Comfort.

So, I got behind.  Life got in the way, and mostly, I got lazy :)  Here's my attempt to somewhat catch-up in the Blogtember challenge.

(Friday, September 20):  React to this term: comfort. 

1. Pajamas....  Flannel ones that you can wear all day on Sunday, with fuzzy socks to match. I just snagged these on sale for $20 from Target.

Target

2. Coffee....  In the morning, before anyone else is awake and it is still somewhat dark outside.  My favorite coffee from Trader Joe's, black.

3. Rainy Days.... when you can spend them inside baking cookies. My favorite cookie? Betty Crocker's simple recipe for Monster Cookies.

via

4. Being HOME.

via

Selfie.

Friday, September 13: A self portrait.

Sorry, they made me. #selfiesareawkward

Happy Friday! 

29 weeks.

Written September 23rd
how far along: 29 weeks.

size of baby: acorn squash

maternity clothes: yes.

symptoms: I'm holding up well! A little swollen and sore after lots of walking this weekend, but that is to be expected.

exercise: Walking for miles and miles around DC this weekend. I think I walked enough for at least the whole week :)

cravings/aversions: same old stuff I always eat- including chocolate and cheese!

movement: When he moves around these days I can't believe how long he is! I will feel him poking around at the top of my belly and around the way bottom at the same time. He's getting so big!

sleep: more please!

gender: oh boy :)

looking forward to: Fall! We have some fun fall stuff planned this weekend- friends, fire puts, concerts... I just love thus time of year.

worries: still sorting out daycare, hospital forms, birthing classes, insurance... The list goes on!

milestones: I passed the second glucose screening! Woot woot!

best moment this week: I had the BEST time on a trip to DC with some college friend last weekend. Someone at work asked me my favorite thing I saw... My friends! Yes, we saw the White House, theWashington  Monument, the Lincoln Memorial, Library of Congress, WWII Memorial, Holocost Museum and more, they were all incredible. I even got to see my newlywed friend, Kelsey, and give her a big congrats hug. Love her. My favorite part? Sitting in our pjs talking at night, walking and talking thought out the city, catching up and laughing our heads off.  They we're so great to put up with me and my swollen feet and big belly. They tried so hard to get me spill the beams on the baby's name- without success! (It was stressful!) I love those ladies and am so lucky to have friends that I can lean on like them. The best are the friends who you don't have to see all the time that you know you can pick up right where you left off. Can't wait for our next trip!

Dear....

Monday, September 16: Write a public love letter to someone in your life. (It doesn't necessarily need to be romantic.)

I'm determined not to miss a day of this Blogtember deal, but these next few prompts are definitely pushing me out of my comfort zone.  Here goes nothing :)

Dear J,

It only seems appropriate that I write a public love letter to my husband.  Even though I tell you most often, I'm sure I don't tell you enough, I love you.

We've been through quite the year! Reflecting back on all that we've accomplished over the past 6 years of knowing you and nearly 3 years of being married to you I think of one word: proud.  

Between many moves separately, and many moves again together we've learned to roll with the punches and take life one step at a time.  I look back at the times we spent apart, when you lived nearly 5 hours away from me, and I remember thinking if only we were closer... if only the years would fly by...  I definitely don't miss being miles and miles apart, but I do know that we learned a lot from that time, and I cherish those long trips to visit you. I'm proud of all of the goals you have set for yourself and how determined you are.  

I can hardly believe we will be coming up on our 3rd wedding anniversary, but in the same breath, I can hardly believe it has only been three years.  We've grown up (a little...) and wised up (a little...) and most definitely grown closer together.  I know you better than I ever thought I could and I hope you can same the same about me.  It only makes me more excited for the years to come.

Speaking of the future, we've got ourselves a pretty exciting (near) future ahead of us. We're gonna be parents! YIKES...  I'm so proud to call you my husband and to have you as the father of our children. I hope our son inherits your sense of humor, your humble and kind spirit and most importantly, your unconditional love that your have so graciously shared with me.  I know you will be his biggest fan.  I can't wait to watch your relationship grow.  

My one and only, my greatest gift, I'm so thankful for you.  
Love, M

28 weeks.

