Attention: There will be no B-word usage in this post.  I repeat – NO B-WORD!

Here are some gems on the internet that I am loving right now…

1. This Craigslist car ad is a-maz-ing.  You are sadly missing out if you don’t click to enlarge this puppy.

I have to assume that this car was sold, on humor alone.

2.  I’m a huge Jimmy Fallon fan.  Mostly because he’s hilarious, but also because he attended my alma mater – The College of Saint Rose (he was a few credits short of graduating, but earned an honorary degree in 2009).  Here are Jimmy Fallon and President Obama slow jamming the news!

3. This is way old (like January), but I am still obsessed with it and have been meaning to share it with you all forever.  I never knew how super, insanely cute Kristen Bell was!!!  I promise a serious cry-laugh situation.  Side Note: I relate to her emotional scale, like woah.

Second Side Note: Doesn’t my friend Talia look like Kristen Bell, kinda? (circa October 2009)

No, my hair wasn’t really that short…just very layered!

4. Today, Boeing rolled out the brand new 787 Dreamliner.  This sleek new airliner was built right here in North Charleston and it’s the very first ever to be unveiled.  It’s kind of a big deal.  It’s good for Charleston’s economy, morale, and overall future.  I mean, look at what’s written on the front of this ginormous piece of machinery  - “Made With Pride in South Carolina” with the SC flag and all.  Thank you, Boeing!!!

From ABC News 4

That’s all for now!  Scott and I are off to Blackbaud Stadium to watch a Charleston Battery game (soccer).  Let’s see if I manage to catch any of the game while busy making out with my extremely large and salty soft pretzel (that they better have)!  Beach tomorrow, then catching up with awesome friends at a BBQ.  Sunday – church and maybe Blessing of the Fleet & Seafood Festival in Mount Pleasant?

What’s everyone up to this weekend?  Enjoy!!!  

p.s. No mention of the B-word throughout this entire post…I’m proud!

p.s.s. Have fun at TAP NY, friends (still my favorite beer festival ever).  We wish we could be there!!!

Beach Count: 72   

Pool Count: 24

High Temperature: 86°

A LOT needs to get done in this house, pre-baby.  Less than 15 weeks to go….we need to get busy!  Here’s our current status on the House To-Do List…

HOUSE -

- Purchase and install blinds for our bedroom.  No more peeking, neighbs!

- Clean out every room, every drawer, every corner, nook, and cranny.  Every closet, every EVERYTHING (ohhh, does the kitchen need work!!!)

- Wash down all of the baseboards, doors, and railings (yawn)

- Wash all of the windows, inside and out

- Clean the grout in the kitchen – awesome job, Scooter!

- Purchase a rug non-slip pad

- Put up some new shelving in the garage → Mom’s on it!

- Organize garage/attic/closets (including the beer storage situation!)

- Cover cords in spare room

- Purchase a hook for the stroller

BABY’S ROOM -

- Steam baby’s rug (to get out the kinks) - thanks, Dad!

- Spackle baby’s room walls

- Sand baby’s room walls

- Paint baby’s room

- Purchase crib, dresser, lamp(s), glider, curtains, walls prints/art, closet organizers, and other decor

WISHLIST -

- Purchase a small island with 2 stools for our kitchen…Mom and Dad just gave us a butcher block-like table with shelves/no stools.  It’s in the kitchen right now – marinating

- Buy 2 new pillows for the couch (this has nothing to do with the baby, but I’ve been wanting these for a while!)

- Purchase and install screen door

- Purchase a new welcome mat and hanging baskets to fancy up the front door (what?  we’ll have lots of visitors!)

I’m sure I’m forgetting tons of things, but this is the list we’re working with so far. It’s time for us to start chipping away, Trottier!

Nursery Peek #2

This is like a double sneak peek – the dresser AND bedding pattern =)

What can I say?  I’m feeling generous tonight!

We spent a lot of time on finding the right dresser without breaking the bank.  I found this one at Home Decor Furniture and Floor Liquidators for $230 before tax.  The best part (according to Scott)?  It.was.already.put.together (minus putting on the drawer handles).  SCORE!

