Five on Friday

One

To say we've been busy is an understatement. Your sad part is we are not even that exciting. I have played bunco twice in the past few weeks. Watch out! Party animal!

Two 

I actually have things I need to post. I better get busy!

Three 

We've had showings on our house every weekend for the past six weeks. One offer but no sell. Let's go people!! Buy out house!

Four

Spring break starts at 3:15 today.   The kids need it more than I do. No lie. They're crazy!

Five. 

I'm now a jamberry nails consultant! Love love love them!!  Click on my button on the top right to see more!

Happy Friday!

Guilt

The five letter word that has haunted me so much lately.

Mom guilt. 

Wife guilt. 

Teacher guilt. 

I've basically had some sort of form of guilt from the moment we came home with Hadley. I couldn't carry her, barely take care of her or myself for a few weeks from complications I had after her delivery. Thank goodness for my husband! Then I went back to work and the guilt hit me even harder. I feel terrible that I don't get to spend my days with my beautiful daughter (but I'm very thankful she's in wonderful care). I feel sad knowing I spend the day with other children and I can't my own. I feel frustrated because I know I'm not give my 100% at work or at home. 

My family has always been my top priority but work came shortly behind. Before having children, J and I had each other, grad school (for a few years), and work to attend to on a daily basis. I would stay at school until 5:00 or later each evening and go in every Sunday. I could plan ahead and have exciting lessons. I knew what I wanted to do and would be able to act quickly on my feet if I needed to change something. Now I leave work at 3:45 (the latest). I'm always behind. I bring things home but sometimes it doesn't get touched for a week. I try to go in on the weekends but it is so much harder. I'm lucky to know what I'm doing for the day, let alone the entire week. I'm not the teacher I used to be and that is okay. But it still leaves me feeling guilty.

It's also hard for me not having those extra evening times with Josh. Lately it's been more difficult because he's finishing his thesis. And the time we do have together, we'd rather spend it as a family. But we also know how important it is to have couple time. But when?

There's just not enough time. 

I can't be 100% mom + 100% teacher + 100% wife. It doesn't equal out.

It’s okay to feel the guilt, as long as you aren’t living the guilt. Guilt isn’t there for you to dwell on, it isn’t there to dictate your life. -Jennifer Green @ Life in the Green House

A few weeks ago, Jennifer had a post all about the guilt of a working mom. I had actually be talking about my guilt with Josh weeks before her post. It was something that was constantly nagging at me in the back of my mind. Then she shared this great post with us and I felt a little better. We all go through guilt in some shape or form. Mom guilt is a big thing that got to me when I went back to work in January because that's when it really set in and hit me. Now I've transistioned to teacher guilt. I've become so overwhelmed with what I need to do becuase I missed the first half of the year. But, like Jennifer said, there's no need to dwell on the guilt. 

If I'm doing what's best for me and my family then everything else will fall in to place.

I'm the kind of girl who...

Joining with Holly today for this great yearly linkup!

I'm the kind of girl who...

loves sleeping to the sound of a rain shower

loves looking at the ocean but hates the sand

is always up for a good cup of {decaf} coffee

wants to be really good at one thing but just seems okay at a few things

hates how her legs look but thankful to have legs

needs to sleep in once in a while

loves late night cuddles with her baby girl

gets excited about planning their future Disney trip with her husband (even though it's not for another 3 or 4 years)

wants to be remembered for doing something great

is always planning

loves a surprise {but can't know anything about it}

cries easily

thanks God for her family every day

Update on life

Busy is an understatement of what our life has been lately. Now that life has begun in full swing, it is crazy! I can't even describe it. My mind is constantly going a mile a minute and over all I'm just tired!

I wanted to do an update to what is going on in our lives since this blog is to document our life.

• Josh has to turn his thesis in in three weeks! I am so excited and so proud of him. We are both ready for this journey to be over. After he turns it in, he will have to defend it, and then he will graduate in May! This all means that he doesn't get home until 7:30-8:00 pm every night. He also works on it every Sunday. We eat dinner then collapse and do it all over the next day. We pray that a new degree will lead to a new job. Then he will start on his doctorate this fall! And so it begins again...
  
  
• Hadley is growing daily! I will post her 5 month update next week right after she turns 5 months! I cannot believe how fast time is flying. While I want her to stay this age, I'm so excited to be with her this summer and really watch her take everything in!
  