Written September 16th

how far along: 28 weeks.

size of baby: eggplant.

maternity clothes: yes.

symptoms: The belly-- it's growing, as it should, but whoa.  It's starting to get difficult to pick things up off the ground, tie my shoes, get off the couch, etc.  Not pretty.

exercise: Finally fall-ish weather around here!!!!!!!! I'm so excited, and so is Sadie.  We've been walking our tails off and it feels oh so good.

cravings/aversions: I had pretty much forgotten about lunch meat, but a turkey sandwich will be a lovely treat here in a few short months. My midnight snack of choice had been a graham cracker with peanut butter and a glass of cold milk.

movement: Big time.  I was almost asleep, laying on my side when the kid literally shook the bed.  I woke up J so he could feel him.  It was as if we could grab his foot (I assume it was a foot) he was kicking so hard!

sleep: broken, but still good.

gender: oh boy :)

looking forward to: A girl's trip is on the books!

worries: failed my glucose test... So I'm retesting on Thursday. Crossing my fingers that I pass this time.

milestones: Another week down, 12 to go!

best moment this week: I'm going to take this chance to talk about the WORST moment this week.  We had planned a trip to Colorado to see my good friend, Kelsey, get married.  She had been planning the most gorgeous wedding and I could not WAIT to celebrate with her and her new husband.  Unfortunately, with all of the flooding in Colorado last week, we were unable to make it.  I haven't heard how the wedding went, but I know she was a gorgeous bride and that she had a beautiful wedding no matter what the conditions.  I so wish I could have been there to celebrate. Congratulations Kelsey and Joe! We were there and spirit and cannot wait to hear all about it.  Hope you are having a wonderful honeymoon week and have safe travels home. 

Only photos.

Wednesday, September 18: Only photos.

So I got behind. I knew it was bound to happen! In my attempt to catch up, here are a bunch of pics from my wonderful weekend getaway.

A memory.

Tuesday, September 17: A memory you would love to relive.

I'm making this short and sweet, but I'm not just picking one :) 

1.  Wedding Day

2.  Senior Dance Recital

3.  Childhood Family Vacation (any!)

4.  Christmas morning (ages 5-10)

2nd Trimester Must-Haves.

Now that I'm officially rounding off my second trimester and rolling into the third, I thought I'd follow up with some "must-haves" for the second-trimester.

It's no wonder they call this trimester the easiest... it's definitely been pretty good to me.  There weren't a lot of things I couldn't live without.  The ease of this trimester might also have to do with the fact that I spent most of it on my behind doing whatever the heck I wanted.  Ah... a teacher's schedule in the summer.  I lived in comfy clothes most days and showered when I felt like it.  The weather was even pretty good!   Okay, here's the rundown:

1. Gap Cowl Neck Tank.  This was a great first maternity purchase for a couple reasons. One, it was LONG so it could cover up the fact that I was holding up my shorts and jeans with hairties (see #6). Two, it's comfortable. Three, it will last me through the fall by throwing on a cardigan. And, four, it was super cheap ($6.99).  So I got two. :)

2. New bra. I'm not brand-specific in this suggestion.  All I'm saying is the puppies grow, and they need support.  I've loved the ones I found at Nordstrom rack for $4.99 each like the one in the photo.  It's wireless, but has removable cups.  It's comfortable and stretchy and does the job.

3. Dresses! That awkward I-don't-want-and-can't-really-wear-my-pants phase is not fun.  Dresses are comfortable and flattering most of the time.  AND easy. One piece and you're dressed.  Also, many non-maternity dresses work for quite a while.  I'm still wearing a few these days.  (image: Target, no longer available online)

4. Camera.  The bump grows FAST.  Document in some way.  I'm still trying to learn how to use the camera I'm borrowing from my bestie. (Thanks, Ash!)

5. More dresses.  I have this one in black (duh) and green.  It was $12.99 from Banana Outlet.  I wore them at least once a week this summer. So. Comfortable.

6. Clear hairties.  The clear ones held my pants up better than the others because of the tighter elastic.  I used these for jeans and shorts up until about 22-23 weeks.

*Not pictured*

7. Maternity Jeans.  Again, I thank my bestie, Ashley.  She is letting me borrow a tub of her maternity clothes and it is AH-MAZING!  You guys, maternity jeans are so comfy.  (I'm using that word a lot this post... #comfyequalslazy) There are two pair in particular that I love.  One straight/skinny cut demi-panel pair from Gap and the other is a full-panel dark skinny pair made by Hudson.

8. Comfortable Shoes.  People tell me my feet will go back to normal, but I'm not convinced.  Anywho, my shoes don't fit.  It's one thing when your pants don't fit, but shoes??? Ugly.  Even shoes that fit hurt. Good thing it's still summer and I can squeeze into flip-flops.  I've tried on ballet flats and closed-toed shoes for fall and it wasn't pretty.  I'm dreaming of crocs................ yikes.  People wear flip-flops in winter too, right?

9. Belts.  My attempt to show that the belly is more shapely than gut-ly (I'm making up words).

My favorite online shops!

Wednesday, September 11th: Share links to your favorite online shops, preferably with a few photos of your favorite items in each shop.

