It's been a long, busy, stressful week. But it's Friday. And a long weekend at that. And I, for one, couldn't be more excited. Linkin' up with Amanda today for a lil' something different!! Favorite Recipe - this banana oatmeal bread from Weight Watchers. I plan to make another loaf this weekend - I am seriously addicted to it (as I've mentioned a few times here on this blog o' mine.) It's the perfect way to use super ripe bananas, it doesn't have a lot of sugar in it (I think this time I'm even going to halve the amount of brown sugar even though the recipe only calls for a 1/2 cup), and basically no oil (which you could substitute applesauce if you really wanted to.) Such a great recipe!! Favorite Song - Meghan Trainor All About That Bass. When I hear this song I just wanna put on my running shorts and RUN!! It's constantly stuck in my head!! Favorite Funny - I pinned this forever ago. And yet, every time I see it, I legit laugh out loud. This is SO me!! Favorite vacation picture - gorgeous sunset, beautiful bay, rockstar husband - what more could you ask for in a picture?! <3 Favorite Workout - this ab challenge. As soon as I have this baby and I get cleared to work out, I'm doing this. I think it'll be a great way to get back into a regular ab schedule and hopefully it'll help whip me back into shape!! Add running back to my life along with some ab exercises and I'll be a happy (ier) gal again!!
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We spent last week in Ocean City, Maryland. It was nice to get away and just spend time with the hubs and actually relax - one last vacation before we become a family of 3 (gosh - that's weird to say!) We rented a condo on the bay side of Ocean City, about 3 blocks from the beach. Our days were spent... - relaxing on the beach and at the pool and reading a ton!! (I finished the book I had started before we left and also 2 additional books while there!) - eating all sorts of delicious, and some new-to-us, foods like polish water ice and canary melon! Both absolutely delicious!! We also went out a couple times for dinner (where, of course, I had crab cakes...it is Maryland afterall!), had lunch at Seacrets (like a mini Jamaica right there in Ocean City - so fun!), and found a great diner known for their breakfasts (and donuts!) where I tried sweet potato pancakes (don't worry - we got donuts to go before we left for home Saturday!) - enjoying beautiful sunsets... - hanging out on the boardwalk, people watching, and, of course, playing skeeball (I need one of these at my house!!!)...listening to live music on the beach...and enjoying fireworks!! - visiting Assateague Island (though we didn't actually go into the park we did see a few of the wild horses...sorry, no pic though!) - shopping at the Tanger Outlet Mall...where I easily could have spent SO much money!! I forget how awesome outlet malls are!!
And that was our vacation in a nutshell!! Though it wasn't the vacation of our dreams, we had such a nice time soaking up the last few days of summer and spending time with each other <3 How far along: 29 weeks...and yet I feel like I should be more like 35 weeks along! Haven't I been pregnant for FOREVER?!?!
Baby Size: acorn squash - about 2 & 1/2 to 3lbs and 16 inches long. I'll have a better estimate of his weight at next week's ultrasound. Oh, and for the FIRST time, his head is finally in proportion with the rest of his body - YAY!!!!! Maternity clothes: nope - the weather is still holding out so dresses and skirts are helping keep the maternity clothes away...for now. Stretch marks: I honestly can't tell if I'm seeing things because I'm paranoid or if I'm really seeing the beginnings of some on my belly...but I'm not takin' any chances and therefore, still slatherin' on the Mama Bee Belly Butter (I just hope this stuff works!) Sleep: Much better now that I'm sleeping in my own bed. The last few nights have been decent so I'm not complaining. Gender: I think we've covered this... Movement: Yes, I feel movement but he's definitely not a huge mover - he sorta goes in spurts I feel like. I feel him at night mostly when I'm just sitting on the couch trying to relax a bit...something I'll definitely ask about at tomorrow's appointment with the OB. Looking forward to: the long weekend - I mean, who doesn't love long weekends?! I hope for it to be a good mix of productivity and relaxing. Food cravings: green tea! I'm not a huge tea lover so this is odd for me. I bought some decaf green tea while on vacation and have been having a cup every morning with my breakfast. Oh, and still fresh fruit - watermelon, grapes, blueberries, strawberries - I want it ALL!! Anything making you queasy or sick: Nope!! Labor Signs: I think I may be having some braxton hick contractions...not sure though. I'll discuss with the doctor tomorrow for sure. What I miss: SO many little things but mostly running!! It's really been bothering me lately. All I want is to go for a run :/ But I know it's temporary and I CANNOT wait to get back to it!! My work surprised me the other week with a little party and a jogging stroller - so looking forward to going on runs with the little guy!! Symptoms: still pelvic area soreness, my tailbone gets sore when I sit for too long, lower back soreness....basically I'm just sore top to bottom these days. Nursery: The canvas I ordered got delivered and it's adorable...BUT it's damaged so I'm hoping to get a new