Chasing Waterfalls

I hope everyone had a fabulous weekend!  Mine started with a 4 mile hike to see a beautiful 69' waterfall that I visit several times a year.  There aren't very many attractions where I live in the mountains, but this is one of the best.  It was a chilly 37 degrees when we started up, but as we got moving everything warmed up and eventually I stripped down to just a light jacket and tank.  There was lots of mud and rocks involved as the trail follows a creek upstream the whole way.  We saw a chipmunk at one point.  I was surprised that I didn't find the hike to be any more difficult being 6.5 months pregnant.  It was a nice way to start a Saturday morning.

We came back famished and had an easy lunch of leftover pasta for me, leftover stiryfry for him, and spicy chicken.  When my fiance is in town, somehow the TV always ends up on ESPN, so we watched that for a while, made a Target and Wally World run, and came back for dinner.  More pasta was had before heading out to see the new Liam Neeson movie, The Grey.  Because, let's face it, Liam can do no wrong.

(Image: Source)

The movie was... INTENSE.  It was very gory.  The Alaskan scenery was pretty much the same the entire time, leaving the main focus on the storyline (the group of plane crash survivors being hunted by a pack of wolves).  I felt cold just watching it.  People in the packed theater were both laughing, gasping, and crying throughout.  I can't decide if I would recommend it or not, I can just say it was intense. 

On the way out of the movies, we had a bit of a scare.  We were waiting at a stoplight and saw one of the local buses flashing an "Emergency - Please call Police - Help" sign.  I suppose the driver hit a panic button which sets off the electronic sign.  My first thought was that the bus was being held up.  I called 911 and let them know what I saw and where the bus was.  I'm hoping that it was just an accident and everyone is safe, but I was definitely worked up after that.

Afterwards we came back and attempted to make some chocolate chip cookies using the back of the Tollhouse bag recipe but they were an epic fail.  Apparently Stevia does not bake like sugar.  Our cookies were dry and burnt.  Sad!

Well, that was our weekend.  My fiance had to leave town again (huge sad face) on Sunday to go back to work in South Carolina - he spends several months a year down there working on various projects.  I was left to catch up on studying and assignments (and a few of my guilty pleasure TV shows snuck in there).   At least I was accompanied by this little miss.  

By the way, to anyone that has a cat, these treats are kitty crack.  My sweet, angelic kitty turned into demonkitty after one "hit".  She followed me around meowing angrily for more and then searched for the bag after I'd put it away.  It was disturbing.

Happy Monday!

Sugar Buzzed 26-ish Week Update

Today I had my gestational diabetes screen.  We went to three different suites in the hospital before finding the correct one.  This time it wasn't my fault.  They'd given us old business cards with a previous address on them.  This is seriously becoming a habit!

Once we got to the lab, I was taken in for the initial blood draw, given the orange glucose drink (100g of sugar. 100!), and instructed to finish it in about 5 minutes.  I was going to take my allotted time but felt pressured with the nurses walking by and hurried through it in about 3 minutes.  They told us to come back in an hour and again in two hours.  Wait, what? I had no idea I was automatically signed up for the 3-hour screen instead of the regular 1-hour screen.  What the heck, doctor's office, thanks for letting a lady know that they'll be two additional hours late to work.  Anyways... I started feeling a little loopy about 5 minutes after the drink and had to sit down until the first hour was up.  At one point, I literally said "where am I? where is our office?" I was so out of it that I thought we were in a different lobby when we hadn't even moved.  

After the first hour passed, I felt immensely better.  After the second blood draw, we took a nice self-guided (aka trespassing) tour of The Birthplace.  It was nice to see the nursery, waiting area, and triage rooms.  After looking longingly at the Cafeteria menu, we came back to the lab.  Most of the remaining time was spent planning the meal I was going to demolish and then being devastated that breakfast would be over at McDonald's and I wouldn't be able to get my plain bagel and fruit parfait (the only two decent options that McD's offers).  After the final blood draw, we started back and ended up going to Hardee's as a little reminder of why I never eat fast food.

Overall, the test was far from enjoyable, but it wasn't completely horrible.  I'm just glad I made it through without getting sick.

Monday marks 26 Weeks so I figured I'd include an update here as well.  Everything is going wonderfully.  My belly seems to have had a growth spurt these last two weeks because my jackets are becoming difficult to zip.  My belly button is still in a weird flat stage.  My rings and shoes still fit, so I have no swelling, which is nice!  

