tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-60969719066937422772024-02-19T08:54:21.274-07:00Rants, Recipes, and RunningRuminations of a runner and recipe-maker, who serves up ranty cynicisms from time to time. Abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06854266979976413979noreply@blogger.comBlogger588125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6096971906693742277.post-68975707481631222782022-05-11T14:33:00.002-07:002022-05-11T14:33:43.747-07:00Currently - May edition<p> </p><p> I haven't blogged much - but the last time I did one of these, Maddy was 9 months old. It's really fun looking back on the things that were "stressors" to me at that time. Prior to that - my currently post was a pregnancy edition. </p><p>So here goes May 2022. Maddy is almost a 15-month old and summer has set ablaze here in Tucson.<br /></p><p> <b>Reading</b>: </p>I really wish I had a better answer for this one, but I have not been the best about reading lately. The only book I'm reading is "How to talk to your kids so they'll listen and listen so they'll talk". It is really good. Most of the book is geared more to school-aged kids, in my opinion. But it highlights some great communication skills with children to help them trust you as a parent to be open and honest. <br /><p><b>Eating: </b>All the smoothies. It has been getting really hot here - and every day when we get home from our stroller run I make a smoothie for Maddy with whole milk, Fage, and fruit - and then a smoothie for myself with fruit and usually protein powder! </p><p>Maddy lost a bit of weight a few weeks ago when she got hit with a GI bug, and I feel like we are still playing catch up :( -- so I'm doing all the things to get her some extra calories!<br /></p><p><b>Feeling: </b>A sense of relief. Last week was literally the week from hell. I won't divulge much in this post but it involved many lost items, a call to the fire department, a near speeding ticket, and some tears on my behalf. I even had to take Maddy on our 1st uber ride! </p><p>This week I have been running a lot of errands to pick up the pieces of last week, but every morning I've literally woken up thinking "Thank God that week is behind me" :D <br /></p><p><b>Anticipating</b>: A big trip home in a few weeks! Maddy and I are going to be in Minnesota with family for over a month! I hate summer here - and I really want Maddy to grow up knowing family and Midwest things. I'm just very worried about her flight. I cannot get her to sit in my lap for 5 minutes....let alone hours on an airplane. </p><p><b>Working</b>:
Not much! LOL. The last few weeks I've managed to log about 6-7 hours max of work. Maddy is just so busy! Plus we have another house we are trying to fill with tenants (which is one of my responsibilities with our business). I feel like there just aren't enough hours in the day - and by the time I put her to bed at 7:30 pm...I don't want to sit on a computer and do audits. <br /></p><p><b>Grateful</b>: That Maddy is finally sleeping through the night! She started to do this around 11 months with some hiccups. She still wakes up around 5:30 most days lately no matter what I do. <br /></p><p><b>Watching:</b>
We got rid of Fubo because they increased the rates so we are hardly watching tv. I turn on a news app in the evenings to catch the headlines and that's about it! <br /></p><p><b>Wishing</b>: For a good monsoon season again. We haven't had any rain since February...and it's wildfire season. I'm so looking forward to some rain....which likely won't happen until July. </p><p>Every weekend we have been busy doing pine needle collecting and other preparations to make your cabin "firewise". It has been fun to see the community come together to prepare for wildfire season! The last fire that came through the mountains in 2020 did not damage a single home! <br /></p>Abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06854266979976413979noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6096971906693742277.post-57893568282211071462022-04-27T09:34:00.003-07:002022-04-27T09:34:24.721-07:00Weaned<p> One of the things I really wanted to get down in writing was a post about weaning, as I've been feeling all the feels this week as she hit this "milestone". </p><p>I know I've alluded to this in the past on this blog, but breastfeeding was not easy for me in the beginning. We spent about 3 weeks of her not actually transferring enough milk (I had no idea), her becoming quite underweight, introducing formula & pumped milk in bottles, and then having weeks of her literally screaming at my breast and refusing to latch. </p><p>Alas around 7 weeks we got the right help from a IBCLC in town - and finally by the time Maddy was about 10 weeks old she was exclusively breastfeeding. We had to use a system called an SNS (supplemental nursing system) - where you use a tiny syringe, fill it with milk, tape the catheter to your breast, and slip it in their mouth while you attempt to latch them. It is tedious & messy - but it is extremely beneficial in teaching them how to nurse. </p><p>I would offer my breast every 2 hours, and I pumped every 3 hours for several weeks around the clock. Looking back - those were some rough weeks with a lot of tears. But it was worth it. </p><p>I didn't think we would make it to 3 months - so when Maddy turned 1 year and was still breastfeeding I felt like