one. I've emailed the company so hopefully they'll just send a new one and it won't be too much of a hassle *fingers crossed* Belly Button in or out? In Wedding rings on or off? On Workouts: The same...working out 5-6 times a week - lots of cardio on the elliptical and bike and also doing upper body strength training and still lots of stretching. Things that suck: being pregnant. Seriously. I know, I know. That makes me sound ungrateful...which is so NOT the case. I just honestly don't think I'm meant to be pregnant. Some women love being pregnant. Others not so much. But I KNOW the end result will SO be worth it!!!! I'm just ready to get back to being ME...to feeling normal...to looking normal (whatever that'll look like post-baby!) Things that don't suck: cookie dough Oreos...just sayin' :) Last Monday, August 18, Matt and I celebrated our 2nd wedding anniversary. I seriously can't believe we've been married for 2 years already...together for over 6 and 1/2 years. And now we're going to have a baby. It's been an amazing journey and I seriously fall more in love with him every day. He's my best friend. My soul mate. My rock. My everything. We decided to keep with the traditional anniversary gifts (cotton for 2nd anniversary) and exchanged gifts Friday night. When we do exchange gifts we usually keep them simple and inexpensive - we tend to like to go do something/enjoy a nice evening out/etc rather than buy each other expensive gifts (and since we'd be away on vacation we knew we wanted spend that money doing something and enjoying a nice dinner out somewhere.) Anyways, I bought him a new CrossFit t-shirt and he got me this pillow: I absolutely LOVE it!! Whenever, he says 'I love you' to me I'll usually say I love you more...and we'll banter back and forth a few times - so really, it's quite perfect for us. It's a constant reminder of one of those little things that we do between us that just makes me smile and love him more and more. On the actual day of our anniversary we exchanged cards (my favorite thing EVER for birthdays/anniversaries/etc!) and Matt had one more surprise up his sleeve... Once again - he knows me so well and is so very clever (cotton candy is one of my favorite things EVER and just happens to play into the cotton anniversary....dang, he's GOOD!) We spent the rest of the day hitting up the gym - hanging at the pool - enjoying a nice dinner on the bay - and relaxing on the boardwalk. It was a great day to spend with my love and we could't have asked for a better day together.
Being a wife is my most favorite thing. And navigating through this crazy thing called life with him at my side makes me the happiest girl ever. I can't wait for the next 10...20...40 years together...no matter what these years may bring. I know it won't always be sunshine and rainbows...but together we can do anything. Happy Anniversary, my love. Here's to MANY, MANY more. I don't have a bump picture for ya'll today...I am on vacation afterall :) So for today, you just get a picture of the beautiful sunset over the bay we saw on our anniversary night!! How far along: 28 weeks. 7 months. WOW!
Baby Size: eggplant!!! Maternity clothes: nope, not yet, though I probably should. I feel like maybe I'm in the denial stage and am just stuffing myself into my regular clothes when I shouldn't be!! The hubs says he promises to tell me when I start looking like a stuffed sausage in my clothes ha-ha he's so kind <3 Stretch marks: I still say I see the VERY, VERY beginnings of some on my belly but the hubs still denies it....we'll see. I'm definitely still slathering on my Mama Bee Belly Butter though!! Sleep: It hasn't been horrible...especially since I haven't been sleeping in my own bed. I sleep fairly well from about 11-5 then wake up and toss and turn, trying to get comfortable. Gender: got me a lil' momma's boy growin' in my belly!! Movement: Oh yeah!! I'm nervous though - at my last doctor's appointment they said starting at 28 weeks you have to be more aware of movements, etc. and if you notice no movement for a while it could be a problem. I feel like he doesn't move a ton so I'm nervous I might miss that I haven't felt movement for a bit and therefore, I'd miss that something was wrong. I'll definitely ask my doctor about this next week. Looking forward to: not pregnancy related...but just enjoying the rest of our vacation the best we can!!! Food cravings: still banana bread - seriously, I'm addicted (I even made a loaf before we left so I'd have some for this week!!!) Anything making you queasy or sick: No, thank heavens!!!!! Labor Signs: Zip. Zero. Zilch. What I miss: running...putting on sneakers easily...not being sore 24/7 Symptoms: still sore, lower back achiness, oh and a new one...come 5am my butt/hips area sorta like falls asleep/cramps up - it's hard to explain. But it's super uncomfortable and painful!! Nursery: nothing new since last week. Working on this more is definitely on our to-do list once we get home though. Belly Button in or out? In Wedding rings on or off? On Workouts: Luckily, we got free gym passes to a local gym with our condo rental so we've been hitting the gym in the mornings which has been so great!! I miss my gym but it's great to be able to continue working out even on vacation (especially since we've been splurging BIG time in the food department...I mean who can resist donuts, and ice cream, and French fries?!?!) Things that suck: not