reunion

What is with reunions these days? Has the aspect of social media really taken all the fun out of having reunions? Back when, it seems everyone was eager to go to their high school reunion to see what everyone looked like, what they were all up to, etc. Now, thanks to Facebook, we already know everything there is to know about our fellow classmates, and sometimes, we wind up knowing more than we actually want. Boo.
I wish I had really thought about this concept before volunteering to coordinate our high school ten year reunion. I also didn't know at the time that I would soon be pregnant. So a year ago, I was all about it! Fast forward about six months and I was eager to get started on the planning. I started pinning decor ideas on Pinterest, gathering everyone's information (via Facebook, of course), got a reunion email address up and running and was pretty happy with the influx of positive responses from my classmates.
So imagine me trucking right along down a straight and narrow path... now imagine me coming to a screeching halt and hitting major major potholes. Ouch. Add to that picture a baby bump and imagine 100+ degree Alabama heat. Yep, that is a pretty good portrait of myself and this reunion this summer.

Why, why, why would it be this way? Well, in 2012, it seems a lot of people like to commit to something, and then back out when it is time to foot the bill. I know, that has happened in many situations for many many years, but I know of several reunions this summer going through my exact troubles. So after money is spent, deposits are placed and things are booked, it is quite stressful to not see the numbers go up in an expected fashion. When the attendee numbers don't go up, neither does the bank account numbers. When the bank account numbers don't go up, we have to improvise and crunch our plans- and quick.

So! Here is a rundown of what I had originally planned for our reunion. We are using a local brewery that has an awesome upstairs with exposed brick walls, beamed ceiling and strung lights. I loved the price of the place, the charm, and the laid-back vibe it gave off. I knew we would all enjoy ourselves there and it not feel too "stuffy."
They already have a handful of tables as well as black tablecloth, so I was only looking at having to decide on table arrangements and rent some chairs. They also have a flat screen television hooked up where I planned to play our high school video. All I really had to do was book a caterer and a band, and I was set!

So in comes the first major pothole- people are not buying tickets. Second major pothole- fire marshall has demanded some fire safety renovations to the brewery's upstairs before any more events can take place, and third major pothole: the catering company requests at least 100 guests in order to do business, of which we don't have (we only sold about 65 tickets), nor do we have the funds to cover it all at this point. And all of this happened within the week before the reunion. Ummm... preterm labor, anyone?

What is one to do in this situation? First, I told myself: Do.NOT.Panic.

Here is what I decided upon for the final plan:
I had koozies and name tags made with this awesome logo designed by the one and only Katie Beth Owens of The Good Stuff.

I already own tons of glass vases in an array of shapes, as well as candle votives and mason jars. Here are my Pinterest choices for table arrangements:

Mini flower arrangements in small mason jars for cocktail tables and bar top

Lemons and Limes for vase fillers- our high school's colors

Votive candles in mason jars with yearbook photos on the outside

I also opted for playing Rhapsody on the ipod dock instead of a band. The brewery had an awesome band playing for that night but due to sudden storms, that too was washed out. 

As for food, one of our classmates owns a barbecue business and volunteered up her

peeps to provide the food instead of the initial catering option. I then went and had a sheet cake made with

our logo instead of a dessert table like originally planned.
The food was all gobbled up and I didn't hear one complaint.

It also helped that the brewery only serves their own brewed, high gravity beers.
So it didn't take long for everyone to loosen up a bit.

I was worried at first that people would "clique up" into groups and make the reunion awkward. I am very happy to report that everyone mingled and hung out together, even if we didn't in high school. The reunion was supposed to be over at 10:00 but we actually had people there until about 12:30 or so.
I would say that clarifies that we had fun!

Everyone that came was super appreciative of all my hard work and I was really really grateful for that. AND, I am glad it is now out of my hair and behind me. Here are some pictures of the night:

Group Shot!

Silly picture 

32 weeks

How far along? 32 Weeks

Total weight gain: More than enough.
Maternity clothes? Absolutely. And now that I am back at work, it has been very unsettling to buy maternity clothes for work that I will literally be wearing for about a month before I am back at home. 

