I'm Still Here

So, I took an unplanned blogging hiatus for a couple years. Thanks for coming back to my little space. I missed it and I hope you did too. 

If you follow me on Instagram, then you're pretty caught up on what's been going on. You know that I'm doing the Mama thing. My sweet guy will be 2 in November and, as every parent knows, time FLIES. It has simply gotten away from me.

There has also been some unexpected life that has happened in our household, but I'll get to that later. For now, I'm glad to be blogging again. 

Here is a picture of me and my kid that is totally unrelated to this post!

Pregnancy // 1st Trimester

I'm still here, you guys! I took a little unplanned hiatus. Turns out 1st trimester fatigue actually equals total and complete exhaustion. I'm so thankful and excited to be in my 2nd trimester of pregnancy and actually have enough energy to blog. Today I just want to catch you up on what's been going on with me and I kind of wanted to document the first trimester. I know I'll want to remember what it was like when we plan for the next baby! 

I'm going to start at week 5, because the only symptom I had before that was super sore boobs! That still hasn't subsided! I was also completely exhausted until about week 14. I'm so lucky to have a job that allowed me to work an extremely abbreviated schedule. I don't know how woman work full time in the beginning of pregnancy! Seriously, you ladies are superheroes!

Week 5 

✦ Craved milk, whole milk, like crazy! 

Week 6

✦ Nauseated around the clock 

✦ Grossed out by most smells 

✦ Couldn't even THINK about drinking milk!

I also had my first ultrasound that week and got to see this little button (the baby is the bottom blob) and were excited and relieved to hear the heartbeat! With my previous pregnancies, we never got to hear a heartbeat.

3 days later I had some spotting and nearly lost my mind with worry! They did another ultrasound and the baby was just fine. I have a septate uterus. It's like the septum that divides your nostrils, only it divides my uterus. The bleeding was coming from one side and the baby's heart was beating away on the other. You'd be surprised how different the baby looked in just 3 days, but it went from blog to seahorse. Of course, that convinced me that we were having a mermaid. Sadly, they didn't send me home with any photographic proof!

Weeks 7-9 

✦ Nauseated 24 hours a day

✦ Couldn't stand the smell of coffee and had to stop drinking it 

✦ Varied from day to day what I could stomach 

✦ Craved meat but couldn't stand to smell it cooking

✦ Ice cream and donut always sounded good (but not together)

✦ Still couldn't drink milk

✦ Everything I drank had to be ice cold

Week 10-12

✦ Spring pollen kicked in and I couldn't tell if I was less nauseous or if I just felt so bad in my sinuses that I didn't notice it as much

I had my nuchal scan ultrasound in week 12 and they measured the fluid in the back of the baby's neck to check for neural tube defects. Everything was fine and it was so exciting to see the baby moving around so much. The baby completely turned around and snuggled in while we watched!

Did you guys know that your not done with the first trimester until about 13 1/2 weeks? Sneaky 40 week gestation! 

Weeks 13-14

✦  Finally becoming less nauseated and not as exhausted! 

✦ Started showing instead of just looking chubby in the middle 

✦ I think I felt the baby flip over too, but just one time so far!

I have to tell you, I think the 2nd trimester is where it's at. I don't have tons of extra energy or anything. I just relieved to feel relatively normal! I'll be 16 weeks tomorrow and I have a doctor's appointment this week. Sadly, I don't get my next ultrasound for another month so I'll be waiting impatiently to find out gender! Place your bets now!

By the way, don't worry that my blog will turn into a pregnancy-only blog. While it will be monopolizing my time in the near future, I also have a lot of non-pregnancy related projects that I want to share with you soon (and need to finish before the baby arrives)!

Things I Love About My Guy on Our 1st Anniversary

Today is Josh and my one year wedding anniversary. I'm so happy to have found the man I'm meant to spend my life with and, since I'm feeling all nostalgic and sappy, I thought I'd share some of the many reasons I love my guy.

I love Josh because...

✧ he refers to my growing number of white hairs as "blond."

✧ he encourages me to take naps when I'm grumpy.

✧ instead of complaining about my art projects all over the house, he cleans around them.

✧ he doesn't like spiders either, but will kill them for me.

✧ he loves our critters as much as I do and tells me stories about them. Also, Dinah loves him SO MUCH and she's super particular.

✧ he loves to cuddle as much as I do.

✧ is enthusiastic about my cooking, even when it's not that good.

✧ he's sneaky-funny...and finds me HILARIOUS!

✧ he can usually tell me where I left something I can't find...and I lose things constantly!

✧ he doesn't think I'm boring and nights in reading or having Netflix marathons is fine with him.

I hope I didn't gross you out too badly! I'm excited to dress up fancy and celebrate this weekend! 

Coming up on One Year // Our Wedding Story

My one year wedding anniversary is tomorrow and I realized that I never even shared my wedding with you guys! So, this is our wedding story.

