Taking Stock / 04

It's been a heck of a lot longer than I thought since my last Taking Stock.

It was totally worth the wait, I'm sure.

Making: lists upon lists of things I need to pack for our trip to Hawaii.  So far it includes almost everything but the kitchen sink.

Cooking: chicken fajitas and trying not to make out with my crock pot.

Drinking: water, water, and more water.  And some Mother's Milk tea.

Reading: Wild by Cheryl Strayed

Wanting: time to slow the eff down.

Looking: at Honolulu's weather forecast and drooling.

Playing: dinosaurs, dragons, and sharks with my little love.  All consist of us chasing each other around the house yelling "RAWR!"

Wishing: my pants didn't give me a muffin top.  

Enjoying: any excuse to wear yoga pants because... see above.

Loving: seeing Zoey smile her big, gummy smile.

Pondering: what to put on my Christmas wish list.  I'm the worst so I have to start thinking extra early.  

Considering: starting 5am weekday-wake ups so I can get a workout in before work but then I think "eh, better not."

Watching: my babies on the video monitor.  One is asleep and one is hoarding blankets.

Needing: to workout.  For the sake of my sanity.  And my muffin top. 

Wearing: yoga pants and a t-shirt.

Following: Harry Potter or Game of Thrones fan theories.

Noticing: I'm slightly obsessed with Harry Potter and Game of Thrones fan theories.

Admiring: other people's abilities to not obsess about their kids' sleep.   

Sorting: fall and winter clothes for the kids.

Buying: reusable swim diapers for Hawaii.

Getting: pathetically excited for Fall TV.  Hello, Grey's Anatomy and How to Get Away with Murder.

Bookmarking: potty training tips.

Disliking: that Camden's third birthday is just three months away.  Someone hold me.

Feeling: all the feelings.  What else is new?

Snacking: on Aussie Bites.  All day long.

Coveting: baby headbands and pretty much everything at lolabeanjewelry.

Wishing: Camden would potty train himself.

Helping: myself to Brookside Dark Chocolate-Covered Acai & Blueberries after Zoey goes to bed.  I have to reward myself for surviving the day somehow.

Hearing: this on repeat.  It's my shower jam.

{photo credit: Pics & Paws Photography}

Take Luck,

LP

Taking Stock / 03

Camden is spending the afternoon with my mom and I am pathetically bored at home, with nothing but laundry to occupy my time.  How is it that he stretches me to my limits on a daily basis and I am wishing for some peace and quiet, yet when I have some peace and quiet I'm wishing for my Hammy?

It was just before Christmas that I did my last Taking Stock post, so let's just say that my Cam-less afternoon has turned into your lucky day.

Making: list upon list upon list of things I need to buy and do before this baby comes.

Cooking: steak fajitas.  Of which I will only be able to stomach the veggies.

Drinking: water.  Like it's my j-o-b.

Reading: The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins

Wanting: the next 6-7 weeks to pass by quickly and slowly all at the same time. 

Looking: at all these little baby girl clothes just waiting to be worn.

Playing: "Get back in bed" with Camden at bedtime since transitioning to a toddler bed.

Wishing: Camden didn't think it was so hilarious to get out of his bed.

Enjoying: feeling this baby have dance parties.  Sister has moves already, I can tell. 

Loving: any picture of Eloise and Rosie.

Pondering: if baby sister will have blonde hair and blue eyes like Camden or brown hair and brown eyes like her Daddy.  I would have bet big money that Cam would have had dark hair and dark eyes like Ryan. 

Considering: whether or not I should go shopping for a few more maternity items or just make what I've got work. 

Watching:  Season 4 of Parenthood.  

Needing: nursing friendly, light, and non-clingy postpartum clothes for the summer.  Joy.

Wearing: jeans, a comfy shirt, and scarf.

Following: @mommasgonecity and her #TheoandBeau series.

Noticing: that even though I feel twice the size I did at this stage in Camden's pregnancy, I look almost exactly the same.  For now.

Admiring: Ryan's hard work in the yard this weekend.  He bought and spread over 40 bags of mulch and it looks fantastic.  Side note, I ate a cookie while he loaded 15 bags into the car.  #proudpregnancymoment

Sorting: tiny baby girl clothes.

Buying: tickets for us to take Camden on the Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad this summer.  Just seeing the train on the website got the little train loving turkey all in a tizzy. 

Getting: excited to meet our baby girl.  Duh.

