black friday deals & squeals

Black Friday.  These words alone make me think of women huddled up in huge jackets with canisters of coffee, waiting in line outside of a store, coming up with their game plan for grabbing those items they just have to have.  Chaos.  Ruthlessness.  Clutter.  And I wish I could say I've never done this before.  But that'd be a lie.  We did the whole "Black Friday" experience a few years ago as newlyweds, wanting to get some good deals for Christmas shopping.

But this year something has changed.  I'd much rather sleep in, sit in my PJ's, and soak up the savings.  And there's a few reasons for this.  I'm not a huge fan of some stores that opened last night, on Thanksgiving.  People-enjoy time with your family!!  There's also this heart of mine that has been opened up to small businesses, whether they're local or far away, that I'd much rather support and love on.  Blogging has opened up my eyes to all of these beautiful women with beautiful families with even more beautiful stories.  We would love to help these businesses rather than wait in line for hours at big corporations.

So today I wanted to share with you some of my favorite online shops that are having some great deals today that you should check out!!

For Two Fitness
This online maternity workout clothing shop is just fabulous, and I'm happy to be an ambassador for them.  Staying fit, active, and healthy has been a top priority for me during this pregnancy and  I love that this company helps me do that!  Today you can save 35% using the code friday.  Right now I'm craving this new hoodie they just launched and a pair of capris, but I only have one month left to go so I'm not sure if I'm going to make that purchase or not.

Lisa Leonard

This woman is a complete gem.  Fun fact: I went to college in San Luis Obispo, and my roommate at the time babysat for her.  I've met her in person, and she is the nicest woman ever whose family continually encourages me through their huge hearts.  She is my go-to place for jewelry!  You can find something for everyone, and so many things can be personalized which is a perfect touch for a gift.  I've already purchased a few gifts this year to give to people from her shop and today's deal is almost too good to be true-so it might be time to get a little something for me! 

Naptime Diaries

Jessi is a blogger, a pastor's wife, a church-planter, an authentic, real woman of God, a "let it all out there" gal, and someone I LOVE purchasing from!  Her and her husband have a graphic design shop and our home is filled with beautiful versus that she has created.  We've already bought a few for the nursery, and she is just about to launch canvases this week!  Gifting one of her beautiful prints, or getting one for yourself, is a decision you can't pass up! 

Raven + Lily

My mom began learning more and more about human trafficking and before I knew it, I started to learn about this huge injustice that is happening in our world.  There are so many amazing companies out there that help this cause, and one of them is Raven + Lily.  They're jewelry is eco-friendly and fair trade.  They educate woman in poverish countries while providing them with the skill or making jewelry, journals, and hand bags.  They're jewelry is just stunning, and today they are having a huge sale! 

So, go ahead and sip your coffee, and do some good from the comfort of your home in front of your computer screen and support great causes! 

what's in my make-up bag?

Do you ever have those moments where you feel like your make-up is in a rut?  That was me about a month ago, and then my birthday came around which allowed me to splurge a bit.  And splurging on make-up isn't always something I'm game for.  I will definitely spend the right kind of money on the right kind of make-up, because I want to put clean products on my face.  So when I walked into Sephora that Friday night just needing to buy some new powder foundation, my feet went straight to Urban Decay.  Because I've had my eye on the Naked2 pallette for a while now.  Because my eye shadow desperately needed an update.  Because I was feeling blah.  Because I had a gift card.  So I purchased it.  And instantly, I felt amazing.  It was like I was Cinderella waking up to birds all around me, little mice getting me ready, and everything was just perfect.  

Since my splurge, I've finally felt pretty solid about my make-up routine and love that the staples I use help me put on my make-up in less than 10 minutes.  I know this will definitely come in handy when this baby arrives!  

So I thought I'd share what's in my bag and the amazingness of each product...

Eyes:

Naked2 Palette: these colors are gorgeous, and I love how versatile they are.  This palette comes with so many colors that my options are endless with what kind of look I'm going for.  

