36 week Pregnancy Reflection!

How far along?:  Today I am 36 weeks & 2 days into my first pregnancy!

Just 3 weeks & 5 days until my due date!

Size of baby: Finally, she's the size of a watermelon!

19 to 22 inches and around 6.5 lbs!

Gender:  A baby girl!

Movement:  Still moving all around a good bit!  I love being able to feel her moving on the inside and the outside if I have my hand propped on my belly... I still get excited when that happens!  This past week she's been so good about not keeping me up at night or moving around a ton early in the morning. 

Cravings/Aversions:  Nothing really in either direction.  I have a lot of cereal (Special K-- yum!) but that's not anything new. 

I am feeling:  Super swollen!!!  Sheesh... my legs, ankles, and feet are swollen around the clock!  I have never seen my body look like this.  I also still feel pretty dang huge around the clock as well... whether it's slightly bending over, trying to sit down on the floor (impossible!), getting out of bed... pretty much everything reminds me of how big I've gotten and how big this baby is getting!!!  Other than those feelings, I mostly just feel great.

What I miss most:  I miss feeling sexy!  There is a slight possibility that every once in a while I will feel attractive, but I absolutely miss feeling irresistible instead of feeling like a whale.  Pregnancy sure knows how to take the sexy out of things, that is for sure.  :)  I'm thankful for a supportive and sweet husband, but feeling attractive starts from the inside and that's just not happening for me here.  I also miss being independent.  It's nice to be able to do what you want, when you want, and to be able to take big or small risks throughout the day.  Nowadays, I need help with nearly everything from pulling my boots off to lifting things and everything in between!

Best moment of the week:  It felt so wonderful to finish our birth classes and to finally take a tour of the birthing center!  Just walking around and seeing the hospital really gave me a great amount of peace and it really got my mind going in starting to picture being there (God willing!) in a few weeks.  I also filled Presley's dresser with all her beautiful clothes, we bought her stroller & car seat, and I grabbed lunch with my Aunt Donna this week... all things that made me super happy!

What I'm most looking forward to:  I'm looking forward to seeing everybody at my baby shower on Saturday!  I am sooo excited to see out of town friends and family and even my IN town friends and family.  It seems like I am seeing less and less of everyone nowadays which is a result of me just being a homebody so much these days.  And even though this isn't going to happen anytime soon, I am REALLY looking forward to getting back into my wedding ring!  It's been off for a few weeks now and I miss it so much.  I wear it every so often but I always regret it once I realize I can't just slip it back off!!!


On-going goals:  Putting together our stroller & car seat, walking/getting to the gym at least 3 times this week, getting some crafts hopefully done this week for the nursery, scheduling my prenatal massage, and cleaning out my car!!!!



So, it's business as usual around here... just getting things ready (slowly) for Miss Presley!  Hope nesting really starts to hit me super hard this week and gives me all the motivation I need to get everything together.

35 week Pregnancy Reflection!

How far along?:  35 weeks & 3 days into my first pregnancy!  Really hitting the home stretch here and starting to see my doctor every week!!!

4 weeks & 4 days until my due date!

Size of baby:  Baby is the size of a large cantaloupe this week!  More melon!

Between 19 & 22 inches and around 6 lbs!

Weight:  Definitely have gained a considerable amount of weight.  At my appointment today, my doctor goes, "Well you've gained some weight since last time..." *takes a few seconds, looks over my chart (probably for the first time in my entire pregnancy)* "Wow!  You've gained some weight since becoming pregnant!"  I wanted to say, "WELCOME TO MY PREGNANCY!  So happy you could show up!"  I mean, she didn't say it with any judgment, she is 100% correct in what she said, but the frustrating part is that she is my doctor!  I understand that she is a very sought after, busy woman... but for crying out loud... just because I don't have any risk factors and have had a very healthy pregnancy doesn't mean that you should let me slip through the cracks every month.  I do love my doctor and how easy going she is, but sometimes I wish she would be more attentive.  It doesn't help that on top of this, she told me last week she would do a pelvic exam this week and see how things are going and that didn't happen today because of other "time consuming" patients and she just wanted to get me out of there so I didn't have to wait on the others.  Sounds considerate, but sometimes I just feel a bit neglected.

