07 December 2017

Thankful

To say things have been hectic lately is an understatement.  We still don't have a house to move into in Meridian and are moving the 13th. . we just got our movers finalized, I need to inventory all of our high value items and update our renters insurance, and I've just been having horrendous heartburn.  Oh, it's also the last week of my school semester and shoot -- I feel like all I've been doing is work!

Needless to say it has been a bit hard to just take a break and sit back and feel grateful and thankful for the things around me instead of stressed and overwhelmed.  Our original plan was to drive home for Thanksgiving but our last trip home made me realize that sitting in the car more than two hours is going to result in misery, and when you're on a tight leave schedule you can't take two days to make a 7 hour trip. .  We therefore changed everything up and around and invited everyone up for the holidays.   Nic's family already had plans and in true fashion, my parents weren't able to figure out if they could come until the day before, but at noon they were heading on up for less than a 48 hour visit.

It can be so easy to just get overwhelmed and lonely in this lifestyle.  Are we making the right decisions?  Am I not being a big enough of a trooper and should we just drive home?  So many questions are constantly running through my head and this pregnancy seems to have just eliminated my ability to come to a conclusion and let go.  I just hone in on something and bring it up about ten times (bless Nic for dealing with me) until it's too late and the decision is already made.

As I was waiting for my parents to arrive I realized a few things. . Nic and I have been together eleven years and this would be his first time spending Thanksgiving with my family.   I haven't spent Thanksgiving with them in four years.  And even though it was a fast trip, there truly isn't anything better than being able to cook with your parents and just make memories.

We woke up super early Friday to go get poinsettias, and then Starbucks, Target and Petsmart and it truly was the most pleasant Black Friday shopping experience in the world. Target was less crowded than it is on a normal day.  After breakfast we were home and my parents were on their way back to Orlando and life began to resume again.

But we had that time.  And while we're moving in the middle of December, Nic is still home. And I still am able to have a mini fake tree in the interim. And most importantly, little girl loves to give a solid kick or two when I seem to be having an extra hard moment.

So here's to taking a step back and truly enjoying the little things. Whether it's a phone call from a loved one, a quick visit, an email or just a hot coffee -- they really are the little things that get us thru the hard days.



01 November 2017

Holland Farms

This past weekend we ventured out to Holland Farms to pick some pumpkins and enjoy the fall weather.  The high for the day was only 55 and it sure felt like fall leaving me to wish I brought a scarf along.  When the wind wasn't blowing it wasn't bad but as soon as the wind blew it was chilly!

We actually went to Holland Farms last year and had a blast so we decided not to venture out to the other farms in the area this year.  Plus one of their sunflower fields was still in bloom and I knew I wanted to pick some for our mantle place.  This year we visited the farm with our friends and their adorable pup Sven.  Kelly is also pregnant, and Tommy and Nic both selected the same pipeline but we're unfortunately moving to different places for advanced. Gotta love the Navy.

The pumpkin patch was extra special this year because we brought our own little pumpkin with us. It's crazy to think I'm already 22 weeks pregnant.  Little girl is going to be here before we know it and next year we'll be visiting another farm with our own little one. Cue the emotional waterworks.




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19 October 2017

Baby Hajner is a. . .

We decided to do a gender reveal party when we came home so we would be able to do it with both of our parents. We have no idea if/when we'd be this close to home again if/when we're ever pregnant again so we wanted to take full advantage of the situation! After an extremely busy weekend traveling down to Orlando, up and back from a dear friends wedding in Virginia Beach, and an early morning flight, we were more than ready for some good food and family time. . and finding out what little baby was!

After a bit of coordinating struggles we finally Facebook Live'd (gotta love our generation) and were ready to cut the cake. . .


Itty bitty baby Hajner is a GIRL!!!! 


We couldn't be more excited or feel a little overwhelmed. We went shopping yesterday and the amount of cute girl items is just absurd.  I wanted to get absolutely everything! 

Here's to being halfway done with pregnancy and being able to call baby a correct pronoun now. 