Bobbi Brown Eye Shadow in Champagne:  I broke down and bought this just about a year ago, and I'm almost out of it.  This is a classic color that I always put on first.  It is my go-to base and it has just enough shimmer that it doesn't need much to be vamped up.  This was a splurge last year as it is $21 for just one color, but it will LAST! 

Cover Girl Lash Blast Fusion:  For years I was a dedicated Clinique mascara user.  However, they stopped making the mascara I adored and the expense was something I had a hard time with since I needed to purchase it more often than any other type of make-up.  So, Cover Girl came to the rescue!  I've tried the orange bottle and this one, and I definitely like this one better.  It isn't as heavy so my lashes can still stay nice and perked up.  Plus, it doesn't clump when I put it on! 

Korres Wild Rose Mineral Foundation:  Over this past summer I read The Honest Life, and immediately felt compelled to take a better look at what I was putting on my body.  I have used Bare Essentials for years, but when I did some research I soon found out that that product wasn't a true plant-based product.  I went into Sephora with my book in hand, and immediately switched over to Korres.  I LOVE that it is a pure, plant-based product, and the amount of coverage it gives you is amazing.  If you use Bare Essentials, I highly encourage you to make the switch.  I get so much more coverage that lasts!

Sonia Kashuk Buffing Brush: I just bought this brush at Target last month, and for $12 it is my most favorite make-up tool.  Ladies-this brush works!  It gives me amazing coverage with my mineral foundation.  Since I don't wear liquid make-up, I really need a brush that will put product on my face, but soak into the brush.  

Korres Cheek Butter:  Who doesn't want to wear something creamy, light, and beautiful on their cheeks?  This product is dreamy.  I love that I just swipe my finger over the cheek butter and rub it in a circular motion on my face.  Ta da!  I'm done! 

35 weeks

I can start counting on one hand how much longer we have until our due date!  Seriously?!?!  

Things are starting to feel a bit "off" now.  I'm having some bad ligament pain all around my hips and pelvis and starting dedicating some time each night to do cat/cow on my hands and knees to help stretch it out.  I attempted a prenatal yoga video I found on YouTube last weekend.  Let's just say that the lady's voice coupled with the cheesy music made it difficult for me to take it seriously.  

Walking is my new workout, which is something I'm still coping with.  I'm going to give swimming laps a try this week, as long as I can find a bathing suit I can squeeze into.  

I think I had my first braxton hicks this week, there was definitely a balling up sensation in the front of my stomach that was a different sensation than the normal movements our squirmy baby makes.  My midwife said that if she were to hook me up to the monitor, I probably would be already having contractions that I'm just not feeling.  This definitely made things get real-real fast!  I keep thinking that we have until our due date, December 25th, but after I hit full term in a week and a half, anything can happen.  This makes me feel many things: excited/anxious/stressed/scared....  Right now I'm taking it one day at a time, trying to tackle each little task, and not get overwhelmed over the "lists" that I have everywhere.  

My midwife this week listened to his heartbeat and kept calling him and my pregnancy "perfect".  Every time I go to the doctor's, I just feel an instant feeling of peace, and my midwife is a true angel.  She felt around, and baby is head-down.  Now I'm praying that he stays that way!  She also said he's probably just about 6 pounds now, and will be about 7 lbs. when it's game time.  Little man-please don't get too much bigger than that :)

I haven't divulged a lot about our plans for delivery, and it deserves a complete post all to itself.  But, I would truly love to have a natural birth and we are preparing for such.  Right now we are half-way through our Hypnobabies home study and I love every part of it.  This approach has an incredible positive view on pregnancy and birth, and teaches you relaxation techniques through self-hypnosis.  I'm pretty much in love with it, and already have had so many fears and worries fade away as the thought about giving birth comes to mind.  More to come, I promise! 

