Hyperventilating(: :Mommyhood is so close!

I've just come home from the doctor. Actually had a very busy day.. but all I can think about right now is my doctor's appointment. 

Baby's heartbeat is good. (: Measurements are good. 

But one thing, my doctor has NO IDEA what this clicking sound is that's coming out of my belly. 

Any mommy's experienced that? Every once in a while, I hear a clicking sound, resembles a bone cracking.... tried to google and seriously, no one knows what it is! Sadly, my doctor has never heard of it either. I promise I'm not crazy. I just hope baby's okay! She keeps wiggling after I hear that cracking, so I'm sure she's fine. 

But here's the exciting news. I've been informed that starting July 9th, after my ultrasound (SO HAPPY TO GET TO SEE BABY AGAIN!) but I'll be visiting the doctor twice a week from here on out. When he said twice a week, my heart literally stopped.. Next week I'll be 36 weeks pregnant, which leaves me with just 4 more weeks until we meet our little baby. Omg Omg Omg! Seriously, how fast has time flown? I swear it was just a few months ago that we found out we were expecting. All I can think about is how I wish, and know my husband wishes, that he could be here for all these check ups, for that ultra sound. I tried to call him but his phone was off. Now that I think of it, I don't know how he would have reacted to my joy.. just knowing he couldn't be there for this moment. More so, after receiving a skype message from him wishing he were home to hold babybump and me. (WAH!)

I'm so excited, I could just scream! Instead I'm doing what I do best, crying (: 

I just can't believe I'm going to meet our baby so soon.

To not have her kicking away in my belly, but to actually hold her in my arms. 

Gosh, okay, I need to go before I cry all over my laptop and kill it. HAHA!

XO - Savannah

Tuesday & Wednesday

Good evening everyone (:
Just returned home from dinner at my moms. I'm so thankful that she's able and willing to prepare dinner for me, even at age 24. It's so nice to have home cooked meals with people that I love. More so because I live alone. I'm also very thankful that her house is just a 5minute drive from mine.

Didn't size my engagement ring yet.. that's a ring snuggie! Haha

I remember one incident, where I was furious and hurt by my husband, for taking his wedding band off before he went out to a night club. Yes, they are just pretty objects, but I truly believe they symbolize commitment. I still glance at my rings, and just feel so proud to be his wife, so blessed to have such love. Yesterday, I took my wedding band to Zales for it's 6 month check up. Who knew rings needed a checkup?! I've decided to take my band off at home, just to save time and embarrassment, because I usually need to use soap to slip this puppy off. But yesterday, my goodness, I needed soap, ice cubes and prayers to get it off! I'm not sure if it's the summer heat expanding my skin, or possibly swelling from pregnancy.. but I could NOT get the ring off! My finger turned shades of purple. Gosh... it was so scary. I decided to ice my finger, hoping to have my skin tighten. I'm not sure if that truly helped, but finally, after a lot of tugging, twisting, and man power, I got the ring off. My finger was so sore. It was quite an experience. I haven't put it back on yet. It's something I've been debating over for quite some time now, just really thinking if I need to take it off anytime soon again. I look at my finger and it looks so incomplete. Ahh what the hey, ring will go back on tomorrow morning (: 

One thing I love about being pregnant, is seeing all the pregnant celebrities. I was always one to catch up with celebrity gossip, but I guess being preggo myself, I find it 10x more exciting to see celebrities who are expecting. 

When I stumbled upon this picture, I couldn't help but smile! For myself, I love to see a man excited to be a daddy. An actual "daddy." I've witnessed too many friends, acquaintances, going through pregnancy and parenting alone. So to see a man take charge and embrace pregnancy as a couple, my gosh... how sexy is that? I'm envious that they can enjoy pregnancy together, but my husband should be home in less than 4 weeks. (: I'm ready for him to help mama out! Haha.

I've set up baby's playpen/crib yesterday, and let me tell you how EXHAUSTING that was! My mom suggested I wait until my husband comes home...but seriously, I was too excited to place it in my room that I had to put it together myself (: I love how easy it is to set up and take down. It's nice and sturdy as well.. We didn't want to invest in a crib, especially when we're not sure if I'll be moving out of Hawaii or not. I really can't believe baby is almost here. Well, actually, I can. She feels so huge in my belly. Constantly moving and causing aches and pains everywhere. But hey, as long as she's healthy, I'll put up with it. 

