I went searching for something cute and fun that I could wear and not feel like a pumpkin. I found it on Etsy in the form of an iron on.
Sunday, December 2, 2012
Nightmare before Christmas
Oh geezzz! Per usual I've got some catching up to do. Well, as I expand, I need to find clothing to cover the bump. Halloween has always been one of my favorites. So when I realized that I couldn't make use of the box of costumes I have stored I was both sad and a little panicked.
I went searching for something cute and fun that I could wear and not feel like a pumpkin. I found it on Etsy in the form of an iron on.
This little gem arrived about a week after I ordered it. I used a pre-pregnancy shirt and, because we're expecting a little lady, I added a bow to the skeleton baby's' head later that night. I had the hubby take this picture with my phone so I know that quality is not the best. But, I was so excited to have a cute Halloween costume that I didn't think to demand he capture the moment with our nice camera.
I went searching for something cute and fun that I could wear and not feel like a pumpkin. I found it on Etsy in the form of an iron on.
Sunday, September 9, 2012
Glowing Skin...Where are you?
There is a falsity in the pregnancy community that I need to dispel! Just because you are pregnant does not mean, I repeat, does not mean that you will have that glowing beautify pregnancy skin.
Because of all the hormones running around through your body during this wonderful time many women (including myself) experience acne, dry skin patches, changes in your skin type (oily to dry vs dry to oily). It's exhausting! Trying to keep up with all the changes, trying to take in all in stride, takes a tole on your skin and vanity.
Because of all the hormones running around through your body during this wonderful time many women (including myself) experience acne, dry skin patches, changes in your skin type (oily to dry vs dry to oily). It's exhausting! Trying to keep up with all the changes, trying to take in all in stride, takes a tole on your skin and vanity.
Friday, September 7, 2012
Four Months and Counting
16 weeks and counting. Baby is roughly the size of a turnip (or so my pregnancy app says). I've gained about 4lbs and basically look like I need to take a crap, or like I've been chowing on donuts. Either way, I'm less than comfortable with my new shape.
Now that I've started the second trimester I do feel like I have more energy. I also have a bigger appetite. I have to keep reminding myself that the old adage of "you're eating for two" is false!!! You only need about 300 extra calories a day, which really isn't much. So I've been trying to eat more fruits and veggies.
We are in the process of boxing up our tiny apartment for the big move. Hoping that everything stays on track and we can really be moved by the second week in October. Painting and steam cleaning carpets will happen that first week.
Also happening the first week in October is our first ultrasound! Yay for that, because I am one excited lady. I am just dying to know...boy...girl...why do they make you wait soooo long!?! Also I secretly need confirmation that there is really only one little bean in there. Some days I have my doubts; like when I can't button up my pants, or my underwear feel tight, or when I catch a glimpse of myself in the bathroom mirror.
Little bean is doing well, I'm doing well, the old man is playing Nintendo, and our little monster is sleeping on the couch. All is well in our household...for now.
Now that I've started the second trimester I do feel like I have more energy. I also have a bigger appetite. I have to keep reminding myself that the old adage of "you're eating for two" is false!!! You only need about 300 extra calories a day, which really isn't much. So I've been trying to eat more fruits and veggies.
We are in the process of boxing up our tiny apartment for the big move. Hoping that everything stays on track and we can really be moved by the second week in October. Painting and steam cleaning carpets will happen that first week.
Also happening the first week in October is our first ultrasound! Yay for that, because I am one excited lady. I am just dying to know...boy...girl...why do they make you wait soooo long!?! Also I secretly need confirmation that there is really only one little bean in there. Some days I have my doubts; like when I can't button up my pants, or my underwear feel tight, or when I catch a glimpse of myself in the bathroom mirror.
Little bean is doing well, I'm doing well, the old man is playing Nintendo, and our little monster is sleeping on the couch. All is well in our household...for now.
Friday, August 17, 2012
And Summer's Almost Gone Already
Have been neglecting you again. But I have an excuse...a legit one this time.
We are expecting! We took this photo a while back on our two week road trip to Yellowstone & Glacier Nationals Parks. We thought it would be a cute way to announce.
