resolute

I really wasn't planning on making any resolutions this year. Mine are always the same (workout on the regular, eat better, read my bible more, etc) and always wane off after a few weeks of gung-ho excitement. It just feels kind of pointless to me. Because truthfully? Last year sucked. It was one of the roughest of my life. And I was more than happy to wrap it up and kick it to the curb. Sayonara 2012.  Good riddance.

My heart longs for only one thing this year. A baby. And resolving to have a child in the upcoming year isn't exactly your typical new year's resolution. I mean, it's not exactly up to me. Not even a little bit. So making a bulleted list to do x y & z to reach that goal is pointless.

But if there's one thing I don't want to do, it's let this longing swallow me up. It would be so easy to let the pain of our losses and each month of disappointment pull me under. Especially in these dreary winter months. I can see how it happens to so many... how depression and sadness can creep in when you're not looking. Which is why I want to keep my eyes open during this season. This unexplainable, lonesome season that we're walking through. I don't want to get so bogged down in sadness or disappointment that I miss all the wonder of life going on around me. I don't want to waste one precious day with my girl because I just couldn't see past my underlying grief.

So I won't. I will enjoy 2013. I am going into this year with hope and anticipation and I can't wait to see what it brings.

And I have decided on a resolution... I want to more sensitive and thoughtful to my family and friends. To get out of my own mind and world and spend more time building and growing those relationships.

I want to be a better daughter. A better step-daughter, a better daughter-in-law. I want to be the best kind of friend and sister.* I want to be a friendly neighbor and take the time to really see those around me. Who they are, what they're going through and how I might bless them. I want to get out of myself. I want my focus to be on others this year... not simply on myself.

So many times I think- so and so would love this, or I should send this person a card to tell them I was thinking of them or just stop by and leave a little note on this person's door to surprise and bless them. And then I don't do it. I really want to make it a point to do those things when they cross my mind. To show those around me that they are on my heart. Plus it sounds like fun!

*And of course I want to be a better wife and mother, but I'm leaving those off my list because, frankly, those are things I already think about and try to do each day already. :)

So any big resolutions for you this year?

the mommy guilt.

Gah. Today has been a day. And it's only noon.

As I've mentioned before- I work from home. And only part-time, thank goodness. But with this job and projects for Lilac Row, it's days like this that I feel like I just woke up and blinked and half the day is gone. And- oh, yeah!- my daughter is running around in the background, fending for herself.

Oh, the guilt. I just put her down for a nap and I can't even tell you how many days I have literally counted the hours in my head until the next time she will go to sleep... so that I will have some uninterrupted time to cross something off my list. 

I feel horrible even typing that out loud.

That's not the kind of mother I want to be. I want to be present. I want to be fun. I want to answer her the first time she asks me to "hold you mama" or "mama help you?", not the 5th.  I don't want her to remember me sitting in front of this blasted computer all day long.

But it's so hard to fit everything in. Sometimes I just physically don't know how to do it. Does anyone? If so, please enlighten me.

And here's the thing- I'm pretty sure I know what my problem is. I take on too many things. Self-imposed, not other people requesting things. It's just me and my little over-active, over-achieving mind. Which is selfish. My time is not only my own. It's my husband's and it's my daughter's. And above all? It's God's.

I feel like I need to fall on my knees and just cry and ask for forgiveness right now. I have been so, so selfish lately. Everything I do- each thing I make a priority- is of my own choosing. Not once have I stopped to ask Jesus if this is what He wants me to be doing at his particular moment. And far too often I do whatever the heck it is I want to do, rather than considering what my husband wants or needs. Even if that just means sitting on the couch next to him, holding his hand- without my phone or a project in the other hand. I mean, how hard is that?

And my girl? Well her needs are far more apparent. And sure, I meet them.. food, diapers, hugs, play. But largely with only half of my attention. Always thinking of something else. Of all that I need to do. And is any of it more important than that sweet baby and her request to "hold you mama"?

Absolutely not.

today I ...

... woke up from a dream that I ran into Jessica Simpson in the produce section of Walmart. She was there as publicity for her whole losing the baby weight campaign. I was there for bananas.

... ran for the first time in three months. It felt great.

... hit up my second estate sale this week. I found some awesome stuff and it makes me more and more excited for the next Vintage Market Days event.

... got super excited about the thunderstorm that rolled through this afternoon. I lit a vanilla spice candle to celebrate the occasion.

... started thinking about the upcoming holiday season and all things fall. I just love this time of year!