  
• I'm back at work and learning how to balance being a working mom. It's crazy! I'm so glad we prep as much as we can on the weekends but honestly it's still hard. I bring work home every night and try to go in on Saturday mornings. But I still don't feel caught up. I'm sure by the time summer rolls around I'll feel like I've got my act together again. Until then, I have a lot of work to do and just not enough time in the day to do it all.
  
  
• Our home is back on the market. We will not be taking it off until we sell it. We have no idea where we are going to move but we are ready.
  
  
• Oliver and Wembley are doing great! Wembley is still such a little sh*t and was locked in Hadley's room for three hours earlier this week...while she was sleeping. Of course I panic because I don't want him to hurt her, but luckily he is scared to death of her so would never jump in the crib. I finally went in her room to adjust her heating vent and he comes out meowing like crazy; almost yelling at me. Oh that cat! Oliver is still having a hard time adjusting to not being the main baby. We still give him so much attention and he's snuggled in our bed each night. But he gets upset when I hold Hadley and can't have him on my lap as well. But do worries, he totally tries to join us.
  
  
• Meal planning is still going very well! I need to get back on the ball and share on my Tasty Tuesdays. We were thrown a curve ball a few weeks ago. Josh has had a lot of stomach problems for over a year and I've been telling him that he needs to see the doctor because my instinct has always been a gluten problem. While he has not been tested yet, he has taken gluten out of his diet almost completely. Already he has done so much better. He hasn't been sick and feels better overall. This has changed how we eat. We've talked about how gluten free is a lifestyle change and, whether or not he has a gluten allergy or not, we know that it is a healthier choice.
  
  
• I haven't shared on here yet, and don't want to say a lot about it, but I'm still not recovered from my delivery with Hadley. I have an appointment with a surgeon on Friday so any prayers you could send my way would be very much appreciated. I'm hoping everything will heal on its own and surgery is not needed but whatever happens is for a reason.

2013: The Best Year Yet!

2013 has by far been the best year of my life. From the first day until the last I have never felt so much joy and love in my life.


We welcomed 2013 with a secret. We were pregnant. We found out just shortly before Christmas and told our families on Christmas day. It was definitely the year of family, like I had hoped.

January started off with a big move for my parents. We said goodbye to my childhood home. They left all of our neighbors who became our family. They moved into the country. Where there are no street lights. No lines on the road. And it's 22 minutes away instead of five. I cried a lot (like up until September). But it's a process and I have grown to love their new home. Not as much as "my home" but in its own way.

On January 10th, we celebrated four years of marriage. We were excited to go into our fourth year with a baby on the way!


I just loved linking up with Rachel in 2013 for Menu Monday. Two of my favorites I shared in February include the Spicy Pasta Sausage and Skinny Enchiladas (which are an overall favorite).

February 14, 2013 was a day that will go down in history for us. It's day day we told all of our friends we were expecting! We were overwhelmed with all of the excitement and joy we were able to finally share with everyone! The blog world was also a baby boom in 2013!

With a new pregnancy comes lots of hormones. I shared about my melt down with Wembley (who is still a sh*t)  and how my hormones were out of control when it came to animals. Glad I'm not as bad about this anymore. I'm pretty sure if I would have started watching Duck Dynasty then, I would have been in trouble. I also started weekly bumpdates in February. I'm so glad I did this because I plan to make my blog into a book. Then Hadley and I can look back and remember all that happened while I was pregnant with her--hormones and all! In February I posted weeks six, seven/eight, nine/ten, eleven/twelve, thirteen and fourteen. The day I told my students about baby G was one of the best days of the year. That class was so special to me (I miss this a lot this year) and I'm so thankful I got to share our joy with them! The end of February ended on a sad note. Our dear sweet George, my cat I grew up with, passed away. We miss him so much. He was such a sweetheart and will always have a special place in our hearts.

March was a fun month! I updated about week fifteen, sixteen, seventeen, and eighteen. It's so fun to go back and read everything that was happening each week! We shared the gender of our sweet baby on March 18. Before we found out I read a lot of different wives tales trying to figure out what we were having! They were so much fun to read. On the Ramzi test, Josh later on corrected me telling me it was a girl. He knew from the beginning this "test" was going to be correct. We also told our families the gender in cute ways they will (hopefully) never forget. My mom still talks about it to this day! I was so thrilled we were having a girl but a little worried about Josh. I wasn't she he would know what to do with one. His sweet words reassured me everything would be okay. The great month of March ended with sharing Miss Hadley's name to the world!