I am 13 weeks and 2 days right now. Baby is due February 20th, 2013 (or somewhere around that time). It's pretty weird though, I haven't been sick. I have felt tired and hungry and sure, my hormones may have gotten the best of me a time or two, but other than that I don't really feel pregnant. Not sure if I'm allowed to say that, but I did...I don't feel pregnant, just fat.
We are trying be very budget savvy right now as...oh did I forget to mention...we are in the middle of buying our first home. No big deal, just a baby and a house in 6 months..oh and we traded in our Scion for a Subaru. SO yeah...no big scary life changes happening here.
Anyway, back to budget savvy. I wanted to go crazy and have the cutest nursery ever, like most momma's to be. But, the hubs squashed that one pretty quick with the sheer look of panic that crossed his face as we walked around BuyBuy Baby and Babies R U. Poor guy, thought he was going to have a mini right in the crib isle. So, I have decided to take pity on the love of my life and do a lot of DIY things, bargain hunt, and I have even deigned to consider buying second hand.
My first second hand trip is actually happening tomorrow as I peruse the huge Mac-Groveland neighborhood sales happening. Sounds like I have the potential to get a good haul!
The second idea I had was to make all my burp clothes myself. I know how to sew, and used to sew quite i bit back in the day, but haven't done much in recent years. I plan on digging out my sewing machine, watching for awesome JoAnn coupons and picking up some lovely fabric. I already have a pattern I found free on Pinterest.
My third idea was about baby's furniture. First, I want to get a crib that grows with baby. The one that transforms into a toddler bed and then a big kid bed. Seems like I'll get more for my money that way. Second, I was reading on various blogs that a changing table is a waste of time. So I'm going to head straight for a real dresser and add a changing pad and shelf liner to the top (so the pad doesn't slide). This way I already have a dresser for baby as he/she grows AND I'm not stuck with a useless changing table in a year.
Lastly, I don't mind buying used clothing for baby. I think of it this way, baby is going to be a puking, pooping, sleeping, eating machine for the first 6 months at least. They don't even know what they're wearing. What do I care if baby pukes or poops in second hand clothing. At least I won't be sad that I paid a lot for something that was ruined.
OK, now off to bed for this tired lady. Garage sales in the early morning.
I am 13 weeks and 2 days right now. Baby is due February 20th, 2013 (or somewhere around that time). It's pretty weird though, I haven't been sick. I have felt tired and hungry and sure, my hormones may have gotten the best of me a time or two, but other than that I don't really feel pregnant. Not sure if I'm allowed to say that, but I did...I don't feel pregnant, just fat.
We are trying be very budget savvy right now as...oh did I forget to mention...we are in the middle of buying our first home. No big deal, just a baby and a house in 6 months..oh and we traded in our Scion for a Subaru. SO yeah...no big scary life changes happening here.
Anyway, back to budget savvy. I wanted to go crazy and have the cutest nursery ever, like most momma's to be. But, the hubs squashed that one pretty quick with the sheer look of panic that crossed his face as we walked around BuyBuy Baby and Babies R U. Poor guy, thought he was going to have a mini right in the crib isle. So, I have decided to take pity on the love of my life and do a lot of DIY things, bargain hunt, and I have even deigned to consider buying second hand.
My first second hand trip is actually happening tomorrow as I peruse the huge Mac-Groveland neighborhood sales happening. Sounds like I have the potential to get a good haul!
The second idea I had was to make all my burp clothes myself. I know how to sew, and used to sew quite i bit back in the day, but haven't done much in recent years. I plan on digging out my sewing machine, watching for awesome JoAnn coupons and picking up some lovely fabric. I already have a pattern I found free on Pinterest.
My third idea was about baby's furniture. First, I want to get a crib that grows with baby. The one that transforms into a toddler bed and then a big kid bed. Seems like I'll get more for my money that way. Second, I was reading on various blogs that a changing table is a waste of time. So I'm going to head straight for a real dresser and add a changing pad and shelf liner to the top (so the pad doesn't slide). This way I already have a dresser for baby as he/she grows AND I'm not stuck with a useless changing table in a year.