TOP ROW : 2008, 2009 BOTTOM: 2010, 2011

Lastly, as I couldn't sleep last night, I found myself going through myspace (WOW!) and just looking back on little things from 2008. I really can't believe it's been 4 years since I've found love. And here we are today, growing up as individuals, growing stronger together as one. I'm so blessed to have his heart and just lucky to say I'm still so in love. He's been really busy at his shop lately, haven't talked to him for a couple of days, which just gets me anxious for our next skype date. I'm missing him and loving it! Gosh, I could go on and on with this mush.. But for now, my back is really sore. It's time to lay down! (:

Goodnight XOXO - Savannah

Product Reviews

Happy Monday World! (Or Tuesday, for my Okinawa Ohana)

I finally got around to making my first "Product Review" post. 

Below are items that I really like, and dislike. (: 

I'm hoping this will be helpful for some, as I will definitely use this as a reminder of things I've tried.

Unfortunately, I wasn't born an elephant. I do tend to forget! (:

Let's get started!

Dove Cream Oil - Shea Butter Body Lotion

 I'm a proud Dove user. Actually, I remember my childhood doctor always reminding me how Dove would be best for my skin. This product was a splurge. I like cheap things, but this was around $8. I really had to buy it with hopes it would be wonderful, taken that I wasn't able to open the top to smell it, or feel it's consistency, but thankfully, I found myself very pleased! Been using it on my belly. The scent is really subtle, but very pleasant. My skin feels softer. The only thing, I don't find my itching to reduce. I haven't itched in a while, but I guess with these last weeks of pregnancy approaching, I'm stretching and stretching! But overall -- I'd definitely repurchase!

 

Goldfish Grahams - Vanilla Cupcake

 Now, I've seen commercials with this flavor for some time now, but was unable to find it in any store.. Thankfully TARGET had some. (: I keep them in my fridge, but I love them! I'll just grab a bit once in a while.. Who doesn't love a cupcake? I heard they have brownie goldfish now.. MmmmM! 

Yes To Cucumbers Face Wipes

I've seen and heard so many raves about these face wipes. Decided to give it a go. I do NOT like them. I've tried them twice.. and they leave my face with this burning sensation. Nothing HORRIBLE.. but still, it's an unpleasant tingle. No BuenO!

Dove - Invigorating Dry Shampoo & Johnson's Baby Powder - Magnolia Petals

  These are my go-to dry shampoos! 

Dove has a wonderful scent to it.. (: Just as the baby powder does. 

I use the baby powder more, just because there is obviously more product. But it also adds volume! 

I like the Dove for teasing as well. (:

TRESemme Split Remedy - Shampoo & Conditioner

I've read reviews online, about how women found this line to really improve their hair. Unfortunately, it dries my hair out! My hair was nowhere NEAR silky once dry.. Very disappointing.

I'll stick with my Head & Shoulders & Aussie 3 Minute Miracle Conditioner.

TRESemme Split Remedy Leave in Conditioner, Paul Mitchell Super Skinny Serum, MoroccanOil Treatment, Dove Hair Therapy Nourishing Oil Care Detangler, Organix Nourishing Coconut Milk Anti-Breakages Serum.

Now perhaps, I may just have really stubborn hair that doesn't like many products. All these listed here are meant to moisturize and smooth out hair..But I really feel these dry my hair out as well! Sad right? Maybe my hair is THAT dead? I used to love the MoroccanOil - but when using it yesterday, it had no effect on my hair. I just love that regardless how much you put in your hair, it will never be oily. 

The TRESemme split remedy smells nice in the bottle, but once applied to hair, it has a really chemically scent! (ew) Paul Mitchell is rather old.. I think it needs to be tossed. Dove smells nice (: I still spritz that in my hair for the smell. And that Coconut Milk, it just leaves my hair oily. No wonder it was on sale. 

