Max and I visited his Dada at work yesterday.  We organized matching outfits (big thanks to Nana and Grandpa for traveling all of Mount Pleasant to find Scott’s tie!).  We’re a matchy-type family.  I can see Scott and I wearing matching Christmas sweatshirts with bells on them in 20 short years…and I’m not even sorry about it.  Anyway, the result couldn’t be cuter!

OH…my goodness.

Max was a hit (obvi).  I’m pretty sure productivity was cut in half, but what’s a better distraction than a cute baby?!

We’re hoping to spend some time downtown with Max this weekend and to hang out with my parents’ good friends visiting from NY.  What’re y’all up to? 

HAPPY WEEKEND, EVERYONE!  

XOXO

p.s. Happy wedding day to our friends, Trevor and Laura!  Can’t wait to see you in CHARLESTON soon!  =)

Beach Count: 77  

Pool Count: 32 

High Temperature: 79° 

Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU for making yesterday the day with the most ever views on Charm of Charleston!

ALL OF YOU have been so incredibly supportive and positive throughout this pregnancy…it honestly warms my heart.

I, of course, appreciate all of my friends and family for following us on this journey.  But I also very much appreciate my blog family (blamily? okay – maybe not) – the family of people who comment and follow religiously, even though we have never even met.  THANK YOU!

Even though this blog started as a way to share my love for Charleston (which I still love to pieces), it really is a blog about my life.  The focus of my life has changed, as it tends to do, and hence so has this blog.  This is my life documented, folks; heck – lately, it’s been a pregnancy journal!  Stick around to see what’s next – it’ll be a surprise to both of us!

But for now, just know that you’ve made my day!!!

Taking it back to this blog’s roots real quick, check out this article that was published last week on the Huffington Post website - Nine Things We Love About Charleston, SC.  I’m not sure how they ever narrowed it down to nine! 

 Downtown Summerville this week (The Eclectic Chef was delish!)

xoxo

p.s. Thoughts and prayers to Aurora, Colorado.  My brother was at the very same midnight showing in NYC.  Feeling pretty thankful.

Beach Count: 77  

Pool Count: 32 

High Temperature: 91° 

I AM NOT A PHOTOGRAPHER.

(I repeat)

I AM NOT A PHOTOGRAPHER!

I absolutely admit that I have a semi-fancy camera and have not a clue what to do with it (hello, automatic setting!).  Scott and I both tried our very best to document Baby T.’s completed nursery, just like I am going to try my very best at this moment to let these photos speak for themselves and stop yapping.  always a struggle.

ENJOY! 

Okay, you know I wouldn’t be able to just leave it at that!  I’m a natural born narrator – I can’t help myself!!!

Note to Self (YOURself included): Planning a nursery without knowing the baby’s gender DOES present some challenges.  We chose to start with the primary colors from the bedding and the rug that we love and roll with the rest.  Yellow, gray, and red quickly became our accent colors.  We love the blue wall color and think it screams “baby!” without necessarily screaming “baby BOY!”  It’s just a sweet color.  We didn’t really theme-it-out, but went with a few different ideas that tickled our fancies.  It’s the only room in the house that we’ve planned from paint to curtain pullback and it’s the most serene-feeling room in the house.  We’re really happy with how it came together!!!

C’mon with the NY and SC prints – love ‘em, right?!  They’re so meaningful to us.

We found all of the wall art on Etsy, except for the gorgeous and thoughtful quote art.  My great friend in NY made that for me – thanks, Jenn!!!

I LOVE the nursing/reading nook by the window.  It’s so cozy.  Didn’t my Mom do an awesome job recovering the glider???  NAILED IT.  It’s perfect – thanks, Mom!  ♥

DIY Projects: I added the yellow ribbon to the chalkboard and lampshades.  I also made the curtain pullbacks with the yellow ribbon (and other small and cheap hardware pieces).  I made the mobile and I added the hearts to our home cities (Albany and Charleston) onto the state maps.

I threw that clock in the cube organizer last minute (I had a book opened and standing in place of it originally).  We still CANNOT figure out the perfect spot for that thing, but it’ll live there for now.  or for at least the next 5 minutes.  What a pain that clock has been – location suggestions welcome!