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26 September 2017

Month 4

Month four is over (HOW) and I am a little scared to report that my energy is finally coming back in fear that I may jinx it.  This was a SUPER exciting month!  We found out Nic got selected to fly Jets which is fantastic news!  This also means we'll be moving to Mississippi sometime (hopefully) before baby is born.  We're really praying it will be before January so I'm not moving eight months pregnant.  I can't decide if I'd rather move super pregnant or with a one month old, so we'll just have to see what the Navy decides.

As the month went on we've been venturing out on walks on the Blackwater Trail by our house and some wonderful walks on the beach.  One beach walk I decided we were walking to the pier.  Hindsight it was way to far and we didn't realize that until we were on the way back, but I did it and it was amazing.  You can't beat walking while getting a tan and breathing the ocean air.

Week 17 seems to be the week that things are starting to "pop" if that's the correct term? On the same note Nic's squadron set up photos with the T-6 and when we said I was pregnant and wanted to do a cute photo concerning that he was like "well I know you're not showing yet". .  So maybe we're just crazy? Who knows!

Things are definitely changing from month two and three.  I may be switching to periodic weekly updates after this because I felt like each week this month had it's own unique set of cravings/hate/emotions/excitements!

Here's a quick run down of how month four (weeks 14-17) growing baby went!

Total weight gain:  Same as before, no scale, no idea! I was tempted to get on the Publix scale the other day but I was in a bit of a crabby mood and decided against it for poor Nics sake.

Maternity clothes:  Week 16 my favorite looser jean shorts no longer can be comfortably buttoned. Everywhere else fits minus the button.  For some reason this was upsetting to me (crazy hormones anyone?) but I'm just going to have to embrace it and start using a hair tie to get me by.

Stretch marks: Still none thankfully! I switched to shea butter lotion and Burts Bees tummy lotion switching every other day.

Sleep:  I'm still exhausted but have had a harder time sleeping last week (week 16 has been a bit of a mess). A few restless nights and I haven't been able to fall back asleep once Nic gets up for work.  I've been able to get my schoolwork done earlier in the day, but it's still frustrating.  I tried going to bed earlier but just sat there twiddling my thumbs.  Here's to hoping I can get back into the groove of things sooner.

Cravings:  Chocolate and sweets. I've finally started to want to eat Publix garlic hummus and salads and crave some healthy snacks which is a welcomed change. I've also wanted Kombucha again and have made two cups of coffee at home this week which is a huge deal because the smell of regular coffee was making me queasy for a long time.  Sweets still win though.  Cakes, cookies, Nothing Bundt Cakes gluten free cake. . oh and pumpkin spice chai tea is my favorite of late.  I baked a chocolate cake and it sucked and Nic surprised me by baking some brownies yesterday and they were heavenly.  I've also really wanted Middlesworth BBQ chips, tea and garlic sticks from Pennsylvania.

Don't even bring it near the house: Bacon is still a big no.  Which is so depressing.  Also citrus is a no go.  We bought this adorable steam vegetable pack from Publix -- Rosemary Potatoes -- and I couldn't even eat it because the few lemon slices in it were too overpowering for me.

Missing: Just being able to open the fridge and eat some salami.  Also just feeling like I can work out.  It's interesting to see how quickly I get tired compared to before.  Sitting down to a good meal and enjoying it instead of not being able to eat it after two bites.

Feeling:  Nausea is still coming in waves.  Mornings seem to be good with mid-evening being my worse.  I've been feeling excited, nervous, terrified, anxious, basically all the moods this month.  Also grateful for my husband who has been catering to my hungers and moods without breaking a step. Gotta love that man.

Emotions:  See above.  My patience for people has also disappeared.  Hurricane Irma and everyone in Pensacola losing it when we were never even in the cone had me at wits end. Nic also asked me whether the thickness of the salami on the free sample at the deli was good enough (I'm a lunchmeat thin Nazi) and I think I probably could have kicked him. WHO OFFERS COLD SALAMI TO SOMEONE WHO HAS BEEN CRAVING IT BUT CAN'T EAT IT!?!?! We drastically disagree on whether it was really stupid of him or not, but I didn't kill him in Publix so it's all good. 

