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Nine Months | BUMPdate

BUMPdates· Frances· Pregnancy

12 May

IMG_2456

How Far Along? 36 weeks (+1 day, but who’s counting?).

Baby Stats: C2 is the size of a papaya, or about 6 pounds. She’s also about 18.7 inches long! Probably longer, if she’s anything like her sister.

Weight Gain: 24 pounds (up 4 pounds from last month). Comparatively, at 36 weeks with Dorothy I was up 31.5 pounds.

Symptoms:

  • Hi, heartburn. I didn’t miss you.
  • C2 is pretty much out of room in there. She likes to roundhouse kick my right side, which takes my breath away every. single. time.
  • My wedding rings are off for the first {extended} time since I got married eight years ago. I feel naked. But my hands are swelling, and I can’t wear jewelry for my c-section. So rather than the hospital cutting them off, I took matters into my own hands.
  • Sleep is awful, and every night is different. I wake up when I need to pee. I wake up with heartburn. I wake up with hot flashes. I wake up from crazy dreams. I wake up because I’m not comfortable. I wake up because C2 is practicing her karate. I pretty much see all hours at this point.
  • I’m no doctor, but I would guess that baby has dropped A LOT in the last week or so. My back, hips and pelvis just HURT. Walking is hard.

Preparations: Nursery – check. Hospital bag – check. Car seat installed – check. Hair appointment scheduled – check. Bottle of wine in the refrigerator – check. We’re ready when you are, C2.

Surprises: I was feeling down this week. While I have enjoyed the “loneliness” I have experienced with my second pregnancy, I really seem to be the only person who acknowledges that I’m about to give birth. I’m trying to go about my life as normal – like I’m not nine months pregnant – but let’s get real. I need to sit down. I need someone to empathize with me. I need someone to recognize that I’m about to go through another major life change, and help me keep my shit together because my strength is fading fast.

So when I went to my last color guard rehearsal until July this week, I carried that stress with me. There’s 10 of them, and one of me. I had a lot to teach, and not enough time to do it effectively. I had a lot to prep for my “sub”, and only my set of {swollen} hands to help. I was, again, alone.

Then the marching band moms said they needed to see me in the cafeteria, and I walked in to the sweetest surprise baby sprinkle I’ve ever seen.

I felt so appreciated. So loved. It’s incredible what an unexpected kind gesture can do to improve your mood. 🙂 A huge THANK YOU to my guard and the moms for all you have done for me and my daughters!

Big Sister: We are trying to keep Dorothy’s life as normal as possible. School and MOPs are over for the summer, but she’ll have plenty of activity at summer dance classes and Frozen Camp. I’m thinking about enrolling her in Mom & Me swim lessons as well, as something for just the two of us to do. The less change, the better when it comes to this kid.

Dorothy has also started sleeping in for the first time in her life. This is a good thing because I’m getting some extra rest. This is a bad thing because now I’m used to sleeping until 8-8:30 a.m., and I have the feeling that C2’s sleeping schedule will be drastically different.

Momma: Last week, Dorothy fell asleep in the car on the way home… at 7 p.m. An hour-and-a-half before bedtime. Usually, she wakes up when I get her out of her car seat – no big deal. This time, though, nothing was phasing her. I carried her all the way into the house and laid her on the couch, and she was still passed out. She hadn’t eaten dinner, and she desperately needed a bath after running around at daddy’s track meet, so after a few minutes I tried to wake her up for a third time. Nope.

Instead, she curled herself into my chest and put her arm up across her face – just like she used to do when she was a baby.

I sat with her asleep in my arms and cried for an hour because she looked so stinking sweet. And because I’m going to miss these days where it’s just the two of us.

I’m an emotional momma.

Countdown to baby snuggles: 2 weeks, 6 days.

IMG_2471

C2:

Eight Months BUMPdate //  Seven Months BUMPdate // Six Months BUMPdate // Five Months BUMPdate // Pregnancy Details // Baby C2 Announcement

Dorothy:
36 Weeks // 35 Weeks // 34 Weeks // 33 Weeks // 32 Weeks // 31 Weeks // Pregnancy Details

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Comments

  1. Amanda says

    May 12, 2016 at 1:09 pm

    You look fantastic and I think it’s time for some girl time!!!!! Please get with me on when your free so I can soak up some Sami time.

    Reply
  2. Erin LFF says

    May 12, 2016 at 1:35 pm

    You look fantastic momma!! So glad your guard girls/parents sprinkled you with some love too- sounds like it was perfect timing 🙂

    Reply
  3. chelsea jacobs says

    May 16, 2016 at 7:20 pm

    You look amazing! Soooo close to that bottle of wine!

    Reply

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Hey there, I'm Samantha. Recovering SAHM, and aspiring competitive dance mom. I have a passion for travel, am known to say it like it is, and I most certainly do not have it all together. Currently on a journey toward self love and discovery. Join me. 2021 | Bloom

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This is the difference a year makes. ⬇️ 30 l This is the difference a year makes. 