April was a busy month for me. We had state testing at school and it was nonstop working! I did get to post weeks nineteen, twenty, twenty-one, and twenty-two. I finally reached the half way mark! I also shared some sweet pictures and updates of Oliver and Wembley.

Hadley's 20 week picture

We have a lot of family birthdays in May. It's also the end of the school year--my favorite time. But even though its busy, there were a lot of things to look forward to! In May I shared updates for weeks twenty-three, twenty-four, twenty-five {when I had my school shower}, and twenty-six. I got my craft on in May and made this adorable spring wreath. I'm not crafty at all, so for me this was a huge deal. I still really like it and excited to put it up again! At the end of the month I was looking forward to ending the school year, even though I was going to miss the crazy things the kids asked me about regarding the baby! I was also excited to celebrate Josh's 30th birthday on the 31st!

June was such a good month. It was the start of summer break and finally a time when I could relax. I was really not looking forward to having a fall baby when I found out I was pregnant. In fact, I cried about it a lot. I was worried about how we would adjust when I went back to work. But having a fall baby has been such a blessing! I loved that I got to spend the last couple months preparing without any stress. I loved being able to sleep whenever I needed to. It was so nice not to worry about dressing my huge baby belly when it was 90* outside. I could just sit in the A/C all day!

I share week twenty-seven, twenty-eight, twenty-nine, thirty, and thirty-one! I went through the dreaded glucose test, which turned out to be much easier than I thought. I also admitted I was a complete drama queen about it. It had also been six months since we found out we were expecting. Crazy how time flies!I continued to meal plan throughout the year and in the summer started freezer meals so we would be prepared for when Hadley made her arrival. These were a huge help and plan to continue freezer meals as much as I can!

My baby shower was planned for July and Tiny Prints really helped inspire the theme of the shower. I also had this great game at my shower which I loved reading and saving for Hadley. Speaking of showers, Jenny, Shannon and I were given a surprise shower by some of our Columbus blog friends. It was a wonderful night full of yummy food and great conversations. I'm so thankful to have these girls as my friends!

I just love July. Independence Day is one of my favorite holidays! In July I shared updates about weeks thirty-two {where we had our 3D ultrasound!}, thirty-three, thirty-four, and thirty-five.  Since we were getting so close to our due date I decided it was time to prepare our pets for baby Hadley's arrival and make up a to-do list when we had one month to go.

I also attended my hometown shower hosted by my mom, sister, aunt, and cousin. It was beautiful and I'm so thankful for all of the time they spent preparing it. My mother-in-law, sister-in-law, and Josh's aunt hosting a lovely shower in Josh's hometown. I loved that it was held outside in his parent's back yard. His mom has the most beautiful flowers and pots in her back yard. She is a wonderful gardener! I'm so thankful to have had two amazing showers!

August was by far my favorite month because it is the birth month of our sweet girl! I share weeks thirty-six, thirty-seven, thirty-eight, and thirty-nine. She was born on week forty! We were preparing for Hadley's arrival, thinking of all of the crazy last minute things we needed to do and picking out her birth announcement! I didn't blog a lot at the end of August because I was learning how to juggle wearing all of my new hats! Definitely worth the short break.

In September I posted Hadley's first pictures on the blog. Looking at this picture makes me miss how tiny she was! I shared her crazy twenty-eight hour birth story and how thankful I was to have J by my side during the delivery and when we got home. He was my rock and I'm still so thankful to have him by my side today. Going through labor and delivery for the first time taught me many things. I'm so glad I went in with an open mind because I sure did need it!

My favorite fall month is definitely October. Not only is it my birthday month but I think the foliage is just beautiful during this time of the year. It's amazing how time just flies. I shared about being a new mom and Hadley turning four weeks and a month old {I also learned the difference between these two}!

November was an enjoyable month. I took extra time off for maternity leave and tried to soak up every minute of my last month home with my baby. I'm a huge fan of meal planning {if you didn't already know} and shared how I started meal planning with a baby. It's a whole new ballpark! I also started Tasty Tuesday, where I share recipes and tips. I started out these weekly updates with how to organize your pinterest boards.I'm not sure if I'm going to continue TT into 2014. I really enjoy it and it keeps me organized but I want to make sure I'm sharing enough about our life--because that is why I blog.