Stretch marks? Not at the moment! 

Sleep: My snoogle pillow has come back out of hiding and I am using it religiously. I haven't slept this well in quite a while. In fact, I didn't even wake up to use the restroom last night!
Best moment this week: Seeing Rilynn in 4D for the second time. She was shy- or stubborn, one- at our last check up so they told us we could come back and re-do the 4D. 

Miss Anything? My old weight. More than ever. I have been having hip issues for about a month now and I swear it is all due to the way I must hold my posture and carry all this extra weight in the front. I also cannot wait for cooler weather so Copper and I can stroll Rilynn around the neighborhood everyday. 
Movement: Non-stop. She squirms, rolls and punches from the time I wake up until the time I go to sleep. She is still pretty high, although she is already turned head down. So I get the comfort of feet kicking into my chest all day. I am fine with that though- just means there is a healthy, active baby in there!

Food cravings: I have been craving those Nestle Girl Scout Cookie candy bars ever since I saw a commercial for them. But Chris found some for me at the beginning of the week and I haven't really been wanting them. My sweet tooth has plummeted, and really, I haven't been too hungry for anything.
Anything making you queasy or sick: Nothing

Belly Button in or out? semi-poking out, squishy and weird looking. My sister won't even touch it.
Wedding rings on or off? On

Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy! I coordinated our high school reunion last weekend and it went so well. My baby shower was the next day. Those were two big events on my summer schedule so I am actually quite happy to be back at work and just spending the weekends finalizing everything for baby's arrival and college football season! :)

Looking forward to: Getting the nursery FINISHED and hearing the doctor start to give me more details on my progress as I inch closer to my due date. I am too OCD for this to all be so "up in the air" and unscheduled. 

Note: I am all about taking more pictures of my baby bump, but the chalkboard is officially out. It was messy to erase, constantly needed a new coat of paint (of which I never had the energy or drive to do), and then took me awhile to update since I am so Type A. Plus, the thing was huge, heavy and was on a wall in the nursery that we now needed to use so I am afraid Chalkboard is in the graveyard. I know, I am the first to admit that I have officially quit on my resolution to keep that up. I am also at the stage of pregnancy where I couldn't care less. :)

nursery knockouts

The prints have finally come in for above Rilynn's nursery. My hopes had been that they would start helping tie the room together. I chose 3 18x20 frames from Hobby Lobby and got them at 50% off. I then chose mattes to go inside. I probably would have chosen another color but I am going to be honest, I was in a hurry, shopping forever has not been on my agenda throughout this pregnancy, and I am quite impatient about getting this room finished. Hobby Lobby only had these silver metallic mattes in duplicates so I grabbed them. I knew that they would work though since they were about identical to the wall color, but set off by the metallic finish. The prints came in and they were a bit wrinkled. Hubs did me a huge favor and ironed them out for me. I chose these prints off of Etsy in an 11x14 size. I liked that each letter had a different whimsical illustration, all in vibrant colors that would add some color to the walls to tie in the bedding and curtains. I think they turned out perfect and precious.

I also had a meltdown over the dresser we did have in the nursery. Hubs was right- it was just too wide for the space. I knew this, but honestly didn't want to be the first to point it out because it would be a nonchalant way of basically saying, "So hubs, we get to go spend more money." :)
Since HE said something first, I went out on a search. I looked high and low for a piece that was not too short, not too tall, not too wide, not too deep- but just right. Well, in 2 days, we FOUND it! Thanks to a high end local antique store, we scored a beautiful driftwood piece from market, a little over the price range I initially wanted, but I learned that finding the perfect piece at the perfect price was probably a little too good to be true. ;)

So! With the new and much smaller piece, I moved the old dresser back into the guest room so I can still use the storage, and it allowed me to rearrange the whole nursery and free up some space for the glider. The changing table is now on the wall next to the window, the crib is now where the old dresser used to be, and the glider will go in the corner where the crib used to be.