I find myself daydreaming about our son more and more these days.  I think about what he will look like and that someday he will go to college and get married and have his own children.  I can't wait to see the man that he becomes and I hope he is just like his daddy.  My heart is very full.

~26 Weeks

Labor Trial Run & Infant CPR

Last night was our first baby class.  We showed up at the wrong hospital.

I would like to take all of the blame for this, but honestly, there are only two hospitals in the area (20 minutes away from each other and in different cities) and I assumed it was the one closest to me.  And when the city listed on the paperwork matched this assumption, I was convinced.  Nope, I didn't look at the hospital name because with only two hospitals in the area, I assume you can just go with the city name and end up in the right place.  Nope.

I am one of those 15 minute early to everything type of people, so I rushed my fiance through getting showered and dressed, stopping at Chipotle for dinner, and driving to the hospital.  We ended up getting there so early that we even had time to stop by Walgreen's to grab a cute notebook to take notes in.  

Once we get inside the hospital, the directions to get to the conference room were completely off, so we asked a group of nurses who kindly informed us that we were in the wrong hospital and city.  Apparently both hospitals are "officially" in the same city, but everyone just refers to them by the cities that they are closest to, hence my confusion.  Seriously!? I wasn't going to miss the class, and I didn't care if I was late, so I gave my fiance the directions to the hospital in the next city and learned that we can get there much faster than I originally thought. Twenty minute drive in less than 15? Alright!  We decided it was a labor trial run.  

We ended up being about 9 minutes late and after getting a death stare by the assistant nurse, we were allowed to take our seats.  There was only one other couple, a single woman, and a single man.  We each got our own CPR baby complete with "lungs" that moved each time you gave a correct practice breath.  We had a very sweet instructor who gave us lots of extra tips in addition to the official video.  Some of the things we learned that were new to me:

• Cut food longwise because if it does block the windpipe, it will only block half.  She said breadsticks, in particular, are a choking hazard because the bread swells up in a baby's throat.
• Breathable or no bumpers are ideal to prevent Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).  These are on our registry.

BreathableBaby Universal Crib Bumper (Image: Source)

• Obviously nothing "fluffy or puffy" is allowed in the crib, however, a thin blanket is allowed if you place the baby at the end of the crib with it's feet touching the edge and tuck the end of the blanket under the mattress.  Make sure the blanket only comes up to his chin/chest.  Babies only go up, not down.  She said they are used to being squished up in the womb and look to have something touching their head for comfort, so they scoot up but not down.

I have to admit I teared up at the beginning when the instructor was describing choking/cardiac arrest scenarios-  picturing how I would react if it were me.  I believe I would act rationally under pressure, but the thought scared me.  After we went through the scenarios and completed several practice rounds, I left feeling confident and much better prepared than when I walked in, so I'm very happy we were able to make it.  The next one is Baby Care Basics, which should be equally exciting!

Correct hospital (and growing baby bump!)

Guilt

I've been feeling an intense amount of guilt lately.  Guilt that I can't do everything I used to do.  Guilt that I sometimes (often) go to bed early instead of finishing my to-do list.  Guilt that I'm gaining too much weight.  Guilt that I'm gaining too little weight.  Guilt that I haven't eaten perfectly (Oreos).  Guilt that I can no longer walk my dogs on my own because they're too strong and I don't want to risk falling again.  Guilt that some people go through so much and so badly want and deserve to be parents yet it was so easy for us.  Guilt that I'm not crying or emotional enough.  Guilt that I'm crying too much.  Guilt that I will be requesting maternity leave at work and there is no one to take my place.  Guilt that my home isn't spotless.  Guilt that I don't have everything planned out.  Guilt that I don't have time for everyone when all I need is time for myself.

This pregnancy has taught me a valuable lesson.  I can't do everything and I'm not perfect.  And no amount of wishing or hoping will solve that.  I'm doing the best I can - we all are.  I've decided that some things are going to be done imperfectly and others are going to be left undone.  It's a beautiful thing being able to let go of all of the unrealistic standards I've set for myself.  The little baby kicking around inside my belly is healthy and you know what, I think that means my to-do list is checked off for the day.