We took newborn pictures at the beginning of September and I shared the beautiful pictures KariMe Photography took for us. We made her birth announcement and sent them out to family and close friends. Hadley also got to meet her great-grandparents, on her Gigi's side, for the first time. We are so thankful they came to Ohio for her first Thanksgiving!

Hadley turned three months old on November 26, but I was a little behind posting it. Then on December 26th, she turned four months old. Where does the time go? She's getting so big and definitely becoming more of a baby than a newborn. We celebrated her first Christmas at home on Christmas day. It was wonderful to open her couple presents and enjoy the day as a little family. We spent Christmas Eve with my parents and went to visit Josh's family a few days after Christmas. My favorite thing about this year was definitely not feeling rushed or pushed from one house to the next. We decided a long time ago that once we had a family we would not travel on Christmas day. Our families are always welcome to come see us but it was definitely the best decision for us.

2013 will definitely go down in history. I am so thankful that I posted about our new family. It will always be wonderful memories to go back and read. I'm excited to watch Hadley grow over the next year and hit new and fun milestones. This year will definitely be hard to beat, but now we have a whole new adventure in front of us.

Thank you for sharing 2013 with us! Happy New Year!

Five on Friday!

{one}

 Hadley turned eight weeks old on Monday. Crazy times!! Tomorrow she turns two months (because it's the 26th). I'm sad that the newborn stage is slowly ending but we love watching her grow and experience new things. I'm so excited for her to have Christmas this year but at the same time, it will be much more fun next year when she gets it. I know four months will be different than two but she still won't understand what is going on. I really want to get pictures with Santa this year but J thinks she's too young. What age do you think Santa pictures should start? I've totally seen babies with Santa!

{two}

  

It snowed this week. SNOW! In October!! This rarely happens. In fact I only remember it snowing once before my birthday and that is when I lived two hours north of Columbus while in college. I'm totally not ready for snow. And I'm pretty sure my flowers are officially dead.

 

We busted out this little Halloween onesie that one of my sweet piano students gave H. It definitely kept her warm, but girl is a little toaster so by the time we got home from running a few errands she was sweating! It's just too cute though!

{three}

Speaking of my birthday (see above), I turned 29 yesterday. Scary!! We had a very low key day but I was so thankful to spend it at home with this girl. I told Josh not to get me anything this year since I'm taking a (unpaid) leave of absence at work until December to be home with our girl. That is present enough! He did bring me home some beautiful flowers though. Also, my crockpot is now longer heating up. SAD DAY! It's only two years old. Anyone experience this before?

{four}

I definitely wanted to get out of the house on my birthday so we headed over to Target. I decided I would treat myself to a Salted Caramel Mocha at the Starbucks. To my surprise, I got my drink for free because they were out of salt! Happy birthday to me!

While we were there I wanted to look at flat irons. I've probably had mine since 2004. No lie. And before that my sister used it for about a year. It's OLD. I don't use a straighten every day so I don't want an expensive one. I usually have great luck with Conair products and found this one. Does anyone use this Infiniti Pro straightener? How do you like it?

{five}

My parents came over for a birthday dinner last night. We were going to go out but by the time they got off work it would have been too late. I made Pioneer Woman Lasagna over the summer, so I decided to have that with salad and garlic bread. OH MY GOSH. You have to make this lasagna. It is SO good and it freezes so easily!

To end the night, H and I were both in tears. She has been on a pretty strict sleep schedule lately. She gets a bath around 530, eats, and goes to sleep. Well, last night she fell asleep while my mom was holding her around 6:30. Pretty typical. Stupid me told my mom to put her in her bouncy seat while we ate. Bad decision. She woke up 30 minutes later in a fit, which continued until about 9:30 pm. She finally fell asleep around 10 pm. Thankfully, for the both of us, she slept 6 hours. She ate again and then slept 3 more. When I woke her up at 9 am (she usually gets up at 8), she was in a fantastic mood and has been happy ever sense. Girlfriend needs her schedule desperately!!! We will never make that mistake again!

What would we do without video monitors? I feel so spoiled by them but I am so very thankful for them!

Hello 29!

The past year has without a doubt been the best year of my life. There were many ups and downs, like every year, but the most amazing little thing came into our lives during my 28th year and that would be Miss Hadley.

Even birthdays have always been good to me. When I was 24, I married the best husband and father, Josh. Then on December 14, 2012 our lives changed forever at the age of 28 when we found out I was pregnant. These two events are so different but they're also so amazing and life changing they are in their own ways.