⬇️ 30 lbs. ⬆️ Healthy habits. ⬇️ 4 in. of hair. ⬆️ Strength. ➕ A tattoo & a ton of self love. 

I never knew I could be this person. I’m not super athletic. I have never dieted or counted calories. I never considered myself or my health. I always have watched other women make big physical changes in their lives, but I have never felt like I was capable to do the same.

If you’re reading this, and feel the same way I used to, trust me. 

You can. 💜

(1. January 2020, 2. June 2020 (100 rides), 3. January 2021 (200 rides))

#empoweringwomen #peloton #pelotonweightloss #pelotonbike #loveyourself #fitness #fitnessjourney #cottentales #blogger #momofgirls #momsofinstagram #momblogger #lifestyleblogger #weightlossjourney #weightlosstransformation #selfcare #selflove #selflovejourney #pelotonmom #pelotoncommunity #lovesquad #boocrew #uncomfortable #bloom
NEW POST: What I've Found in the Dark Call it cli NEW POST: What I've Found in the Dark

Call it cliche, but I have a word to live by this year. If I'm being honest, it actually means a lot to me. I even have some semblance of "resolutions," which are really just mantras I plan to manifest into reality... and so far I think it's working.

What's your word for 2021? What are your goals, mantras, or resolutions for this year? Let me know in the comments. 🌸 Link in bio.

#cottentales #lifestyleblogger #mommyblogger #travelblogger #newyear #2021 #quitlikeawoman #momofgirls #blogger #bloggersofinstagram #momsofinstagram #bloom #bloomwhereyouareplanted #peloton #pelotonbike #resolutions #mantra #healthyhabits #newpost #blogging
L: 12/26/2019, aka my 32nd birthday R: 01/08/2021, L: 12/26/2019, aka my 32nd birthday
R: 01/08/2021, or today. 

My husband took that first photo. He was being nice, and trying to celebrate my birthday. I never told him I hated it. I looked heavy, because I was. My skin was terrible - red, broken out, etc. I was anxious, and stressed (ha! The days before 2020!), and it very obviously showed.

Today I’m in the best shape since high school, which blows my mind. I am actively working every day on my skincare, my mental health, and my reactions. Do I mess up? All the time. This week even, I made major mistakes that affect more than just myself. It’s a constant work, but it’s worth doing. 

I see growth. I see a woman who is starting to feel uncomfortable, and that’s a good thing. Whatever goals you have, or path you’re attempting to journey this year, keep going. Don’t let setbacks end your fight. You can do this. 💪🏻

(Also, both daughters saw me make this image this morning. Both thought I was pregnant in the photo on the left. I definitely was not.😳)

#selflove #selfcare #weightlossjourney #weightlosstransformation #peloton #pelotonmoms #cottentales #blogger #lifestyleblogger #travelblogger #momsofinstagram #momofgirls #bloom #keepgoing #pelotonweightloss #loveyourself
Two years ago, Santa followed us to Eleuthera. Las Two years ago, Santa followed us to Eleuthera. Last year, we danced our way to 2020 on the island. Christmas just doesn’t feel the same this year without the ocean. 🌊

#whitesandchristmas #eleuthera #eleutherabahamas #bahamas #christmas #ocean #momofgirls #mommyblog #lifestyleblog #travelblogger #cottentales
Mentally, I’m here. 🌊 #eleuthera #bahamas # Mentally, I’m here. 🌊 

#eleuthera #bahamas #travelblogger #lifestyleblogger #momblogger #cottentales #travel #nye2019
This is 100 @onepeloton rides vs. 178. This is 159 This is 100 @onepeloton rides vs. 178. This is 159 lbs. vs. 129 lbs. This is broken and lost vs. strong and healing. 

I was so proud of myself in that first photo, and I’m still proud of that Samantha. Steps to a better you will slowly become strides. Thanks to her, now I’m taking flight. ❤️ #selflove #selfcare #peloton #weightlossjourney #weightlosstransformation #pelotonweightloss #pelotonmom #momofgirls #lifestyleblogger #momsofinstagram #momblogger #loveyourself #cottentales
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This is the difference a year makes. ⬇️ 30 l This is the difference a year makes. 

⬇️ 30 lbs. ⬆️ Healthy habits. ⬇️ 4 in. of hair. ⬆️ Strength. ➕ A tattoo & a ton of self love. 

I never knew I could be this person. I’m not super athletic. I have never dieted or counted calories. I never considered myself or my health. I always have watched other women make big physical changes in their lives, but I have never felt like I was capable to do the same.

If you’re reading this, and feel the same way I used to, trust me. 