Our bedding pattern for Baby T. is Skip Hop Mod Dot.  They carry it at Target and many other places.

Happy Friday tomorrow, everyone!  I cannot wait for the weekend.  

What does everyone have planned?

p.s. Look at this huge 13-foot gator that was found (dead) less than an hour from here.  YIKES!

p.s.s. I passed my glucose test – wahoo!

Beach Count: 72   

Pool Count: 24

High Temperature: 88° =)

*Week 25*

CURRENT STATS

 Percentage Cooked: 63%

Baby Size: About the length of one of those annoying recorders that you played in middle school.

Hot cross buns!

Countdown to Baby: 15 weeks (175 days down, 105 to go!)

Symptoms: My ribs won’t quit, but that’s old news now.

I’m starting to have some serious trouble getting back up after sitting/laying down.  I use my arms and all that I have to get a “running start.”  I seriously have to propel myself.  Hilarious!

My skin is still not glowing, but a mess of a situation.

I’ve had some middle of the night leg cramps.  That’s new!

I

am

(deep and embarassed breath)

leaking.

[crickets]

The twins upstairs are leaking (to clarify).

I instantly regret sharing that info, BUT…

My Name is Sarah and I am an Over-Sharer.

Cravings:  Reese’s and Double Stuf Oreos, once again, have taken up residency at casa de Trottier.  ALSO, I’m on an ice cream kick.  Mint chocolate chip or chocolate chip cookie dough…I’m here for YOU!

This video made me laugh, because it could be me if Scott makes any misstep with my Oreos!

Weight Gain: My guess is 18 lbs.

Related Purchases: We’re on a bit of a spending freeze at the moment.  BUT, I’ve got my eye on a lamp or 2 at World Market for the nursery, a possible dress for my NY shower, and horizontal blinds for our bedroom.

Fear of the Week: I go for my glucose testing this week – yikes!  I hope all of those Jelly Beans are well out of my system!!!

Relief of the Week: Scott has been AMAZING!  He has stepped up around the house, which is crazy because he normally does SO MUCH around the house – on regular non-pregnancy days.  He is already proving how great he is going to be as a Daddy (I already knew he rocked as a husband)!

2 more weeks until I enter the 3rd trimester!

Randomness:  We went on our hospital tour and have toured 2 daycares (one more at the end of the week).  The hospital tour was very impressive; the daycares have been…eh…

The first stranger has reached out to touch the belly – she was one of the child care workers on one of our daycare tours.  Many non strangers are touching the belly more.  I wasn’t sure how I’d feel about it, but I really don’t mind it!

Scott’s Quote of the Week:  Me  - “Scott!  Look!  When I’m sitting or laying, the top part of my belly button is now an OUTTIE!”

Scott – “Congratulations!…?” accompanied by a puzzled I’m-not-sure-if-that-was-what-you-were-fishing-for face.

I hope everyone’s having a great week.  Can you believe it’s almost May?!

xoxo

p.s.  I’m loving this forecast!

Beach Count: 72   

Pool Count: 23 

High Temperature: 63° ← brrr!

I think I’ve been holding out long enough, no?

Remember this picture of the 9-cube organizer?

Well that’s what it looked like against the brown wall.  THIS is what it looks like against the freshly painted walls in Valspar’s Nordic Blue (with some randomness on there, for now).

Much better, right?

But since you’ve already seen that piece of furniture (Target), I’ll give you even more of a sneak peek.  Check out the rug that I’m in LOVE with from Urban Outfitters…

Yay! (sorry the lighting isn’t great!)

So – gray and white chevron, baby blue, and primary colors will be the reoccurring color “theme” in Baby T.’s nursery.  Bold and not gender-specific (we think this blue says “baby” and not “boy”).

Interested in more details?  Stay tuned as I share more sneak peeks!

We are headed downtown to the Farmer’s Market this morning with two of our great friends.  Can’t wait!  

I hope everyone has a fabulous weekend!!!

Beach Count: 72   

Pool Count: 23 

High Temperature: 78°

Photo dump…GO!