We love that there is still a lot of room to grow (re: space within the furniture, closet, bins, and baskets) and wall space to adorn, if and when we so chose.  I picture some large canvas prints on either wall in the nursing/reading nook of some pregnancy photos and then Baby T.’s newborn photos.  I also imagine a growth chart on the wall in the corner by the cube organizer and closet door. Maybe a little kid-sized coat rack somewhere.  Some more decorations on the top of the bookcase.  Baby’s name somewhere, even?  A baby will soon be in that crib…THAT I am sure of!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

My favorite parts of the room are the personalized ones…the glider, the DIY projects, the blocks, the books, and the state prints.  What’s your favorite part?  What am I missing/what did I forget?  Anything look completely impractical?  What’s your favorite part of YOUR baby’s nursery?  

Phew – another BIG project checked off of the list!!!  I hope you enjoyed the big reveal!

HAPPY WEEKEND!

p.s. 17 days or less was YESTERDAY’S count.  Now 16 is the number – EEK and YAY! 

Beach Count: 77  

Pool Count: 32 

High Temperature: 89° 

At Baby T.’s New York shower, most people filled out this lovely “wishes for baby” card as a keepsake.  As you can see, it is now part of Baby T.’s nursery, hanging on his/her closet door.

 Here are the writing prompts, close up…

Please note: the same phrases were completed, just on different paper, at Baby T.’s Southern Shower.

I’d love to share my favorite quotes!  FYI: most people did not realize that “love…” at the bottom was the cue to then write their name.  People must’ve been too sugared up to notice!

A couple of people completed the phrases to me instead of to Baby (sugar…LOTS of sugar!).  This was sort of sweet [pun intended], though – you’ll see some of these in my favorites in italics!  I think you may notice some obvious themes!!!

I hope you learn (only on the Southern “Wishes”)…

• to say your /r/s in Trottier
• all of your letter sounds
• how to be a Northerner + a Southerner!

I hope that you…

• are a star!
• will always be happy
• have an easy delivery
• have lots of patience
• follow your dreams
• are happy & healthy
• dance to silly songs
• healthy
• have a quick labor
• are a healthy girl!
• sleep
• always make us proud
• believe in yourself
• have the good of your Mommy and Daddy
• read all of the time

 I hope you aren’t afraid…

• of always being less than six feet tall
• to take a chance
• to try & try again
• of the dark
• of anything
• to tell your Mom and Dad anything
• to try new things
• of bugs
• to say, “because I said so!”
• to cry
• of thunder
• to chase your dreams
• of the ocean
• of messy diapers
• to speak up for yourself
• of dogs
• to be unique

I hope you love…

• without boundaries
• Charleston
• the beach
• unconditionally
• wisely
• airplanes
• like there is no tomorrow
• listening to stories
• the beach!
• the baby more than anything
• everything beautiful
• chocolate
• broccoli
• sunrises & sunsets
• Oreos (Double Stuf!)
• playing outside
• living in South Carolina
• to read
• Italian food

I hope you get…

• spoiled
• to visit New York often
• into the college you want
• 1 of each
• everything you deserve in life
• your Dad’s jokes
• what you deserve but not everything you want
• kisses & hugs everyday
• through the Terrible 2s
• the best education
• to eat dessert after every dinner
• lots of chocolate
• to travel and see the world
• a brother or sister
• books for every holiday
• wonderful opportunities
• to experience true love

I hope you laugh…

• at your mistakes
• a lot!
• often (at your parents, of course!)
• at yourself sometimes
• until you cry
• at Mommy and Daddy’s silly faces
• at stupid jokes (mostly your Dad’s!)
• all of the time
• until your belly hurts

I hope you never forget…

• to visit New York
• your roots!
• how much we love you
• to say “please” & “thank you”
• to smell the roses
• how special you are (-my Mom)
• to find the good in any situation
• how important family is
• that you’re loved
• me (-my Gram)
• to say, “I love you”
• that you and Scott were a couple before you were parents
• your New York family
• tomorrow is another day
• your cell phone (-my 87 year old Great Aunt Jane…ha!)
• friends in New York
• that your parents will always love you