Declutter & Organize in 2012

One of my favorite things to do around the house is declutter and organize.  Is that weird?  I'm not always the best at it (and may or may not still have several clothing items from high school), but when I'm in the mood, it makes me feel refreshed to see the "trash" and "donate" piles grow.  Something I stumbled upon within the past month was this 2012 Declutter and Organize Calendar from My Simpler Life.  I haven't followed it day-by-day, but it is helpful when I am a productive mood.  For example, the task for January 18th was "Get rid of expired medications." I thought this wouldn't be much of an issue until I went through my cabinet - it went packed-from full to this:

Let's just say I had medications that expired in 2008.  

Anyways, I wanted to share this calendar in case anyone had a New Year's Resolution to get more organized or to clean up their home.  Or just wanted to satisfy their inner clean freak.  Good luck!

Triple Protein Smoothie

Ingredients:

- 1 Scoop of 100% Whey Protein - Protein #1

- 1 Tablespoon Peanut Butter - Protein #2

- 1 Individual Size Container (5.3 Ounces) Greek Nonfat Yogurt - Protein #3

- 2/3 Cup of 100% Whole Grain Quick Oats (raw)

- 1 Banana

- 2 Cups Frozen Blueberries (plain)

- 2 Cups Frozen Strawberries (plain)

- Juice (your choice, as needed for consistency)

Directions:

1. Combine all ingredients in blender except for juice.

2. Pour juice into blender one cup at a time and mix gently using a spatula until desired consistency is achieved.

3. Blend until smooth.

Before I got pregnant, I was a vegetarian (technically pescatarian, since I'd occasionally eat seafood) for about 6 years.  Once I found out I was pregnant, I started incorporating poultry into my diet in order to keep my energy levels up.  My carb-rich (hello, pasta and rice for every meal!) pre-pregnancy diet wasn't helping with the fatigue.  Now, more than ever, I am trying to make sure I'm getting enough protein and other nutrients in my diet.  But, protein and energy don't always have to come from meat.  

Smoothies are an easy way to pack in some protein into your day.  I typically make this recipe in the morning and leave the entire glass jar in the fridge or freezer to drink throughout the day.  Enjoy!

24 Week Update

This week marks 24 weeks into my pregnancy. I can't believe we're already 6 months in! May 7th is coming up so quickly.

And now for my pregnant rambling...

I'm still feeling great. A little sluggish sometimes, but that's to be expected. The baby has been kicking his little heart out. I felt my first kick in Week 18, but now I feel them several times throughout the day. Sometimes I think he is trying to escape because it feels like he is both kicking and punching me at the same time. What a wild child.

I'm wearing maternity pants 100% of the time, but many of my pre-pregnancy tops still fit fine. Some of them, however, have become belly shirts, which is not the look I'm going for. Speaking of belly, my belly button is on it's way out. It's been in a weird flattened stage for a few weeks now, but I'm betting it will pop any day now.

I've noticed that I'm getting more random stares. I guess it's not too often that you see a pregnant woman on a college campus, so I say stare on, people! I don't think it helps that I look 17 (and get carded buying cough medicine) when I am 25.

I'm back in the swing of work and my last semester of graduate school. It will be interesting to see how everything pans out. I have visions of myself giving birth during one of my final exams and one of my all-male professors catching the baby. Terrifying. Birth in general still kind of freaks me out, but I also get random bursts of excitement thinking of conquering a challenge that I've never faced but that my body was designed precisely to do.

Something else that excites me... our first baby class is coming up! This one is "Infant CPR" and I can't wait. I have felt like the only pregnant girl in the world lately, so it will be nice to be around others.

~24 Weeks
(via iPhone because I'm lazy like that)

My Lazy Book Club

I've always liked the idea of a book club. What a great excuse to get together with friends and chat. I love books and I love chatting. However, I fear the commitment of such a club. I am far too lazy to read the assigned books every time, on time.

That is why, my friends, I invite you to join My Lazy Book Club. Meetings are sporadic, books are random, and anything goes.

The first selection is actually a three-part series - The Hunger Games. The first book is titled "The Hunger Games", the second "Catching Fire", and the third "Mockingjay". My older sister mentioned these books to me several months ago. I read the synopsis, laughed, and made fun of her for reading this trash. She assured me that "seriously, Sam, these books are awesome. I'm not kidding." I told her she was weird and that I would never read them.

(Image: Source)

A few months later, I open my Christmas present and it's The Hunger Games boxed set. Thanks, sister, for gifting me a set of books I told you I never wanted to read. Nevertheless, I waited until I was good and bored and until there was absolutely nothing on TV, and I decided to read a chapter. A chapter couldn't hurt.