I really don't have any feelings towards 29. I'm mean really it's nothing too special. Yes, it the last year in my 20s but I'm okay with that. While I'm not looking forward to anything age wise for myself, I am looking forward to all the days ahead with my sweet little family. It's crazy how when you turn a certain age you look forward to things that involve yourself--driving, rated R movies, voting (was I the only one excited about this?), buying alcohol, graduating college, or even getting married (not that has to happen at any certain age). But now that I am married and have my sweet Hadley, everything is different. My age is just another year I get to remember with my husband, daughter, family and sweet friends.

So this year while I hope not to stress as much or worry about silly things (pshhh, like that will happen), I want to focus on spending time with my new family and making traditions of our own.

Cheers to 29!

Five on Friday: First time mom

I've decided to devote this Five on Friday to being a first time mom because I learn something(s) every single day.

{one}

TIME! I have zero time. My cousin came over today and I finally finished unpacking my hospital bag (gasp!) and put my laundry away that has been piling up. I do get small things done during the day but it all depends on Hadley's mood. Sometimes I get 20 minutes; sometimes an hour or two. I will never take my time for granite again.

{two}

Hadley turned five weeks on Monday. I still haven't done her one month post. Note number one above and time. I'm quickly typing this while she is sleeping in her swing. I also was able to unload the dishwasher. Score!!

{three}

I've decided that if I tell too many people about one thing it will bite me in the behind. For example, so far H has been a really calm baby. She fusses sometimes but never had any meltdowns. That chapter has ended. On Tuesday night she screamed (very loudly) for two hours. She chilled out for about 20 minutes, to watch the colors on Dancing with the Stars, then started screaming again. Wednesday night was a little better but there was still some screaming. I will never talk about her being a calm, mellow child because I don't want to jinx it. No matter what she's still a wonderful baby and we are very thankful for her and her health.

{four}

It's amazing how the days fly by but the weeks are so slow. I'll never figure this out. But I'm enjoying every minute with my sweet girl.

{five}

Hadley has started to smile for us. She's the happiest in the mornings. It's the sweetest thing! I took her five week picture and she looks so silly. This isn't her normal smile but it just cracks me up!

Five On Friday: Recipes, Halloween, & Pictures

Don't forget to link up with Five on Friday here!

{one}

Last weekend we went apple picking. I've had ever intention to make apple crisps this week but it hasn't happened yet. Josh has even asked if I wanted to go apple picking again. Let's try to eat what we have (about 30 apples). He's an apple-pickin' machine!

Doesn't this look yummy?!

{two}

If you do not have children and are planning to one day, let me tell you about a little something called, "cluster feeding". I had no idea what this was until after H was born. Basically babies will nurse for hours at one time. Not going to lie-it's exhausting, especially at night when you're already tired. But it's great bonding time too.

{three}

I love Halloween. Actually I love all things fall. But my favorite part about Halloween is dressing up. I haven't dressed up in a few years but I can't wait to dress H up as she gets older. Pinterest is busting with costume ideas. Here are a few of my favorites family costumes!

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Link

J is already hoping H will be Princess Peach one Halloween!

{four}

I still have not been behind the wheel of my car. I could have started driving this week but my dad had to borrow my car since his was getting fixed and I didn't need mine for anything. The more time that passes the more nervous I get to get behind the wheel. I'm already a nervous driver but add some time (which feels like nothing) and a newborn and I'm a mess! I'll be getting lots of practice this weekend.

{five}

On Monday our amazing photographer Kari came to take pictures of Hadley and do a few lifestyle pictures. I will definitely post more when I get them back but I have fallen in love with the ones we have so far!

So What Wednesday!

Today I'm saying So What If...

• Our fair and Jazz and Ribs fest plans were a total flop. Thank you very much rain.

• I went to visit my friend Katie in the hospital while she was in (early stages of) labor and I was panicking on the way there. I kept thinking, OMG I'M NEXT!

• I asked J to bring me fresh basil and he brought me an entire basil plant. Yep. He thought it would save money in the long run, however it didn't even give me a cup of basil which I needed for the recipe.

• Baby shower stuff is still all over the spare room. Waiting on paint!!

• I'm obsessed with Pioneer Woman recipes. Seriously. I make at least two a week. Minimum.

• I used to think Dr. Phil was trash and now I kind of like it. I think I've been watching too much Real Housewives.

