Five on Friday

Between work and the holidays, the blog has taken an unintentional back seat. But I can't resist popping in for a few Friday Favorites!

1. Stuffed Pepper Soup

I found this recipe over at Forever Young and couldn't wait to try it! It did not disappoint. It had a great flavor, and it's low cal. Perfect for a cold winter night, and it leaves some calories for my next obsession...

2. Eggnog

I usually start craving this about 9 a.m. every morning. So far, I've been able to hold off until an appropriate eggnog hour. The creaminess, the nutmeg taste....can you blame me? There's also an ice cream. I have a problem.

3. Christmas Music

While you're drinking your Christmas cocktail of choice, you've gotta have some Christmas music in the background. Laura sent me this CD as a Christmas happy, and I've enjoyed it every morning on the way to work!

Erika's Little Drummer Boy post also made me feel led to post about my most favorite Christmas song for the third year in a row.

If this doesn't give you chills...well, I'll reserve my judgment in the spirit of the season.

4. Holiday Grooming

Just in time for all the holiday parties and junk food I've been eating...Dixie on My Mind suggested this face mask and I've loved it! I've been fighting my skin since, oh, June, and my weapons are limited until February. This has helped clear some breakouts, and it's so refreshing!

I found it at Ulta and you can't beat the price.

5. Homemade Cleaner

Your face is clean, might as well keep the streak alive with your house. I found this homemade granite cleaner on Pinterest and it has worked so well on our hard to clean black granite.

That's about as exciting as life is right now. Hope you and yours are able to slow down and enjoy the season. With clear skin and clean counters.

30 Weeks

How far along? 30 Weeks. Baby is the size of a head of lettuce and weighs almost 3 pounds. He'll really start packing on the pounds in the next 10 weeks - although from the 4D he has stored up a good bit in some plump sweet cheeks!

Total weight gain: Between 16-17 pounds, depending on the day. 

Maternity Clothes: Yep. And I've added the skill of being able to fill out a large sweatshirt. 

Stretch Marks: Not yet.

Sleep: Sleeping well and loving an afternoon nap (on the weekends, of course)

Best Moment this Week: Indulging in delicious Thanksgiving food. My mom made a spice cake that was out of this world.

Miss anything? Nothing new worth noting.

Movement: He's most active at night. We'll be working on that post delivery.

Food Cravings:  I keep eating sweets, and they always make me feel a little sick. Try, try again, I say. God forbid I not support the cake industry.

Anything making you queasy or sick:  Food is hit or miss these days, but nothing too bad.

Exercise:  Running is getting a little harder, but it's still doable. I would have bet I quit by this point because it seemed SO far along, but as long as I feel good, I'm going to try and keep at it. I really think it's helped with any minor aches and pains, swelling and the ability to sleep. But part of that is probably just luck.

Gender: Boy!

Labor signs: Just now learning what they are, for when we get a little bit closer. 

Symptoms: A little more tired than usual, but nothing my 9 p.m. bedtime can't cure.

Most looking forward to: Enjoying the holidays with my little family, and soaking up our last Christmas just the 2 (and fur child) of us.

Go Grizzy, It's Your Birthday

I've taken an unintentional blog hiatus, but I'm back in time to commemorate the fur child's 8th birthday.

This dog makes me so happy. He's just funny to look at. But he's also got enough personality for every dog on our street.

A lot has changed since he waddled into my heart in Valley, Alabama 8 years ago. I'm so glad he's been along for the ride.

Sometimes even man's best friend needs to take some solace in the bottle.

So glad I've had this 55 lb shadow for eight whole years. I love that as soon as I sit down he will get up from wherever he's passed out to come sit beside me. Melt my heart.

I'm about to be totally outnumbered by boys, and couldn't be happier about it. He brings our little family so much joy! Now if I could teach him to fetch diapers....

Cheers to another healthy year!

29 Weeks

How far along? 29 weeks. 

Total weight gain: Between 16-17 pounds, depending on the day. Bring on the eggnog. 

Maternity Clothes: Yes! Leggings are my best friend, as is the full panel since I now am sporting an outie. Yikes.

Stretch Marks: Not yet.

Sleep: Can't get enough. 9 hours plus a nap? Don't mind if I do. My days are numbered, I know that full well. Pretty sure that's a Psalm. 

Best Moment this Week: 4D ultrasound, hands down. We debated doing one, but when the doctors office put it on special for the holidays, I couldn't resist. Now I've got a sweet little picture in my phone to show whoever will look:)

Miss anything? Not really. Sleeping on my stomach a little. 

Movement: Lots! I can feel hands and feet, and sometimes have to push them back in. Alien. 

Food Cravings:  Hot Chocolate. I bought the 60 count box at Costco this week. He'll probably come out drinking hot chocolate. 

Anything making you queasy or sick:  Food is hit or miss these days, but nothing too bad.

Exercise:  Running, kickboxing, some weights. The 4D confirmed he is right on my bladder. Fun!

Gender: Boy!

Labor signs: Nothing to report.

Symptoms: . Feel pretty good! I feel very blessed to have had a great pregnancy, despite the people that tell you "oh, you just wait a few more weeks." Jeez. 

Most looking forward to: If the crib will ever come in...finishing the nursery. 

28 Weeks

Photo courtesy of our "Understanding Birth" class.

How far along? 28 weeks.

Total weight gain: 16 pounds.

Maternity Clothes:  Oh yeah. So glad to be pregnant in the fall and winter. Sweaters and scarves and leggings, oh my.  

Stretch Marks: None yet.

Sleep: Good sleep, lots of bathroom breaks. That about sums it up. For some reason I get SO thirsty right before I go to bed, so it’s picking a side between thirst and bathroom visits. Guess which one wins…

Best Moment this Week: Everyone is so nice when you’re pregnant! I always feel like I’m not showing as much as I am and it’s brave of them to assume I’m pregnant. Then I catch a glimpse in the mirror –not brave at all.

Miss anything? Holiday cocktails.

Movement: I’m starting to feel more rolls than kicks. Love it!

Food Cravings: I heard the first trimester symptoms come back – and I always feel a little sick after I eat, even if I’m starving and eat a normal meal. Life could be much worse.

Anything making you queasy or sick: See above. 

Exercise: Still running, kickboxing and weights. I think he’s shifted and some part of his little body is on my bladder, which makes running exciting.  

Gender: All blue!

Labor signs: Negative.

Symptoms:  Nothing to complain about this week.

Most looking forward to: The crib getting being delivered. I’m so ready to see the bedding out of the bag!