EASTER

We went to Boone Hall for St. Andrew’s Church’s Easter service.  We went last year with my parents and LOVED IT.  The service is outdoors under the biggest tent you’ve ever seen.  They provide bottled water, coffee, muffins, bug spray, and child care.  It’s free parking and free admission (it’s usually $19.50 per person just to get on the grounds!) and free warm fuzzies that last for days.

This year certainly did not disappoint.  Year two solidified that this will be an annual event!

The music is out.of.this.world good!

Next up was some beach time on Sullivan’s Island…

Look at dat belly!

…then it was high time for High Thyme, also on SI, for brunch!  (No pics…sorry!) We had reservations, but were about 30 minutes early.  We figured we’d check it out and if they couldn’t take us yet, I’d wobble mosey on next door for a yummy decaf iced latte-ish drink at Cafe Medley.  Shoot – they could take us!  We sat by the door so we had the open air feeling, without too much wind.  It was heaven. Scott and his Dad both had shrimp and grits, Scott’s Mom had the biggest omelet you’ve ever seen, and I had a fried egg BLT.  It was delicious – I would DEFINITELY go back!  My only complaint?  No lemonade!

The second half of Easter was spent relaxing on the couch watching the Masters!

THE REST OF THE WEEK

We relaxed but fit a lot in, including painting the nursery (YAY!!!), a trip to Isle of Palms, a trip to Folly Beach, some downtown, lots of pool time (once out at Surfside where my parents were on a mini-vaca), and lots of yummy out to dinner (Poe’s, Water’s Edge – 1 of the best happy hour’s in town!, Jestine’s Kitchen, and Pearlz)!

Here are just a few pictures to prove it…

Water’s Edge

City Market

Oyster shooters at Pearlz (I was so jealous!)

The weather was wonderful and the time off was even better!  30ish days until summer break!!!

For all those on a week and a half delay (like me), I hope everyone had a great holiday!

p.s. I wonder what time Cafe Medley closes and I wonder what Scott is doing RIGHT NOW…?! hehe

Beach Count: 72   

Pool Count: 22 

High Temperature: 82°

*Week 23*

Goodbye brown…

*Week 24*

HELLO BLUE!

CURRENT STATS

Percentage Cooked: 60%

Baby Size: The length of an ear of corn, weighing in around the same as Sinbad (the iPad)

Countdown to Baby: 16 weeks

Symptoms: Let’s see!  My rib situation has not gotten better.  If anything, it’s gotten worse.  Like worse worse.  I’m in moderate to severe pain most of the day on my right side under the big[ger] kahuna.  I feel BEST when I’m standing straight and when I’m laying straight.  Both without a bra on.  (You should see me as I’m typing right now!!!)  Not only is there pain on the inside, but on the outside….meaning not only do my ribs feel friggin broken majorly bruised, but the skin on the outside feels like it’s burned, too.  Lovely.   I’ve broken down and taken Tylenol a few of times (there are reportedly no known harmful effects of taking acetaminophen during pregnancy).  Sadly, I haven’t noticed major pain relief from it.  Needless to say, my sleep situation is not as restful as it used to be!

I’m starting to have a hard time seeing things below my belly.  I can make it happen, but I know that in a few short weeks Scott will be shaving my legs helping a sister out in various situations!

Cravings:  I am sad to report that Jolly Rancher Jelly Beans and I did not even have a proper goodbye.  (What’s up with getting these out of the stores before Easter?!)  So sad.  Starburst Jelly Beans and I had a one night stand, but it SO wasn’t worth it.  Anyway, I’m still on Reese’s and Double Stuf Oreos – however my house is dry of both at the moment!  (I’ll be looking for those Jolly Rancher Jelly Beans at Valentine’s Day, peeps!)

I am on a new drink kick.  I’m telling you, water.gets.boring.  Every other day or so, I’ve been having a Shirley Temple very adult, nonalcoholic, and non-caffeinated treat.  A Sprite with a splash of grenadine.  It’s bubbly and fancy and it makes me happy.  In a beer glass, just because!

Weight Gain: 15 lbs. confirmed at last week’s appointment

Related Purchases: Paint for the baby’s room.  Yes!  That’s right!  To recap!  It’s PAINTED!

It’s so light and airy and baby-like.  We ♥love♥ it!