• My dad asked my mom if we were having a "Sip 'n Tip" party for Hadley. Um...not quite. Let's try Sip 'n SEE!

So What?

Today I'm saying so what if...

• My house is a complete disaster. Especially upstairs. We are getting to carpet in Hadley's room today so everything is in our room or the spare room.

• The spare room is covered with baby stuff. Seriously. I have a hard time getting in. Guess what I'll be doing over the next few days?!

• I'm a teeny bit sad to give up some cabinet space for bottles and bibs. Cabinet space is limited in our home and I have a lot of platters and bowls. Haven't quite figured out what I'm going to do with it yet.

• I'm having the most difficult time ever finding a glider we want. $500 is a lot of money and I want to make sure I love it and get a good discount.

• I start back at school in about three weeks and I've done nothing this summer to prepare. Oh and I still don't have a sub.

• If the new content standards totally suck. I hate the 5th grade socialstudies commoncore and don't even want to look at them. Thank you Ohio...oh wait, you haven't told us what we need to teach yet so never mind. {sorry if you totally don't get this}

• If we're going to the fair and Jazz and Rib Fest this weekend. That might mean funnel cakes, french fries and I really hope roasted corn. I'll just have to do extra  loads of laundry and sprint up and down the steps (not going outside in 100+ weather).

So What?!

I'm participating in So What Wednesday again this week. I think it's therapeutic while pregnant! haha

So what...

• I haven't been to Walmart in close to a year. I do not like that store. Then Monday during piano I thought of something that I had to get at Walmart. After piano was over I couldn't remember it to save my life...still can't.
• If Hadley's first sentence is "Get down Wembley" or "Wembley, you sh*t!". Those words are said several times in our home on a daily basis.
• If I wake up at 4:30am every morning. Seriously. Monday it was 4:28am.
•  I called to cancel cable and told the sales lady that I needed her help because I'm a pregnant teacher and I don't know if I can get through summer without some cable. She was the sweetest thing and saved us $80 with basic cable. LOVE our cable provider. #ineedhgtvandfoodnetworkandbravo
• I made bacon grilled cheese sandwiches on Monday (it was clean out the fridge day). They started out as BLTs and I soon realized we didn't have any lettuce...or tomatoes. Then I dropped my sandwich on the floor. Win.
• That I cried because my neighbors sold their home and moved out within a month. J told me that was me being jealous and that that is wrong. But I just want our home to sell too!
• That it drives me nuts-o when people tell me, "your stomach is getting bigger!". YA THINK? I'm just growing a baby here! I'd be worried if it was shrinking! I know they mean it in a nice way and I don't take it as them being mean...I take it as a "here's your sign" moment.

So What?!

I haven't participated in SWW in quite sometime but I thought this week was very well fitting.

So what if...

• I almost burnt down the house on Sunday. I was warming up pizza for Emily and I and stuck the entire box in the oven on 350*. Apparently paper burns...even as a pizza box. Thankfully J caught it in time and the pizza was not ruined.
  
  
• I thought there was bleach stains on the ground for two days. I was freaking out. I even showed J and told him I don't know how on earth we got bleach stains (3 circles) on our master bedroom floor. Then I moved the laundry basket and they were gone. Yep, it was the sun and the laundry basket. Not my finest moment.
  
  
• We had three boxes of cake mix that expired a year ago or more. Oops! My pantry is usually cleaned out pretty well but I guess I didn't think about cake.
  
  
• I made brownies this week...and two weeks ago. I shouldn't be allowed in grocery stores.
  
  
• I get super excited about the dinners I make. My mom cannot cook, therefore I never thought I could either. Over the past year, I've become quite good (if I do say so myself) and am proud of cooking a good usually healthy meal for J and I. Check out my Menu Mondays!
  
  
• Yesterday was supposed to be laundry day. Instead I spent the morning cleaning then three hours on the phone with people I couldn't understand because they were located in different parts of the world. Thankfully three of the four were super nice. Then I rested because I swear the phone calls were giving me braxton hicks. #stressed
  
  
• I pray every day that our home sells. We found a house we love and I don't want to loose it!
  
  
• We have nothing done for Hadley's room. See above statement. It will get there.
  
  
• I can say pregnancy brain is officially on overload.

Bumpdate: Week 27

Eeeek! I'm so behind! So here is a quick week 27 update. Week 28 is already scheduled so it will be on time!

How big is baby? This week is said. "your baby is breathing". Okay. That was new to me. I thought she was always breathing. I know very little.  