Lastly, I don't mind buying used clothing for baby. I think of it this way, baby is going to be a puking, pooping, sleeping, eating machine for the first 6 months at least. They don't even know what they're wearing. What do I care if baby pukes or poops in second hand clothing. At least I won't be sad that I paid a lot for something that was ruined.
OK, now off to bed for this tired lady. Garage sales in the early morning.
Sunday, June 17, 2012
Successfully Surprised
Saturday (June 9th) marked my husband's 30th birthday. I wanted to do something very special for him and for the last few months have been trying to plan a party he might enjoy.
First, I'd better give a little history on mu hubby. For some reason he strongly dislikes celebrating his birthday. I don't know if it's the fuss he doesn't enjoy, or maybe he feels that people would be obligated to attend, but whatever the case, he doe not enjoy it. He'd rather go away for the weekend with me.
When I informed him that his mother would like to celebrate his birthday by hosting dinner he was up in arms about it! He complained for weeks that he wanted to go camping or canoeing; he did not want to be around friends or family. He did not want to drive to our hometown for dinner. He did not want people to get him cards. And on, and on, and on...
Well, little did he know that this was the cover story for the surprise party that his mother and I had cooked up. We had help from a few friends in creating the surprise, finding the location, ordering the food, etc. His buddies took him golfing all day and when they finished 18 holes they were met with a clubhouse full of friends and family (and amazing food).
I thought he had figured it out for sure, but he seemed very surprised by the event and the loved one who came. I think deep down he felt happy to know that so many people wanted to celebrate with him.
I was happy to see him enjoying himself, relaxing, having a few drinks, and mingling. Mission Accomplished!! Wishing a Happy Birthday to the most wonderful man in my life; you bring me immense joy and happiness every day. I try my hardest to bring you the same.
First, I'd better give a little history on mu hubby. For some reason he strongly dislikes celebrating his birthday. I don't know if it's the fuss he doesn't enjoy, or maybe he feels that people would be obligated to attend, but whatever the case, he doe not enjoy it. He'd rather go away for the weekend with me.
When I informed him that his mother would like to celebrate his birthday by hosting dinner he was up in arms about it! He complained for weeks that he wanted to go camping or canoeing; he did not want to be around friends or family. He did not want to drive to our hometown for dinner. He did not want people to get him cards. And on, and on, and on...
Well, little did he know that this was the cover story for the surprise party that his mother and I had cooked up. We had help from a few friends in creating the surprise, finding the location, ordering the food, etc. His buddies took him golfing all day and when they finished 18 holes they were met with a clubhouse full of friends and family (and amazing food).
I thought he had figured it out for sure, but he seemed very surprised by the event and the loved one who came. I think deep down he felt happy to know that so many people wanted to celebrate with him.
I was happy to see him enjoying himself, relaxing, having a few drinks, and mingling. Mission Accomplished!! Wishing a Happy Birthday to the most wonderful man in my life; you bring me immense joy and happiness every day. I try my hardest to bring you the same.
Better Late than Never - Hiking Trip
Sorry for the lack of posting. Life has been crazy the last few weeks.
Anyway, this is a recap of my hiking adventure.
Well, I survived the weekend...barely. We had planned on hiking and camping for 3 days, 2 nights, but we cut it short and only did 2 days, 1 night.
Apparently not all the campsites are "first come, first serve" as we found out when we reached Tettegouche State Park Friday afternoon. All the campsites had already been reserved. By this time we has hiked 8 miles or so, each of us carrying a 20+ pound pack. The next campsite was East Palisades...another 5miles down the trail. So, short of just hopping off the trail and setting up a tent in the middle of nowhere, we trekked on.
Thoroughly exhausted after 13 miles we quickly set up the tent, boiled dinner, strained and sanitized water from the stream and promptly collapsed in out sleeping bags.
Day two in the wilderness dawned hot and sunny with a sultry breeze. This would normally be a wonderful hiking day for most, but our battered and bruised, dehydrated bodies, begged to differ. We ate a quick breakfast while planning the day. We has only 10 miles of trail left before we reached our car. This left us with two options:
1. Hike our planned route of 5-6 miles that day and make camp. Then, hike the last bit Sunday.
2. Hike the whole 10 miles and drive into Duluth to stuff our faces with delicious, greasy burgers.
You can guess which option won out. So, we started our 10 mile trek to the car. We ended up in the sun for the better part of the day. I was even sporting sock tan lines at the end. Dehydration became so bad for me that I hadn't had to use the bathroom since I woke up that morning. This is a bad sign!!