Josh and I had each been married one time before, but neither of us had a real wedding the first time. We wanted to do something special, fun, and unconventional. We wanted a date that had meaning and decided on March 20th, the first day of Spring. The start of a new season when everything is fresh and new was the perfect day for us to start our married life together.

I didn't want to buy a white dress that I would never wear again and might be out of style by the time I could pass it down. Instead, I wore the "Stop Staring! Mad Men Eggplant Pleated Bodice Cap Sleeve Swing Dress" from Unique Vintage. (You can check out their online shop through my affiliate ad --->)

We couldn't decide what song to walk down the aisle to or who would be in charge of it. My Mom joked that we should just have our guests play "The Wedding March" on kazoos and we DID! It was awesome! My mother-in-law wrote a fun poem to explain and we had the kazoos waiting in the seats.

Peanut Butter Pie // A Vintage Recipe

This recipe is a family favorite. It was given to my Grandma by a neighbor in the 60's because she loves peanut butter so much. Grandma & Grandpa have been making it ever since.

I'm not a big peanut butter fan. In fact, I wouldn't eat it at all as a kid. This pie is still one of my favorites. The meringue and the vanilla pudding keep the pie light and not overpowering. I like to add bananas to this recipe, but you don't have to. I actually made one with and one without and they both turned out fantastic!

Current Obsessions and an Update

Hi, guys! Hope everyone is enjoying/recovering from their St. Patrick's Day festivities. I didn't do the crafts and recipes I had planned on trying for the occasion, but I did manage to make our traditional Irish meal of corned beef and cabbage. My parents joined Josh and me for dinner and we had a really nice time.

I had grand intentions for blog posts last week and ended up just EXHAUSTED! I hope that means I'm growing a healthy baby in there. I snuck in as many naps as I could and went to bed early all week. The switch to Daylight Savings Time and Josh's new earlier work schedule contributed to my sleepiness as well, I'm sure. Maya is my main napping buddy. One afternoon, I woke up to her sleeping on Josh's side of the bed all tucked in and had to snap a picture.

Today, I just wanted to give you a little update today and share some of my current obsessions with you. Have you guys heard about the new Waterlogue app? 

Shouting from the Rooftop // Pink Lines & Prayers

I said I was going to shout it from the rooftops and I am! I'm not even late yet, but it is confirmed!

I'M HAVING A BABY!

Blogmopolitan Quiz #2

I just can't resist a good quiz, you guys!

If you'd like to join in the fun, hop on over to Two Thirds Hazel!

Snapshots // 3.3.14

Hi, guys! It's hard to believe it's already March. That means Daylight Saving Time is fast approaching. You can see how I feel about that.

Good Riddance, Mercury Retrograde!

I'm back and I missed you. Today is the day you realize I'm a kooky astrology-believing, sage burning hippie. 

Do you guys know about Mercury Retrograde? It's when the planet Mercury appears to be moving in reverse and makes everything go wonky. Like, 3 weeks of opposite days wonky. Anyway, it happens 3 times a year and the first one of 2014, thankfully, ended yesterday.

I know some of you must think it's "all in my head," but let me tell you, I TRIED to ignore it. I even forgot about it all together for the first week or so. I couldn't figure out why I was in hibernation mode or why really simple things were suddenly SO difficult. Then, this happened on my way to work one morning and it call came together.

Snapshots // 2.17.14 // iPhone Edition

With all the snow we've gotten the last 2 months, I haven't been out doing a lot of shooting with my "real" camera. I still take pictures about everyday with my iPhone. Here's a selection from last week.

Every fresh snow, we end up with the same set of bunny tracks. I guess he's a creature of habit & our yard is in his path....or maybe he juste likes to visit my flamingos. I can't say I'd blame him. They look darn cute in the snow. I should probably knit them some scarves though...

Lately // and a Giveaway!

You guys, right now my internet is on the fritz . I have to get on while it decides it wants to work &, hopefully, Time Warner can fix it in the morning. I haven't been posting a lot lately because, frankly, I'm in a funk. I've spent most of the week on the verge of tears and I would really like to hibernate. I haven't been feeling well and I know that's part of it. Also, I'm just depressed. I'm trying to shake it off, but it's taking more effort than usual and it leaves little motivation for much else. Anyway, this is what I've been up to lately.

Watching: Family Ties on Netflix...and the Olympics

You guys, I was 2 when this show came out & I remember watching the later seasons with my parents growing up. I did not realize how ground-breaking it was! Yes, it's a family comedy. But, they covered some pretty heavy issues starting with the pilot. I'm really enjoying it. It's a nice glimpse into actual 80's fashion too. Unfortunately, everything Mallory wears is the stuff I hated being made to wear as a kid. I also can't figure out why they dressed Jennifer like a Cabbage Patch Kid.

