My Pregnancy Journey In Pictures

 I can't believe it.  I'm pretty much at the end of my pregnancy at 39 weeks and 2 days.  The due date that seemed like an eternity away is now just days from becoming reality.

This will probably be my last post I do pregnant with Emmanuel.  These past few days have been hectic with getting everything prepared for baby and family as they will come into town; leaving me with minimal time to blog, so this is why I decided to dedicate a blog post on my bump journey in pictures.

Every chance I got I took a picture of my growing baby bump.  I wanted to keep my family and friends back in Texas apart of my progress since they could not see me in person and see my baby bump grow.

Being pregnant has taught me a lot.  It has taught me to love my body even more, to accept my body just the way it is even with all the changes that comes with pregnancy hormones, and to be confident in it.  

I'm really going to miss waking up every morning to kicking and jabbing in my tummy, and I will miss going to sleep feeling his little hiccups and a lot of him moving around.  I would always tell my hubby, "I wish you could feel what I feel when he moves inside of me.  It's just the most amazing feeling ever."  And it truly is.  I know I'm going to miss it soo much when he is born and as I see him grow each day right before my eyes.  

I understand most pregnant women want baby out at this point in pregnancy.  Trust me I have had times where I think to myself I'm so over this because at this stage your body is in so much pain, but then I think to myself, relax, just enjoy and cherish every moment he's in your tummy because your going to miss it one day.  

This little angel can take as long as he wants.  God has a glorious day all planned out for him to be born.

This is me 39 weeks preggo and baring the belly at Folly Beach!  This day was so fun.  I love living close to the coast. 

Here I am 39 weeks and 2 days.  Wow has he gotten big.  I wonder how much he weighs.

I'm so blessed to have met such  amazing people throughout my  pregnancy journey whether in person, or through social networking.  Thank you for following my videos, blog, facebook, twitter, and instagram.  I truly, truly appreciate it and am thankful for all your support.

And above all a HUGE, BIG, ENORMOUS, thank you to my wonderful hubby who is so amazing, and caring through out this whole pregnancy.  I'm truly blessed to have you as my husband.  I love you and I can't believe in a couple of days our lives are about to change forever, but all for the better.

Of course this won't be my last pregnancy post.  I plan to post more things up like for example, all the craziness that happened to my body right at 37 weeks, weight gain, and all the juicy details of pregnancy and birth! LOL

Until them this mommy is going to be preparing to welcome a little angel into this world!!!

xoxo, 

Marilu

37 Week Bump Update and Karen Egren Jewelry

I'm officially considered full term in my pregnancy.  37 weeks to be exact.  It's been a tough time.  My feet, ankles, and legs have been swelling really bad.  My feet seriously look hideous and believe it or not I could not fit into some cute strappy sandals that I wanted to wear to church this morning :/.  Yes, it was a pretty depressing moment, but it was just a moment.  I have to keep reminding myself this too shall pass.  I won't be pregnant forever and luckily I'm not alone.  Many pregnant woman are in my same boat and it helps we can all relate to each other some how.

Another thing I really wanted to share with you guys is an amazing jewelry line I discovered.  Karen Egren Jewelry.  Her jewelry is exquisite, truly one of a kind.  I won this dainty bracelet on an Instagram giveaway.  It's stunning in person and that picture does not do it justice. I'm literally obsessed with all the lovely pieces. 

You can check out more of the collection on her website www.karenegren.com

xoxo, 

Marilu

MAC 5 Day Makeup Challenge: Day 2 Bronze Smokey Eyes

Smokey eyes are definitely a signature look for me.  I think a good smokey eye really brings out the eyes and I tend to wear it the most, although I do like to be versatile with my makeup as well.

Here is the breakdown of the look.

Focus Feature
Eyes: Soft Ochre Pain Pot, Amber Lights, Bronze, and Espresso Eyeshadow, Feline eyeliner, Pure Show super slick liquid liner, Prep n Prime Lash, and In Extreme Dimension Mascara.  15 min spent achieving this look on the eyes.

Cheeks:  Contour is Refined Golden Bronzer, Eternal Sun Prolongwear blush, Love Connection Mineralized shadow for cheek highlight.

Lips:  Cork Lip Liner, Hue Lipstick, with Love Nectar gloss on top.

Foundation:   prep n prime skin and Mineralize Foundation

Brows: Deep Brunette Brow Gel with Lingering brow pencil shaded in.

I totally love this look! Till next makeup challenge post! :)))

xoxo,
Marilu

Choosing Our Stroller Review Part 2: Britax B Agile

Bassinet with out seat.