Bookmarking: this because motherhood is really freaking hard and really freaking awesome.

Disliking: that baby sister's head is all up in my ribs but loving all her movement and ninja kicks.

Feeling: ridiculously excited that Season 5 of Game of Thrones premieres tonight.

Snacking: a lot.

Coveting: sibling Halloween costume ideas.  However ridiculously early it may be.

Wishing: August air fare to St. Louis wasn't as ridiculously expensive as it is.  Not cool.

Helping: myself to all the foot and back rubs I can pry out of my hubby's hands.

Hearing: this and always feeling appreciative of Grey's Anatomy's music selections. 

And because I can't not post a picture of my pride and joy.

Take Luck,

LP

Taking Stock / 02

It's been awhile since I last took stock.  With it being two days until Christmas, why not reflect upon the crazy?

Making: Puppy chow.  Not the puppy kind, but the human kind.

Cooking: Ryan's grandma's sausage rice for Christmas Eve.

Drinking: Lemonade.  Lots of lemonade.

Reading: The First Family by David Baldacci and Thomas' Tales of Discovery.  Over and over and over.

Wanting: Christmas Day to pass by slowly.

Looking: at my growing belly.

Playing: "Ready, Set, Go!" with Camden.  This is where he backs himself up against his kitchen, and when I say, "Ready, Set, Go!" he runs into my arms and I lift him up into Superman.  It is exhausting.

Wishing: Camden didn't like "Ready, Set, Go" so much.

Enjoying: the holiday season in all it's crazy glory.

Loving: that as of Thursday, I will have seven days off work.  Amen, hallelujah. 

Pondering: whether this little baby is a boy or girl.

Considering: baby names.  So many baby names.

Watching: Christmas movies.

Needing: stretchier pants. 

Wearing: a comfy, cozy sweatshirt.

Following: @itsahuntlife on Instagram (tales of me and the husband) and swooning at pictures of her new squishy baby. 

Noticing: Camden's weekly gymnastics class is making him brave and adventurous when it comes to climbing on and jumping off things.

Admiring: the Christmas jammies I found for Cam.

Sorting: Christmas gifts. 

Buying: last minute gift cards and stocking stuffers.

Getting: really, really excited to see Camden's face on Christmas morning.

Bookmarking: tips on transitioning a child from a crib to a toddler bed. 

Disliking: the fact that Camden will no longer be confined to his baby cage.  I kid on the baby cage part.

Feeling: unlucky when sneezing.  If my bladder is even remotely full - I'm in trouble.  Too much?

Snacking: on anything and everything.  This mommy is hungry.

Coveting: next year's matching Christmas jammies for Camden and his baby brother or baby sister.  Which one will it be?!

Wishing: it was January 5th so we would know the sex of this babe.

Helping: myself to as much puppy chow as I want.

Hearing: this song and getting the chilly chills every time.

Take Luck,

LP

Taking Stock

Copying my dearest Tiff and Taking Stock.

Making: lists to prepare myself for the crazy month of September.

Cooking: Cara's spaghetti.  I really need to share this life changing recipe.

Drinking: water and telling myself it's cherry coke.

Reading: The Target by David Baldacci and Steam Train Dream Train by Sherri Duskey Rinker.  The latter with my eyes closed.

Wanting: to win the lottery.

Looking: at the fine lines and crow's feet taking residence on my face.

Playing: with choo-choo trains and "don't hit mommy with your golf club." 

Wishing: Camden would stop using his golf clubs as weapons.

Enjoying: the last stretch of summer.

Loving: having quiet time with Ryan after Hammy goes to bed.

Pondering: what Camden will dress up as for Halloween this year.

Considering: shaving my head.  Just kidding.

Watching: ALS Ice Bucket Challenge videos.  Cannot get enough.

Needing: to purchase some oversized sweaters, boots, and scarves. 

Wearing: exercise clothes to give off the illusion that I'm actually exercising.

Following: tonight's Emmy Awards coverage.

Noticing: Camden's attachment to Franky (Kiki) is increasing at an alarming rate.

Admiring: our fence and all its enclosing glory. 

Sorting: through Camden's clothes to see what he needs for the cooler, fall weather.

Buying: more choo-choo books.  One can only read Steam Train Dream Train so many times.

Getting: really excited to see Tiff and Huck in 10 days.  10 days!

Bookmarking: links about traveling to Thailand.

