sun and the sand

soaking up the sun and (maybe) the last vacation as a family of two.  

19 weeks

Here I am at 19 weeks!  I like how I was able to skillfully capture the picture of the toilet in this shot.   I'm wearing a maternity shirt & skirt, both from target, both presents from my mom.  Why don't we always wear clothes with stretch bands?  I'm a big fan.

Fall is settling in and it has been chilly here in the mornings.  I've been craving oatmeal with honey & butter toast most mornings.  I have a sip of coffee here and there when Andrew is at home, but these past few mornings it has been cold water.  My mantra for pregnancy eating and wellness is to just do my best.  I have days when I eat too much sugar and there is an absence of green---but I just try my best to be healthy & listen to my body.  

I am trying to stay away from too many baby sites & blogs.  I find myself judging everything I am doing or not doing and, well, my body is a better place for this baby when I am not in that state of mind.  I'm a firm believer that you know what works for your own body more than anyone else.  I don't exercise everyday (or hardly any day).  But I try to walk a lot and I desperately need to stretch more.  The yoga dvd and I have a date in store.  But....most days, I just want to relax after a day at work.  And I'm okay with that too.  :) Do what you want and be happy. 

Off to face the day!  

pigs and chickens and singing

I've been on pig/chicken/dog/cat patrol since Saturday.  

I have to say, as much as it adds to my to-do list, I really like being the one that takes care of these guys.  They are so happy to see you, especially come feeding time.  The pigs are the best to feed.  They get SO excited and make all kinds of pig noises but you have to watch your feet.  A 200 lb pig hoof does not feel good on your toes.  

I'm meeting the rest of the family down at the beach at the end of the week and I'm so excited.  I can't wait to breathe in the air and grub out on some vacation food.  

I sang on Sunday at a local festival and as much as I can complain to myself about all the prep that goes into it, I am always humbled that people are still asking me to come out and sing.  It was such a beautiful day and I had a really sweet crowd.  Here is a video of a song I wrote called "Hill of Life".  The words are actually a poem from Max Ehrmann.  So, I should probably say I co-wrote it.  ;)

I think about the baby constantly when I sing.  I wonder if it is getting used to my voice, or the rhythm of the guitar.   What's going on in there baby?  I'm still waiting on some kicks.  

happy monday.  :)

catching up on bumps

 We found out I was pregnant in May, about 4 weeks after something went missing.  ;)

It was a mixture of excitement, nervousness, & queasiness.  (I swear I started feeling sick the day after I took a test)  I had a rough start and pretty much had the whole gamut of symptoms:  vomiting, nausea, loss of energy, moodiness, loss of appetite with a dose of feeling ravenous but not being able to eat (this was the most evil symptom of all) & throw in a little acne.  

I have to admit it all took me a little by surprise and was a tough period of time.  Symptoms lessened as I got around 17 weeks and I feel like I can say now at *almost* 19 weeks I am finally feeling that second trimester relief.  I had lots of highs (like hearing the heartbeat for the first time) and then lots of lows (like laying on the bed crying that I was too young to be pregnant and Andrew having to kindly remind me that I am almost 30.  How sweet of him). 

It all still seems a little bit like a dream.  Andrew and I will be in the kitchen cooking and look at each other, my belly, and then go "really?  Is this really happening?"

At our first ultrasound we giggled & smiled until tears came from our eyes.  It was the most amazing thing I have ever seen.  This little bean, jumping around at 2 inches long.  We have our next unltrasound in two weeks and will finally know for sure if we are having a girl or boy!  We are beyond excited and possibly the most impatient parents-to-be.  

Here are some photos I've captured along the way & sent along to family and friends.  I made peace with myself awhile ago that my bump progression shots were all taken in my work bathroom and not with a cute backdrop sans cell phone in your face. 

 

Without further ado...

 7 Weeks

 

14 weeks

17 weeks

I'm really starting to pop now.  Hello maternity wear and itchy belly!

back and big

hello!  It's me again!  

and my little family is growing.  :)

I took a hiatus away but lately I have been feeling like I am missing out on documenting this incredible experience.  The picture above is me at 17 weeks.  I'll be 19 weeks this Saturday and I'm growing and growing.

More to come...a little back tracking is in order.  

XOXO