Gender:  So so so so so excited to welcome our baby girl into our lives in a few weeks!

Movement:  Definitely still getting a good amount of moving from Presley.  She doesn't seem to like it when I lay on my right side because she'll start bouncing around in there.  I'm thinking maybe my placenta or something squishes her when I'm on that side?  No clue if that's really it, but that's what I picture in my head.  She also starts moving around right before my alarm goes off every morning which is hilarious to me for some reason.  One morning I had ten more minutes to doze on and off before my alarm sounded but she was SO active that there was no sleeping!  :)

Cravings/Aversions:  Gosh, must be craving sweet treats.  I made a chocolate cake last night (Texas sheet cake-- YUM!) and now I've been really hankering for some banana pudding!  It doesn't really seem like there is much I won't eat these days, unfortunately. ;)  Seafood has also been sounding pretty appetizing lately.

I am feeling: Pretty wonderful, despite minor discomforts.  My back is really feeling fine, my energy level is do-able, and while my emotions vary, I wouldn't say it's a roller coaster or anything.  I am starting to feel mentally and emotionally ready.  (Starting to!  Not all the way there, yet.)  It really, really helps that I've got such wonderful support and have the best birth coach, ever.

What I miss most:  I miss being comfortable.  I'm not always uncomfortable, but it seems like it doesn't take much.  Like bending over for anything.  Or just finding a lounging position -- that is impossible sometimes.  Still missing laying on my back.  I miss working out -- I have gotten sooo lazy and that is my own fault!

Best moment of the week:  As lame as our birthing class can seem at times, I really do enjoy going to them with Tony.  I love the bonding that goes on between us when we are "in the zone" -- like when I am doing the deep breathing exercises and he has his hand on my back so he can count how many breaths I'm taking in a minute.  Just the sweet gestures while I know he's taking things seriously and focusing on being there for me.

What I'm most looking forward to:  I'm looking forward to my prenatal massage... I need to schedule it instead of putting it off for a time when I "really" need it; I think that time is now!  Looking forward to my baby shower next week as well!!

Goals for this week:  Finally getting the mattress this week!  Continuing to get the house ready for the baby on the way.  Cleaning out our cars.  A million other things!!!

Baby ramblings & 50 Questions (Part Three)

Today was a wonderful day-- I went to work in the AM and went to lunch with my mom, Gramma Sharon, Great-Aunt Susie, and some of my Gramma's friends.  Lunch was delicious; I had the crabcake special and it came with creamy cauliflower soup & a cup of fruit!  We talked a lot and it was really a good time for me because everyone is just floored about this pregnancy and can't wait for the baby.  (They all think I will go super early.)  Anyways, I get home and around 2 PM I am definitely feeling tired but wanting to get some dishes and other things done around the house.  What do I choose?  To sleep, of course.  But right before falling asleep, Presley gets the hiccups and after the hiccups she kicks for a while.  Usually I don't really stop and soak in all those movements, but today I did for some reason, and I'm really glad I did.  I put my hand right up to my bellybutton because she was right behind it and sticking out a hand or some kind of body part and I was just thinking how close I am to this wonderful little person I don't even know yet (emotionally close as well as physically).