I'm a bit emotional and get weepy over little things.  One of the most special moments we have been having over and over again is the baby's reaction to the Mr's voice.  The minute that he says his name, our little guy starts moving and squirming around.  Then, the Mr. proceeds to tell him a story or a random fact from our day, and he continues to wiggle around inside.  This definitely brings the tears on, so many tears! 

{virtual} coffee date

If we were having coffee this morning... there would be Christmas music playing in the background.  Even as I type this, this delightful music is what I'm listening to.  Now, I'm not quite sure how I feel about the fact that Christmas decorations have already been in full force around stores, malls, and such. I for one feel a bit bad for Thanksgiving.  It hasn't even come yet, and all we can think about is Christmas! 

If we were having coffee this morning... I would share that things are most likely going to get pretty quiet around here.  After visiting my doctor on Thursday, we thought it'd be best for me to stop working a week earlier than I had originally planned.  So that basically means that after this week off from work, I'll have one week left at work and then maternity leave will start.  As much as I can't wait for a break, to catch my breath, and to finally get some things done around the house-there is also SO much to do for work to make sure my precious students are taken care of amazingly.  The past two weeks have been rough and very stressful, and so I'm desperately trying to balance life out.  

If we were having coffee this morning... I'd share that God has been showing himself to me in amazing ways!  Over the last couple of weeks I've experienced some stress over who my long-term sub would be.  And as a teacher, we are all type-A, our classrooms are our babies.  The thought of not teaching them and giving it over to someone else is still something I'm getting used to.  Anyways, a lot of "possibilities" have been falling through which left me desperately praying to God that He would provide.  As soon as my prayers were done, I'd open up my devotional for the day, and God-in His miraculous wonders- answered them right there.  "Do not be anxious about tomorrow"...."Do not stress"....  over and over again He has been giving me verses and stories that directly answer my prayers.  It gets even better.  On Wednesday of this past week I found out that who I thought was going to take over my classroom can't, leaving me on the verge of a full blown panic attack.  So I prayed, and quickly emailed one more possibility.  Within 2 hours, I got an email back from her saying that she CAN do it, and all of a sudden a huge sense of peace overcame me.  We have an amazing and faithful God, my friends! 

If we were having coffee this morning... I'd share that I'm leaving for Arizona today with my mom to visit family and have an early Thanksgiving celebration.  I'm so excited to just be with family, relax a bit, and have grandma show me how to crochet a beanie for the baby.  

If we were having coffee this morning... I'd share that we have been receiving so many packages in the mail lately, most of which are for the baby.  The other day my tank I ordered from Refresh Attire came and I couldn't have been more thrilled.  Can I just say that I'm truly loving the fact that we can bless these small businesses and know exactly where our money is going and who it is supporting?  Christmas shopping has already been so much fun this year as we have tried to keep it to small boutiques and businesses that serve a greater cause. 

If we were having coffee this morning... I'd share that I've always wanted to attend a conference with other bloggers but can never find a way to spend that much money on one where I won't know anyone.    Well, I recently learned about the Refresh Summit and it is all I can think about!  This conference is help by one of my favorite bloggers, and it brings together FAITH and FITNESS.  Plus, it's at Forest Home, which holds a dear spot in my heart.  Forest Home is where my youth group would attend winter camp.  I can still remember the camp where I fell head over heels for Daniel, and the entire ride home I kept telling my leader how much I liked him and that he would never like me back.  Little did I know back then what life would hold for us 10 years later :)  

an anniversary celebration

I remember when we first got married and I thought that every anniversary was going to be this huge celebration- we would go on a trip somewhere, maybe get a hotel, have a nice fancy dinner,  you know- fancy.  Well, we were young and life settled in very quickly.  Those expectations vanished as the years went on, which isn't to say that I gave up all hope on a wonderful anniversary celebration.  We celebrated, but I remember always struggling with my expectations compared to real life situation.  