Disliking: the thought of traveling to Thailand for a two day meeting.

Feeling: nervous to fly alone with my wild beast.  In 10 days!

Snacking: constantly.  Who needs actual meals?

Coveting: the new seasons of Glee, Grey's Anatomy, Homeland, and The Walking Dead.

Wishing: people were quicker to praise and slower to criticize.  

Helping: ease my nerves about flying solo with Camnado by setting my expectations really, really, really low.

Hearing: this song and immediately feeling calm. 

Take Luck,
LP

To Live...

"To live would be an awfully big adventure."

- Robin Williams (as Peter Banning, Hook)

Like the rest of the world, the death of Robin Williams has really bothered and saddened me.  It's amazing to me to think that someone who brought so much joy and laughter to people could have so much darkness within himself.  I think the reason it bothers me so much is that, dramatic as it sounds, it feels like a part of my childhood and youth died, too.

A big part of my childhood was spending time with my Grama and in addition to daily trips to Dairy Queen, we watched a lot of movies.

Some of our favorites to watch (on VHS, of course) were Hook, Aladdin, Mrs. Doubtfire, Jumanji, Jack, and The Birdcage.

Source

Did you catch the one that wasn't quite like the others, The Birdcage?  In it, Robin Williams plays a gay cabaret owner.  He and his drag queen companion (played by Nathan Lane) agree to put up a false "straight" front so that their son can introduce them to his fiancée's right-wing parents.

 

Sounds like a totally age-appropriate movie for a pre-tween, yes?  Probably not, but it (along with Dustin Hoffman's Tootsie) was a staple in our rotation.  I like to think of it as being "cultured" at a young age.

 

I've always loved movies, and I feel like my Gram was instrumental in igniting that love.

She was an amazing part of my childhood and youth, and so was Robin Williams.

I'm pretty sure Ryan hasn't ever seen The Birdcage, so he's in for a real treat.

Take Luck,

LP

Other Job Possibilities

At the risk of sounding like a broken record, I'm going to talk about work.  Some more. 

Just like any other working human being, there are days I like my job and feel fulfilled as I run out the door.  Other days, not so much, and I run out the door even faster.

Anytime I try to think about what else I would want or could possibly do - I am clueless.  Truly, clueless.  Honestly, I think I get stuck because there are many wonderful things about my job/where I work that keep me from looking outside of my window-less cubicle walls.

My undergraduate degree is in Marketing, and my master's degree is in Engineering & Technology Management, the latter of which is tied pretty specifically to where I currently work, but not exclusively.  Now, almost six years out of undergrad, I feel like I'm so far removed from Marketing that my only option would be going back to an entry level sales position and work my hind end up the ladder.  No, thanks.

When I really sit down to think about what other job possibilities might be, this is what comes to mind - in varying degrees of seriousness:

- Grab my childhood joke books and becoming a comedienne

- Start asking strangers if I can take their family pictures and build a portfolio for a photography business

- Pen a series of children's books

- Become a voice-over actor

- Create new names for crayon colors, Baskin Robbins ice cream flavors, and Girl Scout Cookies 

- Run an in-home daycare  

- Open and operate an indoor learning/play facility

- Write witty greeting cards for Hallmark

- Become a children's fashion consultant and teach parents the keys to making their child/children look homeless in public

Yeah.  Maybe I should just stay right where I am.

Take Luck,
LP

Lately

- I've been bus-ay tending to my sick baby boy.  I swear, we're on a 3-month-sick-cycle.  He has required a lot of snuggles, which I will never, ever, ever complain about.  I won't complain about my temporary stay-cation from work, either!

- Ryan left for Las Vegas today to play in his men's slowpitch team's national tournament.  Camden and I had initially planned to go, but I decided against it at the last minute.  Not many wives and no other kiddos were going (hello, it's Las Vegas), and the thought of basically being attached to the house for naps and such sounded like no fun whatsoever.  Camden's sickness pretty much solidified my decision.

- Next week, Ryan's sister, Cara, and her hubby, Webb come out west to visit and so the adults can go on an adult only mini-vacay to Portland.  We're planning to hit up some wineries, shop, and take naps.  I. CANNOT. WAIT.

- I've been busy hosting my first challenge group and I cannot even begin to explain how awesome my group is.  Everyone is excited, and that makes it so much more fun!  It's been amazing for me to feel like I'm helping and motivating people.  I really love it.  Better yet, it keeps me accountable for workouts and eating healthy, too!