Well, a chapter turned into several chapters. This turned into in-depth Hunger Games discussions with my sister and declarations of TEAM PEETA on Facebook. I finished the first book and quickly started on the second. Both were great. Both contained loads of action mixed with a bit of a love triangle, all with a "Man vs. Wild" feel. I won't lie, I had to close the book and walk away a few times when the storyline got intense. That's pretty impressive for a book to freak me out that badly. My disclaimer is that I wouldn't consider them something I would re-read or something that was particularly intellectually stimulating, but they are a fun way to spend a few hours.

I've gotten started on the third book, but I don't find it as intriguing as the first two. Does anyone else agree with me? Is anyone Team Gale or Team Peeta? Or perhaps Team Haymitch? The first movie comes out in March of this year and I'll probably be seeing it (along with probably 75 teenagers - no big deal). The casting so far has been pretty on-point - Woody Harrelson as Haymitch? Perfection.

(Image: Source)

My Lazy Book Club Verdict: Recommend!

Has anyone read The Hunger Games? Share your thoughts!

Mashion

Maternity + Fashion = Mashion

Okay, so maybe I made that up. But truly, maintaining some sort of maternity fashion is one of those small things that can make a pregnant girl feel good - or at least normal. I've tried on a lot of brands, and it hasn't been easy to find clothing that fits my petite frame. I use the term "petite" loosely since I am of petite measurements but not of petite stature (at 5'5", I am too "tall"). Nevertheless, I have found several items that work and work well. I'm sure these versatile items would be great in every size!

1. Sleep Bras. I understand that bras are not exactly "mashion", but I have to mention them. When the lady lumps won't stop growing, they need support ALL. THE. TIME. I used to sleep bra-less, but now I refuse to. The situation has just gotten out of control and these little over-the-shoulder-boulder-holders help. In my opinion, sleep bras are better than sports bras because they aren't constrictive and the thinner fabric allows for more "breathing room". I have these:

Bali Women's Microfiber Crop Top (Image: Source)

The fiance hates them, but they are comfortable, so get over it, man! I will say that I've almost outgrown them at ~23 weeks, so I'm eyeing these:

Motherhood Maternity: Wrap Nursing Sleep Bra (Image: Source)

2. Old Navy Maternity Jeans. I haven't been a fan of Old Navy in quite some time, but their maternity selection has changed my mind. Their jeggings/jeans are hands-down my favorite maternity pants. They look really polished with boots and equally cute with flats. The ones I bought definitely don't have the "mom-butt" look to them, which is a plus. I'd say if you're going into your second trimester, you might want to order a size up. My single complaint is that the belly panel gets a bit tight, but it can be easily folded down. In general, I've found that a belly panel does help keep maternity pants up. The pants with no belly seem to slide down much easier. Here is a pair of skinny jeans similar to what I've got in my closet:

Maternity Smooth-Panel Skinny Jeans (Image: Source)

3. Gap Maternity T-Shirts. I didn't think I'd have much need for casual-wear during my pregnancy, but I've discovered that regular cotton t-shirts have zero stretch-room. I thought I'd be able to wear most of my tops and be fine, but was sorely mistaken. I love throwing on one of these t-shirts with jeans or yoga pants on the weekends. They are comfortable but not frumpy and come in several great colors. If I could, I'd wear one of these every day, they're that great. I'm sure any from Gap Maternity will do, but these look particularly comfortable:

Pure Body Short-Sleeve T (Image: Source)

4. Motherhood Maternity Work Pants/Skirts. I work in a "Business Casual-to-Business Professional" office where my attire ranges from blouses/slacks to a full suit. I remember panicking about what I was going to wear to work back when I first found out I was pregnant. The pants and skirts come in a variety of neutral colors, which are perfect for the office. These pants aren't exactly sexy, but they get the job done. The backside goes up further than I am used to in order to accommodate the belly panel, but it's not visible with a top.

Secret Fit Belly Bi-Stretch Suiting Fit and Flare Maternity Pants (Image: Source)

The skirts, I love. They hug curves in a sophisticated yet sexy way. I wear these when I want to feel confident.

Secret Fit Belly Knee Length Pencil Fit Maternity Skirt (Image: Source)

5. Love21 Maternity (by Forever21) Clothing. I was shocked to discover that Forever21 has a maternity line. I have purchased several items so far (skinny jeans, active pants) - who can resist jeans for $9.99 buy-one-get-one-free? As always, quality is "you get what you pay for", and clothing runs small, but it's something to consider for those of us on a budget. One thing to be aware of is that the stock comes and goes quickly. Very quickly. So quickly that I can't even locate some of my past purchases to post the links! If you see something you like, don't wait, as it might not be there tomorrow. They don't always have a great selection, but just check back on their website here every so often.