Mary Kay Timewise Line - Cleanser, eyecream, lotion, acne treatment, sunscreen, night serum

This is the Mary Kay Timewise Skin care line. I'm so happy my mom got into the product. Now, I do pay for these, I don't get the luxury of free products from her! Ha! But seriously, ever since I've started using this line, I saw a difference in my skin. It's clearer, softer. It gives me a natural glow without foundation. I love it. (: Just got into the eye cream (second product from the left) and I see a difference. Less wrinkles (crow's feet) - LOVE MARY KAY  

Yoplait Yogurt

I've loved Yoplait for years now. Only downfall, they are hardly ever on sale! They're usually $1.19 each. Ugh. Thankfully Target had a sale 10 for $5 (: A healthy snack that cures my sweet cravings, and I have a TON of sweet cravings, thanks to baby.

And that ends my first batch of Product Review (: 

Have a happy day everyone! 

XO - Savannah

I Love Etsy!

So, for this past week, I've been on Etsy a lot! Not really looking for things to buy, just looking for baby inspiration. I always feel that I could "MAKE" things. But when window shopping, I stumbled upon 2 things that I really wanted for baby!

 

First, a cute little crinkle toy! (: What caught me was the price! In total, with shipping, it came out to $5. Now, if you are an avid hello kitty shopper, like myself, you know she is PRICEY! So really, anything with HK on it that's cheap, is a winner to me. I ordered a blue one, just because that's a baby kitty on there. Ahhh so excited!

SECONDLY .... 

This one seemed VITAL! How cute is this?! 

Honestly, I've seen this cart cover 2 days ago.. hesitated when I saw that it was $54.00. 

I've shown my husband a picture, and when we viewed it together (through skype) we were informed that it was SOLD! Ugh.. i was so sad. He of course scolded me for not snatching it when I had the chance.. 

Thankfully for me... I went searching Etsy again & she posted another one! It's not only cute but looks like good quality for baby's comfort! $61.00 total with shipping, but I feel it's worth it. 

Again, HK is expensive, and seriously, if this were sanrio brand, I know it would be at least $200! I'm so excited for this one. I know baby won't be using it until about a year or so, but I also know time will go by fast.. heck, this PREGNANCY went by too fast! 34 weeks today!

But these are my few etsy purchases. 

I'm looking into starting my own little shop. I have "BIG DREAMS" about felt. Haha.. it's the closest I can get to sewing. We shall see how that goes though.

Anyway, 11;24PM here, time to head off the computer & curl up with a book. 

XO - Savannah

Mary Kay Makeup

I'm lucky enough to have my momma as my Mary Kay consultant (:
 

What Girly Girl doesn't love makeup? Hehe.

But anyway, the company just sent her a few new shades. Mom was nice enough to gift me 3. 

 

 Gold Coast, Lime, and Polished Stone ( all shown on the left ) 

This is the look I've come up with using Gold Coast, Polished Stone, and the pearly and brown shades (Sorry, they came in the pallette, not sure what they are called) 

 

Other Mary Kay Products I've used -- 

 

And Seriously, these are my dailies. (: 

If you are interested, please check out the website. 

http://www.marykay.com/JennieYamaguchi/default.aspx?cid=ec060111BeNewsPWSEN23&et_cid=32638228&et_rid=120139326-US-P-Cust

Have a Wonderful Weekend everyone! XO 

Duets

So, I watch "Duets" for 2 reasons.
1. I LOVE John Legend. He swoons me hard.
2. J-Rome.

 

Last Night, J-Rome sang " I Will Always Love You"
He is CRAZY GOOD. I don't know how a man with his talent has not been discovered and with a record deal already. Plus he's so humble. It was absolutely beautiful.

Jennifer Nettles is such a beautiful singer as well. Yay Sugarland!

XO - Savannah

Hesitation Blues

As I clean, I find myself sitting on my couch, and ever so conveniently, I set up my laptop there. Ha! So what's a girl to do?! --- I know! Online browse for baby.

Yesterday I stumbled across this cute thing!

 

Shopping Cart cover! How cute is this?! 

Naively, I didn't believe it would have been sold soon. So I just skyped a link to my husband, for him to check out after duty. But it's gone :( Granted it was about $50, it sure does look comfy (AND CUTE!) -- Bummer. Of course there's that little beam of hope that thinks maybe my husband got to see it and purchased it? I doubt it though. A girl can dream. 