                                         

Maternity Clothes: Yep. Still wearing regular shirts but maternity ones are more comfortable.

Stretch Marks: Still the tiny one from last time!

Sleep: Still on the couch but now my hips are starting to hurt there. Tears! I'll probably go back to the bed this week now that school is out. If I don't get any sleep, then oh well! I need to get more pillows so I can prop myself up a bunch if I need to lay on my back.

Best moment of the week? End of the school year! It was bittersweet. I cried a lot since this was the second year I was with these kiddos but I'm excited for them too.

Movement: Feeling it every day! 

Food cravings: Iced tea and watermelon still. LOVE!!

Food aversions: No aversions, but nothing sounds good...except for watermelon.

Belly button in or out? In but I've noticed it getting smaller. This scares me! I freaked out the other day because I thought it was gone. True story. Still okay though.

What I miss: Not having hip pain and sleeping well.

What I'm looking forward to: Going to the doctor on Tuesday...although I'm dreading it too. I have to drink the "yummy" drink for the glucose test and I'm scared to death! I'm so worried I'll get sick or pass out. I know--I'm crazy. But once this is over I'll feel so much better! But I'm excited to see how she is measuring!

Milestones:  Nothing big this week but next week there will be more!

Bumpdate: Week 26

How big is baby? The size of a head of lettuce. Wowza! No real pics this week. Probably for the best. I felt like a hot mess because it was a crazy busy week!    

                                         

Maternity Clothes: All pants. Regular shirts and a few maternity shirts here and there. I've noticed that my regular tshirts are becoming too short with my jeans. Sad day. My summer wardrobe usually includes all of these tshirts. I will have to get some plain ones from the maternity section.

Stretch Marks: Still the tiny one from last time but that's it! 

Sleep: A little better when I'm on the couch. Although I usually wake up to Wembley laying on top of me or Oliver crying because Wembley is touching me.

Best moment of the week? Celebrating the school year with field day and the 5th grade picnic.

Movement: Feeling it every day! Sometimes she will get in my ribs (or it feels that way) and hurts. My ribs definitely feel like they're expanding!

Food cravings: Iced tea and watermelon. I can't wait to go to the farmer's market and get some fresh melon this weekend!!

Food aversions: No aversions, but nothing still sounds good.

Belly button in or out? In but I've noticed it getting smaller. This scares me!

What I miss: Not having hip pain and sleeping well. But can't really complain!

What I'm looking forward to: Summer break! FOUR more days of school

Milestones:  Nothing big this week :( For me it's been harder to get dressed because I feel frustrated with things not fitting or clothes looking funny. My regular pants fit but I can't zip or button them. My shirts are much tighter. In the past when this has happened, it has involved tears because it's been from weight gain. Thankfully it's mostly baby weight gain. I can't say that I'm disappointed in how my weight gain has progressed. Could I do better? Always. Am I under my final goal still? Yes. Just gotta keep swimming and know that it's okay.

Kids say the darnest (baby) things!

Since I told my students I was expecting I've heard some of the weirdest and funniest comments. I thought I'd take a blog post to write them all down so I never forget them. Remember, these kids are 10 and 11 years old. I love them dearly but sometimes they just need to think...or many they really do have their heads in the clouds. :o)

• One boy asked me if I had to be in the hospital for 9 months. He has four siblings. I told him I was pretty sure not many people would have kids if we had to be in the hospital that long.
  
  
• The same boy asked me if I had the baby yet (I was about 20 weeks). Did I miss school?
  
  
• A girl asked if I was going to be grumpy like her 4th grade teacher was last year when she was pregnant. I told her I only to her {the girl}. Sarcasm.
  
  
• One of the boys in my class asked if I was going to leave them. I told him no, I wouldn't have the baby until August. He told me that one of his 4th grade teachers left them last year. I told her it was because she had a baby in January. He swore up and down she did not have a baby and she just didn't like them. For real?
  
  
• I've had several comments, "your stomach/belly is growing". My comment back is usually, "yes, the baby is growing".
  
  
• A boy pointed to my stomach and asked, "is that the baby?" I said, "No, it's my puppy." Everyone in the class was silent. Finally one of the smarter girls said, "Yes! That's her baby! Duh!"
  
  
• Another boy asked if I was having a baby because he was getting worried my stomach was growing. Seriously? Your class talks about it weekly. We're on week 25 and you're just now asking?
  