I hope you ignore…

• small bumps in the road of life
• people when they honk their horns (they are just NYers!)
• all the temptations & peer pressure in your young life
• the haters
• the small stuff
• negativity
• old wives tales
• your teenager’s wise cracks
• people who say you can’t (except Mom and Dad)
• unnecessary housework

I hope you become…

• a beer brew master
• famous!
• what you dream
• President!
• completely comfortable in your skin
• the best you can be
• a shining star
• an astronaut
• the mother of a scholarship recipient
• a great friend
• a pilot
• a leader
• President of the United States of America

I hope you respect…

• your teachers…they mean well!
• your parents!
• nature
• your friends
• your child’s teachers
• your elders
• other Moms with screaming babies in Target!
• others’ differences

I hope you grow…

• to love beer like your parents!
• old with someone you love!
• up to be a wonderful loving mother, like your mother Sarah
• tall!
• to be kind & just
• to be strong-minded
• to be taller than your Dad (-Scott’s Mom…ha!)
• to love yourself
• slowly
• taller than the Nash’s
• to be at least 5’2″
• up to love everybody
• up to be famous and love beer
• tall
• up in a family full of love ♥

Phew – you’re shocked that I had lots of favorites, right?!  Because I am NEVER longwinded!  Riiiiight!!!!

I love these wishes for baby and will cherish them forever!

 What was your favorite?

Do you have any wishes for Baby T. that you’d like to share?

xoxo

 p.s. Themes I’m sure you noticed – height, NY, the beach, beer, and love.  Do our friends and fam know us, or what?  Perfection!

Beach Count: 76  

Pool Count: 30 

High Temperature: 92° 

Yes, I was reaching with this post title!

So during Baby T.’s NY shower, everyone was asked to design a wooden block for this babe.  I cannot let another day pass without sharing some of these gems!  Let me just say – while the artistic ability varied among the group, the love and effort put into them did not.  Check out my favorite blocks!  For the record: I would’ve FAILED at this project, big time.  I struggle to make a good-looking stick person. Sad but true.

There were…

…colorful blocks!

 …Olympic-bound blocks!

…family-specific blocks!

…animal blocks!

 …nature-themed blocks!

…”I love you” blocks!

…wisdom-filled blocks!

…New York blocks!

…South Carolina blocks!

…and one AWESOME Charleston block (all sides included on this one!)!

Here’s a nursery sneak peek to see some of my favorites on display!  (Never mind the wires to the left…the big nursery reveal is coming soon – promise!)

How talented, creative, and thoughtful are my loved ones?!?!

Which block was your favorite?  What would YOU have put on Baby T.’s block?

p.s. Please do not be offended if I did not share your special block on the blog.  I couldn’t share ‘em all!  Also, most blocks did not have names on them so consider me unbiased!  xo 

Beach Count: 76  

Pool Count: 30 → Yes, this whale waded in the pool yesterday…and it felt GREAT! 

High Temperature: 90° 

*Week 32*

*Week 33*

CURRENT STATS

Percentage Cooked: 83%

Baby Size:  4ish lbs., 17ish inches long (I don’t put a lot of stock in these fruit comparisons, but Baby’s supposedly the size of a pineapple)

Countdown to Baby: Less than 7 weeks (232 days down, 48 to go!)

Symptoms: Oh goodness.  Here we go…

The swollen-ness has branched out beyond my hands I’m afraid. Hello finger and toe sausages.  Cute.  Real cute.

My left hand tingles sometimes.  Apparently Carpal Tunnel Syndrome during pregnancy is common?  Listen, I’m here to educate!

The waddle is ON like Donkey Kong..  I caught this hot bod in a store front and almost fell over.  [No seriously, I probably almost fell.]

via here

Arm flab, like woah.

I CANNOT get out of my favorite and most comfortable recliner chair unaided.  Fat chance…literally.  Which sucks for Scott because – -

I pee at least once an hour.  Everywhere we go, I must go.

It’s hard to take a deep breath/I’m out of breath often.

Baby T. hiccups A TON.  I love it!

Braxton Hicks Contractions have increased (and were confirmed by the Dr.).  They’re always uncomfortable, but can border on painful at times.  As long as they’re not the real thing – - baby’s gotta hold on for at least 4 more weeks!