being able to lay on my stomach to tan my back! ha-ha Things that don't suck: being on vacation even if it's not the vacation of our dreams! Ahhh vacations!! Who doesn't love to go on vacations? Sure it might be stressful leading up to it - making sure everything is in place around the house...packing...making sure things are caught up at work, etc, etc, etc. But that day, when you head out...and can leave the real world behind you for a bit?! It's amazing! We all need vacations (even me though I hate to admit it sometimes!) Whether it's somewhere extravagant or just a few miles from your home...whether you go for just a couple days or a couple weeks...vacations are THE BEST. They give you time to relax...I mean, REALLY, relax...catch up....feel refreshed..and ready to take on the world. So as I get ready for our upcoming vacation, I thought I'd share a few things I'd like to accomplish on this year's vacation... 1) get up and watch the sun rise on the beach at least once
2) read 2 books 3) enjoy a lobster roll 4) take as many long walks as possible on the beach with the hubs 5) celebrate our 2nd anniversary by doing special (maybe get all fancied up for dinner or find something fun to do that neither of us has done before.) 6) find the best donut shop around and enjoy a donut...or 2...or 3! 7) get a tan 8) soak it ALL in - every little moment of every single day 9) two words (and 2 of my favorite things...) - beach fireworks 10) sunset picnic dinner on the beach What are some of your favorite things to do on vacation? How far along: 27 weeks - hello 3rd trimester...I think. Honestly, this whole trimester thing is confusing to me. Different sites/books say different things - one says 27 weeks...the other 28 weeks - so really who knows?!
Baby Size: a cucumber Maternity clothes: not yet, but I did buy a Bellaband for my jeans and shorts (work pants still fit fine!) Also finally using the rubber band trick. I can still button most of my jeans and shorts but it's not the most comfortable thing so these two things are helping tremendously. Stretch marks: I think I might see the very beginning of some on my belly...the hubs says no though - so I dunno. I'm still slathering on the Burt's Bees Mama Bee Belly Butter in hopes of keeping them away. Sleep: definitely not great that's for sure Gender: A lil' boy Movement: yup moves more and more each day Looking forward to: vacation <3 Food cravings: still wanting lots of fresh fruit, especially watermelon, strawberries, and grapes!! Oh, and banana bread - I could easily eat an entire loaf by myself every.single.day YUM!! Anything making you queasy or sick: nope, and still super thankful for this! Labor Signs: Zip. Zero. Zilch. What I miss: running (but you know that's a given), bending over easily, having a waist/abs, sleeping soundly Symptoms: SPD soreness, lower back achiness especially when I sit for too long (makes for long days at work!), and more cellulite on my thighs/larger thighs. That's right - keepin' it real folks... Nursery: crib and dresser are put together - so crazy to see baby furniture in that room!!! Matt painted the inside of the closet so that just needs to get touched up. So next up is buying some cute prints to hang on the walls and figuring out an organization system in the closet. The nursery is a super small room so the closet is going to have to be a big source of storage/organization for us. Belly Button in or out? In Wedding rings on or off? On Workouts: same old same old - lots of time on the elliptical...still doing my upper body strength exercises...and still stretching lots. I'm getting bored of this, though, so I might try something new after vacation - maybe buy a pregnancy pilates DVD or something like that. Things that suck: see symptoms answer above... Things that don't suck: getting house projects done!! Seriously, it feels good to get some of these big projects done so we can start focusing on the baby and getting ready for his arrival!! Weekends are meant for... ~ trying new recipes (like this tater tot sloppy joe casserole that I made Friday night! I made it without the cheese and it was still delish!! Only thing I'd change is next time I'd use sweet potato tater tots - I just think they taste better!) ~ not getting out of bed until 8:30...even though you were wide awake @ 7! ~ working on the nursery ~ getting in some decent (for me these days at least) workouts ~ blueberry picking with the hubs ~ getting lots of smiles and laughs from this little guy ~ completing house projects
~ working on your August goals ~ spending time outside on a perfect summer evening listening to some live music ~ making homemade banana bread ~ catching up on one of your favorite shows (any other Graceland lovers out there?!) ~ cuddling and spending as much time as possible with your hubs On a side note - in case you were wondering - weekends are NOT meant for...trying on shorts or bathing suits when almost 7 months pregnant...YIKES! :) What are YOUR weekends meant for? What nobody tells you about being pregnant