One of my very favorite stores, both online and in-store, is JCrew Factory. They often have amazing promos where you can score additional sales and free shipping. And the quality is great, I find stuff for both me and my husband all the time. If I could fit into normal clothes, these are a few things that would be hanging out in y shopping cart:

Another online favorite is Sephora. I don't shop here often, but if I need anything, I usually buy it online. Why?! Free samples and bonus freebies!  Here are a few of my frequent purchases:

1. Smashbox Liquid Foundation.

2. Mens Fragrance Sampler.
3. Philosophy Purity Facial Cleanser.

27 weeks.

We took this picture in the afternoon, so there is FINALLY some good-ish lighting.  Unfortunately there is also some good-ish lighting (see worn out hair and make-up) :)

Written September 10th

how far along: 27 weeks.

size of baby: cauliflower.

maternity clothes: yes.

symptoms: Baby brain exists, people. First off, I was half awake last week when I took the picture (26 weeks) and wrote 27 weeks on the board.  I took the picture today at 27 weeks and had J write 28 weeks.  It wasn't until I (finally) uploaded last week's pics, along with this week's that I realized I was a week off.  Oy. I also can't remember anything off the top of my head... like students' names, grocery list, what I'm about to say... etc.

exercise:  More walking.  I'm so bored with it.  I want it to be nice outside at least! I am definitely feeling the weight of the baby after a long day at school, so I know running wouldn't be best anyway.  I'm so jealous when I see people out for their long Saturday morning runs.  I thought I would enjoy a little break, but I'm hoping it will just motivate me to want to start back up with running again after the baby is here.  I know its going to be tough.  But I really do miss running.  I never, EVER, thought I would say that!

cravings/aversions: Not too much...unless you consider cooler weather a craving? :)

movement: Oh yes.

sleep: still pretty good! Starting to get up more in the night for water and potty breaks.

gender: let's hear it for my BOY!

looking forward to: 13 weeks left!!!!!

worries: I do my glucose test next Monday.  Crossing my fingers that I pass!

milestones: Into the 3rd Trimester!!! (Of course, that's also confusing.  Some people say it isn't until 28 weeks, but I'm going with those who say 27 weeks.)  Moving right along!

best moment this week: We decided on a name. And you guessed it... it's a secret :)

26 weeks.

Written September 5th

how far along: 26 weeks.

size of baby: a head of lettuce.

maternity clothes: yes.

symptoms: Nothing new this week. I'm feeling great in my last week of my second trimester!

exercise:  Walking, sweating and... Painting?!

cravings/aversions: A glass of wine always sounds pretty nice.... And this probably isn't pregnancy related, but fall food is in my future! I'm planning to make pumpkin muffins this weekend and a big pot chili will be made as soon as this heat calms itself down a bit.

movement: Defintely my favorite. 

sleep: not bad!

gender: let's hear it for my BOY!

looking forward to: A month full of travels, friends and fun. I'm also excited to start the third trimester- it's getting close!

worries: As much as I am looking forward to traveling, I'm also anxious about being away from home. You know, because that's normal. #freak

milestones: Well, we painted the baby's room last weekend, so that's something!

best moment this week: J and I went to our first Sporting KC game on Saturday and had a blast! We both agreed that we will have to make it there at least once each season to see a game. I can just imagine how much our little dude will love experiences like that:) 

That moment when your life takes a turn.

Tuesday, September 10th: Describe a distinct moment when your life took a turn.

July 2012.

I've talked about this moment before. J and I were living in our first home, both satisfied with our jobs as teacher and graduate student. On somewhat of a whim, I applied for a job in a different city. I didn't know what I was doing, or why, but it felt right. I called my go-to girlfriend for advice, and decided to go for it. What's the. Worst that could happen anyways?!

About two weeks went by. I was called for an interview. Another week went by and I'm called back for another interview, but at a different school. I'm feeling optimistic, but reluctant and confused. I visited my parents moments after the interview and that is the moment it all changed. They had just come from the doctors office, and the news was not good. It appeared my mom had colon cancer. I froze. 

It wasn't for certain, but "probable". Not good. Within one week we decided to change our plans- move jobs, move cities, sell our house and move in with my mom and dad.  

I still can't believe that was all just a year ago. After months of tests and surgeries, my mom was finally pronounced cancer free. I have no idea why it took the doctors so long to give our family that tremendously awesome news, but we were so grateful to get it. In late February, our house sold, and we were able to move out on our own again at the beginning of May. Just in time to start nesting for our new addition. 

It was a whirlwind. It was unplanned. It was difficult, stressful and messy. It was all worth it. And I believe it was all meant to be.

How blogging has changed me.

Thursday, September 12: Discuss ways that blogging or social media has changed you.

