Extreme Poop Pains

I want to apologize to everyone really quick for not posting much lately. I'm in that stage of pregnancy where I feel like CRAP! I don't want to do anything and everything makes me sick. Even looking at my phone (which I was addicted to before) makes me sick... I can't stand to get a call or text from anyone right now but I know in a couple of weeks I'll be missing everyone calling to check up on me.

Not much new has happened since the last time I wrote. A few days ago I did have a pretty severe bout of stomach cramps. I think it had something to do with IBS because the pain from having to go to the bathroom was so intense I literally almost passed out. My eyes starting blacking out, my ears started whooshing and then ringing, I almost threw up, and I started sweating so profusely that it was rolling off of me unto the floor... Not pretty and definitely something I don't want to experience again.

I was worried about it so I called the doc and they made me come in for blood work to get my HCG levels tested. They said my levels were almost 13,000!!! So of course that prompted me to look for what the "normal" range is... which was impossible to find because everybody varies so much. I am a little worried about possibly having twins, but I'm trying to keep from stressing too much because I won't know until I go for my ultrasound Feb. 13th.

I would love to know what everyone else's levels were, if you remember. =)

Already Showing?!?...

I'm officially 5 weeks preggers today!

I never would have guessed that I would be this uncomfortable already... I know it's been 5 years since I was pregnant with Jordan and I've forgotten a lot but I'm already experiencing all kinds of stuff that I didn't think would happen yet.

In addition to the normal-at-this-stage titty tenderness, I've been having symptoms like:

• General uncomfortableness 
• Restless nights
• Heartburn
• Discharge

Plus I think I'm already starting to show! I'm trying to suck it in and make it look like I'm normal because you're not "supposed" to start showing until at least 3 months... I think the more kids or pregnancies you have had though the sooner you start to show. My aunt is also pregnant right now and she was really showing at just 10 weeks! (She's little though, and I'm already plus sized, so I don't know if the same rules apply.)

When did you start showing with your kids?

Yo Gabba Gabba LIVE! in Cincinnati, OH!

Yesterday I got the chance to take my son and nieces to see Yo Gabba Gabba LIVE in Cincinnati, OH at the Aronoff Center of the Arts. I had a feeling that they would love it but just how much they loved I wouldn't know until I saw their faces light up.

I was not disappointed. Yo Gabba Gabba is just about the only show that my son is addicted to that I can actually stand to watch. Their songs are so catchy and I actually use them everyday even when the TV is not on, when I want Jordan to clean or eat or to not be scared of the dark.

We had great seats! (Bring a better camera then I did when you go.)

It's not a surprise that tons of celebrities take their children to this show. It was awesome! Even being 25 years old, I personally loved it! I was just as excited as the children when the confetti popped out all over us.
The only thing that could have made it better was if we could go backstage and meet the characters. (That option is available to purchase, and now that I know how awesome the show is, I will definitely be trying to do that next year.)

Here's some of the bajillion pictures I took at the show.

I posted this video on Facebook and labeled it, The Perfect Video to Describe the Entire 80 Minute Show. I had a lot of people write me and ask prices and locations so here is that information. There are still a lot of shows that are playing across the nation so check here and see if there is one playing near you! You nor your kids will be disappointed in this show.

Some things that should be mentioned:

• The show is loud so keep that in mind if your child doesn't like loud noises. 
• There is confetti and bubbles released into the crowd but you won't be dirty when you leave.
• There is a brief 5 seconds of flashing strobe lights.
• The kids and parents are encouraged to stand up and dance so if you choose to remain seated, you might not be able to see very good (depending on your seats.)

I can't wait to take Jordan and our new baby again next year! This is definitely becoming a Ballard Family tradition until they outgrow Yo Gabba Gabba. (And then I might just go by myself. LOL)

Have you and your kids attended one of the LIVE shows this year? If so, what was their favorite part?!

Why so much gas!?

I still haven't been to the doctor yet, but my appointment is scheduled for Feb. 13th. I'm a little worried because I'll be around 9 weeks at that time and I lost my last baby at 8 weeks...