Other Places to Shop: Liz Lange for Target Maternity, The Loft Maternity, H&M MAMA (haven't tried this one yet, but it's out there).

Don't forget that the most important thing to wear is CONFIDENCE. Confidence is sexier than any article of clothing. Even before I was pregnant, I thought all pregnant women were beautiful. Be confident and rock your baby bump!

Caught Snoogling

This morning I left my bedroom for a few minutes and came back to two furbabies sharing my pregnancy pillow. (Naturally, instead of yelling at them to get off the bed, I snap an iPhone picture. I'm such a sucker for these faces!)

Anyone else a fan of the Snoogle?

(Image: Source)

A Love Letter to My Top 5 Pregnancy Items

Dear Inventors, Creative People, or Whomever I Have to Thank,

Few things have made my life easier the past 22 (almost 23!) weeks than the following 5 items.

1. Chewable Prenatal and Calcium Vitamins. Have you seen prenatal vitamin pills these days? Horse pills! The chewable alternative is much more appealing and my son's health is #1 here. I have been taking Vitafusion Prenatal, Gummy Vitamins (but be careful, the gummies do not contain iron, so make sure you're getting enough from other sources)

(Image: Source)

and Viactiv Calcium Supplement Soft Chews in Chocolate just because they are at every drug store/grocery store/etc. Every time I go on a trip, I seem to forget to pack my vitamins and my fiance has to take me to a drug store in whatever city we are in. I am up to three different open containers of vitamins... no shame!

(Image: Source)

2. The Internet. Particularly, websites such as Baby Center that allow me to browse my little heart out. I also like websites with forums where I can lurk on TMI items that I would never discuss with anyone in person.

3. Maternity Clothing. I will devote an entire post to this particular love and drainer of my savings account.

4. Amazon Baby Registry. I love this registry because it's so simple, provides a Thank You list complete with addresses and the items each person purchased, and it's universal - in other words, no one is obligated to purchase an item through Amazon, they can purchase it at any store of their choosing and simply mark it as "Purchased" on the Amazon registry. Amazon also features Buying Guides and a Registry Jumpstart option for those who aren't quite sure what to put on their wish list yet.

5. Alcohol-Removed Beverages. They exist. They're delicious. I've tried the champagne from Fre Wines. We've popped a celebratory "bottle" or two. If you can't find it at the store, look on the bottom shelf. I wasn't a huge drinker before, but at least it's fun to sip on a special occasion and feel "normal". Bonus: no hangovers!

(Image: Source).

So those are my Top 5 Pregnancy Items thus far. Thanks, whoever you are, for making my pregnancy more enjoyable!

Love,

Samantha

The Most Boring Pregnant Woman

I am 22 weeks and 3 days pregnant today.  Our little man is due on Monday, May 7th.  I am the most boring pregnant woman.

Had it not been for my ever-growing belly and "Aunt Flow's" welcomed absence, I would not even know I was pregnant.  My only true symptoms to-date have been fatigue and approximately two hormone-induced (right?) meltdowns.  I'm convinced the latter would have occurred either way, so let's count that out.  What's left is fatigue.  My little enemy.  I realize I should be tired based on purely work, graduate school, and other routine tasks, but this is a whole new level.  I can't remember the last time I wasn't tired.  I am beyond grateful that this is my main gripe and that fatigue has also allowed me to sleep soundly most nights.  I am working on being a more exciting pregnant woman and hope to channel some of the excitement here... belly updates and nursery progress are on the list.

To prove that I am in fact pregnant, I find myself staring at my 20-week ultrasound of our little man's back.  Yep, his back.  He was obviously too busy to be bothered to show his face for his parents.  He likes surprises.  I love him already.  Even when the pregnancy symptoms catch up to me, I know that this is all worth it.  Now here's my baby's back.

Welcome to My Full Life!

Welcome!  This blog was started with the intention of keeping track of my crazy, full life and storing memories away for years to come.  As a mommy-to-be, I knew that memories of my pregnancy would be invaluable to my family, even years after the baby is born.  As a seasoned oversharer, I’m sure this blog will turn into much more than just a place to share my pregnancy journey.  Please enjoy my random, often-inappropriate, sometimes-mundane, but always authentic, musings.