You can. 💜

(1. January 2020, 2. June 2020 (100 rides), 3. January 2021 (200 rides))

#empoweringwomen #peloton #pelotonweightloss #pelotonbike #loveyourself #fitness #fitnessjourney #cottentales #blogger #momofgirls #momsofinstagram #momblogger #lifestyleblogger #weightlossjourney #weightlosstransformation #selfcare #selflove #selflovejourney #pelotonmom #pelotoncommunity #lovesquad #boocrew #uncomfortable #bloom
NEW POST: What I've Found in the Dark Call it cli NEW POST: What I've Found in the Dark

Call it cliche, but I have a word to live by this year. If I'm being honest, it actually means a lot to me. I even have some semblance of "resolutions," which are really just mantras I plan to manifest into reality... and so far I think it's working.

What's your word for 2021? What are your goals, mantras, or resolutions for this year? Let me know in the comments. 🌸 Link in bio.

#cottentales #lifestyleblogger #mommyblogger #travelblogger #newyear #2021 #quitlikeawoman #momofgirls #blogger #bloggersofinstagram #momsofinstagram #bloom #bloomwhereyouareplanted #peloton #pelotonbike #resolutions #mantra #healthyhabits #newpost #blogging
L: 12/26/2019, aka my 32nd birthday R: 01/08/2021, L: 12/26/2019, aka my 32nd birthday
R: 01/08/2021, or today. 

My husband took that first photo. He was being nice, and trying to celebrate my birthday. I never told him I hated it. I looked heavy, because I was. My skin was terrible - red, broken out, etc. I was anxious, and stressed (ha! The days before 2020!), and it very obviously showed.

Today I’m in the best shape since high school, which blows my mind. I am actively working every day on my skincare, my mental health, and my reactions. Do I mess up? All the time. This week even, I made major mistakes that affect more than just myself. It’s a constant work, but it’s worth doing. 

I see growth. I see a woman who is starting to feel uncomfortable, and that’s a good thing. Whatever goals you have, or path you’re attempting to journey this year, keep going. Don’t let setbacks end your fight. You can do this. 💪🏻

(Also, both daughters saw me make this image this morning. Both thought I was pregnant in the photo on the left. I definitely was not.😳)

#selflove #selfcare #weightlossjourney #weightlosstransformation #peloton #pelotonmoms #cottentales #blogger #lifestyleblogger #travelblogger #momsofinstagram #momofgirls #bloom #keepgoing #pelotonweightloss #loveyourself
Two years ago, Santa followed us to Eleuthera. Las Two years ago, Santa followed us to Eleuthera. Last year, we danced our way to 2020 on the island. Christmas just doesn’t feel the same this year without the ocean. 🌊

#whitesandchristmas #eleuthera #eleutherabahamas #bahamas #christmas #ocean #momofgirls #mommyblog #lifestyleblog #travelblogger #cottentales
Mentally, I’m here. 🌊 #eleuthera #bahamas # Mentally, I’m here. 🌊 

#eleuthera #bahamas #travelblogger #lifestyleblogger #momblogger #cottentales #travel #nye2019
This is 100 @onepeloton rides vs. 178. This is 159 This is 100 @onepeloton rides vs. 178. This is 159 lbs. vs. 129 lbs. This is broken and lost vs. strong and healing. 

I was so proud of myself in that first photo, and I’m still proud of that Samantha. Steps to a better you will slowly become strides. Thanks to her, now I’m taking flight. ❤️ #selflove #selfcare #peloton #weightlossjourney #weightlosstransformation #pelotonweightloss #pelotonmom #momofgirls #lifestyleblogger #momsofinstagram #momblogger #loveyourself #cottentales
NEW POST: Rebranding Samantha I’m focusing a lo NEW POST: Rebranding Samantha

I’m focusing a lot of effort on self love and self discovery right now. But, just how am I perceived by the people around me? Audience determines your brand - what qualities are you projecting, and do they match how you want to be seen? Link in bio. 

#cottentales #personalbranding #rebranding #blogger #lifestyleblogger #mommyblogger #momofgirls #selflove #selfdiscovery #momblogger #travelblogger
I’ll love you forever. I’ll like you for alway I’ll love you forever.
I’ll like you for always.
As long as I’m living,
My baby you’ll be. ❤️

My baby turns 7 today, which feels unbelievable in many ways. Dorothy Laura, you make me so proud to be your mommy. 

#dbunny #cottentales #lifestyleblogger #momsofinstagram #momblogger #momofgirls #birthday #7yearsold #firstborn
If I have a life half as full as my grandfather’ If I have a life half as full as my grandfather’s, it will be enough. 

We lost 94 years of memories today, and even though we knew this day was coming it doesn’t make it easier. I’m just so glad my girls could know and love their Papaw Great. 

RIP, Upe. 💛
Have courage, and be kind. ✨ #waltdisneyworld # Have courage, and be kind. ✨

#waltdisneyworld #magickingdom #cinderella #cottentales #cottensisters #lifestyleblogger #momsofinstagram #momblogger #momofgirls #travelblogger #disneysmmc #fallbreak2020 #spontaneous

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