we had crossed somewhat of a finish line. But I also had no idea when she would be ready to wean. Being I'm with her like ALL the time - she's gotten to be quite attached to me. </p><p>We arrived to San Diego Saturday afternoon, I nursed her before bed and unknowingly, at the time, that was the last time I've breastfeed our babe. </p><p>She woke up Sunday morning (she was sleeping in the pack n play in our bedroom since we are on vacation) - and got into bed with me to cuddle for a bit, but never asked for milk. And that was sort of it! (we had been down to just morning and night)<br /></p><p>I realize this is the 1st of many milestones as a Mom where you get that little hole in your heart of "they don't need me anymore". I'm also ecstatic that I can wear whatever dress I want and I can drink all the coffee!!!!! </p><p>I'm so grateful I was able to provide for her this long and I hold a special place in my heart all the cuddles and late night sessions of nursing her when the world was so quiet. I do worry a little that she isn't drinking milk in any other form - but I will keep offering and just make sure to load her up on all the cheese & yogurt I can. </p><p>I guess our little babe is growing!! This was a picture of her taken Saturday when we got to San Diego and she started picking up flowers and handing them to Ryan & I saying "dowders?" <3 She sure has our heart...<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmGiipAIb7-iAnLeEDaQdcxLYvnYOOqJIj8468bt4SQQN0q-MhvhpguJ4GucgTP4rPWoGYyb2MMdqsHnZn0h2Mjmc6j6H7geEfrujFkMNWdqZYwbpQ-qC09fWQgxNsSr37__zjRofN-PEXpEvBFZYiDEkt-tAGOTIafeWHhmPWpkq-a1SNMyOJLggs/s1800/maddy%20flowerrs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmGiipAIb7-iAnLeEDaQdcxLYvnYOOqJIj8468bt4SQQN0q-MhvhpguJ4GucgTP4rPWoGYyb2MMdqsHnZn0h2Mjmc6j6H7geEfrujFkMNWdqZYwbpQ-qC09fWQgxNsSr37__zjRofN-PEXpEvBFZYiDEkt-tAGOTIafeWHhmPWpkq-a1SNMyOJLggs/s320/maddy%20flowerrs.jpg" width="256" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p>Abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06854266979976413979noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6096971906693742277.post-37486872452446884562022-04-27T09:15:00.004-07:002022-04-27T09:15:30.827-07:00A check in<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>I haven't blogged in a really long time and I was thinking about this the other day. But figured I'd do a little life update on here. Ryan and I were talking about amusement parks the other evening and he thought I had never been to one with him. He said "your memory of Six Flags with a guy must have been a college or high school boyfriend. We haven't gone together" <p></p><p></p><p>So I busted open this blog - and referenced a post from 2013 when we were stationed in San Antonio and walla! I proved him wrong :D </p><p></p><p>That led me to realize this blog is really nice. While facebook/instagram is a great place to hold pictures with random captions about the day. My blog really demonstrates a little more feeling to it all. </p><p></p><p>I wish I had been better about blogging throughout Maddy's 1st year of life. But here are I am. </p><p></p><p>We've been a little busy since my last post in October. Since October we have</p><p></p><p>-Gotten settled into our cabin</p><p>-Sold our house </p><p>-Bought a new house </p><p>-Moved</p><p>-Acquired 2 more rental properties with our business</p><p>-Ryan has traveled a ton with work</p><p>-Maddy had a 3-day hospital stay back in November due to a pesky scorpion sting </p><p>-Ryan's 2 siblings (Erin & Nick) came out for Christmas with their families and we hosted a big Christmas celebration with family. </p><p>-Maddy & I drove out to San Diego for a week in January to stay with Ryan while he was here on a work trip. It was my 1st longish, solo, road-trip with the babe. She was 11 months old at the time - and it went great!<br /></p><p>-My parents came out in February for 3 weeks, as did my sister Lisa and her family. It was such a delight to have family around!!! </p><p>-We are back in San Diego while Ryan works (maybe I'll pull it together to do a recap post on the great trip we are having).</p><p></p><p>While my social media account hosts a plethora of pictures of Maddy...below are her "1 year photos" we had taken at our favorite place to hike. It is located about 5 minutes from our house. She hated the photography session, as it was a cold morning (for Arizona). But I still love how they turned out. </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfkJQblxHZf52QxQCUh0Bmv_nTvai6DjYIBduRO8BUkJolKHotXNkTTtBiLw2g71hWjS_kM2tTbtgjerzdRMGLyslcHSpM2zSUpCYknu1piTN8O9uy_9u0N5NyzVnFju7OBqPE5jJqx-dTUkD_sbxcopniJULVBn337w88v4qMmzn23oN1e5W61C65/s6933/HighRes(8of112).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5200" data-original-width="6933" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfkJQblxHZf52QxQCUh0Bmv_nTvai6DjYIBduRO8BUkJolKHotXNkTTtBiLw2g71hWjS_kM2tTbtgjerzdRMGLyslcHSpM2zSUpCYknu1piTN8O9uy_9u0N5NyzVnFju7OBqPE5jJqx-dTUkD_sbxcopniJULVBn337w88v4qMmzn23oN1e5W61C65/s320/HighRes(8of112).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAn12G8Df0s8sF2xvvOoOQBewKqRhhDPvT1v88EIlx8JBZpUz0oVnUBxl75Sj8bV31oewbm09wkR1SUobKah83z-KlNgsPBlkOPqQjcZqQvsaKKZaw-aJGb4-0Lc7NlA3Nl_sJo7pT4v3Faw-MH2cv5C86L7OtIceMv1WkvMXyQBpGtH6abziGMmbX/s8192/HighRes(10of28).