Looking forward to:  Feeling baby move and actually knowing it was baby moving.  Also finding out the gender in this upcoming month -- EEK! 








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18 September 2017

Month 3

I hate to say figuring out which weeks are in which month of pregnancy took far too long and involved asking Nic for help.  I don't know if that's just being an idiot, general exhaustion or pregnancy brain, but we're going to blame the last one.  Poor guy made a comment about how I'm almost in my fifth month (!) and I literally made the same comment maybe five minutes later.  Gotta love his patience and ability to just laugh once I realized it.

Month 3 is over and I'm pretty excited, and also just bewildered at where the time has gone! We started doing our chalkboard and photos at week 10 and I've been mulling over doing weekly bump dates on the blog.  I have my belly book and have been doing the bump dates in there so we'll see. I may bring them over, or just continue to do my little monthly updates. It's fun to see how these compare from month two.

That being said here's a quick run down of how month three (weeks 9-13) growing baby went!

Total weight gain:  Without a scale in our house I've only been tracking it from doctors appointments. So far nothing!

Maternity clothes:  Nothing new yet.  My tighter skinny day shorts officially are uncomfortable, but they were uncomfortable before I started working out again so that's not really a big surprise now that I've stopped.

Stretch marks: Still none thankfully! I started using a shea butter lotion post showers.

Sleep:  I'm constantly exhausted and napping.

Cravings:  Church's mashed potatoes and coleslaw.  I've never had Church's before and never ever wanted Church's but one day I wanted mashed potatoes and cole slaw and that was our closest option and the way home, and I've been back multiple times since.  Pregnancy is odd.  Also chocolate and lunch meat (specifically salami and a wrap from Public!) oh and pumpkin spice latte. I don't know how many times I've asked Nic if it's out yet.  Or messaged my poor friend who works at Starbucks if there's any update on the release day.

Don't even bring it near the house: Bacon is still a big no. Which is so depressing.

Missing: Being able to work out, or do anything, and eat anything.  I've been so lazy.  A trip to the grocery store leaves me needing a nap and it has been a harder adjustment.

Feeling:  Still nauseous and super exhausted. Bedtime has gotten earlier and if I'm up until 10 it's a bigger deal.  We did have people over for the big fight and I was up past midnight and let me tell you I FELT LIKE SO COOL. And also was absolutely exhausted and fell asleep right as soon as everyone left.

Emotions:  I don't feel crazy so I'm counting that as a good thing.  I have been getting teary eyed faster at movies and shows.

Looking forward to:  Telling everyone other than family that we're expecting a wee little one! 







 

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Month 2

It's so exciting to be sitting here writing this draft, knowing that only our parents know about little baby right now. To say I'm excited to be able to eventually share this with friends and family is an understatement. On the same note, it's kind of nice not to have to answer tons of questions and to have such a monumental and life changing "secret" amongst ourselves for a while.

That being said here's a quick run down of how month two (weeks 5-8) growing baby went!

Total weight gain:  We don't keep a scale in our home. I don't think it's a healthy habit to constantly check your weight so I'm not really sure!

Maternity clothes: Not yet, but I officially can't wear some of the tighter shorts I was able to get back into while doing the Tone It Up challenge. Also stole a few pair of Nic's boxers for sleeping because none of my work out shorts are comfortable.

Stretch marks: None yet! I've been liberally applying my Aveeno after showers. It's still too early to see any big changes anyways, but still.

Sleep: I am constantly exhausted.  I've never been a big napper but now I need at least one a day, preferably one around 9/10 if I get up earlier and then one in the afternoon/before dinner.  And then I'm in bed taking my medicine by 10:30 PM and that's pushing it.

Cravings: It changed throughout the month. For a little it was ham and pizza, and then the ham dropped off. It changed to anything chocolate (cake, brownies, Reese's), peaches or nectarines, and water. Tomato sandwiches too.

Don't even bring it near the house: Bacon -- UGH this pains me. But seeing commercials with bacon on TV makes my stomach just twist. The smell also makes me a little angry. Orange juice. Burgers.

