a look back on 2013

I'm not a huge sentimental person when it comes to the end of a year, but I will say that this year really was pretty amazing.  As I look back on everything that we did as a couple, it brings me to near tears.  And I think I can title this year as "the year of us".  We started it off struggling to get pregnant, dealing with my anxiety and depression, and learning how to grow further in our marriage to tackle this heavy life we were going through.  Our marriage became the strongest it has ever been, and we learned more and more what it means to be that much more selfless in order to love on the other person.  I remember starting 2013 begging for a change.  A change in me, a change in our lives, a change in perspective, and I quickly learned that this year was all about learning how to give myself grace.  As I look back, it is incredible to see the change that occurred not only in myself, but in us.  Here we are expecting a baby any day now, sitting in a house that we actually own, and so this year I am a bit more sentimental.  

Here's a look back on where we have traveled, explored, experienced, and achieved in this glorious year…

//learning how to take time for ourselves// celebrating more and more birthdays in our family// the birth of my friend's most beautiful baby// Idyllwild adventures// traveling up to Seattle // finding out we were pregnant!!! // and saying good-bye to Ann San Diego style//

//LA day trip to see "Whitney"// welcoming another adorable niece into the family// graduating with my MASTERS!!!// nannying the three most active, silly, and crazy girls ever// going on our first cruise // visiting Big Bear with family for a wedding // visiting my other half in Reno // and starting new routines, like walking to get coffee Saturday mornings//

//a bittersweet good-bye to Andrea and Joey when they relocated to northern CA// apple picking with Colleen// signing the final documents on our condo // running a 5k 7 months pregnant // celebrating 5 years of marriage // and seeing this healthy baby boy grow more and more each day//

2013- you blessed up more than we could ever have imagined! 

honest thoughts from an overdue pregnant gal

As of today I'm 5 days past my due date, and to be quite honest, I'm having a pretty hard time.  Pregnancy is all about waiting, so it comes as no surprise that we are still here waiting.  You wait for the right time to try to get pregnant only for God to show you that the "Right Time" is actually "His Time"- 10 months later.  You wait to tell people you're pregnant, even though it is killing you inside.  You wait to find out the gender, how many fingers and toes he/she has, if all of their organs are operating beautifully, for the nursery to be filled, and for the due date to come.  And here we are, waiting.  As much as I've tried to not become upset, it has been a challenge.  And I think that is a good thing.  I think that God wants us to wrestle with the things that are hard so that we can truly cherish and value the blessings that he gives us and give thanks with clear eyes.

Waiting and patience produces steadfastness, but in the midst of all of it, you realize the multitude of fears that are peaking behind the shadows.  Like the fact that your husband is already on paternity leave, and now it feels like a waste of time since the baby isn't here.  Or the fact that you've tried so very hard to prepare yourself for a natural birth and are now plagued with the fear that they will indeed induce you.  This will mean pitocin, which is the exact opposite of what we want for our birthing time.

But these fears are met by the fact that our baby is healthy and safe.  And a healthy-baby and healthy-mama are our ultimate "plans".  So in my sorrow, disappointment, fears, I'm reminded to take a step back and see what is really going on.  And what is really going on is the fact that we have a healthy baby just waiting for his right birthday to arrive.  We have time on our hands that we have never had before, which has allowed us to take advantage of so many things we've wanted to do.  This time will never come again, so I'm learning (as hard as it might be) to cherish this time and seek out God in every moment so that I can give Him thanks.

In our waiting time, I thought I'd share some things we have been up to…

I've crotched my little hart out and finally made Baby LaFuze THE cutest beanie to wear in the hospital (fingers crossed that it fits) 

The Mr. and I headed to a nearby lake so that he could fish and I finally finished One Thousand Gifts.  

 We finally ventured out to Cinepolis in Del Mar.  Oh.  My. Word.  I don't think I will ever be able to watch a movie in a regular theatre again! 

 I'm officially pretty tired of maternity clothes and have been needing to get creative with some outfits.  Luckily, this chambre top helped me feel a little bit better. 