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5464" data-original-width="8192" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAn12G8Df0s8sF2xvvOoOQBewKqRhhDPvT1v88EIlx8JBZpUz0oVnUBxl75Sj8bV31oewbm09wkR1SUobKah83z-KlNgsPBlkOPqQjcZqQvsaKKZaw-aJGb4-0Lc7NlA3Nl_sJo7pT4v3Faw-MH2cv5C86L7OtIceMv1WkvMXyQBpGtH6abziGMmbX/s320/HighRes(10of28).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTotQErJxVS3cTaLRnanZlXWQUsdGoGkTkS2sFeBFGL9CLXmmH4bOqSxtwzgzYDIsuHUaqCXWIoFeXKA807AfhY9vWMq0sQPuVhGUvN05QeXOwAHvf5PkG5yr38aEe3g6KDmmYaxjdqFcw-orcWqI-F5943A0CvKovr7Qr5kgKjFQU9C_IthdXEyW4/s7022/HighRes(13of112).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5267" data-original-width="7022" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTotQErJxVS3cTaLRnanZlXWQUsdGoGkTkS2sFeBFGL9CLXmmH4bOqSxtwzgzYDIsuHUaqCXWIoFeXKA807AfhY9vWMq0sQPuVhGUvN05QeXOwAHvf5PkG5yr38aEe3g6KDmmYaxjdqFcw-orcWqI-F5943A0CvKovr7Qr5kgKjFQU9C_IthdXEyW4/s320/HighRes(13of112).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtEwYjFkVDmHrP838VeQjyoVVyG5bJeJAXm2sv1Z78k7MpmzYuX-j0kqBypDKJQmjRNs909LSTtjASlZYr48_1T9s1pLX-QcF1tqQWEhH4DmuRz0ATjIGeRCjuW-kaJKazN2Ev-iCpLT8P2VqMxcJsivLn0lHM_1VL-9SIAi8dIVJz0f0eb3NHVrNX/s7388/HighRes(24of112).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4928" data-original-width="7388" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtEwYjFkVDmHrP838VeQjyoVVyG5bJeJAXm2sv1Z78k7MpmzYuX-j0kqBypDKJQmjRNs909LSTtjASlZYr48_1T9s1pLX-QcF1tqQWEhH4DmuRz0ATjIGeRCjuW-kaJKazN2Ev-iCpLT8P2VqMxcJsivLn0lHM_1VL-9SIAi8dIVJz0f0eb3NHVrNX/s320/HighRes(24of112).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2OBMeEQaibdqkjS07D3vk0-MnPo1YRwwH-UHLMlneRieAXUcBpzkPrrRd9ESFUti2Bb4NqWGPef4m2QEplufaibGVCMMlpoouq9L3ixzWohpPY5UBSiGbR7LT9NZHlTCisBoGiqscXKd5HNE7HXJZ7hgH8LtKTheXRbhU_YZuYUVohuMGEBG3ZUod/s7795/HighRes(27of28).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="7795" data-original-width="5199" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2OBMeEQaibdqkjS07D3vk0-MnPo1YRwwH-UHLMlneRieAXUcBpzkPrrRd9ESFUti2Bb4NqWGPef4m2QEplufaibGVCMMlpoouq9L3ixzWohpPY5UBSiGbR7LT9NZHlTCisBoGiqscXKd5HNE7HXJZ7hgH8LtKTheXRbhU_YZuYUVohuMGEBG3ZUod/s320/HighRes(27of28).jpg" width="213" /></a></div><br /> <p></p>Abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06854266979976413979noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6096971906693742277.post-8820411096210399972021-10-28T20:07:00.001-07:002021-10-28T20:07:00.211-07:00Currently<p> </p><p> <b>Reading</b>: </p>I'm just going to say nothing. I can't seem to stick with a book these days. And when I try to read I fall asleep. :( I'm hoping this weekend up at the cabin to find a book to enjoy.<br /><p><b>Thinking: </b>about color schemes for the next house. It is very modern with white cabinets and gray vinyl flooring. I am deciding between grays/whites or Navy/white with gold accents. I feel like everyone decorates in gray/white these days (including me) - so it would be a neat little accent!<br /></p><p><b>Feeling: </b>Excited! As the last post revealed - we have a lot of exciting things going on with the move. <br /></p><p><b>Anticipating</b>: Completion of the inspection of our current home so we can start packing. Of course, Ryan is out of town all week next week so it will be tough as I have to do a lot of the packing solo. I sure am glad I don't work full time. I'd lose my mind!<br /></p><p><b>Working</b>:
Still about 10-12 hours/week. However with the move coming up, I'll probably back down. We also have a home with our business that just hit market again - so I will be busy screening tenants and showing it. <br /></p><p><b>Grateful</b>: For Ryan. When I step back life looks a little crazy right now - but it doesn't feel like it because he helps keep me grounded. We are trying hard to have fun with all the little challenges going on - and it doesn't seem as overwhelming with a partner at your side. <br /></p><p><b>Watching:</b>
Squid Game! Oh my goodness - what a series. <br /></p><b>Wishing</b>: Still wishing for that dream of night-weaning Maddy. I know you shouldn't wish these days away - but there are moments where I dream of the older days where she can sleep through the night. <br />Abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06854266979976413979noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6096971906693742277.post-19070828594509632042021-10-27T20:07:00.001-07:002021-10-27T20:07:19.819-07:00Chaos<p>We have had an "itch" over the last 2 years that we keep thinking about scratching. Every few weeks, one of us would crack an obscene joke about wanting to sell our house and move into a home that is easier to maintain. Then we would follow that up with sending each other homes in the area we would find on zillow. </p><p>Then about 3 weeks ago we had a serious conversation about the thing we keep talking about. "<i>What would life look like if we sold our current home, moved into more of a neighborhood, and simplified our lives a bit.</i> "</p><p> I'm writing about this to hopefully some day look back at this with confidence saying "we made the right choice"...