We also bought baby’s dresser.  3 big pieces of furniture down, 1 to go (a glider)!  A nursery sneak peak post to come!

Fear of the Week: We need to buy airline tickets for our NY trip in June very soon.  I’m very nervous about this trip at 31 weeks, but am SO EXCITED to see everyone in just 7 weeks!!!

Relief of the Week: We had a great appointment last week.  My doctor measured this belly and it’s perfectly sized (size? BIG!).  Also, baby’s heart rate was good.  Everything was looking so good that I don’t have to go back for 4 weeks.  Yay!

The baby continues to move around – more than ever.  I’m getting to know his/her movement patterns and it is still thee best part of pregnancy to date!

Randomness:  I am [very] obviously pregnant now.  Strangers ask when I’m due and tell me I look cute.  It’s nice!  =)  I even parked in this spot the other day at Harris Teeter!  Why not?!

No strangers have reached out to touch the belly yet, but I know that day is coming.

Scott’s Quote of the Week:  I’m too tired to think of one right now…sorry!

I’ve missed blogging and all of you!

xoxo

p.s. We went on our hospital tour tonight – very impressed!

p.s.s. We had a great time over Easter/Spring Break – a recap post to come!

Beach Count: 72   

Pool Count: 22 ← It’s back!  We left off last year at 18.

High Temperature: 83°

Wearing not-my-typical-picture-taking outfit, the Trottiers want to wish you a very…

HOPPY EASTER!!!

We are heading to Boone Hall Plantation for St. Andrew’s Church’s Easter service.  It’s outside and it’s fabulous!  (Remember when we went last year with my parents?  We LOVED it!)  Later on, we are heading to High Thyme on Sullivan’s Island for brunch.  Very exciting!!!  The rest of the day will consist of watching Rory or Phil win the Masters.

Enjoy your day!  

p.s. Say goodbye to those brown walls!

Beach Count: 69   

High Temperature: 70° 

*Week 22*

CURRENT STATS

Percentage Cooked: 55%

Baby Size: A papaya or a small football (Nerf?), weighing in at about 1 pound!  The baby is now about the length of an Oreo package or bottle of beer.  Coincidence?  I think not!

Countdown to Baby: 18 weeks

Symptoms: A lot more going on in this department!  Spider veins are getting darker – luckily in just two locations on my legs…at least that I’ve noticed.  It’s getting progressively harder to get up after sitting and laying.  A good night’s sleep happens 2-3 times a week.

The biggest negative right now is SEVERE rib pain, mostly on my right side.  I have read that it could one of a few things…my uterus pressing into my stomach, my liver pressing against my ribs (hitting the hepatic nerve), typical rib expansion in preparation for child birth, or just the baby in a funky position.  I will check in with my doctor this week because this has been excruciating at times.  I am guessing that the weight of my still growing big kahunas don’t help a thing.  

Oy.

Cravings: Took a little break from Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups for some Double Stuf Oreo action.  Wise choice.  The Jolly Rancher Jelly Bean obsession is here to stay, but unfortunately THEY are not (they’re only around for Easter!).  I need to get to all the  CVS’s in town on Monday to snag what they have left on clearance – ahhhh!

Weight Gain: Well, it’s on now.  I was up 10 lbs. at my 20 week appointment.  So my guess is – 15 lbs. by now?  If I top out at around 3o lbs, I’ll be a happy camper.  Just trying to be realistic.

Related Purchases: One of these…

Some socks for Baby T.  Anytime I see gender neutral socks I am going to pick up a pair – I’m learning that baby socks tend to be VERY gender-specific and I want to make sure there are no cold toesies in this house.

Fear of the Week: You heard about baby’s SUA, right?  Yeah – enough said.

Relief of the Week: We have an appointment this week.  And oh yeah, I CAN FEEL BABY MOVE NOW AND I’M OBSESSED!  Scott has felt it too…it’s thee.best.feeling.ever. ♥

Randomness:  We are totally registered – yahoo!  We did Target and Babies R Us, but I did most of it online.  We have maternity and newborn photo shoots booked – double yahoo!  (Check out Kayla Jones Photography - she rocks!)  Let’s see…what else?  Our stroller came in and we LOVE IT!  We registered for the hospital, Scott prepped the room for painting this week, and he also moved the beer out of the baby’s closet.  Phew – and we have so much more to do!!!