If you guys got a chance to read my First Stroller Review you can see why we decided on the Britax B Agile Stroller.  It was just the best fit for us.  

The travel system and Bassinet arrived within days.  I did not assemble it.  My husband did, but from what he says about the assembling part, it was easy with just one push of a button.  The directions were easy to comprehend and self explanatory. 

The travel system is beautiful.  It has plenty of options and has great material.  The parts are sturdy, well made and very light weight.  The bassinet is lovely and very roomy and cozy for our baby boy.  As we stroll it around it glides so smoothly with out any trouble and it has a great turning radius.

This is the trunk of our Lexus as you can see it doesn't take up a lot of room.  It's ideal for parents who have a compact car.  This is great for road trips when you need that extra space for luggage.

Overall I'm extremely, extremely content with my Britax B Agile travel system.  So thankful I bought it.  Stay tuned for my third review, of course that will be when baby arrives and see how he loves it too!

xoxo,
Marilu

Choosing our stroller Review Part I : Britax B Agile Travel System

I confess, picking out a stroller and travel system is pretty overwhelming.  First of all you don't know where to start.  There are so many designs and features to take into consideration.  I was falling in love with Pram's, Stoke's and Uppa Babby's etc. but that was just way out of our budget. 

Here are the main things I was looking for in a travel system.

Safety and quality is of the utmost importance.  The appearance of a stroller/car seat is also important to me.  After all I'm going to be taking this bad boy everywhere I go, I might as well look good!  I was willing to invest in a stroller, but at the same time I did not want to break the bank. I know I wanted a sleek appearance and color gender neutral to get more use of it in the future.  I definitely wanted a bassinet.  I wanted something light, not bulky and easy to break down.  I don't have patience for things like that lol.  I definitely wanted a large canopy and I wanted it to be a smooth ride for baby and easy to maneuver.

A little tid bit on Britax is that it is the best selling car seat in Europe and they entered the U.S. market in 1996 being one of the most trusted brands by American parents.  They are up to date with new technologies to protect your child and they study the science in car crashes.

As you can see in the picture above, the stroller is sleek, it has a large canopy, and it does not look bulky.

My main concern was breaking it down.  I didn't want it to be complicated.  I could just imagine myself being stuck in a busy parking lot with a crying baby and trying to break down a heavy bulky stroller.  I would go nuts.  So my husband and I went to Babies R Us to check it out in person since they sold it at the store. We had discovered the Britax travel system online doing lots of research on strollers.  So as we go and check out this bad boy literally with one push of a button it folds and it's lightweight to carry.  It was so simple and effortless that I was instantly impressed with it's features.

We purchased the stroller on Amazon for $320.  The stroller and the car seat came with it.  Babies R Us was selling just the stroller itself for $189.  Of course we read the reviews, watched the Youtube video reviews, and we liked what we saw and read.  It was definitely reasonably priced for something that we will use many years to come.  

Some of the things on this stroller are sold separately like the child tray and cup holders, but honestly that was not a big issue for us because we can always buy those things when we are ready to. 

This is the B Ready stroller (a different version), however this is the bassinet I bought which is compatible with the Britax Agile Stroller.

B-Agile Stroller with Bassinet and seat removed.

As I mentioned I definitely wanted a bassinet.  I just liked the idea that it would be more comfortable for baby, since he gets to lay down and have some space.  The bassinet was sold separately and was $120 at www.hayneedleinc.com

Stay tuned for my second and third review over this stroller. I'm really excited about it.  I just know I'm going to love it.  I'm pretty much at peace with my decision.  Hopefully this helps out any mommy's to be out there that are also in the same predicament I was!

xoxo,
Marilu

My Tiffany Blue Baby Shower With a Touch of Yellow

30 week bump wearing an ASOS maternity dress.

My baby shower was this weekend!  It was soo much fun and we had a great turn out since it was coed.  I was so thankful for that.  I decided to do a Tiffany Blue shower with a touch of yellow. 

All my family was unable to attend from Texas because they will be in town for Emmanuel's birth.  I can't wait to see them!

I wore a maternity dress from ASOS, which was a little too big on me.  That was my fault.  There was only a size 8 and it was the last one so I snagged it thinking I could get it altered before the baby shower...ehh didn't happen.  I seriously ran out of time.  The dress was gorgeous, my only complaint is that it was a little too flowy because it was two sizes too big. 