Blogs- I started reading blogs about 5 years ago. I followed a few more popular blogs and then would search the comments for other interesting posts. Most of these were fashion related, DIY crafty/home decor or wedding planning type blogs. I feel like you can learn so much from people's stories, and I really so feel like I've gotten to know some of these strangers as I read about their lives throughout the years. I've been inspired by their ideas and motivation and stories of life and love. I was always intimidated to start my own space on the Internet. After seeing my friend Ashley lay it all out on her blog, I jumped on the bandwagon, too. I'm still a bit unsure what my little space here is all about, but I'm alright figuring it out as I go. I'm not much of a writer, but it feels good to have documented some thoughts and ideas of my own. 

Pinterest- I love pinterest. It's one of my favorite places to look for creative inspiration. From what to wear, what to cook and what to teach, I've stumbled upon some of the greatest ideas!

Facebook- I'm pretty much over Facebook. I get on and scroll through the status updates and all I see is pictures and comments from friends of friends that I don't even know! I even shut my FB down for a bit, but decided I should keep it open for messaging. Just not my favorite at the moment...

Instagram- My new favorite social media. I love seeing snippets of my friends' daily lives. And the filters are fun, too. Plus, taking pictures each day makes me think to document my own daily life- which is always fun to look back on (even if it is mostly just pics of my food and dog) :)

Personality Test.

Monday, September 9th: Take this short personality test and respond to your results. (at the end, find the detailed profile of your personality account - click "click to view" under "You" and "self awareness and personal growth." You can even google your type and find more info on it!)

Turns out I'm an ENFJ... Although I think if I took this test again, it could turn out differently. Some questions were hard to choose!

I guess I'm not completely surprised at this description. I'm a people pleaser for sure. I'm happiest when everyone around me is happy and satisfied.

Anti-tattoos? Where did that come from? Ha. I could care less if someone has a tattoo, and wouldn't mind having one myself either. Other than hyperactive, the rest of the traits seem reasonable. 

This career list cracks me up. One, because I would love to have many of those careers, and I've considered many of them. Two, because my husband is a science, computer, engineer type. I guess opposites truly do attract :) 

Afraid.

Friday, September 6th: A story about a time you were very afraid.

I'm a worrier.  I worry about anything and everything, to a fault. I worry I'll be late, or that I forgot something at home, or that the door might be unlocked.  But afraid? That's a different category. 

This story sticks out in my mind and I remember being afraid.

I was just starting my first teaching position. My apartment wasn't available for about 6 weeks so I was staying with my cousin for that time. He had a beautiful house on the cutest street. I had my own bedroom and even a spot in the garage. 

There was only one night where I was there alone. I was in bed at about 8:30pm (typical), when I heard something. It was as if someone was trying to get in the front door. My heart sank, and I froze. Why would someone be trying to open the door? Shouldn't they ring the doorbell? Is someone supposed to be here? I didn't move.

It stopped. I sat still. Thinking. Do I lock myself in here? Or try to get out? Am I hearing things? Maybe I'm just psyching myself out.

A few moments later I heard the same noise, but from the back door. I grabbed my phone, my keys, and a robe. Skipped shoes, purse, etc. I went to the garage, got in my car, locked the doors, opened the garage and pulled out of the garage. I was so scared. I shut the garage and started driving to my parent's house, which was 40 minutes away. As I drove away I saw 3 dark figures running through the street.

I still haven't convinced myself that all of this really happened. It almost feels surreal, which honestly, is fine with me. I would like to think that this was all in my mind because I was afraid of staying alone. I stayed the night with mom and dad then got up early enough to drive the hour plus to my job. 

Needless to say, I didn't get much sleep that night. 

Advice.

Thursday, September 5th: Pass on some useful advice or information you learned and always remembered. 

This is simple, but so useful. I find myself repeating this in my head all the time! From my mom (a classic that I know I will use with my kids!): 

"It's better to have it and not need it, than need it and not have it!"

I haven't had the chance to use this advice yet, but a friend told me this when I told her I was pregnant. I think it's simple and brilliant:

"Remember that each phase of your child's life is just hat- a phase. Good or bad, it will be over quickly. Savor it."

These last few come from my dad, and while it is more of general advice than a quote, I know I've learned this advice from him:

Be positive. 

Be kind, always, especially to those who aren't so kind themselves. 

Don't try to control the things you can't control.

What would you do?

Wednesday, September 4th: If you could take three months off from your current life and do anything in the world, what would you do? (bonus points for fun photos from Pinterest, but don't forget to cite the source!)

So I'm going to pretend that 3 months is a really loooooooong time. And that I have an endless supply of cash :)

1. Travel... Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Fiji and more!

2. Talk... to people I love.  Long coffee dates that don't have to end, phone conversations that last all day. Visit all of my friends who I never see enough.

3. Create...decorate, bake, design, sew, paint, etc.

4. Learn... How to use power tools, crochet/knit, drive a stick shift car, change a tire...

5. Volunteer... with kids!