbye to my first trimester with a very late weekly bump photo. It's amazing how much difference one extra layer makes!

Save the Date: March 23, 2013

After weeks and weeks of secretly letting friends and family know, we are so happy to shout from the roof tops that Mac and I are expecting! Baby Mac should make his or her debut March 23, 2013.

Since you are just now finding out, let's rewind a few weeks and get you all caught up!

July 15, 2012: We are Pregnant!

I called the doctor right away but our first appointment was still two weeks away! Anxious to track every moment of our journey to becoming first-time parents we calculated little Mac's due date: March 17, 2013.

We were wrong. At our first appointment Doctor measured the baby and he/she was 5 days younger than we thought. So ...

Let the baby bump tracking begin!

Week 11: Baby's first Vacay! We headed to Solana Beach, CA and Dana Point, CA for Labor Day Weekend. We spent the weekend with his parents and even hit the horse races. I only lost $16 - best out of our group. Woohoo. Next time maybe I can come home with more than I went? Then we lounged around with Randi and John, who are newly engaged. Just think, next Labor Baby Mac will be here to put his or her toes in the sand too!

 The Day after we got back I had another Dr. Appt and got to hear the heartbeat for the first time. 160 BPM. Nice and strong (and fast) just like mommy!

So now here we are today and it's officially Facebook official. So feel free to follow as my waistband continues to grow and Mac and I figure this whole parents-to-be thing out! It should make for a good laugh or two I imagine.

xoxo,

Sam


ps - while I would love to take credit for the fun and cute chalkboard idea, I have to give credit to http://littlebabygarvin.blogspot.com and those who have since used her idea for the inspiration.

NIKE Women's Half Marathon Here I Come!

So as many of you know I have been training all summer with Team in Training to complete my first half marathon (13.1 mile run) and first half iron man (1.2 mile swim, 56 mile bike and 13.1 mile run). It has been a long, painful - but fun - summer and my half marathon race weekend is finally here!

Vote Now and Vote Often

For those of you who follow me on twitter or are friends on Facebook, you know that my company, boss and several clients are nominees for various Arizona Foothills' Best of Our Valley awards. Many of them are very close to our competitors and I could really use your help!

Beauty Products Make Me Happy

I just have to share my latest blog post for Arizona Spa Girls.

It all started with a big bag of goodies for my enjoyment and review. With fabulous lip glosses, flawless makeup samples and scent-sational perfumes galore I was in beauty product heaven, but I reached total elation when I came across the Model Mirror.

It was perfection wrapped in a pink leopard print shell. The mirror flips open to reveal two mirrors, one lined with LED lighting. Shining the lights onto your face instantly transforms you from your current location to a glamourous vanity fit for a supermodel.

Check out my full review and more details here: Model Mirror: Mirror, Mirror in Our Purse! With so many products and so little time, it makes me wonder what else is out there that I have yet to discover. What's your favorite beauty product find?

xoxo

Samantha