A couple of months ago I posted about our dilemma with our choice with what to do with our babies cord blood. Should we do private or public? If we choose public, which company should we go with? Well we went back and forth for a while on this, and did a bunch [...]]]>  

A couple of months ago I posted about our dilemma with our choice with what to do with our babies cord blood. Should we do private or public? If we choose public, which company should we go with? Well we went back and forth for a while on this, and did a bunch of research. To be honest the research got us nowhere. Each side had good arguments, and we were left more confused then when we started. Basically, it seemed that the bottom line was that although the cord blood research COULD be the best thing since sliced bread, it’s just not there yet. BUT…that being said, do we want to risk not doing it? The answer is NO. So we decided to look at it as an insurance policy. A policy that we hope we never have to use, but at least we know that it’s there should we need it. We therefore decided to go the private bank route. 

It really was a rough decision, and our doctor helped us make it. He basically told us that if we aren’t going to go broke by doing private then he recommends it. He used the insurance policy reference, and made it clear that he didn’t believe the technology was there just yet. But, he also reminded us that no one can predict the future, so if we can, we should insure our child and possibly future children. When we asked his thoughts on the two biggest ones…Viacord, and CBR….he told us both are great and either one would be a good choice. At this point we decided we would go the private route. Now which one to choose? 

As it turns out both are very similar in price. With out discounts about $2200, with a $125/year storage fee. (oh ya and the $350 the doctor charges to collect it. Be sure to be aware of that one!) It seems steep at first, but is it really when you are talking about your child’s health? I had information on both, and bit the bullet and decided to go with Cord Blood Registry . Why you may ask? Well the first reason is that my best friend recommended it. (can’t go wrong with a good review) The main reason? They called me alot and cared about my business. Yup! That’s the truth. The woman at CBR called me every few weeks to see how I was doing. I liked that. I’m in sales and I like when people value my business, and that is the main reason I went with CBR. On the medical side they brag that they are able to collect more stem cells than Viacord due to new technology. They also offer cord tissue collection, but we decided not to go with that at this time. In the end I liked the customer service, for me it goes a long way. 

Woo hoo another decision made! It really makes me feel good when I can check something off the list. Now all I have to remember is to bring the collection kit with me when I go into labor. lol we’ll see how that goes!

• Be Careful When Attempting Faith Based Investing
• The Business of Blogging
• The Kinds Of Insurance You Probably Do Not Need.

As you may or may not know, The Captain and I both went to Hofstra University. This is where we met and fell in love! (Go ahead and sigh…it’s ok!) This year marks Hofstra’s 75th anniversary, and to honor the occasion they are holding a Hofstra’s Best Couple Contest where they asked couples who [...]]]>

As you may or may not know, The Captain and I both went to Hofstra University. This is where we met and fell in love! (Go ahead and sigh…it’s ok!) This year marks Hofstra’s 75th anniversary, and to honor the occasion they are holding a Hofstra’s Best Couple Contest where they asked couples who met at Hofstra to enter. Umm hello!! How perfect would it be for Captain Awesome and I to win this! We are totally Hofstra’s best couple!

Hofstra’s Best Couple Entry

My husband and I met in 2000 when he was a Sophomore and I was a Junior, and we have been together ever since! It’s a typical Frat boy meets Sorority girl love story. Jen the Tri Sig and Evan the SAE.

The story of our meeting isn’t a romantic one since it happened at the local bar, but who doesn’t meet that way in college? We became fast friends and went on to become a couple. We truly enjoyed spending our college years together, and the years that followed were even better. Evan is a Long Island boy through and through, and I decided to stay in Long Island so we can be together. Our relationship lasted while Evan went to Law school, and I found my way bringing my dad’s print business to Long Island.

We got engaged on Valentine’s Day of 2007. It was such a special day. We went on to marry on June 14, 2008! Currently, we live in Plainview, New York, and have been married 2 years and are now expecting our first child, a boy, who is due December 11, 2010! We are so happy to have met at Hofstra. Not only did we love it as a university, but it was where we found each other. Evan is now working as the Director of Financial Planning for the Center for Wealth Preservation and I am the Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Foley Business Forms & Print Solutions.

The entry is short, but I guess they didn’t need a long winded explanation of our courtship…and boy was it LONG! lol I think we should have this contest in the bag…but I’m worried about some of the older couples. They definitely have longevity on us, but I’ve got you, my readers to vote!