I loved the neckline beading and detail.  It represented the girly in me, it was a soft peachy pink color that was so appropriate for spring.  I added a Tiffany blue ribbon around my waist to represent my precious baby boy.

 Tiffany Blue Nails were done by Classy Nails Salon in Ladson, SC.  If you live around this area I highly recommend this nail shop.  Amazing service and talented professionals.  This was a OPI gel polish that the salon carried so I don't know the name of it.  It's very similar to Essie's Mint Candy Apple.

My beautiful centerpieces!  Ok, so originally we were supposed to have this baby shower outdoors, but since there was rain in the forecast we decided to set up in doors.  It was a bummer but everything still turned out beautiful.  

I took this idea off of Pinterest and made it my own.  I added a couple of things here and there.  Literally this was a non expensive centerpiece.  All I did was buy mason jars, lemons, artificial flowers and yellow polka dot ribbon from the Dollar Tree, and some pearls and rhinestones at Michael's.

The favor boxes are from Michael's. They had m&m's and I tied them with Tiffany blue tulle, making a cute bow.  

My cake was from Amelia Claires Sweets and Treats.  I wanted something simple, elegant and classy. I wanted to go with a cute chevron design and a little bow tie on top.  I absolutely loved his initial on top of the cake.

Here are some of the co workers I work with at MAC.  Amber, Suryia, and Troy are talented makeup artists I have the pleasure to work with.  I am so grateful to have met them.  One of the things I will forever cherish from Charleston, are the wonderful, wonderful people I've met.

Cutting the cake! I love my hubby!

So in love forever and ready to start our family

I made Tiffany Blue Lemonade! This is a picture off of pinterest. I did not place the lemonade in bottles like this I just put it in a serving container.  The lemonade color looked so cool with the theme.  All you need is three key ingredients.

1. Country Time Lemonade mix
2. Blue Raspberry Kool Aide
3. Sugar

Guest sign in book was from Hallmark.  We will continue to use it for guests who attend his 1st year birthday and so on.  Then give it to him as a memory when he is older.

My beautiful coworkers Amber, Olga, Me, Suryia, and Troy!

We played 2 games.  The diaper game and measuring my belly game.  The diaper game was hilarious.  So much fun.  Definitely recommend.  It is great for a coed baby shower.

Taking down all the diaper guesses! LOL

Mommy opening up her gifts!

This baby shower was so amazing.  I missed my family so much. Thank you to all the people who came by and helped out.  It truly meant the world to me and like I said before I will always cherish the people I have met in Charleston.  

xoxo,

Marilu 

30 Week Pregnancy Update and Baby Bump!

Mommy hit the 30 week mark! YAY! In the video I talk about how I feel, where I like to purchase maternity clothes, and you get to see my baby bump!

I can't believe I have 10 weeks left! I'm super super excited never thought this day would get here so fast.  I will give you guys all the details of my baby shower and what I wore etc as soon as I can!  It's this Sunday by the way!

xoxo,
Marilu

xoxo,
Marilu

Pregnancy Cravings, Eat In Moderation

Pregnancy can bring all types of unusual cravings.  Luckily I have not had any weird ones like pickles and ice cream.  I do crave a lot of sweets and I try my hardest to be good and go for things with natural sugars such as fruit instead of goodies with refined sugars in them.  I thought I'd share with you my biggest cravings of my pregnancy!  Who knows maybe after reading this post you yourself will start craving some of these foodies! lol

Eat Your Vegetables Chips by Snikiddy

These are so good.  I'm literally obsessed.  These have a blend of sweet potatoes, carrots, and navy beans.  I got hooked on them when I bought a huge bag at Costco.  They were delish and I kinda don't feel so guilty eating these chips because they are good for you.  If anyone knows me well they know how I love snacking on chips, so having a healthy alternative is great!  I just wish Costco would carry this big bag again! 

 Breakfast Food

Need I say more.  Breakfast food has taken over my thoughts lol. Lately my hubby and I have been cooking up a lot of breakfast on Sunday mornings.  It's just a perfect thing to do before or after church.  These Eggs Benedict are from Eggs Up in Mt Pleasant, SC.  Loved eating at this place.  Definitely recommend if you are in the area.

Chipotle

Their salad is so good.  I get mine with chicken and black beans and change up the rice between brown and white.  Guacamole and Sour Cream is a MUST.  Hubby and I split this because one entree is definitely too much for me alone to eat.  Besides sharing is a great way to cut excess calories!