Missing: Being able to work out, or do anything, and eat anything.  I've been so lazy.  A trip to the grocery store leaves me needing a nap and it has been a harder adjustment.

Feeling: Nauseous as all hell. Words cannot even put into a description how nauseous I've been.  Thankfully my doctor was able to prescribe a medicine that has made me able to function, but I'm still miserably nauseous.  No vomiting though!

Emotions: I cried because I bought Kit Kat's instead of Reese's on accident, but I honestly find that completely ok because I can't even eat Kit Kat's.  Relatively happy, a smidge more emotional than normal.  And needy. Lol. 

Looking forward to:  This third month and getting into the second trimester. Hopefully feeling better and being able to actually get some energy to do things. 

06 September 2017

Big Announcement

If you follow on social media, this isn't new news but I wanted to make it blog official! We're expecting baby Hajner this March are are SO incredibly excited! Words honestly can't begin to describe all the emotions we've been feeling.  We've been hoping and praying for this, and the timing is pretty perfect so we're just ecstatic!

I wrote a post at the end of my second month that I'll be publishing soon, and have one from my third month as well. I haven't been feeling the best, and thank God for modern day medicine. I know it could be worse, but it also definitely could be better! At least little one is an amazing reason to be sick for!

I'm thinking of possibly doing weekly bump dates, or may just do monthly bump dates, or possibly neither.  I'm still up in the air about it all!


19 January 2017

Koko Crater

We did the stairs last year while Nic's parents were here and decide that we should give them another try. I've started a new plan where Saturdays are "my session" days and we wanted to do a hike.  The plan originally was to do Mt. Ka'ala but the weather had been weird and it wasn't worth trying it if we were going to get socked in views at the top.  So we lounged around all morning and decided to head there in the afternoon.

Of course once we got to Hawaii Kai it was nice and sunny for our entire trek up.  We lathered on the sunscreen and started.  My legs were already sore from my work out the day before so my calves were killing me from the get go.  But it was a blast.  I don't think I would have been able to do it as well as we did, especially in the middle of the day in the hot sun if I hadn't been working so hard lately.

Naturally,  I have a few qualms. First, if you feel the need to listen to music wear some ear buds. Honestly, I like music. I love it when I run but it's ridiculous and rude to think I want to listen to any of your stuff while I'm hiking. I'm out here to get in tune with nature and get a killer work out at the same time.  Second, stopping is totally ok. We stopped a few times! But when you and your friends sit on an entire step and I have to walk around you, and almost fall,  WHY?!

We packed a little lunch and had a nice picnic break once we reached the top.  It's a great workout! I had wanted to run up it before we left island, but after this time I realized it just wasn't going to be in the cards.  That's a lot of steps to run up!



11 January 2017

Lava Flow

We were lucky enough to be able to see the lava flow from the Kīlauea Volcano before we left Hawaii.  Seeing the lava flow was on our bucket list, but it obviously wasn't anything we had control over so once the lava started getting to the ocean and we were able to book a trip I was beyond excited.

There are multiple options to be able to see the lava going into the ocean.  You can go on a boat ride which will take you up close to the water.  It is supposed to be beautiful but they're also tiny boats and ridiculously expensive.  You can take a helicopter ride, but it is also expensive and we are more meander type of people.  We like to relax and take our time looking at things.  So, we decided to walk from the Chain of Craters road.  We packed a few snacks and water and embarked on our journey.  It was over 4 miles there and we didn't think it would be too too bad. . but shoot.  It's just barren land and by golly was it boring.  When we finally hit the sign saying there was a mile left I was over it.  We were treated to a lovely couple in an argument and the husband continued on while the wife walked behind us.  It kept us a little entertained but was also extremely awkward and uncomfortable.

We planned it so we would reach the lava entering the ocean just before sunset.  It was beyond beautiful watching the lava become even more alive as the sun was setting. Never in a million years did we expect to be able to see it. I truly would have gone back if we could have found some more time before we left.  It was just so magical!  Mother nature is so powerful.