Captain Awesome keeps asking what we win. To be honest I’m not sure! What I do know is that we would win something commemorative, and be honored at some reception. But the title is what I am looking for! I keep reminding him that it would just validate what we already know! That we are an awesome couple!

So here is what I need you to do! Go to the Hofstra’s Best Couple website and vote for Jennifer and Evan! Go on! You know you want to! And yes, for those reading this that personally know us, I am fully prepared to be mocked for entering in the first place. But admit it…it doesn’t surprise you one bit that I entered….

• Player Profile: Fred Couples
• Get into Bed with Kathryn Nelson (Author Interview)
• Sunday Money Madness - Happy New Year!

Dear Pooh Bear,

Welcome to 25 weeks! At this point they say your about 13″ long! I look at my belly and try to picture you being that big and I am amazed. I guess that’s why I get kicks and bumps all over my belly these days. I never know where you are [...]]]>

Dear Pooh Bear,

Welcome to 25 weeks! At this point they say your about 13″ long! I look at my belly and try to picture you being that big and I am amazed. I guess that’s why I get kicks and bumps all over my belly these days. I never know where you are going to decide to say hello. Sometimes I play a little game with you in which I wiggle my fingers on my belly, and sometimes you kick back where my fingers were. Your daddy thinks I’m scaring you, but I think we are just playing our own little game. It’s quite possible you don’t even know you are playing, but I still find it to be fun.

Normally, you are very shy and won’t even let your daddy feel you, but the other night not only did your daddy get to feel you, but so did 2 of our friends! You gave them a nice big fist pump to say hello. I think you just wanted to be a part of the conversation. Anyway, it was nice of you to say hi, because who doesn’t like a little kick from a baby in the belly?

We ordered your nursery bedding dear little one! Your mommy and daddy aren’t big on themes, so your room will be a nice blue, brown and beige. I am excited to see how it all turns out! I am having a blast registering for things for you. I have no idea what you will like, or want to use, but I guess that’s all part of the deal. It’s all trial and error when it comes to babies.

Everyone keeps asking me how I am feeling, and I am happy to report that I still am feeling good. I am starting to feel a bit uncomfortable from time to time, but I have a feeling it’s only going to get a lot worse. But so far so good! Pregnancy has treated me well thus far, and I just hope that it continues to do so.

We are doing our best to get your big sister Tinkerbell ready for your arrival. You have to understand that for 6 years she’s been the only child. I just hope that someday you two can be best friends because she is an amazing dog. Last week I put her through a bit of a baby boot camp and had your Aunt S bring over your future friend L so that she could get used to a baby being around the house. So far the verdict is that she ignored the baby. I doubt that will be the case when you come home. As a matter of fact I think she’s in for a rude awakening!

Pooh Bear: 25 Weeks!

Head to heels, your baby now measures about 13 1/2 inches. Her weight — a pound and a half — isn’t much more than an average rutabaga, but she’s beginning to exchange her long, lean look for some baby fat. As she does, her wrinkled skin will begin to smooth out and she’ll start to look more and more like a newborn. She’s also growing more hair — and if you could see it, you’d now be able to discern its color and texture.

Your baby’s not the only one with more hair — your locks may look more full and lustrous than ever. It’s not that you’re growing more hair, but thanks to hormonal changes, the hair that you’d normally shed is sticking around longer than usual. Enjoy the fullness while you can — the extra hair will fall out after you give birth.

You may also notice that you can’t move around as gracefully as before. Unless your caregiver has advised you otherwise, it’s fine to continue to exercise, but follow a few safety rules: Don’t work out when you’re feeling overly tired and stop if you feel any pain, dizziness, or shortness of breath. Don’t lie flat on your back and avoid contact sports as well as any exercise where you’re apt to lose your balance. Be sure to drink plenty of water, and make time for both warm-up and cool-down periods.

When you have your glucose-screening test at 24 to 28 weeks, a second tube of blood may be taken at the same time to check for anemia. If blood tests show that you have iron-deficiency anemia (the most common type of anemia), your caregiver will probably recommend that you take an iron supplement.

It’s true that I am certainly not as graceful. This past weekend I went in the pool and felt so light! When I got out I realized how much heavier I felt. It was rough. They say at this point we can know your hair color! I can’t wait to find out! There are a lot of options when it comes to these genes!