 We bought the curtains I've been drooling over for the last month and now the nursery is complete. 

 I organized all of my shoes and put together a new shoe rack to take of the heaping pile that was in our closet. 

 Then we ventured down to Coronado last night to see the Del in all of its holiday glory before it gets taken down.  I longed to be ice skating, but settled for a picture in front of their beautiful tree instead :) 

And now we are running out of ideas, so if you have any suggestions for fun adventures in San Diego let us know!  

pregnancy essentials

This post is terribly late, given the fact that my due date has come and gone.  Our little baby boy is still not here and each day I have been praying for loving patience.  Each little nudge of pain sends my mind into a dizzy and I instantly think, "Is this it?".   And then I wonder if I'm really having a contraction, to then realize that I'm not, and the vicious cycle starts all over again.  So I trust what everyone says…you'll know when you are having a contraction and when it is time.  More to come on that later!  

For now, I wanted to share some things that I could not live without during my pregnancy.  This pregnancy has been quite lovely, and I tried really hard throughout the entire time to not spend a ton of money.  Maternity clothes are always a must, as well as prenatal vitamins, but these are some more essentials that definitely made my pregnancy much more comfortable and amazing! 

{1} The Leachco Snoogle total body pillow is, without a doubt, the most amazing invention EVER!  Over the summer I had some insomnia problems, and we decided to break down and spend the money on the pillow.  At first the Mr. wasn't too keen on our new bed addition, but once he experienced the amazingness of this pillow he was sold.  Now he lives for my alarm to go off in the mornings so that he can snuggle with it.

{2} Bio Oil was applied religiously during the first trimester and halfway through the second.  Since then I have been pretty bad at applying it, and accepted the fact that stretch marks will come no matter how often you apply all of your creams.  I'm not a huge lotion fan, so this oil was what I opted for.  It rubs in quickly and leaves your skin feeling amazing!

{3} These Target tanks are my staple!  They're long and have the perfect thickness, plus they don't lose their shape after you've washed them a million times.

{4} Hydration is key during pregnancy, and my Nalgene water bottle goes everywhere with me!  I love this water bottle, specifically, because it holds the perfect amount and I try to drink 2 of these a day at a minimum.

{5} Snacks are a must, especially when I'm on the go a ton.  Kind Bars are my favorite snack, and they don't get all smooshed in my purse or work bag by the end of the day.  The protein definitely keeps me full until my next meal.  During my first trimester I had to have something in my stomach all the time in order to not feel sick, and these helped big time!

{6} Leggings are a must!  I was never much of a legging gal, call it my insecurity about my things (that's the truth).  Pregnancy changed that, especially now that my belly is huge.  At first I bought a pair from H&M maternity.  Those quickly thinned and I ended up with two holes in them even though I didn't snag them on anything.  Needless to say, I was not impressed with their overall quality.  Then I found these from Old Navy.  I love that they are full length, not capris, and they have the perfect thickness to make me feel covered up.  When I would get home from work, I immediately put on my leggings and on the Mr's shirts.

{7} Drinking water has never been an issue for me because I don't like juice or iced tea or soda.  But not being able to drink wine made me feel like water was my only option, so it got old-fast!  Iced lemonade quickly became my new favorite drink, especially during the summer time.  I still watched how much I drank because of the sugar.

Pregnancy Essentials by lafuze-jamie featuring beauty products

christmas festivities 2013

Merry Christmas!  I hope and pray that you and your family had one amazing Christmas this year, filled with so many blessings and joyful memories.  Christmas this year was a bit different as our festivities were spread out and took place before Christmas due to us having a baby due on Christmas day.  Well, that said baby is very comfortable and enjoying his time inside and is not quite ready to see the world.  Let me just say that I cannot wait until next year!  With everything we did, I just wanted our little guy to be here to join in with us.  I can't wait for his eyes to fill with wonder and amazement at how special this time of year is! 

Last Saturday we actually had Christmas with both families, the Mr's in the morning and mine in the evening.   Of course we had to add a rooster to our never ending collection of hideous roosters! 