Everything is more intense.  Even my laughs (i.e., belly laughs?  call me Santa!) and sneezes (yes, that was me – neighbor 3 houses down!) are intense.

My body aches by the end of the day.  Every last swollen bit of it.

All in all, this body just ain’t mine anymore.

Cravings:  Oreos, Reese’s, ice cream, fruit, and ice cold beverages

Weight Gain: 27 lbs. as of last Thursday…thanks A LOT New York!  At this point, I’m on target for a 35 lb. overall weight gain.

Dear Victoria’s Secret,

Please stop sending me emails and catalogs.  Seriously, Vicky?  NOT COOL.

Save it (and simultaneously – shove it).

Less than amused (and definitely not your friend),

The Pregnant One

Related Purchases: The 2nd curtain, more paper lanterns, gray bins to complete the cube organizer, and a bookcase is on its way!  Mom and Dad get home from NY today with a trunkful of Baby Trottier’s shower gifts.  I can’t wait to unload that trunk!!!  (AND see my parents, of course!)

Fear of the Week: I have this feeling that Baby T. is going to come early…like, too early.

Relief of the Week: I have progressed to weekly Dr.’s appointments.  WEEKLY, friends!!!

A few people in NY said that I look smaller in person than I do in my blog pics.  Compliment?  I’ll take it!

I have officially started “nesting“…evidence to come!

This baby made it through our NY travels – yay!  4 flights (4 take-offs and 4 landings!), 2 pat downs, 1 “blue sleeve” disability pre-boarding perk, 1 run through the airport, and 1 poor Southwest worker who got stuck next to me when Scott and I couldn’t sit next to each other.  Poor guy’s ears were bleeding after that hour and 15 minute flight.

Scott – “Were you talking to him the whole time?  I could hear you talking at the beginning, then I put in my headphones.  When I took them out, you were still talking.”  Me – “Welllllll, he talked some too!”  (And then I proceeded to tell Scott this nice gentleman’s life story.  Cue: Scott’s ears bleeding.)

Randomness: We had a great time in NY.  Pics from Baby T.’s shower and our adventures coming soon!

Also coming soon – nursery updates!  We’ve been working hard since we got home.  =)

I am taking a breastfeeding course at the hospital this week.  Should be interesting.

Scott’s Quote of the Week:

1. Me – “Ugh, this bod really needs a massage babe.  Can you?”

Scott – “What, you want me to do it?  On Father’s Day Eve?”

2. Me – “Can you please help me hang these paper lanterns?  You just tie it on one end and make a loop on the other.”

Scott – “No, I’m sorry I can’t.”

Me – “Um, what?  Why not?”

Scott – “I can barely tie my shoes, I definitely can’t make a loop.  No seriously.  My shoes come untied all of the time.  I still don’t think I’m doing it right!”

Sorry for the blog delay – I hope to write A LOT over the next baby-less weeks!

xoxo

At my Uncle’s house in NY 

p.s. We’re off to the FREE Party in the Park at Memorial Waterfront Park tonight with great friends.  It’ll be our first time going, so I’ll report back.  Next week, Lauren Alaina from American Idol will be one of the artists.  She’s so sweet – can’t wait!

Beach Count: 75   

Pool Count: 29 

High Temperature: 83° 

Today’s firsts all centered around this event…

Holy pregnant girl on a plane!

1. Getting a pat down at the airport (or anywhere for that matter!).  Awkward, but I chose to avoid radiating the baby while the health effects are still being studied.  TSA lady and I small-talked about her daughter getting induced tomorrow with her 2nd child (an oops, as the first is a mere 10 months old) while she respectfully felt up all my lady parts.  Good times had by all.

2. Wearing earplugs on a plane (Earplanes, specifically).  I hated every second of it (I HATE putting things in my ears), but I have to admit that my ears feel great.  I’m still getting over this stinkin’ cold, so I figured it’d be worth giving it a shot.  My Dad swears by these things!

3. Baby T. on a plane!…well sorta.  Let’s just say this – Baby T. either LOVED or HATED flying.  He/she was super active during take-offs and landings…all 4 of ‘em.  Like, beat.me.up active.  Hey – lots of movement is always better than no movement, right?!