Live & Learn right? Haha. I just wasn't meant to have this one. Maybe a cuter one will come along? Yes! Positive thoughts (: 

Back to cleaning!

Recaps

My have I neglected my blogger.
Just been dealing with hormonal issues.
But a little recap on what's been going on in the life of SMOS.

1. Mini fights with the hubby. Distance is really hard, been dealing with it for 3 years now, and sometimes, it just makes me really vulnerable. I suppose with a little help from my pregnancy, I found myself lost in negative thoughts. I pulled away from him, when really I should have been clinging on tighter. I had doubts of our future, and I really chose to hold my tongue for a few days, just knowing whatever was bothering me would really rub him the wrong way. But in actuality, I had to voice my concerns. Why? Because I love him so damn much. We talked it out. He said his piece, I've said mine. Now, that book has been closed. I mean, nothing even really happened yet. I'm just worrying based on issues that happened between my parents. I love my husband to death. I'm so anxious for him to come home. So anxious for our baby's arrival. Ahhh.. time really does fly by.

2. On top of distance. I've been really trying to brainstorm cute ideas on keeping my husband connected with baby and I. Yes, he'll be home for her birth, and thankfully he'll receive recruiter's assistance to stay an extra 30 days. But then, he'll head back to Japan and it'll be back to skype for us, until orders are received. I'm so happy that he enjoyed my Daddy's Day gift (slideshow with photos of my belly growing week by week) -- Now I have to think of a whole new bunch of ways to keep us all connected. It's going to be fun! I can't wait.

3. Baby Shower Planning (: -- Okay, I know baby showers are supposed to be a surprise for the expecting mommies right? Though it was my mother's idea, I am actually in the process of brainstorming party favors, food, well, EVERYTHING! Hahaha. I've recently told one of my good friends about my pregnancy, and her excitement just made me cry. I can only imagine how wonderful this shower/party will be. Like my wedding, I was surrounded by so many people I love. Those same people will be at our shower. Richie will be home. It will be wonderful!

4. House Cleaning - This is seriously a never ending process. I'm not sure if I'm a lazy preggo, but I seriously have NO energy to do anything. I'll clean for an hour then find myself sleepy. I compare myself with this woman I follow on instagram, who is about ready to POP, but she has been NON-STOP decorating her new house, lawn-mowing, just an on the go woman! Worst, she posted photos of her excessively swollen feet! I don't know where her energy comes from. I seriously need some of that!

Alright, that's about all I have for now.
XO - Savannah (: 

Sunday Social (:

GO TO PAGE!

Favorite movie of all time?

Beauty & The Beast.

Dirty Dancing.

Favorite movie quote?

I don't believe I have one! :( 

Best movie to watch for a girls night in?

Anything we can't watch with our men!

Chick flicks we can cry to. 

Best breakup movie? 

500 Days Of Summer. 

Favorite celeb eye candy?

Chris Hemsworth

John Legend (he swoons me)

Which movie stars closet would you want to raid? 

Jessica Alba (: she's always cute & casual.

Baby Slinging(:

 

So my baby sling has arrived in the mail!! (: My husband actually bought one, a large, for him. It's just black, so once I came across this sale (Original $72, got it for free, plus the $11.45 shipping) I knew I had to get it. Only problem, It might be a little too tight. 

 

Here I'm using my little Marine Baby, Luga, as a test.  I found that my BOOBS got in the way... They've grown 2 cup sizes through this pregnancy.. so I'm not sure how comfortable this will be, with my actual baby, because STUFFING Luga in this sling was work. Maybe it'll be easier with this belly out of the way as well? Only time can tell.. we shall see.

  

Hahah my comfy little Luga! 

(: XO - Savannah

Daddy Crafting

 

It's been a while since I've worked on a project. Been brainstorming what kind of "Daddy To Be" gifts I could prep for my hubby.... Well, today my little light bulb went off & I've decided to make him a little slideshow. (: For majority of my pregnancy, we've been separated (aside from April-May which I've spent in Japan with him) -- so I've decided to use all my photos of baby bump and I -- and videos of her kicking around. We'd skype, he'd ask to see belly, but I thought this was a really cute way to fast forward it all, as if it's not going by too quickly already!! -- Being the sap I am, of course I found myself tearing as I previewed the video. I just can't believe in less than 2 months, we'll be meeting our baby girl. 

