MandiBox Beauty

When will he arrive?? We're taking your very best guess! As many of you may know, I went into pre-labor a few weeks ago, but doctors were able to give me several medications to slow things down. Since being released from the hospital, I have had contractions about every hour! This is apparently not considered labor yet, so I've been hanging in, trying to rest, and trying not to cave into this cabin fever craze. Upon leaving the hospital, I was 2-3cm dilated and 80% effaced (sorry if that's TMI). Today I visited my OB/GYN and she did an exam. If it were up to her, she would have re-admitted me today as I am now close to 4cm dilated and at 0 station (meaning HunnyBee has settled into my pelvis and will soon start his descent). I requested to return home and promised to get myself to the hospital as soon as my contractions are 15 minutes apart (much lengthier time than most women, but the drs need the time to get me prepped). Though she scheduled me for another appoint...

It's been a while since I posted here, especially with a baby update, but I'm finally sneaking in a few minutes! Believe it or not, I'm well into my 3rd trimester. I'll be 32 weeks in just a few hours and I'm definitely feeling it. There have been quite a few obstacles along the way. My veins are worse than that of an infant! I've had doctors who have been in the business for years poke and prod with no success. Any medical professionals reading this may be thinking, "I'm a pediatric nurse. I could totally get blood from you." However, many have tried, multiple times, and have failed. I travel on a train about 30-45 minutes to get to the one clinic where the one nurse who can draw my blood works. I've had to go back and forth between my high-risk OB and my primary care physician's office to find out what tests need to be done, then to draw the blood for said tests. I'm very blessed to say that all my test results have been clean!! H...

I know, I know. Everyone wants a baby update...maybe a few more ultrasound pictures? I promise all that mushy gushy stuff is coming. However, I must once again depart from a baby update to share something I'm very passionate about. Please do not mistake this for a political post. It isn't! I made the decision early on not to get involved in the talk. This is not because I don't care. I understand decisions are being made that personally affect me and my family. It's not because I have nothing to say. Anyone who knows me, knows I'm quite opinionated. I made the decision not to get caught up in the talk because I genuinely believe actions speak louder than words. I've chosen to continue living my life daily in a way in which my actions positively impact lives. When you bring together all the positive imprints on someone's life, that leads to real change, to transformation! If you follow my social media, I shared a video earlier today that explained "T...

There are updates I want to share, like Ezra's nursery theme, but as this is my last post for 2016, I prayed about sharing something a bit more impactful. Today my Chloe + Isabel team leader shared a story I found to be very thought provoking and empowering. As I pondered this story I'm about to share, I kept hearing this "small voice" telling me to think deeper about it. Here is the story: Two physicians late in years...we'll call them Charles + Isadore, old friends from medical school, were visiting at Charles house one winter evening. Isadore had retired several years prior. Charles was still treating patients.  As they were catching up, Isadore asked Charles how he could still be working  after all these years. Charles asked Isadore to try and blow out the candle on the table. Isadore did this with minimal effort. Charles then asked Isadore to blow out the fire in the fireplace. Isadore laughed, tried, but of course could not. Charles said to Isadore......

It's been a few weeks since I last posted and much has happened. At 22 weeks I'm definitely showing and had my anatomy scan ultrasound. My HunnyBee's movements are getting stronger and more frequent, particularly in the evenings! If you've been following me on social media, you may have seen my Facebook Live video, where I announced we are having our second boy. He will be named Ezra... Before I move on with sharing details of why we chose Ezra as our HunnyBee's name, I need to share a confession. As I looked through this blog, I was re-inspired by the transparent stories of all the DiversAble Models on here and I remember committing to be just as open and honest with my own story. That said, I have to admit I felt a twinge of disappointment that I'm not having a girl. Then I felt extreme guilt for feeling this way! I have so many friends who would give anything to just have a healthy baby, yet here I was feeling disappointment that I'm having a boy. I pra...

I haven't posted an update in a few weeks, which always means life is just too hectic. In the midst of this crazy election, I'm reminded that my God is sovereign and I appreciate the miracles I get to experience each day. Last week, I heard my HunnyBee's heart beat for the first time. Strong and fast, in the 130s! In some ways, this pregnancy has been easier than my Little Bear's, but in others it has been more difficult. The body pains I felt at the 6-7 month mark with Little Bear are back with a vengeance at just over 4 months. Though I have some of my energy back, I find myself still very exhausted a lot of the time. Most of my nausea has passed, though it kicks up in waves. Overall, this is what my doctor calls the "coasting" phase. This will be the easiest part of my pregnancy! On another note, I will not post my thoughts and feelings about the turnout of this election. As a believer, I have love and compassion for all sides. We can't go forth i...

Almost 13 weeks in and I'm already feeling little flutters of my baby moving! In my first pregnancy, I didn't feel these flutters until about 18 weeks, but they are definitely there now. My body is very sensitive so I'm not surprised that I'm feeling movement earlier (most second time moms do!). I'm actually excited because those kicks and wiggles, which can become uncomfortable later, are a beautiful reminder that my baby is ok. I have sparingly taken my nausea medicine (only twice since I got the prescription), and it definitely helps. I am starting to get a bit of my appetite back, though I have no crazy cravings to share yet. This weekend's major adventure is going to be dress shopping with my ever growing baby bump. I have a big fundraising gala to attend next week and need a dress. I'm loving the new jewelry I got from Chloe + Isabel. I'm loving the Confident Curves options from my La Senorita Jolie business, so I'm going to start there. ...