What are some of the funniest/weirdest comments you have ever hear from kids or even adults while pregnant?

Busy Busy: Brain Dump

We have been so busy around here. I was actually looking forward for things to slow down at the end of the school year but I was totally wrong. I guess it makes the days and week feel faster and that's okay.

• We have 8 days of school left. EIGHT. Where did this year go? Holy cow! This is my second year with this group of kiddos (I looped up) and I feel like I've had them forever. I'm going to be so sad to see them go (for real) but it does feel like the year that never has ended.
  
• I will suddenly become very panicked knowing that when I go back to school in the fall I will have days or weeks until Hadley's arrival. CRAZY!!!
  
• Our house is up for sale. This is stressful in itself. It's hard not being able to move furniture and left heavy objects. I really try not to.
  
• It's weird not knowing where we will be in a month. Will be still be in this home? Will we find a new home? I hate not knowing. But I've been praying a lot that whatever happens will be what is supposed to happen for us. If we don't sell then we need to stay where we are and it's for a reason. If we do sell, then I hope we find a great home for our new addition.
  
• J will be 30 in eight days. I'm pretty excited for his birthday celebration this weekend (pictures to come).
  
• Wednesday is field day. It's supposed to rain. Thursday is 5th grade picnic. It's supposed to rain. This means I have to find something entertaining for my class to do :( #movieday
  
• One of my good friends (shout out to Abby) is due with her baby very soon. My other good friend is having her shower in just a few weeks. It's baby central around here!
  
  Now just to make it through the next 8 days and home free! Summer vacay here I come!

Hello May!

I'm so happy May is finally here. April was a long month! Testing for school is officially over. The kids took their test yesterday and I'm so thankful we are finished. I'm so proud of all the hard work they have done. Now if I could get them to remember we still have 22 days of school left, that would be great!

Things to look forward to in May:

Visiting my cousins

Teacher Day at Chick-fil-a

My first (kinda) Mother's Day 

Hadley's baby shower at school with my coworkers!

Two PD days at school

5th Grade Talent Show

J camping--excited for him even though I'll miss him

Sister's 19th birthday!

Memorial Day

5th Grade picnic

Last day of school--bittersweet!

J's 30th birthday!!!!

What are you looking forward to this May?

Signs By Jen

Today is my student teachers last day. I'm sad to see her go. She's been great and such a wonderful addition to the classroom. The kids will definitely miss her!

I wanted to get her something as a thank you for all of her hard work over the past few months. She will not be going into a classroom next year because she has a great educational job already, so I didn't want to get her anything classroom related.

Since she is getting married in August, I thought the perfect gift would be something with her new last name on it. I wanted her and her new husband to be able to enjoy a gift and have something they could keep forever. I had to search Etsy first because they always have great products. I stumbled across these handmade signs and knew they would be perfect.

Signs by Jen allowed me to make a sign for the soon-to-be Mrs. O'Malley and her fiance. They could put this sign in their home and enjoy it together. The kids also wrote letters I will be binding in a book for her.

I wasn't sure what colors to go with but very pleased with how the sign turned out.

Jen has a lot of signs to pick from. I'd put any one in my home or classroom!

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I may have to order one of these when Hadley is born!

Not only are her signs amazing but she was so great to work with! She emailed me back very quickly and I had the sign in no time. If you're looking for a sign of any kind, definitely check out Signs by Jen on Etsy!

So what?! Wednesday

Linking up with Shannon today for So What? Wednesday!

20 week bumpdate will be posted tomorrow, even though I'm 20 weeks today.

This week I'm saying so what if...

• I have a countdown on my computer at school as to how many days we have left and a check list of what needs to be completed before summer break. I can't wait!
  
• I'm "collecting" diapers now. I know H may not like the kind that we have but it's a start. I can't complain if my mom is sending them to me every month!
  
• I eat cereal with vanilla yogurt. I refuse to drink milk.
  
• I talk to Oliver my dog like a human. I know he understands!
  
• I'm obsessed with the Oh! Burger food truck. It's delicious and it rarely comes over to our side of town. I might be eating there today...for the second time in three weeks. It's mainly because it may not be back in our area the rest of the summer! Let's face it, I'm not going to drive around the city to find it. Although it is that good.
  
• I'm excited for state testing because I know it means we're almost done with the school year. I love my kiddos and will miss them so much but this has been the year that will never end. Probably because I looped up with them (which definitely has more positives than negatives).