We're currently in a very busy season of our lives, and our anniversary snuck up on me.  And what caught me completely off guard were my expectations.  This year my expectations were realistic, and it was my amazing husband who turned our anniversary into something beautiful.  We tossed around the idea of staying in a hotel somewhere here in San Diego just for the night, but then I never looked into it.  The Mr. was on top of it and ended up booking us a room right at the cove in La Jolla.  Literally, we walked across the street and we were at the ocean.  And Saturday morning we woke up to this view from our balcony: 

We knew this was going to be our last anniversary just the two of us, so we tried to soak in as much "us" time as possible as well as some relaxation.  We took a long walk all around the cove, admiring how clear the sky was and how entertaining the sea lions were.  We grabbed coffee and breakfast.  We walked everywhere.  And it was beautiful.  

As I was sitting on the grass Saturday morning watching my husband admire the body surfers in the ocean, I thought to myself, "we have made it".  I was completely overcome with love and peace.  Over the last five years, we've figured out how to love one another unconditionally, with no grand expectations, leaving the other one hurting because they didn't meet our needs.  We've learned how to communicate better, how to listen inventively, and how to compromise.  The Mr. has made me love the ocean and I've made him love coffee dates.  We know what the other wants and what the other needs, and go our of our way to do that for them.  We've become selfless and humble.  We've become one.  And I think that is a beautiful thing.  In fact, I know that is a beautiful thing!  

34 weeks...what is happening to my body???

I'm slightly shocked I'm showing you this pictures because

a. as hard as I tried, I just couldn't smile because the sun was so bright

b. this is my no make-up face

c. I've always been one concerned about looking "just right" and this picture does not prove that one bit

But, it was the only picture of our 34 week belly.  So I am pushing against my perfectionism tendencies, possibly shedding some tears inside, and am making it public for the world to see.  

We have made it to the point where I'm ready for time to start slowing down.  I was telling someone recently that the first two trimesters seemed to last forever, and this third trimester feels like I can't slow the time down one bit.  As our weeks until the due date get closer, time just speeds up.  And it is making my head spin.  Not only am I pretty stressed out about working, trying to wrap things up, and-oh, also work through 38 weeks, I've started making the lists.  You know the lists.  What to do before baby arrives.  What to pack for the hospital bag.  The lists at this point seem never ending.  And they are made (for the most part).  So now my job is to stop adding to the list and begin crossing things off one at a time.  

My body is also starting to do some crazy changes.  I feel like it's saying, "Oh Jamie, you had it so good...just wait for these last 5-6 weeks.  It's pay back time!"  And I know that all of these changes are normal for the most part.  However, it is difficult to see them occur.  To accept them.  And to continue to love your pregnant body.  Let's examine some of these changes, shall we...

// all of a sudden, the one spot where I had very minimal varicose veins are now reigning havoc over leg.  Each day they seem to get darker and darker.  Thank goodness it is finally cooling off here in San Diego and I can cover them up with pants. 

// swelling is now happening and my ankles definitely are beginning to look like kankles by 6pm

// these hips of mine, as well as my back and inner legs, are killing me.  I definitely need to brace myself when standing up because the pain is so bad.  And waddling is necessary.  It's the only way to walk without wanting to cry.  Trust me, Daniel loves being seen with my in public :)

// that time that I thought I was having a full-blown anxiety attack in the doctor's office last week because of heart palpitations?  Well, apparently we have an increased blood volume to thank for that.  So, no anxiety attacks.  Just another pregnancy symptom!

// exercising feels like my arch nemesis right now.  This is mainly due to the fact that I'm in so much pain with my hips and back that getting the motivation to push through is just not there.  Right now my goal is 3 workouts a week, and we are officially walking-not running.  