... noted that my nails need to be cut no less than 13 times. They have yet to be clipped.

... discovered two packages were delivered to our house. Neither one was for me. The nerve.

... spent way too much time on Pinterest. Luckily it was for work, so all that pinning will pay off.

... started and then abandoned a photo book of my bumpdates. Too much pressure.

... snuck some spinach into our meatballs. I swear they tasted better than they ever have.

... got the worst stomachache of my life- about 10 minutes after dinner. Don't try to tell me it was the hidden spinach. I'm giving the side eye to the broccoli for this one.

... think I finally decided on a Halloween costume for my girl.

... have a stack of magazines that I've been saving for a perfect night of lounging and inspiration. Tonight is looking good!


What have you been up to today?

my priorities & no more busy

I've been thinking a lot about this lately.. about exactly what my priorities are and what they should be. The word "busy" has also been at the forefront of my mind. And after coming across a number of blog posts about these very topics and touching on the subject in my bible study lately, I can't help but think that God is trying to get my attention. So here I am, trying to listen. 

It's been a while since I've felt He's tried to get me to pay attention to something specific. Not that He isn't always trying- more that I'm actually catching on this time. I'm praying that I really learn and take hold of what exactly He's trying to impress upon me right now.

So here are my jumbled thoughts on all of this. Hopefully by writing some things out, I will be able to clarify a little and someone else can benefit along the way..

"I'm busy" 

"We've been so busy!"

"Oh, just busy with xyz"

Busy seems to have become the expected, normal response these days when someone asks how you're doing or what you've been up to. Me? Totally guilty. If I think back, the standard "oh, fine" is no longer my answer. It's usually "oh, just keeping busy!"  Busy with what? Aren't we all busy? 

When I really sit back and think about it, my busy consists simply of my everyday life. Yes, there have been times in the past few months when I've had extra commitments or projects to complete or deadlines I was working against. In those cases, busy might have actually been appropriate. But every day? Not so much. It seems to be more of a cloak of supposed importance. Like I have to make sure people know that I am just going, going, going every second of the day, hardly stopping for a rest. And is that true? No, it's not. Frankly, as a stay-at-home-mom, I have a lot of down time. Oh, sure, there are always things that I could be doing, like cleaning the bathrooms or another load of laundry or actually putting on make up and fixing my hair or completing a project for our booth. But usually in the late afternoon, I want to sit on the couch with my girl and watch Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. Because to me, just sitting there, watching the joy on her face, holding her hand and snuggling her tight is much more important (and more appealing) than scrubbing the toilet.

I guess my point is, busy has just become an excuse. At least for me. And when we offer it as our answer when someone asks what we've been up to or how we are, it's like a little wall we put up, rather than sharing how we're really doing. Do I need to tell the usher at church that I've been super emotional this week, when they ask? No. And the acquaintance I run into at the grocery store doesn't need to know about the argument I just had with my husband/best friend/sister/whomever. But when someone close to me asks, and really wants to know... well, what's the point in responding with, "ugh, I've been SO busy" when that shares nothing at all? 

I also need to work on not carrying busy around with me all the time. And this is where my skewed priorities come in. I am realizing more and more that I just take on too much. I have not been intentional with my time. And that just causes me to be irritable and scattered. Not what I'm going for. When I start three different projects at a time and throw a load of laundry in and stop to play with Evie and start dinner and check my work email- all in a 30 minute span- my attention is not really on any of these tasks. I like to think I'm a great multi-tasker (all moms seem to be!), but when you aren't giving your full attention to something, how can it be completed well? It can't, really. And for the laundry or heck, even dinner, that's okay with me. But my job should get my full attention. When my husband comes home from work, he should get my full attention. And I don't for a minute want Evie to think that sitting in front of my computer is more important than she is to me.

So I've been trying to slow down a bit, really think before I start something new. My days could seem mundane, but I truly love them here at home with my girl. I wouldn't trade it for anything. And I don't want this time with her to just.. pass. I want us to enjoy it, take full advantage of it. Which requires me taking an honest look at all that I have on my plate, and perhaps cutting a few things out. Or at least scaling them back. Because I want to really focus, really enjoy what I do have going on right now. I haven't pinpointed exactly what will be scaled back, but I'm thinking and praying about it a lot.

If you want to read more, here are a few great reads:

The Tiny Twig's "we've been so busy"

Naptime Diaries: write new rules.

The Tiny Twig's giving up on good series

Beautifully Rooted: Happy Messy

 

On purpose. And success.