- This morning, I could feel the slightest bit of crisp in the air.  I may have squealed a little bit at the thought of fall being right around the corner.

- We recently purchased Camden's Halloween costume.  While debating over a fox and a monster, Ryan showed me a YouTube video and it was decided.

I can't wait to tell Camden that story someday.

Take Luck,

LP

I'm Getting Older

I'm getting older.

And recently, it seems as though I've been constantly reminded of that fact in various ways.

[1] For whatever strange reason, I DVR'd the VMAs and could literally feel myself losing intelligence while watching.

Maybe MTV just doesn't do the VMAs like they used to?

[2] Speaking of the VMAs, I was completely and utterly repulsed by Miley Cyrus's performance.  There are plenty of other reflections floating around the internet, so I'll just leave it at that.

[3] What is it with the way young girls are dressing these days?  Seriously, ass cheeks hanging out the bottom of shorts is not attractive.  I want to shake these girls and ask them, "Where is your mother/father/voice of authority?!"

[4] I find a 50-year old man to be particularly yummy.

Source

Have mercy.

[5] Instead of wanting to go above and beyond to please people that tend to make things difficult - I generally just want to tell them to shove it.

[6] I cry like a little basket case during movies and it's not just limited to love stories or dramas. Seriously, today it was Bride Wars.

[7] My ideal evening includes being in bed by 8:00.

Take Luck,

LP

Lately

- I've been noticing that way too many men have bigger boobs than me. This is not OK.

- I've been slightly obsessed with finding deals on Groupon, finding things we "need" on Diapers.com, and reading this Camp Patton blog. 

- I find myself looking around at all of Camden's toys (wondering why on earth we have them all) while he's busy playing with an empty water jug, a comb, an empty laundry basket, and the television remote.

-  I'm cursing the process of teething.  Someone has two top teeth that have totally poked through (he's no longer a one-toothed-hillbilly), one that is just starting to break through and another that is close behind.  Like I said, cursing teeth.

- I've been noticing that Camden is looking older and will whine about this travesty to anyone that will listen.  Seriously, he woke up from a two hour nap this afternoon and practically looked like a toddler.

- I'm feeling thankful that both my mother and mother-in-law don't try and tell me/us how to raise Camden.  They'd give their opinion if we asked for it, I'm sure.  But lately, it seems they leave the open opinions and "guidance" to strangers and people who think I give a damn what they think.

- I was watching my baby video and was admiring how fantastic and put-together my mom looked when bringing me home from the hospital.  Her hair was done and her makeup was on.  Then, there's me.  I wore nothing but yoga pants and nursing cami's for weeks (OK, months), and just generally looked like hell.  Next time, Momma.  Next time.

Take Luck,

LP

More Lately

- I've realized I have a new pet peeve: poor subject lines in work related e-mails.  Broad subject lines are bad, but don't even get me started on a blank/"No Subject" subject line.  It is such an easy thing, but I'm finding it's overlooked.  A lot.

- I have several friends who have recently had or are getting ready to have babies, and in recent Facebook stalking - I see way too many people making super helpful (insert sarcasm) comments like, "Haven't you had that baby yet?!"  Seriously, people - please continue to point out to this poor woman that she has not had her baby yet - as if she hadn't noticed.  I'm sure these mamas appreciate the Facebook population's excitement for their baby's arrival, but I guarantee that the past 40 weeks (if not more) have been the longest of her life.  I personally had to exercise great restraint on those who made that comment to me at the end of my pregnancy - and Camden came early!!!  Other super helpful and constructive comments include, "Are you sure there's only one baby in there?", "My Little Billy came two weeks early!" (said to the overdue mama), and "My Little Johnny starting sleeping through the night at 6 weeks!" (said to the sleep deprived mama of a 6 month old).  Come on, folks - just tell her you're excited for her and that she looks fantastic.

- Speaking of due dates.  I'm pretty sure obstetricians/midwives should give you your due date with a disclaimer.  Warning:  This date is a guess; an estimate.  Your baby is going to come whenever he/she darn well pleases and in some cases, may need to be served an eviction notice.  Women who carry past their due dates cannot be held legally responsible for any erratic outbursts that may occur after said due date.

- Last Wednesday, with the long weekend ahead, I decided to bite the bullet and venture into the land of sleep training.  There's been some crying (mostly, just from Camden), but we're seeing progress and less interruptions in night time sleeping for all of us.  Hallelujah.