Time truly is precious. 

Enjoy every minute, every second. 

XO - Savannah 

 

DIY/DIM - Wrap Around Dutch Pancake

 

I'm not one of those who creatively thinks of things themselves.

But I do appreciate DIY's -- which helps me create DIM's (Did It Myself. Har har)

My Active Little Bump

 

(32weeks and 2 days)

These are the moments I love. Sitting around feeling baby moving around within me. I can't help but hold my belly, mentally envisioning a healthy little girl stretching her little arms, kicking her little legs. To know this is so sacred, the bond only a mother and her baby can feel, to know that my love can only grow stronger from here. It's also these moments, where I find myself wishing my husband were here. But soon enough, 6 weeks, he'll be home in Hawaii, ready to welcome our baby girl into the world. 

With Father's Day coming up, I really need to find the perfect gift for our Daddy To Be. 

I hope everyone is having a wonderful Monday(:

(Tuesday for my Japan loves) 

PS. Thank you to those who've visited my page. 

Please leave a comment, to let me know you stopped by!

 XO - Savannah

Count Your Blessings

Lately, I've been feeling a little "Crazy" -- feeling like I've finally cracked, transforming into a child-bearing monster. It's already been 5 days of emo, and that's 5 days too long. I've been pushing my husband away, believing this isn't his problem. He has his life in Okinawa, a life he should enjoy. But after a mini-breakdown this morning, I finally remembered to embrace all that I have. I believe that we never receive more than we are able to handle, and I haven't been acting on that. Throwing myself pity parties with every downfall, sinking deeper into my hole. But really, I have so many blessings. So many reasons to love life, so many reasons to be thankful for the life I live. Sadly I forgot about it all.

This entry is dedicated to focusing on the positive -- remembering that I have a million reasons to smile. So here's my list of the blessings I have in life.

1. My Husband - through the good, the bad, the ugly, he's never left my side. Though we are physically separated, I know he's always there for me. He is such a wonderful man who deserves all the love in the world, and I'm beyond blessed he finds my love enough. I've been feeling like a "burden" for him. Being hormonal, and wanting to call him all the time, just to cry. But now as I admit this, I realize that's unnecessary.. I've finally changed my focus. His next phonecall is going to be one hell of a MUSHY one. I love that man. Achhkk <3

2. Our Growing Bean - I've finally reached 8months, and that has gone by SOO FAST! -- I can't believe in about 8 weeks, we'll be meeting our baby girl. 

3. My Momma - Being almost 25, I wouldn't expect her to still keep me under her wing. She's my best friend. I enjoy our dinners, and weekend errand runs together.

4. Health - Gestational Diabetes isn't the end of the world and it definitely shouldn't be treated as such a curse. I'm thankful for this body being able to do all that it does.

5.  A Home - Though I never thought I'd live on my own, here I am, in a house to myself, paying my own bills, standing on my own. Don't get me wrong, I'm so excited for the day my husband and I can officially share a home, but for now, I'm happy to have independence.

(:

Wow, really reflecting on the good in life can put you in such a great mood.
Now to carry on with my day. Laundry calls.

XOXO - Savvy

RainCloud Pushing

Today's blog consists of really finding strength in difficult situations. 

Contains fresh emotion. Just need to vent today.

So here I am, almost 32 weeks pregnant. As I was on my honeymoon/babymoon in Japan, I was a little late in taking my glucose test. Of course I went into it believing I would pass. Unfortunately, with my results coming back high, I had to go in once more for testing. This time 3 hrs long, with 4 blood samples. 

Thursday, I had an appointment with my OBGYN, who informed me that yes, I do have gestational diabetes. I will need to monitor my blood sugar for 7 days, and we'll see where to go from there.

 

Here you see my prescription. It requires 4 blood samples a day. 

1 upon waking up. and 3 more, 2 hours after each meal.  