What's your purpose? Do you know?

I'm not entirely sure I know mine..

My Bible Study is currently reading Praying for Purpose for Women by Katie Brazelton, so I'm hoping to glean a lot during this time. The chapters are short and concise, and it's intended to be read and prayed about each day. The tough (and good) thing about the book is all of the questions. Each chapter focuses on something in your life to really get you thinking and praying about your life, your time, your purpose.

And it's hard. For example:

What's confused in your life?

What's right and what's wrong in your life?

How do you define success?

This last question really had me thinking. Obviously, much of the world defines success by wealth. How big your house is, what car you drive, what labels you wear, how big your bank account is.

This has never been my view, although I would be lying through my teeth if I didn't say having a fat wallet sounded pretty nice and comfy. Duh.

For me, success is so personal and honestly, dependent on the time in your life.

I remember a few years ago, when I was laid off and unemployed for a summer, I really struggled with this. Oh, sure, I enjoyed having my days free, perusing thrift stores, working on projects around the house and just taking it easy overall. But one day in particular, I just couldn't wrap my mind around what it was I was supposed to be doing, and it had me in tears. I was sending out my resume, applying for jobs, and yes, keeping busy at home. But for what? To what end? My home wasn't any cleaner. Dinners were not any more elaborate. I certainly wasn't suddenly winning any wife of the year awards. I enjoyed painting rooms in our home and doing project after project, but who, besides me, was enjoying it? I think my hubby likes things I do around the house just fine, but I don't think anything was blowing his socks off or anything. 

And now? I feel like it's, is my husband happy? is my baby happy and healthy? am I being a good wife/mother/daughter/friend? am I spending enough time in prayer? have I had some time alone to do something I enjoy?

None of those things has to do with "work", you might notice. I still work part time (from home), but frankly, I no longer feel much like an employee. Maybe that has to do with being at home.. not having to drive to and from the office, having flexibility in my schedule, clocking in in my yoga pants.

Or maybe it has to do with being a mom. I feel like my life and purpose took a very clear and decided turn when I had Evie. I punched out for maternity leave, and frankly, could have never looked back. I always enjoyed my job, but it was never this amazing, fulfilling career that I couldn't step away from. In some ways I'm thankful for that. Yes, it would have been nice to have a big, successful, high-paying career, like many women do before kids, but I think that would have made it a little bit harder to walk away from.

I always knew I wanted to be a mom. I knew I would love it and was so excited for that time in my life. And it's wonderful. But full disclosure- I get why some moms go back to work, even if they don't financially have to. Crying babies are hard. Babies that won't sleep are hard. Tantrums are hard. Cleaning up mess after mess after mess all the livelong day is hard.

Don't get me wrong- I absolutely love it. Not every single minute of every single day, but I do love being home with my girl and wouldn't trade it for the world. But it's becoming more and more clear to me that I need that time alone in order to be a good mom. To be successful as a mom. An outlet to be alone, quite, creative. I used to be a little embarrassed/sheepish when I told people that my mother in law watched Evie for a few hours, twice a week. I don't work the entire time she's gone, but have time to get things done at home as well. In peace. And frankly, I need that. I feel rejuvenated, relaxed, and ready to see my girl and play with her and love on her. Are we blessed to have this set-up? You bet. Should I feel bad about it? I don't really think so. If I'm striving to be the best mom and wife I can be, knowing I need some alone time and taking Grandma up on her offer to help is a win-win.

But back to the question- what's my purpose? Is it simply to be a good mom? To teach my daughter about Jesus and loving people and being thankful for all that we've been given and to be kind and respectful? 

In short, no. I don't think that's my only purpose. A big one, right now? Yes. But I think there's more. And I'm hoping to find out what it is.

So what do you think your purpose is right now? Do you know? Have you been successful at your purpose? I'm so curious to know what others see their purpose and success as.

Friday thoughts. And such.

Well, it's not exactly still morning, now is it?

 

Photos are unrelated. Sue me. L-R: We Eat Rocks, 3 Amigos, Cookin in the Kitchen

Week two of Baby Learns to Swim is complete! I won't lie- the first class was rough. But my girl has rallied and is showing the other tots a thing or two about row, row, rowing your boat and how to execute the perfect swan dive. All in a day's work. Seriously, though, it turns out a friend of ours and her little girl are in our class! So fun to learn to dive for pennies with friends.

After a very mild winter thus far, we are expecting a cold front tomorrow. Boo. I could do without snow and freezing temperatures all together.