Frozen Yogurt

I like my froyo tart, not super sweet and the toppings I prefer are fruit, almonds, Gram crumbs, and occasionally a couple of vanilla wafer cookies.  That's it and oh my goodness I am in heaven! 

You can have a little bit of everything just do it in moderation, and when you get the chance share or split it with your hubby, a friend, relative or simply eat half and save it for later.  Just a little tip to keep from over eating. :)  Till next post! Which will be soon because tomorrow I start my third trimester!!! So excited! :)

xo,

Marilu

My Gender Reveal Pictures

I knew right from the beginning of my pregnancy that I wanted to have gender reveal pictures done.  It's just so much fun announcing the news that way.  When we found out the gender of our baby we immediately told family only.  We scheduled our photo session and when the pictures were ready, we then announced it to the world.  It was really special, but also very hard to keep in.  I just wanted to shout it out to everyone that I was having a boy.

I mainly got the ideas from Pinterest.  I was blessed to find a great photographer here in Charleston that was with in my budget, Amber Elliott Photography.  These pictures were taken at James Island County Park.  I discussed the ideas with Amber and we took different poses.

Overall I was pretty pleased with the pictures.  They are precious memories I can share with my little Prince.  I know he is going to love them.

Makeup and hair is of course by me and this dress is from TJ Maxx only $16.99.  I'm such a bargain shopper.  It's not a maternity dress, but I knew it was roomy enough for my baby bump.  Earrings are from Forever 21.  Scarf is also from Forever 21.

Overall  my pregnancy is going fantastic.  I'm going to be in the third trimester in a couple of weeks! I'm so excited to meet my angel and for you to meet him as well!

xo,
Marilu

Behind The Inspiration Of My Baby Boy's Name

Many people have asked me how I chose the name Emmanuel for my little boy.  First of all I remember seeing this X-factor video of Emmanuel Kelly's story and I found it so inspiring.  He has an incredible voice.  Whenever I would here his name in the video it sounded so powerful and beautiful.

Then at Christmas time during a church service they were playing songs with Emmanuel in it and I could not pass up that powerful name for my little boy.  I knew instantly he was going to be called Emmanuel.  So my husband and I decided to name him Emmanuel Andres Segura.  Emmanuel meaning "God with us" and Andres

meaning "strong, manly, brave".  Andres is my husbands middle name.

Every day I pray for this little one growing inside of me.   Words can't even describe the love I have for him.  I can't wait to meet him and hold him in my arms!!!

5 Months Pregnant: Maintain your Fabulousness!

Happy 5 months to my baby angel! We are halfway there.  I'm so so excited!  Pregnancy is definitely more fun in the second trimester.  I feel better and I definitely have more energy.  Luckily I'm still fitting into my regular clothes but kinda tight at the belly.  So I'm opting for more lose clothing gradually and eventually I'll be working my way into some maternity clothing.

 I'm wearing a basic grey t-shirt I got it at some random little shop, with mossimo cheetah print pants and xhiliration metallic ballet flats from Target.  My necklace is from Forever 21.  A beautiful statement necklace really takes a basic t-shirt to a whole new level.

 

Aqua Lip Liner in 15c

Rouge Artist Intense 10 (pink on far right)

I'm waring Urban Decay's Electric liner all on the lid blended well with a brush, and from my Coastal Scents 252 palette I applied a mint eye shadow on top to really make the color more minty blue.  I added a matte grey shadow also from the Coastal Scents 252 palette on the crease.  On the lips I have on Aqua Lip by Makeup Forever in 15c and Makeup Forever Lipstick in 10.

What do you guys think?  As a mommy to be I feel EXTRA beautiful these days and the need to look EXTRA beautiful because I am carrying a precious life in me, a little miracle from God.  So shine, shine, shine, while your pregnant!

xoxo,
Marilu

Update: Big News!

Hi Loves!

It's been such a crazy long time since I've last blogged.  Well not too long, but it's been a while.

I have to update you on the latest and greatest.  I recently got a job promotion at work.  Woo hoo! All I can say is I worked so hard for this and I'm continuing to work hard and reach for my dreams.  I truly love what I do and I believe that is the key to success, and of course putting God first is a big one for me and giving Him all the glory.

One of the most desired things I wanted to do in life is be a mommy.  My husband and I prayed and put it in God's hands.  Well God answered our prayers! We are pregnant!  We are beyond excited!

I can't wait to meet this little angel.  I guess you can say let the pregnant fashion begin!  :) I'm thrilled to share with you my journey.  It's going to be an amazing one! :)

xoxo