At my parents house it was such a blessing to see how many stockings were on the mantel.  Baby LaFuze had a stocking as well as my niece that was born in April.  I love all of these little additions to our family and seeing how much it has grown over the years! 

Monday night we joined family that was in town from Colorado and went to Candy Cane Lane to partake in some holiday festivities.  At one point we lost Nana, ended up with an extra kid that wasn't ours, and sang along to Christmas carols at one house.  Needless to say, it was a grand time! 

On Christmas Eve we went to church for our candlelight service which was just beautiful.  Then we headed up to my in-laws to visit with family that was in town and laugh until our bellies hurt.  

Christmas Day was the most different it has ever been.  Traditionally we spend Christmas morning with my mom, wake up at her house, throw the cinnamon rolls in the oven and make coffee, and unwrap our presents.  This year she had to work (wah wah wahh…) and we decided to soak up the time that it was just the two of us, and stayed home.  I made THE most amazing cinnamon rolls from scratch, we exchanged stockings, watched Elf, sipped coffee, and stayed in our jammies till noon.  This year was all about thinking about what traditions we wanted for our family.  And I love that we are carrying over traditions we both had growing up.  I also loved seeing the Mr. helping me in the kitchen when it was time to ice the cinnamon rolls.  

San Diego was beyond gorgeous yesterday!  As much as I wished it was colder outside so that we could have a fire in the fireplace, I had to remind myself to count our blessings.  The weather was warm and beautiful so we enjoyed a nice 2.5 mile walk to the park near our house.  Operation "walk baby out" is in full force and we have daily been walking all around our neighborhood.  The park was filled with kids on their new bikes playing and riding around.  After my mom got off work, she came over and we made a big delicious Christmas meal.  At times it is difficult to see things change over the years, traditions that don't happen anymore, family that isn't around.  And I must admit that I did let this get the best of me earlier this week.  I felt like the grinch, moping about not knowing if we would be in the hospital for Christmas and not having very set plans to spend our Christmas.  And even though we celebrated this glorious day with family earlier on, it still didn't feel the same.  But the beauty in life is looking at the larger purpose.  The reason for Christmas, why we celebrate it, means far more than family and traditions and I love that we made new traditions and still were able to see so much family over this past week! 

christmas swap

When I saw Kasey post about a Christmas Swap, I immediately knew that I wanted to participate to meet other bloggers and partake in something fun this holiday season!  Kasey did a fabulous job organizing all of the "swappers", and organized who we would be swapping with.  I was so excited to be paired with Cortney from Our Fishy Family!  She is the sweetest.  

I also have a confession: I LOVE getting mail!  I'm kind of obsessed with checking the mail.  The Mr. always thinks it is a little funny when I check the mail every single day, expecting something for me even though there shouldn't be anything.  I honestly love hearing the door bell ring and seeing the UPS truck outside.  It would be like a little kid on Christmas morning.  And I have no patience when it comes to opening them, they must be opened immediately.  That is exactly what I did when I got Cortney's package! 

She sent me the cutest gifts that I absolutely love.  My lovely box included the cutest outfit for Baby LaFuze, a deliciously smelling candle for the holiday season, a candy dish, chocolate (Yes!), and a mug from Target that I have had my eye on for a month!  Confession #2: I'm kind of in love with chocolate during this pregnancy.  I've never been a big fan of chocolate, I'm more of an ice cream gal.  But this baby has made me think otherwise, and I've had some crazy self control because that bag of chocolate is still unopened!  

Thank you, Cortney, for the lovely package and making me feel like a little kid on Christmas morning all over again! 

modcloth uniquely you

I was recently contacted by ModCloth to style a dress for the Uniquely You Campaign.  And I was delighted when I received the first piece to style this past week, the Heart and Solar System dress.  When I saw this dress I instantly thought of Miss Frizzle from the Magic School Bus.  Maybe it's the teacher in me, or my sheer delight of watching the show as a child.  So let's give Miss Frizzle a bit of a makeover, shall we?