I finally finished this book this past week. I've had it since December, but got side-tracked about half way through. Seriously, a Must Read. He loves us so much.

For some reason, Evie has been waking up a few times a night all week. I have no idea what is going on.. teeth, maybe?? I feel so bad for her, because she wakes up and immediately goes from 1 to 10, yelling for someone to come and get her. But sheesh, I wish I knew what was wrong. And I really wish it would go away. 

Well, I entered the land of tweetsville and the jury is still out. I decided that I really needed an outlet for all of the thoughts and one-liners that pop in to my head throughout the day. Also? I need friends, so leave me your handle so we can be bff and share all our important and needless updates.

I am contemplating doing an entire post bragging about how smart my child is. Would that be wrong?? Because, dudes. She is so.stinking.smart. And no, I am not bias AT ALL.

We have been contemplating both a new vehicle and a new home recently. Cue the anxiety. For those of you who know a little bit about it and have been praying for us- thank you, thank you. We just really want wisdom in our decision making and for God's will for our family. I think we have it about figured out and we're excited!

Any V Day plans? We are sort of anti-Valentine's Day, in the sense that the only time we ever went out to dinner to celebrate was right after we started dating. So he really had no choice. Now we stay home and avoid the crowds. Does that make us old, or what!? I've been lobbying for hubby to dress up as cupid (complete with loin cloth and wings) for years now, to no avail. I just really feel like that would be icing on my box of chocolates cake.

And last but certainly not least, I just got an email that Evie's Nursery will be featured on Apartment Therapy today!! GAH! So the rest of my day will be spent stalking the site until it shows up.

Happy Weekend!!

Let's talk food. Again.

Have you seen my friend Katie's weekly meal plans? If not, you should. She's not a food blogger and she'll be the first to tell you she's not a gourmet chef. And I think it's only been in the last year or so that she's been trying to eat out less and spend more time in the kitchen. But each Monday, she shares her weekly meal plan. And it's not all hugely fancy or time consuming.. she likes things simple and delicious. And each week when the post pops up in my reader, I feel SO GUILTY. 

:)

Guys. I need to be cooking more. Like way more.

I'm pretty sure my friend Sarah is doing meal plans, too. In fact, I know a lot of people plan their weekly dinners out this way, and it makes so much sense, as far as staying organized, saving some money at the grocery store and avoiding that dreaded "what do we have to eat??" question when you're two steps past starving.

In my defense, I do try to think about what we have on hand and mentally plan for a few dinners during the week. But seriously? We eat out or pick something up way more than we should. And I hardly ever make a full out grocery list of all ingredients, etc for multiple meals before heading to the grocery store, like I know I should.

Pinterest has definitely helped me find and remember recipes that I like or want to try. I just need to do it more. Because let's be honest here. I am home every.single.day now. And while hubby knew cooking wasn't at the top of my hobbies list when he married me, he is always very happy and appreciative when I do cook- no matter what it is. And I really want to cook for him. And Evie. I want our kids growing up with favorite meals that mom makes, or loving Taco Tuesday, or for us to have some special dish that I make every MLK Day or some such. :) You get the idea. 

So I'm putting it out there. I WILL be cooking more.

And not to leave you empty-handed, here are two recipes that I tried last week and both got our stamp of approval in the YUM and EASY categories. Both were found on Pinterest (of course), and photos are from the original sources.

French Dip Crescents

via Mama Loves Food

Crockpot (Zesty) Italian Chicken

via The Girl Who Ate Everything

Okay, share time. What are you cooking for dinner this week? Any great blogs or sites that post yummy, EASY recipes I need to check out? OR have you found a great system for planning and organizing your meal plan? I need all the help I can get! Thanks friends!

The Song that Binds Us

Ok, question:

Do you and your Loverboy** have a "song"???

This is serious, people! 

Edited to add: YES, I am just shy of 30 (akkk) and possibly having a mid-something moment with this post subject matter.

On the way to work the other day, Wonderful Tonight by Eric Clapton came on the radio, which immediately made me think of C, my oldest middle/high school friend and one of her teenage boyfriends. See, Wonderful Tonight was their "song". This fact stood out to me loud and clear and has remained in my consciousness for a number of reasons. 

Yes, there's a list: 

1. She told me it was, with all certainty and absoluteness that made it clear that they had consulted on the matter. They both knew this was their song- not just her, romanticizing and telling her girlfriends. I fully imagined them getting dreamy eyes and possibly making out on the couch in her parents basement any time the tune came on the radio or by CD shuffle.