Love,

Mommy

• How Yoga Improved My Finances
• Frugal Friday Week 26
• Wisdom Of Face

Well my dear readers this past weekend I had a traumatic experience. It was an experience that made me realize that I really am an adult, and it also made me realize the sacrifices The Captain and I are already making for our little Pooh Bear. What happened you ask? Well my friends, [...]]]>

Well my dear readers this past weekend I had a traumatic experience. It was an experience that made me realize that I really am an adult, and it also made me realize the sacrifices The Captain and I are already making for our little Pooh Bear. What happened you ask? Well my friends, this past weekend we had to take down our bar. The bar that holds all my wonderful champagne glasses, and wine glasses, and margarita glasses. It holds shot glasses, and bottles of alcohol, and everything one would need to have a party. Yes, my readers….it was a rough day.

I have mentioned in the past about our situation with space,  so in order to make room, a few things had to go. One of those things was our bar. It had to be done, I know…but that doesn’t mean it still didn’t hurt. As I wrapped up each glass to put away, I found a little piece of my 20′s going into that bin. I know that it’s not gone forever, but right now the attic just seems so far away! (Especially since I can’t seem to open the attic myself)

Along with the bar went a big shelf full of framed pictures. Some people are good at editing when it comes to putting out pictures…I am not one of them. If I get a great new picture I am unable to replace an old one with it. I just add the new one. So this shelf was full! Again I know the pictures aren’t gone forever, and will come out again in the future, but it was still tough to pack it all away.

To make matters worse I happened to start looking at our wedding and honeymoon albums. Wow was I so much skinnier at the time of my wedding! Yes, that was my goal. To be the skinniest I ever would be, but to look at those pictures and know that I most likely will never see that stomach again was a tough one. The Captain is nice enough to remind me that I’m not fat I’m pregnant (thanks dear), but never again will my body look like that in a bikini…Ouch!

So the bins are packed and my bar is now gone. This little lady is all grown up! (well sort of!) With a new little boy on the way, you gotta do what you gotta do, and of course we are happy to do it. But just for a few moments….it hit me that we are grown up.

• When the Going Gets Rough, Don't Spend Money
• Letter on Corpulence - William Banting's Low Carb Diet (Circa 1864)
• Weakend: Why My Life Isn't On Facebook

Naming your child can be very tricky. Not only do you have to think about what you like, but you also have to consider so many other things. Things like nicknames, spelling, connotations, and initials. Many things I have read said that names can even set your child on a course to their [...]]]>

Naming your child can be very tricky. Not only do you have to think about what you like, but you also have to consider so many other things. Things like nicknames, spelling, connotations, and initials. Many things I have read said that names can even set your child on a course to their future careers! (I’m not going to give examples just in case my readers may have or love those names lol) But for once this post isn’t about me.

This post is about some friends of mine who are having a baby about 1 month before me. They have come to me asking for my dear readers advice and input. I have bragged about you often you know! I say..my readers are experts when it comes to opinions! So here’s one for you….is this couple dooming their child for the rest of his/her life?

A little background…

In the Jewish faith it is customary to honor a loved one who has passed away by naming a child using the letter of their first name. In this particular case, whether it’s a boy or a girl the child will be given a name beginning with the letter L. The middle name that the couple wants to use honors the dad’s, mother’s maiden name which begins with the letter B. Finally, their last name begins with the letter S. Therefore, the child’s initials will be L. B. S. Now at first glance I don’t think it looks bad at all! But after a conversation I was reminded the LBS is the abbreviation for POUNDS!

Again, I didn’t think it was so bad, but I was reminded that kids can be cruel (which is true), and the couple is worried that they are dooming their child. ”What if it’s a girl and she is heavy” he asked me. “Will the kids then mock her and call her POUNDS?”

Personally, I don’t think it’s a big deal. I don’t think most kids put two and two together when it comes to initials.  That they will use it mockingly. So which is it? Do you think it would affect a child more if it was a girl vs. if it were a boy?

So now I am asking you! What do you think?