</p><p>We love our current home. It is beautiful, unique, and tranquil. We are almost self-sustaining with a large garden, hens, and an orchard of fruit trees which we (mostly Ryan) built from nothing.There is a sparkling pool and several seating areas for entertaining and enjoying the mountain views. </p><p>Our lives are insanely busy in this season - and I don't see them getting any slower in the future as our children grow and start to do activities. We don't really find ourselves enjoying the amenities our home provides. Instead, they have become burdensome. Also, Ryan actually spent more time living in other places than in this home. (We went through a deployment and several long TDYs while living in this house.) <br /></p><p>In the month of August I added up that Ryan and I spent 15 hours doing yard work, and our yard still looked like shit. :D If we lived in a neighborhood with a more manageable property - 15 hours of yard work would have created a pristine landscape! <br /></p><p>So alas, we came to the conclusion we would put our home on the market. Which required some long days and late nights of getting the house ready to show. </p><p>We put it on the market last Friday and by Saturday afternoon it was under contract! We have until December 10 to find a new place to land. </p><p>Which at this point as I write this post - we are under contract on a home I feel is the perfect one. It's in a cul de sac neighbor with sidewalks, it's an updated modern home, but it lies on 1 acre so we can still have privacy and a garden! (I don't know if I can go back to buying vegetables at the grocery store!) </p><p>We both feel in our hearts we are making the right choice for our family. I'm so excited to have a little more simplicity in managing our household! We have no regrets on the place we called home for 5 years. It served a great purpose and it will make a new family very happy. </p><p>With all that being said - the next 40 days are going to be insane. But we will get through!! <br /></p>Abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06854266979976413979noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6096971906693742277.post-22457126656039756392021-10-19T14:48:00.001-07:002021-10-19T14:48:15.103-07:008 Months<p> Well, I missed month 1-8. But it is never too late to begin, right? Here is a recap of Maddy at 8 months. (I'm totally stealing this idea from my sister, Lisa. I thought it was so neat that she recaps her son's favorites and happenings every month) </p><p><b> How am I sleeping?</b></p><p>Better than I was - but not as good as my peers. It also depends on if I'm teething. Last week, her 2nd tooth was poking through - so she was awake 3 times. </p><p>No matter how much I let her cry it out, I cannot seem to cut down her feedings. When I go in there - she is literally pulling at my shirt with her mouth wide open. So clearly she's hungry. She eats 2 times/night and luckily goes right back to sleep. It is what it is. <br /></p><p><b>What am I eating?</b></p><p>While we have had breastfeeding and bottle refusal struggles - I am so glad that taking to food as been relatively smooth. We are doing baby led weaning, and Maddy really enjoys most every food I've given her. </p><p>Her favorite foods are scrambled eggs, apples, and cheese! I also will roll up a tortilla with avocado and give that to her as a treat. I guess tortillas are frowned upon because of their nutritional content, but I like balance. And tortillas...:)</p><p>Here she is enjoying some soba noodles, ground turkey, and zucchini. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD9MiSBjSXqPzlVmhVdDcTg6zJD48UfA3Fk5EFfNtJTsUYcy2vaJrfqpySNn7ZoDTHDgqU-SVlLFS_i8OvGLQ-c3y4Km1XmvR0gyBasSijXuhyphenhyphenrT291IhEnLTib7GWqGu0rlm5-dfVdNs/s4032/maddy+soba+noodles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD9MiSBjSXqPzlVmhVdDcTg6zJD48UfA3Fk5EFfNtJTsUYcy2vaJrfqpySNn7ZoDTHDgqU-SVlLFS_i8OvGLQ-c3y4Km1XmvR0gyBasSijXuhyphenhyphenrT291IhEnLTib7GWqGu0rlm5-dfVdNs/w298-h320/maddy+soba+noodles.jpg" width="298" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><b>How often do I eat?</b></p><p><b> </b>Oh man, that continues to be a struggle. But I guess I'm a full time mom - and this is what I'm getting "paid" to do. Lol.</p><p>Maddy eats every 3-4 hours. And then you add in 2-3 real food meals/day. I feel like I'm constantly either breastfeeding, preparing food, or washing dishes. </p><p><b>What are my favorite toys?</b></p><p>Dog food, dog water, cook books, and all the things I'm not supposed to get into. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRJTJgTTDAFTXgBs46T0sEaMyahXI-rZrQ2d-WCJeFj87Rey-ha_HeMzMhFuJR1vdts-ndSbh7-imt1nMb_6oJmUc3q5NP0ol0WfpqICTXf3uW0ErEP19k94SQRzrUTn1i_cMp1yqLrL0/s1308/maddy+dog+bowls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1308" data-original-width="818" height="410" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRJTJgTTDAFTXgBs46T0sEaMyahXI-rZrQ2d-WCJeFj87Rey-ha_HeMzMhFuJR1vdts-ndSbh7-imt1nMb_6oJmUc3q5NP0ol0WfpqICTXf3uW0ErEP19k94SQRzrUTn1i_cMp1yqLrL0/w256-h410/maddy+dog+bowls.jpg" width="256" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p>When Mom is doing a good job at supervising me, I love to play with wooden puzzles (mostly just chew on the pieces) and balls. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcZE0DQaWIwDwlsgyEQODrHuOrCphELLkdlWruHgVmdVWagLd-HdmfF4vpuXqHfL1B8D4k6EDyG4c1Ne7Vg-pxBBdOfD698Nta-px-VvZl8hYHlmE-rNdxAfFwMvh5FIip6ikemaaKKQc/s960/maddyball.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcZE0DQaWIwDwlsgyEQODrHuOrCphELLkdlWruHgVmdVWagLd-HdmfF4vpuXqHfL1B8D4k6EDyG4c1Ne7Vg-pxBBdOfD698Nta-px-VvZl8hYHlmE-rNdxAfFwMvh5FIip6ikemaaKKQc/s320/maddyball.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p><br /><b></b></p><p><b>What makes me cry?