Now don't get me wrong, even though this was a disaster of a hiking trip, I enjoyed it in many ways. We saw bear paw print, took cute photos of each other with breathtaking views in the background, and the quiet of the forest was wonderful.
I enjoyed the experience not only because I found inner strength to persevere when I though I would simply keel over from exhaustion, but I spent two stressful days with my husband and we did not take out our anxiety or exhaustion on each other. We worked as a team to get through 23 miles in 2 days and I am so very proud of this.
It's situations like this that make me truly grateful I met ( and had the good sense to marry) this man. Hiking 23 miles over one of the toughest parts of the Superior Hiking Trail is a personal accomplishment for me. An adventure I will always remember with my best friend.
Anyway, this is a recap of my hiking adventure.
Well, I survived the weekend...barely. We had planned on hiking and camping for 3 days, 2 nights, but we cut it short and only did 2 days, 1 night.
Apparently not all the campsites are "first come, first serve" as we found out when we reached Tettegouche State Park Friday afternoon. All the campsites had already been reserved. By this time we has hiked 8 miles or so, each of us carrying a 20+ pound pack. The next campsite was East Palisades...another 5miles down the trail. So, short of just hopping off the trail and setting up a tent in the middle of nowhere, we trekked on.
Thoroughly exhausted after 13 miles we quickly set up the tent, boiled dinner, strained and sanitized water from the stream and promptly collapsed in out sleeping bags.
Day two in the wilderness dawned hot and sunny with a sultry breeze. This would normally be a wonderful hiking day for most, but our battered and bruised, dehydrated bodies, begged to differ. We ate a quick breakfast while planning the day. We has only 10 miles of trail left before we reached our car. This left us with two options:
1. Hike our planned route of 5-6 miles that day and make camp. Then, hike the last bit Sunday.
2. Hike the whole 10 miles and drive into Duluth to stuff our faces with delicious, greasy burgers.
You can guess which option won out. So, we started our 10 mile trek to the car. We ended up in the sun for the better part of the day. I was even sporting sock tan lines at the end. Dehydration became so bad for me that I hadn't had to use the bathroom since I woke up that morning. This is a bad sign!!
Now don't get me wrong, even though this was a disaster of a hiking trip, I enjoyed it in many ways. We saw bear paw print, took cute photos of each other with breathtaking views in the background, and the quiet of the forest was wonderful.
I enjoyed the experience not only because I found inner strength to persevere when I though I would simply keel over from exhaustion, but I spent two stressful days with my husband and we did not take out our anxiety or exhaustion on each other. We worked as a team to get through 23 miles in 2 days and I am so very proud of this.
It's situations like this that make me truly grateful I met ( and had the good sense to marry) this man. Hiking 23 miles over one of the toughest parts of the Superior Hiking Trail is a personal accomplishment for me. An adventure I will always remember with my best friend.
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
Superior Trails Ahead
Getting all packed up tonight to head out after work tomorrow for the Superior Hiking Trails. We're hiking and camping Friday morning to Sunday afternoon. We've never hiked these trails before though so I don't know what to expect in terms of terrain or climate. My pack is very heavy right now...scaring me already!
This will be the first time I've hiked with a large pack. But, since we are heading out to Montana in a month to do just this very thing for two whole weeks, I thought I might like to get some experience under my belt instead of jumping in blind.
B is walking around our tiny apartment talking to himself about all the things he might be forgetting. Keeps saying "Gah, we might be alright" while his hands are in his pants. Is this normal behavior? Unsure, but will continue to silently mock him. He does the same to be...but without the silent part.
We live a few hours away from Superior so we've got a bit of a drive after work, but we are staying in a hotel Thursday night because I couldn't bear the thought of camping in our car (the cheapest alternative) or a campsite in the park. We found a Groupon for a hotel close to the shuttle and it was a pretty good deal so we went with that. Hot shower, warm bed, and hot food before I plunge into a forest full of bugs, damp nights, cold air, and uncomfortable sleeping bags.