2. It was a very grown-up song for people our age at the time, but not at all out of character.. our parents are all hippies/music junkies/band members/etc. We weren't exactly sitting around listening to NKOTB. Also, my name is AJA.

And finally, the biggest reason of all.

3. I have NEVER had a "song" with any boyfriend/husband/loverboy. EVER.

So needless to say, every time ol Clapton starts crooning about how wonderful whatshername is looking tonight, I have a quick walk down memory lane and a mild panic attack that we need to get on the ball somehow.

So am I right?? Are we missing out? Will our children one day ask us to tell them about our love story and share our special song, only to be answered with blank stares and shared side-eyes from their wrinkly parents?? 

I will say- I've brought this matter up to the hubs a few times, and I just don't think he's as concerned as I am. Shocker. It may have something to do with the fact that every time Roxette's It Must Have Been Love comes on, I declare it to be our song. Not that anything is Over Now.. Oh no no no no. I just like the song.

So dish it up. What's your "song". And if you have any suggestions for what our everlasting symbol of our relationship "song" should be, please let me know if the comments. Clearly, we can use all the help we can get. 

**Sorry about the "Loverboy" reference. I'm in a mood.

These are My (Pregnancy) Confessions

{Confession 1}: My pants are rigged.
A few weeks ago, lightening struck and I had the genius idea to rifle around in my underwear drawer for what could be the answer to my maternity pants crisis. Success! I found just what I was looking for: a heather gray, Ralph Lauren bandeau bra circa 2001 that I knew could double as a belly band and serve as the missing link to my non-pregnancy jeans. Please don't ask me why I have one of these bras, if I ever wore it (as a bra) or why it's still in my possession. All I know is my frequent TJ Maxx and NBC shopping trips during college are now paying off in spades as my pregnancy wardrobe expands with my belly.

{Confession 2}: Dreft is for the birds.
Yeah, I'm not a fan. And this is apparently a problem, as everything that touches the baby is (supposedly) to be washed in it. UGH. I mean, have you smelled it?? The first time I did a load, over a month ago, I walked in the laundry room to put the clothes in the dryer and nearly had to turn around and walk right back out. And now every time I open her closet I'm hit with a wave of the sickly sweet smell. I'm sure this has everything to do with my Basset Hound of a pregnant nose, but eeeegads. I am hoping and praying that as soon as she pops out I'll get my regular old nose back find the scent to be lovely and baby fresh. We'll see.

Update: I have since done many more loads of baby laundry with The Dreft. While it's still not my favorite smell, it's potency has worn off a bit.. thankfully.

{Confession 3}: Pregnancy nose is for the birds.
Expanding on number 2- I will not be at all sorry to lose this flippin nose. It is downright exhausting, sometimes. My poor hubby has bore the brunt of this little symptom. Case in point: he's had a touch of high blood pressure recently, and started taking some garlic pills as a suggested natural remedy. No big deal right? He was even thoughtful enough to pick up the "unscented" variety. WRONG. Every so often we'll be sitting on the couch watching Modern Family or driving to QT and my nose goes in the air and I give him a sideways glance that says "I know what you've been up to, buddy boy." GARLIC. And other times I'll sniff around him for no reason, maybe trying to decipher what he had for lunch, and there's that hummus smell for miles. WHAT IN THE WORLD, PEOPLE?? Now, in his defense, no one but me can smell this. Cause I've asked around. So don't think you're going to pop on by our house and start sniffing around my husband, because I'm the only one who gets away with that sort of thing. He smells just fine to the rest of the world. I've already requested that he stop taking these pills as d-day approaches. I can't be leaning on him, trying to get my cleansing breath on and feel like I'm in a Greek restaurant to give birth.

{Confession 4}: I cannot WAIT for maternity leave.
I feel bad writing this, because I know that hubby would love a 12 week break from work as much as I would. And I use the term "break" loosely, because we all know it won't be a bed of roses. I'm just sayin'. Having an actual end in site to the current full-time work schedule is music to my ears. I'm sure I'm deluding myself by thinking I'll have all this time to do stuff around the house, but I'm excited about it nonetheless.