- Ryan stayed home from work today.  He called me at work and was running down the list of things he was hoping to accomplish - including washing his car.  I excitedly asked him to wash my car, too!  He was quick to say, "Really?"  Guess I have some work to do to catch up on sleep and restore my sleep deprived brain.  It took me a few seconds after his response to realize that my car is sitting in the parking lot and therefore, quite impossible for him to wash.

Take Luck,

LP

Happy Fourth

Happy fourth, everyone!

I may be one of the few people out there that will tell you - the older I get, the more and more I dislike the Fourth of July.

Don't get me wrong - I love the reason we celebrate (hello, independence) but my tolerance for fireworks is fading fast.

Unlike my little sister (who I swear came out of the womb hating the sound of fireworks and thunder), I use to really enjoy lighting off and watching fireworks.  Now, I don't know if I just get irritated with how early people start lighting them off (ahem, July 1st) or what, but I just want nothing to do with it.

Take me to a professional fireworks show where I am a safe distance from the pyrotechnics and I'm good. But otherwise - I'm totally over it.

Wah wah.  Excuse Uncle Ebenezer Sam over here.

Enjoy this throwback of my little Uncle Sam in his stars and stripes and have a great Fourth of July!

Take Luck,

LP

Practically Imperfect

I never used to think I was perfect.  And for the record - I still don't.  I give my best (maybe to a fault sometimes), but am happy to have my flaws.  Some more than others, of course.

So it's funny that upon experiencing my biggest life change that I decided I was going to become Mary-friggin-Poppins.  Practically perfect in every way.

Source

When Camden was born, I was determined to be the perfect wife, the perfect mama, the perfect daughter, the perfect sister, the perfect friend, the perfect employee, and the perfect student.  The perfect everything!  All rolled into one hormonal ball of fun.

I'm pretty sure you can guess how well that worked out.

Horribly.

Thankfully, I got over this newfound sense of perfection shortly after Camden was born.  I got really good at surviving and just getting by, knowing that this would all get easier over time.  But then this idea of perfection reared its ugly head when I headed back to work.  I would be so relieved to be heading home to pick Cam up, but the second I walked in the door - I would get hit with this invisible cloud of stress and panic and the feeling that I had so much to do just to get ready to do it all again tomorrow. 

I had to do it all.  Myself!  And fast.  Because it was only a few hours before baby (and I) needed to go to bed.

Pick up the house.  Feed baby.  Feed the dogs.  Make dinner (or cry about making dinner).  Feed baby while studying/doing homework and eating dinner.  Wash and restock bottles.  Restock the diaper bag.  Make lunches.  Feed baby.  Get baby to bed.  Pump.  Shower (or not).  Oh, hey honey.  Goodnight.  Repeat, repeat, and repeat.  I was quickly becoming a hormonal ball of crazy.

My breaking point?  Sitting on the floor in our living room, pumping, sobbing, and while talking to Ryan -  hearing him tell me, "You aren't the girl I married.  You're her, but you're not her."  

It wasn't mean.  It was true.  And I knew it was true - which I think made it even harder to hear.  It was then that I realized I am not Mary-friggin-Poppins.  Not even close (unless you count the seemingly bottomless diaper bag that holds oodles of baby toys).  I can't do everything perfectly.  At least not without going batshit crazy.

One of my favorite things about myself was that I used to be a very relaxed and carefree person.  But I had turned into this very un-relaxed and stress-ridden person.  Obviously, I was putting a ton of unnecessary pressure on myself.  I think it all stemmed from a good place - wanting to get things done so I could spend quality time with my boys. Regardless, the person I was becoming was not good. Not good for me, Ryan/our marriage, or for Camden.

Since that night, I've been working really hard to not sweat the small things and just be the girl that Ryan married.  He obviously liked her.  And I liked her too.

Now, I'm determined to be my own Mary-friggin-Poppins.  Practically imperfect in every way.

Take Luck,

LP

Intentionally

I've made it no secret that we've been busy (and duh, most people with a new baby are busy!).

It's all the normal stuff - work, trying to keep up with house duties, school work, activities, a "social" life, and occasionally - sleeping.

Being busy and "trying to do it all" has forced me to multitask.  A lot.  Probably 80% of my homework this semester has been researched and typed one-handed, with my wee child attached to my boob, hip, or shoulder.  Same goes for washing bottles, doing laundry, feeding the dogs... You get the idea.