This morning I began testing. Pricking my finger is painful, but for me, the worst pain is the emotional and mental pain.  I've heard its common, but I just feel like I've done something wrong. I feel paranoid about what I put into my body now, knowing I'll have to take a reading on it. Today, I went to the grocery store, picking up diabetic friendly foods. Had cereal for breakfast, made a salad for lunch -- and as I took my reading, my blood sugar level after lunch,was lower than what I've woken up with. I have to remind myself, that these 7 days of testing, is truly a TEST, to see where I need to go from here... I shouldn't feel like I'm starving. It is really hard for me to go 2hrs without eating, or at least nibbling on something... but I need to do, what I need to do.  Upon realizing that I've gone CRAZY, in trying to really watch what I eat, I finally called my husband. I truly believe communication is key, but I thought I could compose myself, and get over it a little, before breaking the news to him. UM WRONG! -- I went hysterical. For the first time I finally let all of my tears out. I just felt bad to let myself get so worked up about it, with him on the other line, getting mad at himself for not being able to be with me. But I am one big ball of hormones, pregnant or not -- I cry a lot. I am blessed to have such a caring hubby. He really is my better half. He's my strength. Assuring me everything is okay, and I really need to remember that... to not let this get the best of me.

31WEEKS & 6 DAYS

Thankfully, Doc informed me that baby's heartbeat was good. He measured my belly and said I was good. That is my biggest concern. My father's side has a history of diabetes, I just pray I won't affect my little one. I feel guilty as her mommy already.. and I know things could be worse. I know I shouldn't stress. I need to accept this, and pray for everything to be okay. To finally let all of my tears out helped. And as I type this, my Naia is moving around. I'm happy she's healthy. It's mommy's turn to make everything good for her arrival. I'm a firm believer in "everything happens for a reason" and " you never receive more than you can handle" I may not know the reasoning behind this yet, but there is one, and we will be okay. (: I just know, I'm definitely making healthier changes! I need to!

 While waiting for my prescriptions, I came across so many Hello Kitty baby things! I'm proud of myself for not giving in and swiping my sad feelings away... Ridiculous enough, all of these items here were no less than $12.50 each. As cute as they were, I couldn't bring myself to buying them. *patting back*

 

Thank you blogger for this little vent session. 

I feel better. (: now it's time to hydrate! 

XO - Savannah

First Comes Marriage, Then Stays Marriage

 

While scrolling through twitter, a daily thing, I've come across two posts by Keri Hilson and this topic has crossed my mind before.

She's right, now days, it seems as though marriage ends in divorce. 

I'm not saying divorce shouldn't happen at all.

But to see divorces happen within 3 months of marriage?

Why?

Was it the rush of things?

Was it lack of effort?

Or for example, in the tabloids, Mel Gibson's father just filed for divorce. His father is 98.

You really stop and wonder if he had a happy life. If he was in love? It really doesn't sound like it, if he's wanting a divorce at 98. :( :(

I believe everyone deserves to be happy.

From my view, I am with Keri. I've always thought to myself, "If I ever get married, I will only marry once, and I will not divorce." So here I am, married... and I still believe this..

5 months into our marriage, 4 years into our relationship, I still feel myself falling deeper in love with the same man. It's funny to have these tweets come around today... just because, as I did my morning ritual, providing wakeup calls for the hubby, he said to me, "I love you, Savannah." And, after hearing those words, my heart literally stopped (thankfully it continued to beat again, otherwise, well, I wouldn't be typing hehe) -I mean, "I love you" isn't something we are new to hearing.. But it's amazing to really feel a difference, just when your name is added into the mix. After hanging up with him, I just sat there, and really reflected on how lucky I am in love.

 

  

I don't know what the future holds, but I do have hope. I have confidence in our relationship, I have faith in our love. Before marriage, we've talked about our views on it. How we both believed in this "once in a lifetime commitment", how divorce just isn't an option. We've been through a lot, the ugly, the uglier, the down right hideous crap, and look at us today. I just know what I feel for this man, is nothing but love, and in my heart, he will be that man, old and grey, holding my hand in his rocking chair next to mine.

Finding yourself happily in love doesn't happen for everyone, though it should, so knowing I've been blessed with this experience in life, I NEVER want to give it up, or take it for granted.

I pray the thought of marriage can bring JOY to all again. 

I pray marriage can be sacred once more.

I pray marriage will last for all time (: 

I am a happy wife, I intend on being one for the rest of my life.
(MOVE ASIDE DR. SEUSS!) 

XO - SMOS