And speaking of glider- I actually ordered one last week! I had chosen a $700 option online, and was about to order it from Ebay after I saw that it was out of stock in every store in which it is carried. I decided to stop by a local store that I love and see if they had any possible alternatives. I was about to leave when I grazed my hand on a cute chair that low and behold- rocked back when I touched it. OMG, a glider that looks super modern and cute, I thought. Ok, don't get excited, that means it is super expensive. Looked at price tag... Holy Moly the thing was only $469! The fabric was a print that did not go with our room, so I grabbed a sales associate who took me over to the fabrics and told me I could custom order the glider in what I wanted. I then chose my fabric and found out I actually chose one grade down in fabric and bought the sucker for a whopping $429. I was so so excited. It also helped me feel better about my new dresser/changing table price and helped even it all out. Woo hoo! Here is the glider I have ordered and will oh-so-impatiently be waiting to arrive in the next 6-8 weeks.

Best Ayla Glider- I chose an Ivory fabric with grey chording

I will update with "After" photos once I actually have one... :)

the whole freakin 9 months- Must Haves

My favorite mommy-to-be/baby products thus far:

1. Motherhood Maternity Secret Fit Shaper Panty 
 I seriously wear these almost every day- they smooth out all lines, and my protruding belly button, and feel so supportive. 
2. Noodle & Boo baby products
To.Die.For. 
3. Snoogle Total Body Pregnancy Support & Feeding Pillow by Leachco
At first, I didn't understand this thing but in the last trimester, I am not sure how I could have slept at all without it.
4. Sanuk Women's Yoga Spree flip flops
My hubs brought me back a pair of these from the beach after I had been complaining about how bad my feet hurt at the end of the day. These puppies are like walking on a cushion. I wear them every single day. 
5. On Becoming Baby Wise, by Gary Ezzo
This is our go-to book on preparing for feeding/sleeping schedules with Rilynn. It has worked wonders with friends and their babies. 
6. The Girlfriend's Guide to Pregnancy, by Vicky Iovine
I loved this book- I read it when I first found out I was pregnant. It is very blunt, truthful, and so funny. No need to make pregnancy less fun than it already is, right!?
7. Posh Pusher
I cannot advocate for these enough. A girl I know is a labor nurse and has started a business selling fashionable labor gowns so you don't have to wear the used ones they give you in the hospital. There are tons of fabrics to choose from, and they snap at the shoulders for easy breastfeeding. 
8. Dr. Teal's Eucalyptus Spearmint Epsom Salt Soaking Solution
Between my hip and lower back pain these days, I am taking baths religiously- something I never used to do. I am obsessed with the scent of these Epsom Salts. Once I turn on the jets in the tub, the aroma fills the whole house. So calming and really helps my ailments. 
9. Mrs. Meyer's Baby Laundry detergent
There is no way around washing baby's items in non-irritant detergent. This is by far the best smelling version out there. 
10. Kicky Pants
I received a few of these at my baby shower- I have never felt a more soft material in my life. What I would give for the manufacturers to make ME a version of this footie, too! 

showered with love.

Sunday was my very first baby shower. I was in heaven, I was overwhelmed, I was still not comprehending that I am having my own child! But my wonderful friends went above and beyond to throw me a precious baby shower, from the pink striped straws to the handmade onesies and over-sized baby block displays. Everything was in pink and grey- my main nursery colors. There were delicious mini strawberry cupcakes as well as my favorite strawberry punch. My bestest made me an adorable diaper cake and another friend made a precious headband stand that held headbands matching the onesies on display that her mother had made for little Rilynn. Another girlfriend of mine has become quite the expert wreath maker since joining Pinterest, and thanks to her, Rilynn now has an adorable pink burlap wreath on her bedroom door.

It was all very, very special. And boy, did we rack up! I spent the majority of the shower opening gifts- no complaints here- as well as oohhing and aahhing over all the adorable things I was going to get to take home for Rilynn. We got play mats to bathers and enough clothing to almost last her whole first year. The hostesses all gave me my amazeballs car seat as well as my Posh Pusher! I have given about 4 Posh Pushers to friends in the past year or so- I was so excited to finally get my very own!