This is only the beginning of the Firsts, my friend.  Check back tomorrow for my 31 week update!

xoxo

Beach Count: 75  

Pool Count: 29

High Temperature: 80°

Christmas 2011 was wonderful!

We were lucky enough to see many of our favorite family and friends in New York, to enjoy the cold to see some snow flurries but no big bad storm like last year (thank goodness!), and to sleep in for a couple of days.  Ahhh – it was nice. We were, once again, reminded why we are so blessed!  Icing on the cake: we were were home, in Charleston, by Christmas Eve night.  A perfectly balanced holiday week.  Success!

* * *

We received wonderful gifts from family  - thank you, thank you, THANK YOU!!!

As for Scott and I, we went big this year without really meaning to (purchasing for the future).  Let’s just say that the Southwest credit card was a-smokin’ this week!  Oh well.  Life is short and Ramon Noodles are cheap.

* * *

Our big purchases that are assumed to last 5+ years…

1. A new microwave (that continues to live in his box).  But oh yeah, you already knew that!

2. An awesome camera…The Canon Rebel T2i

I need to sleep with the manual under my pillow, grad school comps-style. Girlfriend’s got a lot to learn, but I am confident that I’ll get the hang of it.  It is already 100% clear that this camera is one million times better than my digital camera that we’ve been using from the beginning of my college days (ahem, 12 years ago?!).  This is like a gift for you guys, too.  Pics on the blog should be much easier on the eye now – YAY!  AND…extra special bonus?  No more I-need-a-new-camera whining from →this girl←.  You’re welcome.

Thanks for camera suggestions on Facebook, friends.  We were thisclose to getting the Nikon D3100!

3. A gorgeous new car…A 2011 Honda CR-V SE in Opal Sage

[My heart pitter patters.]

It was only a year and a half ago that we got our Mazda 5.  She will be missed, but we are Honda-lovers through and through and couldn’t pass up a great deal!

We’ve been bonding over Zac Brown Band (both albums) and the new Gavin DeGraw-Sweeter.  I’ve been parking far away and driving much slower than usual.  Yup, we’re in the honeymoon stage.  ♥

I hope y’all had a wonderful Christmas 2011.  Who else can’t believe it’s already over?

2012 is just around the corner!!!

p.s. 70 degrees and sunny the next 2 days!!!

Beach Count: 64  

High Temperature: 69° (and beautiful!) 

Another Southern what wha WHAT?!

There it is!

At least I see the correlation more than I did with the buying a car and you get a gun promotion.

And at least this was for a good cause!

Just wouldn’t be that exciting of an offer where I come from 

Beach Count: 61  

High Temperature: 74°

I know of something that makes total sense…let’s give away a free gun (or a heavy duty, serious cooler) with the purchase of a truck.

Haha!

This post goes directly into the “Only in the South” and “Points for the North” category folders.

I only wish that I took a picture of the heart heavy ♥buy-your-sweetheart-a-gun-for-Valentine’s-Day♥ billboard.  Ahhh – there’s always next year!

On a more fun note…I received “The Versatile Blogger Award” from Sarah (awesome name, I must say) at 90 Percent Blonde.

Thanks, Sarah!

There are a few rules that I must follow before I can pass this award onto other fabulous bloggers out there.

Rule #1: Thank the person who gave you the award and link back to them in your post.  (See above!)

7.  I feel 100 years old every time I say or even think “I haven’t done that/seen that/eaten that/been there/wore that/etc.” in 10 or more years.  One hundred.

Rule #3: Pass the award on to 15 bloggers that you have recently discovered.  8.  I’m a rule breaker.  Okay, not on the regular, but regarding this rule.  How’s about 5ish?  DEAL!

Fried Green Pickles

Life of a Charleston Wife

Crazy Adventurous Love

North Meets South

Veggie Table

Charleston Craft Beer - okay you caught me!  ←’s my hubby!

Congrats, bloggers!

Cheers to the rest of the week FLYING by!!! 

p.s. Spunky’s growth update on tomorrow’s blog!

Beach Count: 61  

Pool Count: 18 

High Temperature: 85°