This pattern is gorgeous, and something I usually don't gravitate towards, so I wanted to add my style to it.  I'd sum up my style in two words: classy and simple.  So I sought out to make this look classy and simple by adding some gorgeous red tights to pull the amber color in the print.  The blue shoes are a pair I wish I had in my closet!  I think the color of the shoes brings the look back to the dress and makes the tights more "subtle".  A classy white coat is a must to make this the perfect look for a party.  Add some simple sparkles with the accessories, and ta-da, the look is complete!

The color palette is one that I'm just swooning over.  The deep blues and warm gold tones…it is just so rich and luscious.  This look would be perfect for a dinner party or a cocktail party while paying homage to our gorgeous earth!

ModCloth Heart and Solar System by lafuze-jamie featuring short party dresses

Be sure to check out ModCloth for the cutest dresses right now for Holiday parties as well as New Years Eve parties. I swoon over so many of them, and can't wait until next year when I won't need a maternity dress :) 

10 dates before baby

We are in the single-digit countdown to Christmas and our due date.  So to soak in these moments with my amazing husband we created our "10 Dates Before Baby".  These are small things, and most of which we can do at home with no cost.  Marriage doesn't mean that the dating ends, and in fact, we have to be consciously aware to not get too comfortable and forget about dating one another.  We know that life will change drastically with the arrival of our baby, so spending as much time together just the two of us is important.  

I tried to find some fun activities that we already enjoy doing, and also added in some to soak in the holiday spirit.  Without further ado, here are our 10 dates:

1. Decorate Christmas cookies

2. Watch a Christmas move together and drink hot cocoa

3. Do a random act of kindness for one another

4. Have a lunch date

5. Go see the Christmas lights

6. Make a pancake breakfast

7. Take a long walk together

8. Get a gift for Minnie together

9. Go to the movies

10. Cheese and crackers while playing a board game 

Sunday night we kicked off our first date and decorated Christmas cookies, to which the husband told me he never did when he was a kid.  My mother in law soon corrected him, and I can't wait for us to do this next year with our little guy.  I'm pretty sure that more frosting went into Daniel's mouth than the cookies.  It was most definitely a very fun night with one another! 

38 weeks

Well, folks, I officially feel like a house.  This little boy has been growing nice and healthy inside of me.  And now wherever I go, everyone asks me when I'm due.  I'm pretty sure that the crazy waddle/limp I have going on is to blame, but it is definitely a change.  People no longer look at your eyes, they look at your belly.  And I wish that I had a hidden camera to take pictures of people's reactions when I tell them I'm due on Christmas day.  

This week things are feeling about the same.  My right hip is extremely painful, and I started going to the chiropractor 2-3 times a week.  My fingers are crossed that the chiropractor gets my pelvis lined up nicely so this baby drops and things start progressing.  I also got a prenatal massage last week, and wish that I could get one everyday.  It was pure bliss!  

I think we are finally feeling ready.  We had the car seat inspected and learned how to install it in our car.  If you're in the San Diego area, I highly recommend doing this with any of your car seats!  It is through Kohl's and Children's Hospital, and it was super informative and helpful.  I now feel prepared to strap our little guy into the car seat and drive home with him! It is a little surreal still walking up to my car and seeing a car seat in the back seat, but it also makes me smile like crazy. 

I'm sleeping great, and finally have been able to sleep in a bit.  Usually this would make me feel guilty, as I'm a morning person and think about all of the things I could've been doing instead of sleeping.  I know that this will be the only time I get for a very long time to sleep in and just relax, so I'm soaking up each moment of it.  I also think that the fact that I've been staying active throughout my pregnancy has helped with my sleeping as well.  

Each little twinge of pain makes me wonder if I'm having a contraction, and Daniel constantly asks how I'm feeling.  I'm praying for loving patience through the next two weeks, as we are now just in the waiting game!  

awaiting His arrival

"For to us a child is born,

to us a son is given;

and the government shall be upon his shoulder,

and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."