As much as it is difficult to see these changes occur, I know that they are normal and safe.  I know that our baby boy is doing amazing, he is healthy, and measuring perfectly.  Each time I go in to see the midwife, she continues to repeat the word "perfect" over and over again.  He's constantly moving around these days, and it is a special moment when we say his name and he responds.  We've been showered with more love and generosity than we ever imagines, and the list of things we feel like we need before he arrives gets smaller and smaller each day.  Right now, we are on the lookout for a breast pump.  Our hospital rents them out for a monthly fee.  They are hospital grade, so they will work great, and we have heard amazing reports on them.  However, after doing the math and adding up how much it would cost in the long run-it's worth it to buy our own.  Especially if we plan on using it for more babies, and yes- I love this pregnancy so much that I can't wait for a couple years to pass to experience it all over again (varicose veins and heart palpitations are welcome back).  

Wednesday we hit the 35 week mark, with just 5 weeks left to go!  I'm still in shock writing that, so I'm going to try my best and savor each and everyday.  

5 years

I can't believe that I'm here, writing that today is our 5 year wedding anniversary.  Just looking back at our wedding pictures brings tears to me eyes, seeing the beauty behind how much love two people have for one another, and to see how much  God has blessed us in our marriage.  

It was 10 years ago today that this cute boy that I was mad about in high school asked me if we wanted to be "official" in front of the movie theaters.  

It was 10 years ago that he held my hand after junior prom, and I thought I could die.  I was complete in that moment. 

And it was 5 years ago today that he help my hand, as his wife, and walked me into one amazing marriage.  

The other night we were talking about our "5 year plan" and how crazy it was that so much has actually happened, and that those 5 years are up and another plan is ready to unfold.  

In the last 5 years we have...

fallen more and more in love with one another,

learned what it truly means to love and respect each other,

laughed so hard that we both were balls on the kitchen floor,

have prayed more for one another than we thought possible, 

had the hardest years in our jobs,

encouraged and supported one another through a grueling master's program,

bought a condo,

learned how to be patient and love the other even when it is difficult,

let go of expectations to become a better spouse,

found that each year of marriage just gets better and better, 

cried over disappointments and let downs, 

smiled more than we thought possible, 

and are now preparing for the biggest blessing yet, a baby boy.  

My dearest Daniel- you continue to show me what it means to truly love someone, to love unconditionally, to be kind, gentle, and patient.  You are the one person who always knows how to make me smile, who understands me sometimes better than I knew possible, and who will always be my better half.  "I love you" doesn't come close to express my love for you and I can't wait to see how God continues to bless us! 

when "thank you" doesn't even come close

Over the last two weeks, I've experienced something I never had before.  

I realized when "thank you" doesn't even come close to how extremely grateful you are for so many people.

My heart has been turned upside down, flipped about, and filled to the brim where I think it can't have any more feelings.  

We were showered with amazing love at our baby shower.  Then, my birthday was just a few days away.  That night in bed, I curled up into Daniel's arms and just started crying.  They were tears of "I don't know how to say thank you to so many people, we have been shown more love than I ever would have imagined, and right now I'm utterly in shock at the outpouring of love and generosity everyone has bestowed upon us".  Sadly, it didn't come out that way.  Instead, I just lay there blubbering away leaving my poor husband with a crying wife who couldn't say what she was crying about.  (It wouldn't be the first time!)  But truly, words can't fully express how immensely grateful we are for everyone in our lives, who are so happy and excited for us to have this baby, and have showered us with more love and gifts than we ever could've imagined.  

The shower was beautiful, and perfect, and flew by faster than our wedding.  There were so many people I wanted to talk to, hug, and catch up with.  Between my mom, my amazing friends Lindsay and Andrea, and my family that all came into town, it was adorable.  

After opening presents, I went to thank everyone for coming and was immediately overcome with emotions.  As I looked about the packed room, there standing before me were people from every walk of life who were overjoyed for us to welcome a baby boy.  This baby who we prayed for daily, who we thought would never come, who isn't even here yet-is loved by so many.  And for that, our hearts are just completely overcome with gratitude and humbleness and "thank you" just isn't enough.  