And then, I was thinking to myself, "Holy shit!  In a few weeks, my life will not be like this AT ALL!"  If I do take an afternoon nap, it will only be because she is taking one first.  And then I was thinking, will I be comfortable enough to just cat-nap with her in the bed with me?  The thought of that really makes me worried of all the scary possibilities (her rolling off the bed, me squishing her, etc!)  but then I just thought of having the baby in our bed anytime throughout the day -- WE WILL HAVE A BABY IN OUR HOUSE!!!!!  It's a wonder I fell asleep right away with all these huge thoughts taking over my brain space... guess I must've been more tired than I thought!  I wonder when and if this shock will ever wear off.  I mean, if our trash is full and we're too lazy to take it out-- it's not just Tony and I who have to suffer through the smell of a stinky garbage can anymore!  Just all the big and little things about bringing a whole new person into your heart, your family, and your house is huge.  People do it everyday and make it look so effortless which is why I guess at this late point in my pregnancy I am still trying to wrap my mind around all of it and take it in so I will be as mentally prepared for these changes as possible --if it IS possible.  I just hope she likes us!



50 Questions...

#11.  You’re having lunch with three people you respect and admire.  They all start criticizing a close friend of yours, not knowing she is your friend.  The criticism is distasteful and unjustified.  What do you do?
It would take my a little bit to reflect internally to think about what was going on with these people I really have come to respect.  Part of me would want to sit back and blend into the situation without adding to the unnecessary negativity.  But the part of the criticizing that was unjust I would absolutely feel moved to speak on and clarify on my friends behalf.  As much as I wish I didn't gossip myself, I do and it's ugly so I am definitely not saying I am perfect in this regard.  But when I know other people are in the wrong and have something to say, I can't help but say it.

#12.  If you could offer a newborn child only one piece of advice, what would it be?
Just be yourself everyday in every situation.  Different times in life it might seem to make more sense to go along with the crowd, to blend in, or to please someone else by doing something out of character but I can't tell you enough that it is not worth it.  There is something so beautiful about everyone's individuality and if you ever lose that about yourself it can be painfully hard to recover.

#13.  Would you break the law to save a loved one?
Absolutely would break just about every law to save the ones I love.

#14.  Have you ever seen insanity where you later saw creativity?
I wouldn't say I've seen it first hand but I remember in school when you learn about all the great artists of the past there would be an overwhelming group of them who sounded absolutely nuts.  I really do think it's true of many great artists no matter what art form they practice.  This might sound stupid, but even some of my favorite chefs (Mario Batali) that I watch on TV seem a little crazy with their creations and that trait is one of my favorite things about those chefs and something I admire in them.

#15.  What’s something you know you do differently than most people?
Hm. That is such a difficult question to answer because there are so many people out there that I'm not sure if any of my traits or habits are different than anyone else these days.  I'm kinda a weird person -- I can be so impulsive sometimes but then on the other hand I have no problem waiting things out and not necessarily always having instant gratification with material things.  For example, I feel like where Tony and I are at in our lives we don't necessarily need to upgrade certain things and I am more than happy living without the nicest, newest things (cars, clothes, shoes, purses, etc).  But on the other hand, when it comes to going on trips to fun places or traveling to see our family and friends we don't seem to think twice.  So in short, I don't know that any of this is different than anyone else I know, but it's something unique?

*part one*    *part two*

34 week Pregnancy Reflection!

How far along?:  34 weeks and 2 days into my first pregnancy!

5 weeks & 5 days until my due date!

Size of baby:  Our baby is the size of a LARGE CANTALOUPE this week!!!!

19 to 22 inches and about 5.5 lbs!

Gender:  A baby girl!!!

Movement:  Presley is still a moving around like a mad woman, but you can definitely tell the poor girl has no room left!  She still reserves her play time for the moment I decide to lay down at night (or for an afternoon nap) and her most consistent movement is by far her annoying hiccups.  :)  The other day, Presley got the hiccups FIVE separate times!  And of course, two of those times were in the early AM hours-- sometimes lasting up to 15 minutes or longer!  (It's usually waaay too early for me to look at the clock and time them.)  I just try to remind myself that these hiccups are really strengthening her lungs!

Cravings/Aversions:  Been drinking a TON of black tea lemonades from Starbucks.