I'm trying to think positive though and not stress myself out too much. Although I'm not gonna lie.. Every time I go to the bathroom, I inspect the toilet paper for even the tiniest sight of blood. I know. That's not healthy, but I can't help it.

I had my son almost 5 years ago so while I do remember some things, I'm pretty much like a 1st time Mommy again.

My pregnancy symptoms this week have been a crazy amount of gas that I just can't or no longer feel like holding in, and some major pregnancy brain!

For example: I have been married for 7 years and my husband could count on 2 hands how many times I've actually "popped gas" (what my son calls it) in front of him.
This past Sunday we had a couple of friends over and I actually let it out right in front of them! I would have NEVER done that before. I was embarrassed but they made me feel better because immediately everyone pushed out some of their own gas just so I wouldn't feel bad. =) I've got great friends. Just not a very nice smelling house right now. LOL

Yesterday, I went to the fridge to get a drink and saw a water bottle with the initial C on the lid... I couldn't for the life of me think of who's water bottle that could be... My husband's name is Corey...

It's like my brain cells are traveling down my spine and out my butt right now, but I'm loving every minute of it and my husband just thinks I'm cuter because of it. =)

Right now I'm looking for suggestions on which pregnancy body pillow is the best so please tell me your opinions Mommies! =)

Talk to you soon!

We're Expecting!

I just found out this morning that I'm pregnant with my second child. I'm excited and scared at the same time. I have all these feeling that I'm sure every mom goes through when they find out everything is getting ready to change...

• Am I going to love it more/less than my 1st child?
• Am I ever going to sleep?
• How can I afford this?
• I just made a New Year's Resolution to LOSE WEIGHT not GAIN it. 

But even through all this worry I'd be lying if I said that I'm not already thinking about nursery decorations and baby showers. =) 

One thing is for sure... No matter what, this baby will be loved. 

I've already had one miscarriage in between having my son and this new pregnancy so I'm a little worried about that. I know I probably shouldn't have spilled the beans until I make sure everything is okay but I just couldn't help it. 

I called the doctor this morning to make my first OB appointment and as soon as the scheduler calls me back i'll have a first doctor's appointment set up. 

So while I intend to stay active and try not to overdo it with the eating binges, I'm changing my New Year's Resolution from losing weight to getting some of the bajillion things I have to do accomplished before Baby (that's what I'm gonna call it for now) gets here. 

I already know my Pinterest boards are going to be overflowing! LOL

Giveaway: Nuclear Cowboyz 2013

Start 2013 off right!

 You'll be on the edge of your seat as you watch back to back daring stunts and amazing tricks as the Metal Mulisha and the Soldiers of Havoc battle it out to see who is more badass.

The first of two Nuclear Cowboyz shows in Cincinnati, OH (where I will be attending) this year is only 16 days away but there's still a few tickets available.

Do you plan on going and if so, in what city?

Kansas City, MO
Cincinnati, OH
Pittsburgh, PA
San Antonio, TX
Auburn Hills, MI
Tampa, FL
Atlanta, GA
New Orleans, LA
East Rutherford, NJ
Ontario, CA
Houston, TX

Click HERE for more ticket information.

I'm giving away (2) more 4 packs of tickets to see this jaw dropping performance in Cincinnati, OH on:

January 19th @ 7:30 p.m.

or

January 20th @ 2:00 p.m. 

Enter below for your chance to win! 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Dallas: The Complete First Season

The Southfork Legacy Lives On...

DALLAS: 

THE COMPLETE FIRST SEASON

Includes all 10 episodes from Season 1, Plus over 2 hours of bonus features, including 6 featurettes, a Pilot commentary, and deleted scenes!

Available Jan. 8 from Warner Bros. Home Entertainment Group

One of the longest running series in television history has struck it rich again with Dallas, the new series inspired by the landmark drama. Catch up with all the scandal, lies and betrayal as Warner Bros. Home Entertainment Group releases Dallas: The Complete First Season on DVD January 8 to coincide with the start of it's second season on TNT. This 3-Disc DVD collector's set features all 10 episodes from the first season and over 2 hours of bonus features, including 6 featurettes, a pilot commentary and deleted scenes.