My grandma has some mad crocheting skills and made us the most beautiful blanket I have ever seen! 

snippets from our week

This past week has held so much excitement and has been filled with...

// it's official, I'm 27!  My birthday was complete with the sweetest gift card frame from my class, family over for dinner, the dessert that didn't want to cook, and our living room overflowing with love

// the first RED cup of the season.  I'm still not quite sure how I feel about this.  It reminds me that Christmas is fast approaching, which reminds me that our sweet son will be here before we know it.  

// my dear friend visiting from out of town.  Our evenings were filled with Daniel, Kylee, and I laughing and sharing life together on the couch. 

// breakfast at my all time favorite spot with our great friends, and their sweet little Sophia.  I can never get enough of Daniel with her, it's beyond precious.  

// morning runs that filled me with hope as I looked up at the most gorgeous sky.  

// tackling our never ending to-do list, including returning duplicates to Target.  We did get THE cutest outfit because we just couldn't resist, and Daniel made sure our little babe has his first Charger's jersey. 

// laying on the couch together, relaxing, and not thinking about anything other than the here and now. 

// watching a movie in front of the fire place because it is what we love.  We've decided that no matter what, every house we live in must come with a fire place. 

// baking THESE pumpkin scones.  Two words: easy and delicious!!! They are the perfect spicy, fall treat, especially with a warm cup of tea. 

33 weeks

I feel as though I've blinked and we can almost count down the weeks until our little man is here on one hand!  This is beginning to feel more and more real.  We've taken a hospital tour, we have a car seat, and are in the midst of an incredible birthing method class (that I can't wait to tell you more about soon).   

This week there has been so much excitement.  From the baby shower to setting up the nursery to organizing all of our clothes.  Our nursery is coming along nicely, and our bedding came, which I'm just in LOVE with.  This week for the first time someone made a comment that I must be due soon.  This was definitely a first.  Most of the time when I tell people I'm due on Christmas day, they can't believe how soon that is.  

Our baby boy is definitely growing and we now have a coconut on our hands.  He is moving around like crazy, and is especially in love with my ribs (ha!).  Right now he is head-down, and we continue to pray that he stays in this position.  We also can feel where his little bottom and feet are, and I absolutely love knowing what is jabbing me where. 

The back pain is still there, but I think I'm just learning to live with it.  I've noticed that it especially hurts when I work out in the morning, and so I'm trying to figure out how to balance working out without being incredibly sore afterward.  

My maternity clothes are beginning to get a bit boring to me.  You know that feeling when you open your closet just to find that amongst all of the options, nothing seems worthy of being worn?  I'm there! Our maternity photo shoot is in two weeks and I'm racking my brain about what to wear.  Right now I have no idea!  

I've decided that I absolutely love being pregnant.  This pregnancy has just been such a blessing!  Other than the tiredness that has settled back in, I love all of the changes my body has gone through.  Most importantly, I love feeling this baby boy grow and get stronger.  Right now I know he is safe and sound, and I can control that as much as I can.  I'm definitely trying to soak up all of this time where I can keep him safe and not think about delivery.  With that comes a whole slew of fears and worries that I'm trying to not think about just yet.  

what every woman needs to see

This videa

has made me cry over and over again, alone in my living room

has been playing over and over again, and each time there is something new that resonates with me

is a truth that we as woman need to know

we need to believe this

we need to live this

{virtual} coffee date

I know it's not Saturday, and that I missed our coffee date on Saturday.  But I needed a coffee date, so we're going with it today! 

If we were having coffee this morning I would order a cafe soy misto with one pump of pumpkin.  This is the good stuff!  Starbucks currently has their Thanksgiving blend, and this with a little dash of pumpkin is pretty amazing.  The steamed soy milk definitely helps with the taste of the coffee, which still isn't completely amazing to me.  