I am feeling:  pretty wonderful again!  My back pain has gotten so much better lately, thank goodness.  My hips are still hurting at night from sleeping on them but they start to feel better once I'm up and moving.  It's definitely difficult to bend to take my shoes off or to put on my socks, but it's not so bad if I can sit down!  My hair has been awesome recently and so has my skin (burnt it real bad yesterday and it's almost already healed today!!!) so I am loving these few side effects!

What I miss most:  I miss being able to sleep at the drop of a hat without all these crazy movements going on inside of me.  I miss being able to physically do what everyone around me could do.  I miss laying on my back and on my stomach.  I miss hot tubs!!!!  But really, even while typing these things out, it is definitely ALL worth it... even without having met Presley yet!

Best moment of the week:  I loved my doctor's appointment this week-- it felt so great to get back there to meet with my doctor and her nurses.  Presley's heart beat was 147 bpm and my doctor told me that Presley's definitely got her head down which was FABULOUS news!  I also loved going out to dinner with Tony at Red Robin this weekend.  :)

What I'm most looking forward to:  I'm excited to get Presley's room together even more this week!  We're planning on getting her mattress this week and setting up her bedding.  I'm also hoping Tony and I will be able to get dressed up and go out on a nice date this weekend.  Other than that, just ready to get this whole house looking a lot better.

Goals for this week:  1) Walk for 30 minutes 5 times this week;  2) Continue to clean and organize the house room by room;  3) Pack for the hospital;  4) Get caught up on laundry!


Lots of love and hopes for a great, productive week-- 

50 Questions that will free your mind! (Part Two)

#6.  If happiness was the national currency, what kind of work would make you rich?

Right now, being a stay at home mother would really make me happy.  It would fulfill me to put my marbles into raising a whole and loving person as well as maintaining a healthy home life for Tony and I.  I think that would definitely make me rich if happiness were the currency!  (Not saying that I wouldn't want to pull my hair out some days, because I'm sure that might be a reoccurring feeling, but overall, it would make me happy, I think.)

#7.  Are you doing what you believe in, or are you settling for what you are doing?

I have yet to really DO anything with my life and constantly feel that I am just settling when it comes to making a living.  Don't get me wrong, I love my job, but I am still working a part time, minimum wage job and have yet to fulfill my bachelors degree as I am short only 5 credit hours.  In my mind, these things would be different by this point, but after finding out I was pregnant just after our wedding, I decided to put those things off until after I have the baby.  I just hope that once she's here I will stick to my goals - big and small - and continue plans for a better life for our family because they deserve it!

#8.  If the average human life span was 40 years, how would you live your life differently?

I would spend a lot more time on play rather than work, or rather, make sure that's what my husband did.  We would take more trips, would already live closer to our southern family members, would have bought a house by now, and just tackled more of those "big" looming life changes that we have yet to tap into yet.  I would make sure we planned a YEARLY big getaway to Disney World. :)

#9.  To what degree have you actually controlled the course your life has taken?

I'm not sure how to answer this one.  I feel like a lot of my high school years I was in control - but in hindsight, I was definitely out of control.  I guess I felt most in control of my life after moving from the Quad Cities back to Memphis in 2007.  That year I learned a lot about myself and after that year was up, Tony and I decided to move to the Quad Cities for a while (and here we are!) and ever since living here with him, I have felt in control of my life as much as possible.  I might not have my life completely where I'd like it to be, especially when it comes to any sort of professional aspirations, but I am so grateful to be where I am spending everyday with my husband.

#10.  Are you more worried about doing things right, or doing the right things?

Both, definitely.  But when I relax and think about the BIG things in life (like being someones parent, wife, etc.) it gives me a bit of peace to know that most of the time, all I need to do is show up and God will help me with the rest.  I know right from wrong, so while those things don't worry me as much, they still creep up on me at times.  Mostly, I think I will continue to worry about doing things right as a first time parent when I still feel like I won't know WHAT I am doing!



*part one*

Is this real life?!