Not surprisingly, the quality time that Ryan and I get to spend together has plummeted to a very sad amount.  With everything we have going on and my rising state of exhaustion, I try and go to bed as soon as possible after Camden goes to bed.  We spend a good amount of time in the same room - but we're both usually doing something else and not truly spending time together.

I promise I'm not complaining.  Or looking for sympathy.  I knew that having a baby would change things, and I knew that trying to juggle my final semester of graduate school while having a new baby would just add fuel to the already burning fire of this adjustment. 

What "free" time I have now is spent on school work. Trying to juggle all of this has made me a stressed, overwhelmed, and at times - irritable wife and mama. I do not want to be that person. 

I do have a point to this, I promise.

I have a new goal.  And it's to intentionally spend quality time with both Ryan and Camden.  In other words, I want to be intentional with our time spent together, both individually and as a family.

I want to spend time with Camden and not be worried about trying to get the laundry done (for example).  Since going back to work - I only get so many hours of time with him a day. There are chunks of time during the evenings where I am good about being intentional, but I could definitely be doing better.  I want to focus on soaking up all his chubby baby goodness and give him my undivided love and attention. 

I want to spend time with Ryan where we're not sitting on our laptops plugging away at homework, blogging, or internet surfing.  I want to discuss our days (or whatever!) and get some much needed, intentional time together.  We are pretty good about having little dates - going to dinner or a movie - but I don't want us to just go through the motions on those dates. I want to give him my undivided love and attention and not be thinking about what I need to do when we get home.

I want us to spend time as a family where Ryan and I are both interacting with Camden at the same time and actively doing things all together.

This probably sounds very simple but it's something I've been thinking a lot about.  The more I think about it - the more important it becomes.

I want to make sure I am nurturing the relationships I have with both of the boys in my life.

Thankfully, I know that in a few short weeks - a big weight will be lifted off of my shoulders/plate when I finish my graduate program.  Soon, my "free" time will get to be refocused.  And I cannot wait.  

After having this revelation of sorts, I encourage you to look at your relationships and see if you could be more intentional.  Trust me, it feels good.

Here's to spending my time intentionally.

Take Luck,

LP

More Lately

Lately...

- There's been a new man in my life.  And he rules it.

- I get very excited about 4 consecutive hours of sleep.

- It's a good day when I get to shower.

- Double bonus points are awarded if Ryan gets to shower, too.

- I give pep talks to my boobs.

- Hugs, kisses, and snuggly time with Ryan feel extra, extra special.

- Blogging and reading my favorite blogs have taken the backseat in the 18-passenger van of my life.

Until next time.

Take Luck,

LP

A Good Day

Today has been a good day.

- Ryan called me at work just to say, "I love you."

- Carter's is having a 50% off EVERYTHING sale.  This is dangerous for this Mama-to-be.

Source

-  I impressed myself by managing to pee whilst simultaneously having a contraction

- I passed a little toot while sitting in my cubicle.  And I didn't even care.

- I had numerous engaging, technical, and "I actually know what the hell I'm talking about conversations" at work (luckily not while tooting in my cubicle)

- The Christmas tree lot where we will purchase our Christmas tree is now up and ready for fresh stock of wonderfully odiferous goodness

- I got to talk to my best friend for 45 minutes this afternoon.  It was absolutely refreshing and wonderful. 

Can't wait to share what I'm thankful for this year.

Take Luck,

LP

More Lately

Lately...

- I've been consumed with midterms.  Consumed, I tell ya.

- I've developed a "negativity not welcome" attitude.  I truly do not care if you don't like our potential baby names, our birth plan, or if you think prenatal yoga is a joke.  If you are going to be critical of whatever I say - why even ask the question?  I also do not want to hear about your horrific labor, birth and breastfeeding experiences without me even asking about your experiences.  Mmkay?

- I've been kicking the crap out of my Christmas shopping list.

- When getting out of bed in the morning, I feel like a turtle that's stuck on it's back.  I have experienced some separation of my top abs and have been encouraged to literally roll off the bed when getting up.  This would normally be fine, but only problem is - my lower back locks up and I have to quickly and repeatedly roll from side-to-side and gain some momentum before being capable of rolling off the bed.

Source

 

 

 

- We went to a local pumpkin patch and bought pumpkins last weekend.  I am sad to report that they remain un-carved on our kitchen counter.

- I've been working extra long days at work.  I do not like this.