{Confession 5}: I have an overconfidence in my mothering skills.
I have to admit, I have about zero apprehensions/fears about bringing home this little babe. Why?.. Oh, I don't know, naivety, I guess. Hubby and I will discuss this every now and then, and he'll share his honest thoughts and apprehensions about being responsible for another human life and taking care of her and everything involved. You know, normal stuff. But me? I seem to have absolutely no fears at all. Now I know it's not going to be all sunshine and rainbows, but I'm just not worried. What does this all mean? I'm thinking it means that I'll either skate on through or am about to be hit with a Mack truck of real life with a newborn. I'll keep you posted.


{Confession 6}: I fully expect to birth a Mini Me.
If you know me at all, this comes as no surprise to you. I have long made it clear that I hope my little girl is born with lots of dark hair and dark eyes like I was.. I seriously came out with more hair on my head than hubby has now. (Not that he's losing his hair or anything- but he wears it pretty short). If we had lived in the Carribean, I think my mom would have let the nurses braid and put beads in my hair before we checked out of the hospital. :) But doesn't everyone feel this way?? I just want her to look like me. Is that too much to ask?? Don't get me wrong- when we have a little boy, I want him to look just like hubby.. with tan-able skin and carmel colored hair and eyes.. think Kelly Ripa's youngest son. So I'm not trying to discriminate or anything. Oh, and also? I want her to be brown.

{Confession 7}: Pregnancy Brain is REAL. And no joke.
This is one of those "symptoms" that I wasn't really sure I believed in at first. Even when people I knew told me that they started forgetting things while pregnant, I thought it was all in their head. Not so. My brain will draw a total blank at times, as words and names and other facts that I've known for years fly right out of my head at the most inopportune times. For example, a few weeks ago, I could not for the life of me think of the work Reconcile. I was at work and it was the end of the month, so I was working some of our sales/accounting records. And what did I need to do with another employee??? RECONCILE our monthly sales spreadsheet. Yet I spent the better part of the morning just trying to think of the d*mn word so that I could email her and let her know that I was ready to get the fun accounting party started. I even tried explaining to my co-workers and looking up synonyms online and still couldn't figure it out! At approximately 2pm the next day, the word finally came to me.

{Confession 8}: I'm hoping to have as natural a labor and delivery as possible.
No home birth, no water birth.. I don't have a midwife or a doula. But I am really hoping to labor at home as long as possible and have very few interventions at the hospital. I've always thought I could probably deliver without an epidural.. my mom didn't have one for either of us kids and honestly, I think I have a higher pain tolerance than my mom. She didn't want that big needle in her back. I'm not so scared about that aspect, I just want to try it on my own. The way I see it, women have been having babies without medicine as pain relief since the beginning of time. We were created to carry babies and deliver them when the time comes. So why should I doubt that my body can do it, too?
Sidenote- I did go ahead and sign up for the epidural, since you can't change your mind and request one in the throes of labor if you haven't signed up ahead of time. And hubby and I have a safe word, should it come to that. :)

{Confession 9}: Sometimes I wish men had to experience pregnancy, too.
There have been times throughout this experience when I really just wished hubby had an inkling of what I was feeling or experiencing. The weird pains and sensations.. the emotions.. the bizarre changes in your body. Because, frankly, trying to explain what bloat feels like just doesn't do it justice. And I don't think the term Lightening Crotch carries the same weight for a guy. Also, try as I may, I just don't think there is a way to explain how amazing and unreal it feels when a baby kicks you and moves inside of you... There is just nothing like it.

{Confession 10}: This pregnancy has been... a dream.
Seriously. I know I rant and rave on here, but in all honesty, I am one lucky duck. Or rather, really, really blessed, because I don't necessarily believe in luck. I do, however, believe in good genes, and I've clearly been blessed with those in spades for this pregnancy! Thanks Mom! A few notables: though nauseous in the first trimester, I never actually got sick.. I have felt great overall the entire 10 months.. I've managed to avoid the dreaded "pregnancy face".. (if you don't agree with me here and think I look a little bloated, I don't want to hear it!).. my ankles/feet only get mildly bloated at the end of the day or if I've been standing too long.. no stretch marks!!!!... I have not had any heartburn... and the kicker- no excessive or alarming gas! Okay, okay, I was pretty burpy in the first trimester, but I think we can all agree that it could have been MUCH worse.

{BONUS Confession}: Skinny jeans on boys/men make me want to retch.
No, this has nothing to do with being pregnant.. I feel the exact same way in any season of my life. But it needed to be said. I seriously stop and stare and shake my head disapprovingly any time I see a male in jeans tighter than mine. NOT GOOD. NOT CUTE. MOVE ALONG.
That's all I have to say about that.