All around me lately is talk like, "Only a few more weeks!" or "You're almost there" and "Make sure to get sleep while you can because she'll be here before you know it!" -- while this leaves me with mixed feelings of anxiety and excitement, it still doesn't feel like this is my reality.  When I try to quiet and focus my mind on our little girl or actually giving birth, I just can't seem to turn any real results in my mind.  I can't begin to imagine what (or who) she will look like or what her cry will sound like... I absolutely can't imagine bringing a baby into our home... and I don't know that I can even picture my daily life with a little one with me at all times.  It just makes me wonder how many mothers-to-be before me felt the same exact way and also how many could imagine this reality before it hits.  Another thing that I can't picture is when Presley will decide to make her debut.  I've gotten comments about how it looks like I could go any day, that I will probably go early because I am getting big but I've also heard that most first time mothers go into labor after their due date.  It's not that I'm getting any kind of heavy anxiety about all these different possibilities, it is just super weird not having any intuition or inkling about what will happen here at such a huge point in our life.

On a lighter note, last night I bought a sweet little gown to wear in the hospital during my stay there.  It's from Baby be Mine Maternity and of course I got one on sale ($14.99 pre-tax; but I also used coupon code "PNMAG" to get 10% off, so it was a little cheaper).  This is the exact one I got and the cool thing about it is Pam (from the show The Office) wore the same gown when she gave birth on the show!

Hopefully it will look that flattering on me!

I just figure it will be nice to be wearing a more beautiful and less revealing gown than the one they issue you at the hospital.  I feel a little stupid for buying something that you get "free", but hopefully I won't regret it at the time.  It snaps open all the way down the back if/when that is necessary but otherwise it stays closed.  I also got a bigger size than I think I will need so I am hoping it doesn't looks stupid on me! :)  Even though, at the time, I'm sure I will care much less about my appearance than I do beforehand!!

Within the last week I also ordered paper mache letters to decorate for Presley's room.  I went to HobbyLobby.com for them because they were running a 25% off special on their paper mache as well as free shipping if you spent a certain amount online, so that was sweet! 

I haven't decided exactly how I'm going to decorate the letters yet, but I've thought about doing this tutorial because I really, really like that look.  I think the bronze would look much better in her room rather than the metallic look, so that's what I'm leaning towards for now.  Otherwise, I've considered covering the letters in yarn (so cute!) or using glue to cover them in some print or fabric Tony and I decide on.  So we shall see! :)

Anyways, that's all the randomness I think I will fit into this entry!  Thanks for reading :)

33 Week Pregnancy Reflection!

How far along?:  I am currently 33 weeks and 2 days along in my first pregnancy!

6 weeks & 5 days to go!

Size of the baby:  Our baby is the size of a PINEAPPLE!

19 to 22 inches and 4.9 lbs!

Gender:  A baby girl!

Movement:  Miss Presley is still most active when I'm laying down.  Almost every morning between 3-5 AM, she gets the hiccups and then decides to somersault around for a good long while.  She still likes to wiggle around right as I get comfortable at night, as well.  But somehow after waiting it out for a bit, I can always find a way to fall asleep for a few hours at a time.

Cravings/Aversions:  Definitely craving all kind of sweet things... definitely have had an on and off craving for doughnuts and FINALLY got some delicious ones.

Thank you Dunkin' Donuts for being open late! :)

I am feeling:  pretty crappy recently!  I'm not sure why, but I've been having constant lower-back pain;  the kind where it hurts to sit, lay, stand, move, etc.  It could be a result of the large baby up front or I could be bending incorrectly or a number of things.  I've been conscious of the positions I sleep in and try my hardest to maneuver correctly, but nothing has helped yet.  My sleeping has also been all kinds of messed up thanks to peeing every few hours and a hiccuping/squirmy baby at early AM hours.  I know this is so complainy, but I am finally understanding why so many women don't quite enjoy their 3rd trimester and end up saying things like "get this baby out of me!"  I could deal with the spotty sleeping but it is very hard for me to deal with back pain and still try to do things around the house.  I'm just going to continue to hope it gets better!