If we were having coffee this morning I would share that this weekend was such a blessing.  Oh my goodness. My mom, and two very amazing friends threw my baby shower.  In one room there was so much love, and when I went to open my mouth to thank everyone, I got completely choked up.  To know that we have people in our lives, that love us so much, and are beyond excited for our precious baby boy...there's just no words.  I promise to share more about the shower this week! 

If we were having coffee this morning I'd share that the minute we got home Saturday night after the shower and having dinner with family, we unpacked our car (that held much more than we ever thought it could) and immediately got a rush to start organizing everything.  All of a sudden, the nursery is coming together, and everything feels very real.  I spent Sunday afternoon doing more organizing, and I think we finally have a spot for everything.  But let me just say, there should definitely be a manual for how to tackle your gifts after a shower! 

If we were having coffee this morning I would share that I was thrilled to spend my weekend with two friends that flew in town for my shower.  Kylee and I treated ourselves to blow outs at Dry Bar.  This was my first time there, and I definitely want to go back!  It felt so amazing to sit and watch Sex and the City while someone did my crazy, thick hair for me.  I was pretty happy with the final product, but it definitely started to fall just hours later, but that is to be expected with my heavy hair.  Andrea and I hiked Mt. Woodson, which is a tradition of ours, and then grabbed coffee afterwards.  There is just something about being around friends that you don't get to see very often to make you feel like yourself again.  So blessed for these true friends! 

If we were having coffee this morning I would share that I'm pretty excited for my birthday this year because my grandma will still be in town.  What I love the most is how simple and effortless we are keeping things.  It only feels right after a busy, family-filled weekend.  Making dinner together, loving on one another, that is exactly how I want to spend my birthday! 

If we were having coffee this morning I'd share that I'm pretty shocked at how motivated I was to organize the nursery and get everything in its proper place, but when it comes to other areas of the house I just can't seem to find the time.  Our closet right now needs a mad cleaning and overhaul!  I've been waking up way before my alarm clock thinking about what I need to clean, organize, and puts in its place.  

If we were having coffee this morning I'd share that my tummy is not too happy with my about my eating habits this past week.  Between Halloween, the baby shower, having family in town, friends visiting...it definitely is unhappy with some choices I've made.  I'm definitely craving some clean eats this week.  It amazes me when my body just craves whole, fresh foods! It just makes me feel nice and happy on the inside! 

your body is beautiful

Whew!  What a week.  Actually, I think we can just call it as we see it...what a season!  Fall is definitely turning up to be a busy season for us, whether it be at work or at home.  Each day feels like I'm trying to catch my breath, but I hold onto the hope of some down time once our little bundle of joy arrives in two months.  I'm sure you might be laughing that I call it "down time", but can I just say that I'm excited for late night feedings and cozy clothes versus going to work each day?  

Today I'm here to be pretty raw and truthful with you.  And I'm sure that I am not the first girl to come along saying this as well.  Being pregnant definitely makes you deal with some issues, mainly body issues.  It seems to come in waves.  Some days I love the way my body has been changing and transforming to provide life to a baby.  Then there are other days where I'm near tears wining to the Mr. that I'm just fat.  He, of course, laughs at me and tells me "you're growing a baby inside of you" and because he is so good to me, always knows the perfect thing to say to put a smile on my face.  

Yesterday I was reminded that your body is doing exactly what it is supposed to be doing, it is providing nutrients that your baby needs, and that you need to appreciate your pregnant body.  Appreciate this body-this changing body-this body that is nurturing and caring for a little boy-this body that is still able to do so much and provides me with strength and energy to get through the day. 

This body is not a punching bag.  It is absolutely beautiful!  

So whenever I see those stretch marks, those hips that are packing it on a little bit more, I'm going to try my hardest to banish those thoughts.  Leave them at the door and appreciate this beautiful body of mine that is doing so much good. 

Just for fun I wanted to share with you my amazing teacher friends dressed up yesterday...