Scott’s Quote of the Week:  I can’t remember the direct quote but it was something about Scott calling the Bumbo a Dumbo.

NOT

I am so pumped for this week OFF!

xoxo

p.s. The in-laws arrive in a couple of hours…GAME ON!

p.s.s. We only had 22 tables at our wedding.  A new pregnancy week counterpart coming atcha next week.  First, I need to figure it out!  ;)

Beach Count: 69   

High Temperature: 65° ← brrr!  

So, I’ve been MIA…but, for good reason.  Y’all know that when I disappear, it’s because something’s up.  You do know me well, don’t you?  First, let me get weeks 20 and 21 out of the way (sans my typical stats)…

*Week 20*

*Week 21*

The 20-week appointment is the big one – the one where they measure every little tidbit of the little bitty’s bits.  From the valves of the heart to the kidneys to the brain; from the tiny fingers to the tiny toes.

Because of my miscarriage in August, we have been lucky enough to have ultrasounds every single appointment that we’ve had up to this point (6, 8, 12, and 16).  No concerns came up and baby looked healthy.  THEN week 20 happened and here we are – fresh off of another big blog hiatus.

Things could’ve gone better, but you better believe that they could’ve gone worse.

2 red flags were identified with precious Baby T. (this is where anyone squeemish or disinterested in pregnancy jargon should abandon this post and click on Facebook for the tenth time today, instead) – -

1. It appeared that my cervix was thin.  My awesome ultrasound tech and even awesome-r doctor just couldn’t be sure because of the baby moving so much and some shadows that appeared to be present.  A thin cervix could mean many things, including a cervical stitch, bed rest (like yesterday), and early labor.  Not ideal.

2. What was very clear is that our baby has a 2 vessel umbilical cord, aka – Single Umbilical Artery (SUA).  Neither Scott nor I had ever heard of this before, so we had no idea what this meant.  We learned that babies are supposed to have 1 vein and 2 arteries in their umbilical cord and our little peanut has just one artery. This occurs in 1% of babies.

ONE.

PERCENT.

Super.

5 longer-than-long days later, we had an advanced ultrasound completed at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC).  We, thankfully, found out that my cervix is as average as Will Ferrell’s acting (but equally as lovable).  Disaster averted.  One, anyway.

Unfortunately, a new artery did not come into view during this ultrasound.  A 2-vessel cord, this baby has.  Most of the ultrasound results delivered good news. But you know we couldn’t walk outta there without some negative.  Such is life. Overall, baby appears to be compensating with what he/she has like a strong Costantini/Trottier that he/she is.  Baby is growing and so is Mama!

There are many risks for this baby, but this is also a significant likelihood that this baby will be absolutely fine.  You better believe that my Google searching has been on overdrive (don’t do it – it’s scary business), but I am desperate to know the possibilities.  Lots of things to keep an eye on over these next few months. More doctor appointments, more ultrasounds, more stress, more anxiety.

MORE PRAYER, MORE PRAYER, MORE PRAYER.

Did I mention that March 23rd was our first baby’s due date and also the five year anniversary of Scott’s marriage proposal?  Yeah – it’s been quite the roller coaster, kids.

We’re on the upswing now that we’ve had some time to process all of the info we’ve been given.  I turned 22 weeks on Tuesday.  I will catch y’all up with some fun (and less depressing) developments before week 23.  PROMISE!  Please know that we continue to feel incredibly blessed and excited for this baby’s existence and are CANNOT WAIT for his/her arrival.

Well, we can wait a little while…we still have lots of  paraphernalia to get!

THANKS FOR LISTENING and HANGING IN THERE!  
I’m back and have missed blogging SO MUCH!!! 

p.s. As always, I share all of this personal info as a form of a therapy, to keep loves in the loop, and to candidly share my experiences (no sugarcoating here, my friends).  You’ve all been there for us before and I have no doubt that y’all will be there for us again. 

Beach Count: 69   

High Temperature: 84°