What I miss most:  Right now, I miss being able to bend over without a second thought.  That is definitely what I miss most!

Best moment of the week:  I think the best moment of the week was getting home after being gone for a few weeks and sleeping in our own bed.  Also, I loved going to our birthing class with Tony last week.  Unfortunately, we went to the class directly after being in the car for about 9 hours straight and there were several times I got the giggles in class and couldn't stop!  It was definitely a fun time.  :)

What I'm most looking forward to: I'm looking forward to seeing my doctor tomorrow and hopefully finding out the direction this baby is facing!  I'm also excited about the various pregnancy classes we have this week... tomorrow night is our birthing class at Trinity and then Tuesday I have a prenatal class and Thursday a parenting class --both of those at Pregnancy Resources!


Goals for this week:  1) Get a 30 minute walk in 5 times this week;  2) Keep unpacking from the trip to TN;  3) Organize the house going room by room;  4) Pack the hospital bag! :)



We're getting closer and closer to go time and as scary as it is, I am getting so excited to take this huge huge huge next step with my wonderful husband.  I don't know what kind of condition I'd be in right now if it wasn't for his constant support, loving words ("I am so happy you're carrying my child!"), and his back rubs!  Not to mention our family and friends.  We are SO freaking blessed.

50 Questions that will free your mind! (Part One)

So, I've decided to periodically reflect and write on these questions every so often like I've seen Stephany do in her blog after she found the list of 50 questions from the linked website here.  I don't think these questions are anything life-altering, but they seem to be worth a few minutes of thought.  If you feel the same and have the time, I hope you choose to answer along with me.  I have only looked over a few of the questions and decided I'm just going to dive right in -- so here are the first five questions:

#1.  How old would you be if you didn’t know how old you are?


I guess it depends on the day.  Lately, I would say somewhere in my early 40s.  I know that sounds extreme but my life has really begun to settle down -- especially with being pregnant -- and I just feel like my life reflects that of someone older than early 20s.  But then again, if you look around at my messy house, you would think an 8 year old lives here... so again, just depends on the day or the angle you're looking at my life from.

#2.  Which is worse, failing or never trying?

Definitely never trying.  There are things that I look back and wish I had taken a chance on - big and small things - that are no longer options anymore.  My life is wonderful the way it is, and I wouldn't want to change it, but I wish I would have taken more chances while I had the various opportunities in front of me.  Don't get me wrong, it sucks to fail, but I think I let the fear of failure keep me from taking chances.  (For example, I would have loved to do a Disney internship.  I looked into nearly every semester in college but let my fear of the unknown scare me out of it.)

#3.  If life is so short, why do we do so many things we don’t like and like so many things we don’t do?


I think we do those things that we would rather not do because it's just easier sometimes than going against the grain.  For me, I am too much of a people-pleaser and it makes me anxious to think that someone will think badly of me.  So instead of saying what I truly feel or doing what I want to, I mostly just go along with what would make someone else happy and it often results in me upsetting myself.  I feel like over the years I've become more conscious about this and have tried to be more assertive so I don't go home with pent-up anger and frustrations that I could have done something about.  So, to answer the original question, that is a possible reason why we do so many things we'd rather not despite life being so short.

#4.  When it’s all said and done, will you have said more than you’ve done?


If the rest of my life goes along the same pattern as it has thus far, I would say it's really a toss up.  I think that I have done my fair share of things I've talked about doing, but I have so many dreams and goals that I haven't come close to achieving that I could end up saying more than I do.  But now that I'm aware of this, I hope that it will be the opposite.  :)

#5.  What is the one thing you’d most like to change about the world?