I keep trying to convince myself that I can be this outdoorsy girl. That I don't look totally butch in my hiking clothes and shoes, that I don't mind pulling wood tics out of random places on my body. (Deep calming breath). But it's freaking hard! I hate bugs and ugly clothes. However the trade off is that I can spend time with a wonderful guy, enjoy some peace and quiet, and burn some calories without really noticing.
Let the long weekend adventure being!
This will be the first time I've hiked with a large pack. But, since we are heading out to Montana in a month to do just this very thing for two whole weeks, I thought I might like to get some experience under my belt instead of jumping in blind.
B is walking around our tiny apartment talking to himself about all the things he might be forgetting. Keeps saying "Gah, we might be alright" while his hands are in his pants. Is this normal behavior? Unsure, but will continue to silently mock him. He does the same to be...but without the silent part.
We live a few hours away from Superior so we've got a bit of a drive after work, but we are staying in a hotel Thursday night because I couldn't bear the thought of camping in our car (the cheapest alternative) or a campsite in the park. We found a Groupon for a hotel close to the shuttle and it was a pretty good deal so we went with that. Hot shower, warm bed, and hot food before I plunge into a forest full of bugs, damp nights, cold air, and uncomfortable sleeping bags.
I keep trying to convince myself that I can be this outdoorsy girl. That I don't look totally butch in my hiking clothes and shoes, that I don't mind pulling wood tics out of random places on my body. (Deep calming breath). But it's freaking hard! I hate bugs and ugly clothes. However the trade off is that I can spend time with a wonderful guy, enjoy some peace and quiet, and burn some calories without really noticing.
Let the long weekend adventure being!
Monday, May 28, 2012
Memorial Weekend
Spent Memorial weekend waiting for the rain to stop. Met with success Sunday afternoon when the weather turned a hot and humid 90 degrees. Went for a boat ride around the lake and later a jet ski ride with my husband.
Today is a lazy day of afternoon napping followed by stopping in at a few family cookouts. Got some major details of our summer trip hammered out this morning over cinnamon Chex with strawberries. Delish! Didn't even mind that B ate about half (per usual).
Jumping back to this weekend, I was able to pick the brains of some friends who have a six month old. I asked about what kinds of things they bought for baby that were a waste of money and what was really worth it. I learned a few things:
Buy:
Nanny Nap thing
Diaper Genie
Bumbo -with the tray
Baby Bjorn bib
Bassinet
Don't Buy:
Tons of baby clothes - Baby won't even wear half of the stuff before they grow out of it.
Tons of toys
Lotions and soaps- wait to see how sensitive baby's skin is first.
Obviously there are more things to buy than not buy, but it was good to hear from new parents. I've started looking for a few things, like a diaper bag and crib, but there are so many things to buy that's it's overwhelming.
Today is a lazy day of afternoon napping followed by stopping in at a few family cookouts. Got some major details of our summer trip hammered out this morning over cinnamon Chex with strawberries. Delish! Didn't even mind that B ate about half (per usual).
Jumping back to this weekend, I was able to pick the brains of some friends who have a six month old. I asked about what kinds of things they bought for baby that were a waste of money and what was really worth it. I learned a few things:
Buy:
Nanny Nap thing
Diaper Genie
Bumbo -with the tray
Baby Bjorn bib
Bassinet
Don't Buy:
Tons of baby clothes - Baby won't even wear half of the stuff before they grow out of it.
Tons of toys
Lotions and soaps- wait to see how sensitive baby's skin is first.
Obviously there are more things to buy than not buy, but it was good to hear from new parents. I've started looking for a few things, like a diaper bag and crib, but there are so many things to buy that's it's overwhelming.
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
Hot and Boozey
I have two things to share:
1. I ran three miles today and it was uncomfortable.
2. I found a gluten free beer I like: New Grist.
Amid all the BS today brought, I found time for a run outside in this beautiful weather. Up here you take what you can get when it comes around.