Isaiah 9:6

This time of year is, by far, my most favorite.  There is something so special about Christmas!  And I love how it makes you remember Christmas as a child as you reminisce about your family's traditions. This Christmas feels very different, and will be different, as our due date is Christmas Day.  As we try to make plans, we just throw our hands up knowing that anything could happen from here on out.  There might be a bundle of joy celebrating this glorious holiday with us.  As we await the arrival of our dear baby boy, I feel like it has helped me connect just a bit to how it must have been waiting for Jesus' arrival.  Waiting for the King! The perfect gift.    

My family never did advent growing up, and so it is a very new concept to me.  This year I'm in love with the She Reads Truth advent devotion.  It has helped me truly focus on Christ's arrival.  Right now it is so easy to get wrapped up in everything I feel like I need to to do "prepare" for our special gift, and it has been very easy to lose sight of Jesus and his great love.  This devotional has truly helped me see Jesus' hand all over our lives and those around us.  It is a blessing to take a moment, forget about the busyness this time of year brings, and to truly honor and praise God for the greatest gift he ever gave us-His Son.  

Usually this time of year is filled with anxiety and stress for me, and this year is completely different.  The stress was there, but now it's gone.  The anxiety is present but for different reasons.  And I feel as though I can truly breathe in the reason for the season.  

My pastor reminded us of the importance of inviting Jesus into our lives daily through the song, "Joy to the World". 

"Joy to the world, the Lord has come,

Let earth receive her king." 

We need to be preparing our hearts for Jesus, making a space for Him, opening up to Him no matter what season of life we are going through.  Busyness, stress, loneliness, anxiety, joyfulness, sweetness.  No matter what we are going through, Jesus is there to meet us and make His way in our lives.  I pray that you are blessed this season, that you can make a way for Jesus in your heart no matter what season of life you are in, and that you are overjoyed with this beautiful gift we have received! 

Oh, and tell me I'm not the only one who has a Christmas tree in their dining room!!!  We had to get creative on space this year, and I think I enjoy it quite nicely. 

Here's a sneak peek to our maternity photo shoot we had yesterday: 

{via}

exercising past 34 weeks

I knew it was my last run.  The entire time I was in pain, and when I knew I couldn't take it any more I walked the rest of the way home.  And then I cried.  I was probably quite a sight to see.  I've been so blessed to be able to stay active throughout this pregnancy, but running is my go-to and not being able to has definitely been a challenge for me.  

Exercising after 34 weeks comes with its challenges.  My body doesn't move quite as nicely as it used to, my round ligaments are killing me, jumping is not an option due to bladder control, and I have to constantly remind myself that just doing a little bit is enough.  Fortunately, I've found some good workouts at the Blonde Ponytail that are perfect for your third trimester.   

At the gym I remember to watch my breathing, use lighter weights, and thank myself for each and every workout! 

 Walking is essential and I love that we have been able to go on some gorgeous hikes around our area.  Unfortunately, my right hip and glute are killing me and just walking now causes excruciation pain.  So I found a new exercise to get me through the end of the this pregnancy….swimming!  There is nothing better than being 38 weeks pregnant in a pool where you feel as light as a feather.  I started swimming this week, and am in love.  Here's my workout:

Warm-up: 4 laps across the pool at a light pace, walking the distance of the pool. 

4 laps of breaststroke 

8 laps of freestyle 

Repeat this 3-4 times with 30 seconds in-between each 4 laps.  

I always make sure to have my water bottle with me so that I can hydrate while swimming.  This is a great cardio workout and it works your whole body.  

Here are my essentials for exercising during the third trimester:

Speedo Women's Goggles 

Moving Comfort Juno Sports Bra

This is amazing for high impact workouts, and I've heard that it is great to nurse in as well.  This will definitely be used a lot after the baby comes! 

Old Navy Compression Top

I absolutely love this workout top!  It's not maternity but the loose bottom fits perfectly over the belly and I will be able to wear it postpartum.  The best part is how affordable it is!  I've gotten both of mine for $15 a pice on sale.  

This water bottle goes with me every where I go! Staying hydrated is absolutely essential.