I would like to change the fact that so many of us just seem to care about ourselves and only ourselves.  For example, sometimes it is just a little out of the way to hold the door for the person walking behind you, but it's really no sweat off your back.  Yet, how many times do we keep walking and let that door slam in someone else's face?  (Pretty often.)  So, I would like to change our attitudes from disconnected, big city attitudes to connected, small town attitudes toward one another on a large scale.

32 week Pregnancy Reflection!

How far along?:  Today, I am 32 weeks and 3 days along in my first pregnancy!

Here I am at 31 weeks & 2 days in Chattanooga visiting Ashley & Jonathan!

Size of the baby:  This week the baby is as big as a honeydew melon!

19 inches & 4.5 lbs!

Gender:  As far as we know, she is a girl!  I say it with less confidence after so many people have told me over the past few weeks that it looks like I'm carrying a boy.  Needless to say, I am hoping my OB orders another ultrasound in the remaining seven or so weeks left!

Movement:  Goodness, is she active these days!  Since my last weekly update, Presley has started getting the HICCUPS on nearly a daily basis!!!!  It is so cute but if it happens at bedtime it can be frustrating!  Speaking of bedtime, her activeness is still full-on at night... this has begun to affect my sleep cycle which is difficult for me.  I just have to look at this as preparation for sleepless nights -- even though that logic doesn't do me much good the next day!  I can also tell that Presley's movement has changed as it seems she is somewhat running out of room.

Cravings/Aversions:  Still loving all things spicy and certainly still loving sub sandwiches! :)  I can't get enough ice water (especially ice!) especially the ice and water from Starbucks... I am convinced they have magic water.  Not having many aversions out of the normal things I don't like -- for example, mushrooms.

I am feeling:  I get short of breath very easily which makes me feel self conscious.  I know it has a lot to do with the baby on my diaphragm but I know it's also because I have taken some time away from the gym, too!  I've had some swelling in my hands and ankles and have started having constant pain in my left wrist.  But overall, honestly, I am loving the ride!  I'm feeling grateful for a healthy pregnancy and such great support around me.  I have been mostly happy throughout this pregnancy (a little moody at times) and we get to meet our little baby sometime soon-ish!  So I am feeling great. :)

Me at exactly 32 weeks :)

What I miss most:  I definitely miss being able to sleep however I want (aka... ON MY BACK!) as well as sleeping as long as I want without so many interruptions throughout the night (bathroom breaks, moving from one side to another, hip pain, etc)!  I'm also getting frustrated at not being able to bend over fully and comfortably anymore.

Best moment of the week:  Oh goodness, the past two weeks in Tennessee have been absolutely amazing... I'm not sure if I could pick a favorite moment because I had such a fabulous time with my sisters, our friends, and Tony's family.  Celebrating Christmas with my sisters and our significant others the day after Christmas was a definite favorite... LOTS of laughs!  Our shower on Saturday was so fantastic-- being with everyone who could make it made me feel so happy and so alive.  Tony and I will definitely hold onto the memories made over the past two weeks and use them to keep our spirits up until the next time we can visit again.  (Which might not be for a while!)

Ashley (little sis) & Jonathan, Me & Tony, Amanda (big sis) & John (& Sammy!)
at our sister Christmas!

Sean (my BIL), Selena (my MIL), me, and Tony (my husband)
at our baby shower!

What I'm most looking forward to:  I'm SO looking forward to whipping our nursery into shape!!!  I'm looking forward to unpacking our sweet gifts for Presley as well.  I am also overjoyed to be able to sleep in our own bed again after not being here for so long.  (But a big thanks to everybody sharing their beds with me the past couple weeks!!!!!)  Also I am really looking forward to setting some goals for 2012 with Tony this week (look for a blog on this soon) as well as spending some quality time with my man without having to share him so much! :)


Goals for this week!:  1) Unpacking from our TN trip -- all our wonderful gifts and stinky clothes!  2) Stick with project 365!  3) ORGANIZE the house.  4) After going through each room, take unwanted items to Goodwill.  5) Rearrange our bedroom furniture