• Kids Say the Darndest Things v2
• 8 Ways to Motivate Your Reluctant Reader
• Quick and Dirty Tips for Effective Corporate Blogging, pt 1

In the past I have written about my unhappiness with the maternity clothes selection out there. Mostly, those feelings still exist and I honestly believe that it is a truly missed market. I mean come on! Pregnant women have no choice but to buy maternity clothes because we don’t fit into regular clothes…so why [...]]]>

In the past I have written about my unhappiness with the maternity clothes selection out there. Mostly, those feelings still exist and I honestly believe that it is a truly missed market. I mean come on! Pregnant women have no choice but to buy maternity clothes because we don’t fit into regular clothes…so why not give us affordable, trendy, feel good clothes? I think the key word should be “feel good” because most of the time we just feel fat, and like someone else’s body is on our own…so why not help us out? Well I think the ladies over at Moody Mamas did! And remember Christian Siriano from Project runway? Well he’s jumped on the maternity clothes band wagon and designed a line for them called Fierce Mamas. And the clothes sure do look fun!

The one item that I tried from the line was this black tank top. Simple yes, but extremely versatile. It’s soft, and the perfect long length. It fit great and I found it to be even a bit slimming! (if that’s even possible) The good news is that a tank like this can either be dressed up or down, and come the fall I can throw a great open sweater on with it and Voila! It turns to a fall outfit!

Another great thing is that Moody Mamas has clothes for all price points. They even have a line at Target! The Fierce Mamas line can be found at Norstrom, not to mention their great website! I personally have been eyeing this number…possibly for my shower?

On a side note..They are having a sale!!!!

Moody Mamas provided me with some items in return for this review. As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

• Movie Review: Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire directed by Mike Newell
• Money On - Line Chappelle Benefits
• How To Make Your Clothes Last Longer

Recently, Captain Awesome has found himself reminding me how I “used to be cool”. The comment comes up if I want to stay in, or if I am even more picky than usual about what I eat. I must admit it hurts to hear…but the truth hurts right?  

Let’s face it, we all used [...]]]>

Recently, Captain Awesome has found himself reminding me how I “used to be cool”. The comment comes up if I want to stay in, or if I am even more picky than usual about what I eat. I must admit it hurts to hear…but the truth hurts right?  

Let’s face it, we all used to be that much cooler in our younger days. Right? I mean who wasn’t the coolest person ever at 20? Even when I thought I was slowing down at 25, looking back I must admit I still knew how to have a good time. Now, being pregnant the “cool factor” has seemed to drop dangerously low, and I know it’s all totally worth it, but sometimes…I do miss it. Just the other night a group of my friends decided to go out to a bar. Time kept on ticking on, and next I knew it was 10:00 and they hadn’t gone out yet. I just couldn’t go! My bed called me and I knew that standing in a bar just wouldn’t be my scene. (I make the worst sober bar goer EVER!)  So as they all piled into cars to go out, I drove myself home.  

I must say I have lived a good party lifestyle for a good part of my 20′s. I certainly knew/know how to have a good time…but as time goes on those times are few and far between. When was the last time I partied like a rock star?? Looking back I’d say it was at my friends bachelorette party in March. That was the last horrah before the pregnancy.  

But it’s ok that I used to be much cooler. Hopefully The Captain doesn’t miss the college party girl he fell in love with too much…she’s turned into a homebody mother to be. And you know what? That sounds just perfect to me.

• Money Mistake Monday - Not Buying A Plug-In Cooler Earlier.
• A Half Dozen Uses for Empty Egg Cartons
• Money Saving Monday Tip #3 - 7 Tips to Help Keep Your House Cool

Well dear one it looks like we are starting our 6th month together! Can you believe we are rounding to the end of the second trimester? I really can’t believe it! This trimester has gone pretty fast. It’s not that I am wishing away this pregnancy, but I just can’t wait to meet [...]]]> Dear Pooh Bear,

Well dear one it looks like we are starting our 6th month together! Can you believe we are rounding to the end of the second trimester? I really can’t believe it! This trimester has gone pretty fast. It’s not that I am wishing away this pregnancy, but I just can’t wait to meet you!

Your mommy is a bit short wasted, and it turns out your foot long frame is causing a ruckus in my belly sometimes. When you sit low my bladder feels like it could fall out at any moment, and when you are high up I feel rather stuffed! All seems to even out a bit better when I lay down, so luckily your mom is a champ when it comes to laying down. Your daddy seems shocked at the amount of trips I take to the bathroom. It’s been going on for a while now so I have to wonder when he will get used to it?