I haven't seen this show yet, but I remember my mom and grandma talking about the older one when I was younger. The plot sounds exciting and now that I know Josh Henderson (Desperate Housewives), Jesse Metcalfe (Desperate Housewives), and Jordana Brewster (Fast & The Furious films) stars in this new remake of the hit show from the 70's, I can't wait to find out what all the fuss is about. 

Yo Gabba Gabba LIVE!

OK Parents...
If you have a child under the age of 6, i'm sure you probably know what Yo Gabba Gabba is.
It's only the most addictive show on Nick Jr... =)

My son has been a fan since he was two and I'm finally getting the chance to take him to see Yo Gabba Gabba LIVE! It's a surprise to him (an early birthday present for next year) so I can't wait to see the look on his face when he sees life sized versions of his favorite characters dancing around.

We're going to the show in Cincinnati, OH on January 10th but the Get The Sillies Out tour is traveling nationwide!

View all of the venues and times here

If you will be attending the show in Cincinnati, OH here's a little more information:

Yo Gabba Gabba! Live!: Get the Sillies Out! 

will have two performances (3:00 p.m. & 6:00 p.m.) in Cincinnati at 

The Aronoff Center for the Arts - Proctor & Gamble Hall 

on Thursday, January 10th.

Tickets start at $26. VIP Party Packages are available as well which include a ticket in the first 15 rows, a pass to "Get The Sillies Out" in the private VIP room featuring a super fun party with the Gabba Gang (costumed characters) and more. Children under 1 year old do not require a paid ticket to sit on a parent's lap.

$100 Walmart Gift Card Giveaway

What would you buy with $100 at Walmart?

Enter below for your chance to win!

Giveaway will end on January 2, 2013 at 11:59 p.m. US Eastern time.
Open to United States & Canada (18+)

Cincinnati Ballet: The Nutcracker Review

Tonight my friend Terrina and I attended opening night of The Nutcracker performed by the Cincinnati Ballet at the Aronoff Center for the Arts. It was pretty amazing to say the least. 

The view from our great seats in the Balcony.

Walking the streets of downtown Cincinnati this time of year is spectacular anyways, because of all the festivities they have going on (being only a week and a half away from Christmas). Fountain Square was lit up as usual and had plenty of families taking their turn around the ice skating rink. We even saw a few couples taking advantage of the many horse and carriage rides on our way to and from the theater.

Me and Terrina before the show started

Once we got inside, we had no trouble finding our seats (thanks to the many ushers they have available and eager to help).
Even though the performance was 2 hours long, it felt like it flew by in no time.

I had the privilege of also attending last year and this performance (though different) was just as enthralling.

I will say that the "special effects" (if that is what it is called in theater language) were a lot better this year than last. I don't want to give too much away but let's just say those dancers sure can jump high...

The only thing I felt they did a little better last year was the set design for Act 2. It was full of candy and cupcakes and everything sweet, and I felt that this year the set was lacking a bit in color and oomph. But the dancers made up for it with their awesome performances.

I especially liked how in Act 1 the old couple and the mice brought a little funky fresh dance moves to the show, but my favorite of it all, had to be the scene with the Christmas tree. It literally made my eyes light up and my mouth drop. The Cincinnati Ballet has some great dancers who are a must see in local entertainment.

All in all it was a great time and I really enjoyed myself. I definitely plan on going another time this month and bringing my nieces who think all ballerinas are princesses.

If you live in the Cincinnati, OH area make sure you plan to attend one of these dates:

December 15th @ 2:00 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.

December 16th @ 1:00 p.m. & 5:30 p.m.

December 20th @ 7:30 p.m.

December 21st @ 7:30 p.m.

December 22nd @ 2:00 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.

December 23rd @ 1:00 p.m. & 5:30 p.m.

For more information and ticket prices, visit here.