- Momma and I have been having Saturday shopping dates that include a salad bar lunch at Roundtable.  This, I do like.

Take Luck,

LP

Lately

Ohhh, lately.  A lot has been going on lately.

Lately, a successful night's sleep is one where I don't get up to use the bathroom.  Some nights, I'm even happy if I only get up once.

Lately, a successful grocery shopping experience is one where I don't start sweating profusely and almost pass out.

And lately, I've noticed more people's (both men and women) eyes traveling south to my tummy region while in conversation.  For the first time in my life, I feel like I somewhat know how women with big(ger) chests might feel.  Only I think some of these folks are wondering if I'm pregnant or just packing on pounds.  I like to let them ponder.

Other than the extreme funk that lasted somewhere between weeks six and seven, and the fatigue that just won't leave - this pregnancy has been easier than I imagined, and perhaps, dare I say, enjoyable.

From day one, it was important to me to take care of myself.  I know that sounds silly, but it's true.  I exercise (OK, brisk walk!) everyday and don't over-indulge.  Don't get me wrong -  I eat all day long (literally) and allow myself to indulge when I really have a hankering for something indulgent, but I am not just "eating whatever I want" "because I can."

At our 20 week appointment, the nurse even told me that I have a runner's blood pressure.  Holler.

I'm trying to be disciplined for a few reasons.

[1] I'm convinced that exercising is helping my fatigue.  I can't imagine how I would feel if I wasn't walking everyday.

[2] I've read and been told that staying healthy and "fit" will make for an easier labor and delivery.

and [3] I'm hoping that staying healthy and "fit" will make for a smoother transition post-baby.

I feel so grateful and fortunate to have felt as good as I have during this pregnancy, because I know that a lot of women really struggle with prolonged or excessive morning sickness, high blood pressure, fatigue, and other fun symptoms that come along with pregnancy.

Today, at the realization that as of tomorrow, we will be 4 months away from our due date - I had a minor "What the hell are we doing?" freakout.

Thankfully, it quickly passed and I realized we know exactly what we're doing.  Well, that's not true at all - but you know what I mean.

I'm sure this is the first of several minor-holy-crap-we're-having-a-baby-freakout moments.

The last (and most major) of which will surely take place when that baby boy gets placed in my arms.

What?  Now I'm responsible for this little life?!  Gah!

Take Luck,

LP

I'd Never Change...

The prompt for Day 11 of Sarah's 15 Day Challenge is: What's one thing you would never change about yourself?

I'd never change my positive outlook on life.  With that said, I will probably never stop trying to convince Ryan that you can be positive and realistic at the same time.

I'd also never change or erase the small scar on my left hand that is just between my thumb and index finger.  I got it as a kid (I have no idea how old I was) when I was at my Grammy's one day and trying to cut open a string cheese with scissors.  The scissors slipped and sliced my hand pretty good.  I see that scar everyday and it reminds me of my Grammy... And how thankful I am that string cheeses now have tabs at the top to pull apart.

Take Luck,

LP

Best Day Ever

The prompt for Day 9 of Sar's 15 Day Challenge is: Tell us the best day of your life to date.

I didn't know if I would be able to choose just one day out of the several that came to mind - including Ryan's proposal, the wedding, and most recently, sharing our news.

Each of those days were amazing and will be totally cemented in my memories for their different reasons.  But then I thought about a different day, and I day I talked about and danced around here.

Ryan and I met on June 16, 2008.

I fondly refer to that day as "the day that changed everything."

It wasn't that we immediately started dating, or professed our love to each other - because both of those glorious things took time.  

 

But it was the day that we met and made all of my other best days possible.

Take Luck,

LP

Good, Bad, & Ugly

The prompt for Day 8 of Sar's 15 Day Challenge is: Describe the good, the bad, and the ugly about yourself.

The good:

- Very positive person, and much to the annoyance of my husband I put a positive spin on everything.

- Loyal person and friend

- Honest (sometimes I think this is also bad.  See below)

- Try to always think of others

The bad:

- Honestly honest when asked my opinion (and if my words don't say it - my face will)

- Home body and introvert

- People pleaser

- My college roommate Becky said she thinks I have very mild misophonia

- I get impatient with Ryan when I ask him to do something (and he doesn't do it right away) and I end up doing it myself

The ugly:

- Afraid that in the past I wasn't a good friend

- Competitive and hate to lose

Take Luck,

LP