**Side Note: If you don't know about these super precious and awesome hospital maternity gowns, check them out here. A girl I went to high school with is a neonatal nurse who decided there was no reason we couldn't deliver our babies in style. There are many different patterns & ribbon colors to choose from, they have snaps for easy breastfeeding, and you can now even order precious matching outfits for baby to go home in.

A few items of sentimental value that were given to me at the shower:
Rilynn's first sterling silver baby bracelet, a sterling silver trinket box from Levy's Fine Jewelry that will hold her first tooth, an exquisite pink bonnet I picked out with a friend that Rilynn will wear to her christening, and a tiny pair of opal earrings that had belonged to Chris's aunt when she was a baby. She had held onto them to give to her daughter, but her daughter had a little boy. Plus, the little girl in line would preferably need to be an October baby since Opal is the October birthstone... Rilynn is the first granddaughter on Chris's side of the family and her due date is still October 5. Hopefully she will stay cookin' and cooperate with our plan! And then of course, what Campisi baby would start her first football season without her very own Auburn cheerleading outfits? Even if we have another grueling season, Rilynn is set to be the cutest Auburn cheerleader around!

It was so nice to see all of my friends and family there for me and baby girl. I still just can't believe it is my turn to do all of this. How many times have I attended baby showers in my life and the thought has crossed my mind: Will I ever be the girl in that seat? My very own baby shower?? 
I am trying to take it all in and embrace all of the joy. I know there are many many women out there who would give anything to be in my shoes, and I know it is a true miracle and blessing that will be emblazened in my memory forever.

Here are some pictures from the day. And thank you again to all of my hostesses- I really can't thank you enough for how much you have done- and all of our friends and family who came and celebrated with us. I am so grateful...

And I just HAD to add this picture- Mom gave Rilynn a little stuffed animal that looks just like Copper. Cop was so intrigued by it when we got home. Such a cute picture of my babies! 

30 weeks

How far along? 30 Weeks!

Total weight gain: 30lbs.

Maternity clothes? Yes! I actually folded and went and bought three true maternity dresses, which all fit quite comfortably... AND a pair of maternity spans. Let me just tell you- they are to.die.for!!

Stretch marks? No thank God

Sleep: I must be getting more used to my massive belly because sleep hasn't been quite as difficult as it was. However, we have been super busy finishing up last minute projects before I go back to work next week so it may be that I am too exhausted to not sleep well...
Best moment this week: Seeing Rilynn in 4D! I seriously think this may have been more exciting for me than the gender reveal. It is so crazy to be able to see her little features and know that she is a healthy, growing little nugget in my tummy!! However, Rilynn did NOT want to get her picture taken. She hid her face the ENTIRE time. I was so sad. But what we did see what just a mind-blowing miracle AND we get to re-do it at our 32 Week appointment, where she will be even more developed. :)

Miss Anything? My old body- more than I have ever mentioned. I have started to retain fluids so my legs not only LOOK swollen, but they feel it and it doesn't feel good! 
Movement: Rilynn is more of a squirmed these days. I feel her rolling around all day, a few naps and then she jabs and hiccups all evening. I love it. 

Food cravings: Pasta, ice cream, PB & J sandwiches & green beans.
Anything making you queasy or sick: Not anymore!
Have you started to show yet? Obviously. Some lady at the store yesterday goes "Boy, right!?" while pointing at my belly. I said, "No, actually it's a girl." She then said "Oh wow, you look like you are carrying a boy!" 

Hmm... I am still not sure how to take that. And I'm a bit confused considering Rilynn is literally sitting right under my chest. 

Belly Button in or out? Neither. It is flat as a pancake,
Wedding rings on or off? On

Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy, but very sad to go back to work next week, and I am very anxious to get some things squared away soon. She will be here before we know it!!

Looking forward to: My baby shower is this weekend!! I can't believe it is time for MY FIRST BABY SHOWER!!! Wow. 

Here are some pics from yesterday's 4D:

Hi World!

Side profile

Little foot

ears

Shoulder/arm 

her leg