</b></p><p>Car rides. That's basically the only time she ever cries. I have tried everything - and she just doesn't seem like it. It is what it is...we gotta go places so I just deal with it. <b> <br /></b></p><p><b>What makes me laugh?</b></p><p>She really makes us work for her giggles. She finds sneezing very entertaining as well as peek-a-boo and, of course, tickling. But I try to keep the tickling to a minimum - as there is nothing is this world I hate more than being tickled so I have empathy. Ha<b> <br /></b></p><p><b>What's keeping mama busy?</b></p><p>We are currently trying to sell our house - so I have been doing a lot of packing/decluttering/cleaning to attempt to make our home look like a single OCD person lives here (not 2 busy adults, an 8 month old, and a golden retriever). In addition to that - Maddy crawls and climbs into everything. So it keeps me on my toes all day long! But it's fun - and fills my heart. </p><p>While she's a very high-energy baby - she's so happy and silly!</p><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">Here is our attempt at a family picture in front of our cabin the weekend we closed!<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5JKKDl-b1fjEEgLSWwbs6DkkgCP3stFXCYHaWr4AT0DBCVi4DezGaWNCsBTra7tlziW_IVhgFOfInECPwphTvhAXntr8EifKc6wDDghv4_6vOjMHi9yZFmRKoubh9UQUnEz3MoZJimQk/s1440/Family+cabin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5JKKDl-b1fjEEgLSWwbs6DkkgCP3stFXCYHaWr4AT0DBCVi4DezGaWNCsBTra7tlziW_IVhgFOfInECPwphTvhAXntr8EifKc6wDDghv4_6vOjMHi9yZFmRKoubh9UQUnEz3MoZJimQk/s320/Family+cabin.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCN77XEryCfBfGBDdxoVkUZdsi4WrkYR2BpseiL4ppszXPYgnYjDlk9voh4n1Cx6SmGY-6PvtFo_rElJkBHudQcG77SDrX5XFez0wbwx_QtA1wZCdCvbJo8JX9qClHgiE4gDZhsldYBvc/s1440/Maddy8months.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1180" data-original-width="1440" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCN77XEryCfBfGBDdxoVkUZdsi4WrkYR2BpseiL4ppszXPYgnYjDlk9voh4n1Cx6SmGY-6PvtFo_rElJkBHudQcG77SDrX5XFez0wbwx_QtA1wZCdCvbJo8JX9qClHgiE4gDZhsldYBvc/s320/Maddy8months.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR5Bs5a1vnH6JrAHVGEpvGUZjZD4B64ck5wlK7EYb52eJsVgvLWHv5q3dktzcO8_8XsFDYAZIje-g-kRgbxOEyOk-zgKjFAw7DZq8CS2AF9wcwu3x3b3QQknqTowb6h2quNby2aF7fRqM/s960/Maddywindow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR5Bs5a1vnH6JrAHVGEpvGUZjZD4B64ck5wlK7EYb52eJsVgvLWHv5q3dktzcO8_8XsFDYAZIje-g-kRgbxOEyOk-zgKjFAw7DZq8CS2AF9wcwu3x3b3QQknqTowb6h2quNby2aF7fRqM/s320/Maddywindow.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;">Maddy loves looking out windows that are her height. I always wonder what she's thinking about...<br /></p>Abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06854266979976413979noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6096971906693742277.post-38755937134003092212021-09-28T20:00:00.000-07:002021-09-28T20:00:00.253-07:00Is that you, sleep? <p> Dear Sleep,</p><p>My distant dear friend, I know we have become distanced over the last 7 months. In fact, I don't believe we have spent more than 3 hours together since February 12. (For I didn't sleep the nights leading up to labor). Please keep in touch and, while we don't spend as much time together anymore, I'd like to rekindle our relationship at your soonest convenience. </p><p>Truth be told...It's not you, it's me. Actually...it's not you...it's Maddy. :D </p><p>We have reached a level of sleep deprivation that one morning this weekend I woke up to myself talking. Apparently, I had been telling Ryan (repetitively) "I don't understand why she's already awake. Why isn't she sleeping." And he was trying to explain to me that she <i>was</i>, indeed, asleep. He even had our Owlet camera pulled up to show me. </p><p>It was very confusing for both of us because I was talking in my sleep, and neither of us was aware...</p><p>And that's how tired I am. I don't feel tired during the day. Until I sit down. In fact, I have fallen asleep nursing Maddy at 2pm many days recently.<br /></p><p>I write this letter as a reminder. Some day Madelyn will be a teenager. I probably will be lying awake in the wee hours of the night worrying about her and the boy she's been talking to, or the crop tops she's trying to wear to school. And maybe I'll yearn for those simpler baby days, where her middle-of-the-night issues were easily "fixed" with a boob in the mouth or some rocking and shushing.<br /></p><p>But in the meantime, don't run far and don't give up on me. I'd like to rekindle our relationship soon. </p><p>Best Regards,</p><p>Tired Mom </p>Abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06854266979976413979noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6096971906693742277.post-49241619708296173872021-09-28T15:32:00.000-07:002021-09-28T15:32:24.065-07:00Currently<p> I went through my old posts - and it was funny seeing the last time I did this in February, I started it off by saying "This is my last Currently post before being a Mom". Well...here I am. A Mom. </p><p>It's funny how much I've changed since February 12, 2021 :) <br /></p><p> <b>Reading</b>: </p>The Wife Between Us. It's a psychological thriller and it's been a nice and easy read. I actually had to put it down the other night because the foreshadowing was getting too scary for me. <br /><p><b>Thinking: </b>About some new "career"-ish endeavors. I had some significant struggles with breastfeeding the 1st 3 months of motherhood. Recently a friend sent her niece my way who was struggling, and I was actually able to help her out and it was very rewarding. I'm looking into becoming a La Leche League advocate - which is a volunteer role.