I am starting to get an idea of how different life is going to be once you are here. Don’t get me wrong, I am so ready for it all, but it is hard sometimes to wrap my head around it. Everything about our little life here will be different. Good different, but different all the same. Your daddy has been making sure he goes out as much as possible these days, but your mommy is getting used to staying in. I keep reminding your daddy that the days of sleeping till noon will soon be over, but I don’t think he gets the picture just yet. I am sure you will help him learn very quickly.

People are already starting to buy you things! How fun is that? Once you get here we will have lots of stuff for you to use and play with! Most likely we will have more stuff than we actually need, but nothing but the best for you dear Pooh Bear! That doesn’t mean we are going to spoil you. Your daddy and I want to raise a well behaved and appreciative little boy, and we will be quick to remind you. But right now we are just so super excited how can we resist???

My weight so far has been pretty stable. I believe I have gained 11 or 12 lbs so far. Kind of funny since you just weigh over 1 lb at this point. Sometimes your mommy doesn’t feel as pretty as she used to, but I guess that’s all a part of being pregnant. If you keep making me like fatty foods and baked goods I think the problem is only going to get worse!

Pooh Bear: 24 Weeks!

How your baby’s growing:

Your baby’s growing steadily, having gained about 4 ounces since last week. That puts him at just over a pound. Since he’s almost a foot long (picture an ear of corn), he cuts a pretty lean figure at this point, but his body is filling out proportionally and he’ll soon start to plump up. His brain is also growing quickly now, and his taste buds are continuing to develop. His lungs are developing “branches” of the respiratory “tree” as well as cells that produce surfactant, a substance that will help his air sacs inflate once he hits the outside world. His skin is still thin and translucent, but that will start to change soon.

In the past few weeks, the top of your uterus has risen above your belly button and is now about the size of a soccer ball.

Most women have a glucose screening test (also called a glucose challenge test or GCT) between now and 28 weeks. This test checks for gestational diabetes, a pregnancy-related high-blood-sugar condition. Untreated diabetes increases your risk of having a difficult vaginal delivery or needing a cesarean section because it causes your baby to grow too large, especially in his upper body. It also raises your baby’s odds for other complications like low blood sugar right after birth. A positive result on your GCT doesn’t mean you have gestational diabetes, but it does mean that you’ll need to take the glucose tolerance test (GTT) to find out for sure.

Look at how big you are getting! Keep building those little lungs because we need them to be nice and strong when you come out. Let’s just hope your taste buds develop better than your mommy’s, and you aren’t a picky eater like me. Can’t wait to see what else this week brings!

Love, Mommy

• The Start Digging Out Of Credit Card Debt Challenge - Week Four.
• 2 Years of Blogging! Something More Important than Finances
• 9 Pounds Lighter: Internal Furnace, Thermogenesis

We all believe that our computers can handle anything, and that they will faithfully hold our information till the end of time, but unfortunately that wasn’t the case for me. Last week my dear computer had a fatal heart attack, and no resuscitation attempts could save it. Yes my dear readers last week [...]]]>

We all believe that our computers can handle anything, and that they will faithfully hold our information till the end of time, but unfortunately that wasn’t the case for me. Last week my dear computer had a fatal heart attack, and no resuscitation attempts could save it. Yes my dear readers last week my computer died.

Of course, since I believed my computer to be healthy I had not recently backed anything up. Luckily Captain Awesome is good with  computers and installed a program that would automatically back everything up, but somehow that got turned off so anything done before the last 100 or so days is lost. Lost are those e mails, word documents, files, pictures…and it stinks. I thought because I uploaded to Picasa that my pictures would’ve survived but it seems that I can only retrieve the ones that I set up to be public. Anyone know if this is true?

The good news is that my dear computer has it’s service plan warranty through Dell until October (cutting it close I know!), so today a computer man will come and bring me a new hard drive. Today, my computer will be revived! As of now I am not sure what information can be recovered, but at least I will have my computer back. Live and learn dear friends….back up your computer even if you think it’s perfectly fine. It really stinks to lose everything.

• Tipping the Scales: 8 lbs. Lost this Week
• Fishing Report: September 11, 2009
• Buzzirk Mobile - Join The # 1 Team In Global Verge! - Top Sponsor And Best Team With Results - BUZZIRK MOBILE GLOBAL VERGE