Also, I'm nerding out over the Olympics. I always do. I particularly enjoy watching the snowboarders. First, I'm amazed at their talent. I tend to yell "How are they even doing that?!" a lot during those events. I especially like that it's a "new" sport and all of the tricks were named by the snowboarders themselves. I think it's hilarious to listen to the sportscaster use the made-up names. I'm easily amused. I know.

Conversation #2

Here is a conversation I had with my sister via text.

I have no reason to believe I'm pregnant; but I consider her dream a step in the right direction. I had 2 dreams that she was pregnant with her now 12 year old daughter for no reason. I knew she'd be a girl too. I like to think that we're connected. Fingers crossed...and I guess Chloe is off the list.

Things You Might Want to Know

Today's post is a little late. I've been fighting a cold, so things got backed up over here. 

I wanted to wrap up "Getting to Know Me" week by updating my FAQ page with some things you might want to know about me and this blog. You can click the FAQ at the top of the page or just click here. Thanks for reading!

11 Things

I figured it'd be fun to join in with Chelsey & do her 11 question meme. Make sure to stop by & see her 11 questions at The Paper Mama too!

Here are her 11 questions & my answers:

1. Are you a cat or dog person? Or, bird person?

Cat. They're clean & they like to nap.

2. What was your favorite food as a kid? Is it the same, or has it changed as an adult?

Pretty sure it's always been pizza.

3. What is your favorite hobby?

Photography 4-ever

4. If you HAD to move to a different state (or country) where would it be?

I think Colorado. I like the idea of low humidity & tons of snow in the winter. I should probably go there sometime.

5. Are you a winter or summer person?

Fall, actually. If I had to choose between winter & summer, I guess it'd be winter because of sweaters & snow.

6. What makes you happy?

Kittens, babies, jammies, sunshine, cake, long naps...

We'd Probably Be Friends // Getting to Know Me

This week I want to take the opportunity to tell you more about myself. I share my recipes, DIY's, and even really personal life events; but I really don't think I've shared who I am. I plan to post a series of fun stuff this week to let you in on the real me.

This is the kind of thing I text Josh from the next room.

This first post was inspired by Dani of Sometimes Sweet. I know I'm a little late to this party, but here goes!

We'd probably be friends if...

Conversation

This is the start of a new series I'm calling Conversations. I probably won't post many pictures with these posts. I just want to share weird or funny conversations that I want to remember. 

Josh was reading in bed and I had just finished my nightly ritual. I climbed into bed and he turned his head to look at me. 

Me: What was that?! I swear you just moved really fast. 

Josh: Gives me a confused look

Me: Seriously! It was weird. 

Josh: Shrugs

He obviously has no idea what I'm talking about, so I settle in with my phone and check twitter. A few minutes pass before I look up and Josh turns to look at me again. 

Me: Oh my God! It's your beard! When you turn your head, it scrapes across the pillow case and makes it sound like you're moving fast! 

Josh: Makes the noise over & over

I HAVE MY OWN SOUND EFFECTS!!!

It's the little things that keep us amused. Aren't you glad I shared this nonsense with you? We won't talk about any of Josh's other "sound effects" right now....

PMA, baby. P M A ..... & a Freebie

On Sunday, I posted about my 2nd miscarriage. As you can imagine, it's taken me a little while to get back in the swing of things. I'm feeling better and I thought this would be a great time to do a post about PMA.

PMA stands for Positive Mental Attitude and it's very much what it sounds like. The theory is that having a positive outlook on life will make you a happier and more successful person. It's pretty much the idea that what you put into the universe is what you get back. Good karma & all that.

I know that having a positive mental attitude won't solve all my problems. But I know that negativity won't get me anywhere that I want to be. I'm also a big believer of manifesting your own destiny. I wan't to make the good stuff happen.

Things I can't control, like miscarriage or illness, make having a positive mental attitude difficult sometimes. So, I made myself a little reminder.

Miscarriage Sucks

Goodness! I just don't know where to start with this. I guess the beginning...

I had a Ob/Gyn appointment scheduled for last Wednesday, the 8th, to see what was going on. We had been trying for 6 months and no results. Because my period was due to start in only 2 days, I thought I should take a pregnancy test that morning....just in case. I was sitting on the bathroom floor waiting for the test to process. It looked like nothing had come of it, so I stood up to throw it away. That's when I noticed the faintest pink line. Positive! I was so excited! It was super early, but positive was positive.

It was so early, in fact, that the urine test at the doctor's office was negative. They drew blood to test for sure and called me the following morning to tell me that I was definitely pregnant and that my progesterone levels were FABULOUS!

Cheers to 68 Years!

On Saturday, my Grandparents celebrated their 68th wedding anniversary. Isn't that amazing?! They have been a shining example for my whole family and I wanted to do a little tribute to them today.

This photo is them in the beginning. They were just 15 and 14 in this picture. Grandpa changed his birth certificate so the Navy would think he was 17 and let him join. Grandma's Dad notarized the paperwork to get him out of the neighborhood and away from his daughter! Last I heard, Grandpa's driver's license still has the wrong date on it!