<br /></p><p>I could take things a step further eventually, and become a lactation consultant (maybe once our children are older and school aged). So for now...this volunteer role would be a nice foot in the door. And the time commitment is pretty minimal. It would also help me to see if I actually like this kind of work as much as I think I would...<br /></p><p><b>Feeling: </b>Healthy again. Our whole family just went through a nasty cold virus. I think I had it the worst, as I ended up on prednisone and antibiotics - as it was in my chest. I'm so elated we are all feeling better!! <br /></p><p><b>Anticipating</b>: The next few days. We close on a cabin on Mount Lemmon tomorrow. This has been a stretch dream of ours for a long time - and we never thought it would become a reality this soon. But we have had a really successful year in our real estate business, so this is our reward. <br /></p><p><b>Working</b>: Trying to work about 10 hours/week in my nursing quality job which feels pretty manageable. I just try to log hours when Maddy sleeps, and I'll throw an hour in the evenings every once in awhile. </p><p>We are also doing some planning for 2022 with the business. This is the 1st time in several months where we haven't been either acquiring a new property or trying to fill a property -- but we do have some meetings with potential investors coming up. It has been nice to have a little break -as I am the one doing most of the phone answering, marketing, etc when we acquire a new home! <br /></p><p><b>Grateful</b>: That we have had nearly a record breaking year of rainfall. We were in such a severe drought - and this monsoon season helped restore our aquifers! <br /></p><p><b>Watching:</b> Our tv broke about 1 month ago (maybe more than that). So I've only watched something here and there in our office. While I'm not a big tv watcher, I am looking forward to getting our tv back in the living room. <br /></p><p><b>Wishing</b>: I can get another night feeding cut out this month. We are down to 2 feedings/night and we were starting to make some good progress but then Maddy got sick and then started teething. We have tried several verious of cry-it-out...and Maddy is so stubborn she will scream relentlessly for 2 hours (that was her record...) I don't have it in me to put up with that every time her schedule gets thrown off so am trying a gentle approach...<br /></p>Abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06854266979976413979noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6096971906693742277.post-49587778762756184992021-09-22T19:26:00.003-07:002021-09-22T19:49:13.987-07:007 months in reviewI've been in a bit of a haze over the past 7 months. I wouldn't say I'm out of the haze. But I'm coming up for air. <div><br /></div><div>Let me bullet point-style and unload my soul. As I feel these are pivotal life moments that need to be documented somewhere...</div><div><br /></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Maddy had growth issues. I had breastfeeding issues. It took many pediatrician appointments, 6 lactation consultant appointments, Gallons of tears, and so many prayers - but somehow Madelyn has gone from being in the 1st percentile to the 13th percentile as an exclusively breastfed baby. If our next baby has issues - I am going to come back to this bullet point as a reminder. It took work. It took a supportive husband. It took professional help. It took many text messages and phone calls to my sisters, Mom, and some good mama friends. But...we got there. </li><li>We have had some awesome family visits - my parents stayed here for 2 weeks after Madelyn was born, my brother Kevin and his family came in April, Ryan's sister Erin came in June, and his Mom and step dad stayed with us for a week in July!! </li></ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhesm-xe98wA1XyZkg2_imj8L0vg1Y-K_DKv3LCmHQDF16RHJONGg10bbFFfs8gIuZ1JbK8C3xBEm3yAK4u0XwBYJ14vCCmb5xomT9W6Ywwj9h1E5eIUk2EvJNukdB2TjEJimCN_ngt5QU/s1080/janbud+family.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="810" data-original-width="1080" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhesm-xe98wA1XyZkg2_imj8L0vg1Y-K_DKv3LCmHQDF16RHJONGg10bbFFfs8gIuZ1JbK8C3xBEm3yAK4u0XwBYJ14vCCmb5xomT9W6Ywwj9h1E5eIUk2EvJNukdB2TjEJimCN_ngt5QU/s320/janbud+family.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO8aedpxcvH1_s7b_splKoXWlL6qxHuirGPhvwRe_NVNgXQOa9C5SqindeSSr0P1Mr7g8fC8De_51Iy_8MPzJCxPYZNyV5voSuk0NDL7hNnMLhgCBqhcX9kr_7LcbbGGE38EiUKjKeifI/s1080/kevin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO8aedpxcvH1_s7b_splKoXWlL6qxHuirGPhvwRe_NVNgXQOa9C5SqindeSSr0P1Mr7g8fC8De_51Iy_8MPzJCxPYZNyV5voSuk0NDL7hNnMLhgCBqhcX9kr_7LcbbGGE38EiUKjKeifI/s320/kevin.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX1e7Gud837I2xrx708K1tGN8k-6_8gfgVwSQTlOhAb1P1IZ6WyURFyzJPXBZVaTtPMXLNtT5p_YXP1esteDGD0leiP9MWPrHB_f03E6JkPhbM7xfON8sQeoUAXG_1Wo5CgLvlkkcQUrw/s1080/mom+dad+family.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="810" data-original-width="1080" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX1e7Gud837I2xrx708K1tGN8k-6_8gfgVwSQTlOhAb1P1IZ6WyURFyzJPXBZVaTtPMXLNtT5p_YXP1esteDGD0leiP9MWPrHB_f03E6JkPhbM7xfON8sQeoUAXG_1Wo5CgLvlkkcQUrw/s320/mom+dad+family.