After my less than pleasant run, I went to the liquor store (this was not motivated by my crappy run) conveniently located behind our apartment building and they had two gluten free beer brands. I went with New Grist at $8 something a 6-pack and had one for dinner tonight. It had an after-taste reminiscent of mineral water if that makes sense. In all the gluten free nonsense, I haven't missed many wheaty foods, but beer has most definitely been missed.
It almost makes up for that uncomfortable run.
1. I ran three miles today and it was uncomfortable.
2. I found a gluten free beer I like: New Grist.
Amid all the BS today brought, I found time for a run outside in this beautiful weather. Up here you take what you can get when it comes around.
After my less than pleasant run, I went to the liquor store (this was not motivated by my crappy run) conveniently located behind our apartment building and they had two gluten free beer brands. I went with New Grist at $8 something a 6-pack and had one for dinner tonight. It had an after-taste reminiscent of mineral water if that makes sense. In all the gluten free nonsense, I haven't missed many wheaty foods, but beer has most definitely been missed.
It almost makes up for that uncomfortable run.
Sunday, May 20, 2012
Tides of Change
So as you can probably tell, I am not a dedicated blogger I blog when the mood strikes. Well it struck again!
I want to start sharing my latest quest in life. To become a mother. Now you may think "well it's not that hard, just go get pregnant." But, being the planner that I am, I want to go about this in the right way. It also doesn't help that my husband is even more of a planner than I am (if that's possible).
Before I even approached him with the idea of baby M, I took some time to consider the things I wanted out if this pregnancy.
1. I know that I want to be comfortable with myself and my size before I get pregnant.
2. I want to stay physically active during my entire pregnancy.
3. I want to develop good eating habits that will carry into my pregnancy and beyond.
4. I want to be financially prepared.
5. We need to move out of this beautiful...but tiny apartment.
6. I want to make sure that this is something my husband wants. It can't be all one sided.
7. I am in my mid to late 20's and don't want to wait anymore.
I know I have more reasons, and will continue to think of them. This is a good place to start.
I have been struggling with getting to a comfortable weight and size. I am not what you would call fat. Mostly just have that Midwest body type. I am 5'7" and guestimate that I weigh about 135. I do not own a scale and do not judge "healthy" by a number. I just want to feel comfortable in the clothing I own and wear.
I have been working out a few times a week for about 2 months now. As the weather has warmed up here I've become more motivated. I have noticed that the tire around my stomach has gotten smaller (thank god) and the cellulite in my Midwest ass is diminishing (insert sigh of relief here).
Last month I decided to go Gluten Free, not because I have Celiac's but to see how I feel. Well, I feel great so I am going to continue with it, even though I miss pasta, pizza, and cupcakes. I keep reminding myself I can still have them, it just takes planning.
Well this was a good starting point today. Off to the gym for an hour of hell. ;)
Before I even approached him with the idea of baby M, I took some time to consider the things I wanted out if this pregnancy.
1. I know that I want to be comfortable with myself and my size before I get pregnant.
2. I want to stay physically active during my entire pregnancy.
3. I want to develop good eating habits that will carry into my pregnancy and beyond.
4. I want to be financially prepared.
5. We need to move out of this beautiful...but tiny apartment.
6. I want to make sure that this is something my husband wants. It can't be all one sided.
7. I am in my mid to late 20's and don't want to wait anymore.
I know I have more reasons, and will continue to think of them. This is a good place to start.
I have been struggling with getting to a comfortable weight and size. I am not what you would call fat. Mostly just have that Midwest body type. I am 5'7" and guestimate that I weigh about 135. I do not own a scale and do not judge "healthy" by a number. I just want to feel comfortable in the clothing I own and wear.
I have been working out a few times a week for about 2 months now. As the weather has warmed up here I've become more motivated. I have noticed that the tire around my stomach has gotten smaller (thank god) and the cellulite in my Midwest ass is diminishing (insert sigh of relief here).
Last month I decided to go Gluten Free, not because I have Celiac's but to see how I feel. Well, I feel great so I am going to continue with it, even though I miss pasta, pizza, and cupcakes. I keep reminding myself I can still have them, it just takes planning.
Well this was a good starting point today. Off to the gym for an hour of hell. ;)
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)