...here's the real deal peeps... your hands will be like sandpaper...because you seriously spend all your time peeing thus washing your hands like a gazillion times a day (yes, a gazillion!) you will become OB-SESSED with rubbing cocoa butter and/or Bio Oil (or whatever product you choose to use) all over yourself in hopes of preventing stretch marks even if you aren't a big alcohol drinker - you will crave it and want it - BAD!!!! you will be really bloated (and sometimes gassy!) - just keepin' it real folks you will be at the doctor's office...all the freakin' time. And it's annoying. you'll feel guilty all the time because you're constantly lying to people until you're ready to make the BIG announcement the first trimester is weird and you aren't really sure what's going. Am I fat? Just bloated? What are people thinking of me now?...it's a very awkward transitional period (this continued well into the second trimester for me as well!) you might not feel happy, giddy, excited all the time. And that's OK. This is a life changing event. It takes time to adjust and accept things. On that same note, not everyone thinks being pregnant is 'awesome.' Even if you're feeling pretty good, you probably won't wake up every morning and say 'Wow - this whole being pregnant is truly awesome and I feel stupendous!' There are a lot of changes that are happening and that takes time to adapt to. And it downright sucks to not feel like yourself - aches, pains, etc. It's not all rainbows and butterflies all the time... people will comment on your belly (and will always look at your belly when you first see them) - with things like 'Oh, you're coming along nicely.' What am I?! A damn turkey you're roasting in the oven!? Umm, I think NOT...but thanks, anyways. feeling the baby kick is cool...but it's also sorta weird and you might not enjoy it so much. It's almost like an alien is inside you and it shouldn't be and you feel sorta...grossed out. (ok so I know I may be in the minority on this one but hey - that's OK!) BUT once the baby gets bigger and you can see your belly move when he/she kicks - it's pretty cool to watch! What are some of the things you never knew about pregnancy until you became pregnant? How far along: 26 weeks
Baby Size: head of lettuce Maternity clothes: nope, but I'm finally embracing the bump since I can no longer hide behind my looser shirts. Thank heavens my work pants still fit and for dresses & skirts!! Stretch marks: Not yet...but I'm pretty sure they're in my near future :/ I'm just waiting for the day for them to appear - UGH! Sleep: it hasn't been the greatest that's for sure. I guess just getting prepared for what the future holds (though a couple more months of good sleep woulda been mucho appreciated!) Gender: A lil' boy (and still bald - I asked at my ultrasound appointment today! She said still no hair but would be able to tell more at my next appointment in 4 weeks. So fingers crossed this kid grows some hair!) Movement: yup - he's a mover and a groover!! Looking forward to: Starting my Christmas shopping. With this babe being born so close to the holidays, I've gotta get an extra early head start this year. I'll have plenty other things to worry about and do come November and December :) Oh, and can't forget about vacation - so ready to get away for a while!!!! Food cravings: watermelon, strawberries, and strawberry banana oatmeal smoothies!!!! Anything making you queasy or sick: nope, and so very thankful for this! Labor Signs: Zip. Zero. Zilch. (Hallelujah!) What I miss: Running...seriously. I feel so lost. What I wouldn't give to pound some pavement...*big sigh* Symptoms: SPD soreness, lower back achiness, the ever expanding waistline/belly bump - that's really it. I'm ready to feel normal again - to feel like MYSELF!! Nursery: We bought a crib and dresser....WOW! - that seems so weird to say... Belly Button in or out? In but had to take out my belly button ring :/ This saddened me BIG time. I've had it for 14 years. And though no one ever saw it, I liked having it. It was part of me. But I guess I gotta put my big girl panties on and get over it :) Wedding rings on or off? On Workouts: working out 5-6 days a week but only doing the elliptical and sometimes the bike at this point and upper body strength training (oh and lots of stretching!) Have I mentioned yet how much I miss running?! I mean seriously... Things that suck: (keeping the same answer as last week..) SPD and thus currently not running...'nough said...Oh, and I can't forget the weight gain - ooooh the weight gain! I don't know exactly how much I've gained, and I'd like to keep it that way!!! Things that don't suck: watching my belly move when he's movin' and groovin' in there...still fitting into my regular clothes...back rubs from the hubs... I know I totally skipped out on this in July. But I'm back at it for August! Life has been so busy and crazy...but having specific goals for each month really helps keep me on track with getting things done. So here we go.....
~ buy a crib and dresser for the nursery and get it set up (we have a set picked out so we should be able to get it purchased this week...{O.M.G}...and then get it set-up as soon as it arrives.) ~ read 2 books (seems like a tall order but I've already got one started so I should be able to accomplish this...especially with vacation coming up.) ~ be totally done Christmas shopping for 4 people ~ make 2 freezer meals ~ have a great, relaxing vacation with the hubs! ~ do one stock up shopping trip What are your August goals? |
AuthorHey ~ I'm Renée...just your ordinary, 30-something Accountant, new mommy, wife, runner, foodie, & Pinterest addict! Welcome to my newest adventure...stay awhile...look around...and keep comin' back! Archives
January 2018
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