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div><br /></div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>We took our 1st vacation to San Diego in May when Maddy was 3 months old! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihdJKYTUkKPA1blOoGmm6KfJJVORxXQjCsvUNeBM2fC0eL6LzNMpr5owSNBrADB0nIHptyC63Ll_gvO0eZbVXuCdH4yOkpeCVAhQGs7FFH6V7XjIJ9-qJREaNDQdY8vAZmQVg10Z5EPmw/s1440/maddys+1st+beach.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihdJKYTUkKPA1blOoGmm6KfJJVORxXQjCsvUNeBM2fC0eL6LzNMpr5owSNBrADB0nIHptyC63Ll_gvO0eZbVXuCdH4yOkpeCVAhQGs7FFH6V7XjIJ9-qJREaNDQdY8vAZmQVg10Z5EPmw/s320/maddys+1st+beach.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_mlOEmrAMq8NYQ0Dh8NBBJZt6Ye25k3sZcyYtpNKHsvyYg2mn0OMTjVZMs4kIpB4vvUJ9jkSWFBtmDjpl7F1FAFV-L9NMmPGBA0ePk4rhNUvMlr1gEgzgBM9whQx0TCSjkLtM4vobu6s/s960/family+beach.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_mlOEmrAMq8NYQ0Dh8NBBJZt6Ye25k3sZcyYtpNKHsvyYg2mn0OMTjVZMs4kIpB4vvUJ9jkSWFBtmDjpl7F1FAFV-L9NMmPGBA0ePk4rhNUvMlr1gEgzgBM9whQx0TCSjkLtM4vobu6s/s320/family+beach.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></li><li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I did not return to work. I quit my job, as they could not accommodate part-time work. But when I quit my job, they came back and asked if I could do some contracting and work as many or little hours as I'd like.</div></li><li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Since June, I've worked more hours than I'd like. Being a full-time stay-at-home mom, helping run our real estate business, and working 15 hours a week, and running on 5 hours sleep/night was a little much. I've finally trained up my replacement...and am able to settle down a little.</div></li><li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I'm still a runner. But most of my runs are pushing a stroller and a babbling babe.</div></li></ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLkchLMw5Y66zFD-VLxqZFOVnrtUOVBBPIHj2tWAuwdfJbVEPMgnY5lML3-47_-Uvdho8ChR0-o_RpfcwpFPa4GjHYBILPP8wIc-25zaIjZJ9cAmJJ29haSbmbdovHpoBWQ2RJBGQ1UiY/s1080/family+flagstaff.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="810" data-original-width="1080" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLkchLMw5Y66zFD-VLxqZFOVnrtUOVBBPIHj2tWAuwdfJbVEPMgnY5lML3-47_-Uvdho8ChR0-o_RpfcwpFPa4GjHYBILPP8wIc-25zaIjZJ9cAmJJ29haSbmbdovHpoBWQ2RJBGQ1UiY/s320/family+flagstaff.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I haven't slept more than 3 hours straight since February. </div></li><li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Life feels complete. </div></li></ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicQ3aMOXs-c2jHXF1oKSuQn1F3RQyE3fIsEWU0cRLwE4gHpyt3jL2Av52GlRxhjPQGpRrkjMEbJbqGhDWRck8cuK1uEwOKs9RO5FdozsLkl7dF03kBVwubG7Zy6rYRvKGn9wbwrCDua9s/s360/baptism.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="360" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicQ3aMOXs-c2jHXF1oKSuQn1F3RQyE3fIsEWU0cRLwE4gHpyt3jL2Av52GlRxhjPQGpRrkjMEbJbqGhDWRck8cuK1uEwOKs9RO5FdozsLkl7dF03kBVwubG7Zy6rYRvKGn9wbwrCDua9s/s320/baptism.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />Abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06854266979976413979noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6096971906693742277.post-88763703634280354702021-09-22T19:07:00.000-07:002021-09-22T19:07:16.394-07:00Madelyn's Birth Story<p>On February 15 at 2:33 pm we welcomed our beautiful, sweet, little baby Madelyn Claire into this world. I better document this story before it gets hazy in my mind during these busy, sleepless newborn days. </p><p>We checked into the hospital at 9pm on her due date to be induced- Valentine's Day! We joked about how this is a Valentine's Day we will never forget ;) </p><p>Why did I get induced? My OB doesn't like you to go too far past your due date. And I just had this feeling that this was a good choice. In hindsight, we are really glad I went with my gut as she did have meconium in the amniotic fluid! So she was ready to go. </p><p>The induction method was using this cervical tablet that is inserted to help with effacement and then we would start pitocin. My birth plan was to try to go without an epidural, if possible. But I was realistic that this may change as things progress. Especially with pitocin...</p><p>Within 30 minutes of receiving the tablet, the contractions started firing. I worked hard to breathe through them and the classes I took said you'd always get a break between them. However, as I watched the clock I realized there was no break between contractions. </p><p>I laid there in some pretty intense pain for several hours and then my water broke. That. Was. Awful. (and disgusting)</p><p>My nurse checked me at this point, and I was 90% effaced, but still only 2 cm dilated. </p><p>As time passed - the pain got almost unbearable. I couldn't talk in full sentences or see straight. But I kept breathing through it all. I had been in labor for about 12 hours at this point. I remember looking at Ryan saying "I have reached my threshold of pain, I am going to need an epidural to get through this." </p><p>And then I started vomiting. Like...projectile vomiting. We got the nurse in and she gave me zofran - which seemed to help. I asked if I could get the epidural at this point, and she said "no sorry honey. And we are going to need to get your pitocin started now because you aren't progressing" </p><p>I started to cry at this point because I had no idea how I was going to handle any more pain. </p><p>Thankfully, change of shift occurred soon thereafter. My new nurse brought in a different OB doctor to check on me and I was shaking all over. I asked the doctor how long it would be until they would let me get an epidural, and she said "why haven't you gotten one already? I'm not touching you or doing anything until your pain is better controlled." She was like an angel from God! (haha!) </p><p>Within 5 minutes - the anesthesiologist was in the room and I was getting the epidural. It was really challenging to stay still during this as I was having such intense contractions. </p><p>Soon after the epidural, I finally could take a deep breath and see straight. My nurse encouraged me to try to close my eyes and rest - since I hadn't slept all night. I was 100% effaced, but still only 2 cm dilated. </p><p>I took a nap and she got the Pitocin started. </p><p>Every time I got checked - I was finally dilating. They explained that I wasn't dilating early b/c my whole body was so tense. </p><p>I remember at about 12:00pm, I closed my eyes again for a quick nap. The nurse came to check me and Ryan and I took bets on my stats. I assumed I was going to be about 6 cm. We were wrong. I was 10 cm, and she could feel her head! </p><p>At 1st she said "lets do a few practice pushes while we get Dr. Serrano here" .... she looked down and then said "You know what? Actually, just stay RIGHT THERE, don't push. This baby is coming...." </p><p>Within moments Dr. Serrano was in the room - my lets were in stirrups, and it was time to push! I remember feeling sort of scared at this point - like I wasn't ready for this :D </p><p>It took 5 strong pushes - and baby Madelyn was on my chest! </p><p>***** </p><p>It is September 22, and I am finally publishing this story. I wrote it on March 15 - but waited to hit "publish", and I'm glad I did. </p><p>I'm now 7 months into being a Mom. I look back on this story and still can say with confidence that day was the best day of my life that I would re-live over and over and over again, as much agony, pain, anticipation, and vomit that ensued in that day. </p><p>This is also my proclamation to try to get back into blogging again to capture my thoughts in this journey of life. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZbS2ockUzlvtNXUloD1O5m0Ax6nlJupThnyEbS92I8oBK_c_P9oy8Kacz08d3g50yaMXz_UJFF62Mbaz_yb9FW3urpLNRFhYQct3XHQTa-K1Vt1v4Zdm1dvzKgjposWN2HITb-lMIb4A/s1440/Madelyn_Newborn-19-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1440" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZbS2ockUzlvtNXUloD1O5m0Ax6nlJupThnyEbS92I8oBK_c_P9oy8Kacz08d3g50yaMXz_UJFF62Mbaz_yb9FW3urpLNRFhYQct3XHQTa-K1Vt1v4Zdm1dvzKgjposWN2HITb-lMIb4A/s320/Madelyn_Newborn-19-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjulPt-fJ8UOqS2AppwtdnJ4jacxzTfwGLUkeYQuZw6AKNLerbM53XjAX8ki-UwVYVOrJ-BQ9bZTS9RvQAPKOzIU9WUGBi65PaXmk1ayQy3FPOMmJrJktGATuHr_zo82QJQmx7h2EG1ovk/s960/Madelyn_Newborn-15-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjulPt-fJ8UOqS2AppwtdnJ4jacxzTfwGLUkeYQuZw6AKNLerbM53XjAX8ki-UwVYVOrJ-BQ9bZTS9RvQAPKOzIU9WUGBi65PaXmk1ayQy3FPOMmJrJktGATuHr_zo82QJQmx7h2EG1ovk/s320/Madelyn_Newborn-15-1.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj725r88-OLmYnys82EibfHQ1FSd8uq4EVGGHaPHqlaKzlTMS_aJijAUOg_QoJmKX2WuVAQlL8YxthQRwtCwWUVvRZUfSWAQHA3OGd3CLo2cRXENbp3OlTZK1zegjH-3oHIYQqRKE0SdsA/s960/Madelyn_Newborn-6-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj725r88-OLmYnys82EibfHQ1FSd8uq4EVGGHaPHqlaKzlTMS_aJijAUOg_QoJmKX2WuVAQlL8YxthQRwtCwWUVvRZUfSWAQHA3OGd3CLo2cRXENbp3OlTZK1zegjH-3oHIYQqRKE0SdsA/s320/Madelyn_Newborn-6-1.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06854266979976413979noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6096971906693742277.post-27014450707246163802021-02-14T18:03:00.000-07:002021-02-14T18:03:01.499-07:003rd Trimester Running<p>Alright 3rd trimester running recap! Here we go! </p><p>I am getting induced in a few hours (eek!), I'm 40 weeks, and I had my final run this morning...so I can safely say I am DONE pregnant running (until next time...)</p><p><b>Again, I expect no one to read this. </b>This is sort of my "diary" to look back on next pregnancy. </p><p><b>What was different about 3rd Trimester from 2nd trimester? </b>The sore calves really kicked in around 30 weeks! Which makes sense...b/c I am carrying more weight than my body is used to. That was really the only discomfort I experienced running. </p><p><b>Weekly avg mileage & pace?</b></p><p><i><u>Pre-Pregnancy "avg" Road Pace:</u></i> 7:45/mile</p><p><u><i>Pre-Pregnancy Road half marathon pace: </i></u>7:00/mile</p><p><u><i>Pre-Pregnancy Tempo Pace:</i></u> 6:45/mile</p><p><i><u>"Avg" Road Pace 1st Tri:</u></i> 8:40/mile (but it is also averaging 85 degrees + 60% humidity every morning) </p><p><u><i>Tempo Pace 1st Tri:</i></u> 7:30/mile (but I can hold it for very long because it's so hot)</p><p><i><u>Avg Road Pace 2nd Tri:</u></i> 8:20/mile (notice it was faster...attributed to not vomiting + not being 90 degrees at 5 am)</p><p><i><u>Tempo Pace 2nd Tri:</u></i> 7:45/mile </p><p><i style="text-decoration-line: underline;">"Avg" Road Pace 3rd Tri</i>: 9:30/mile </p><p><i style="text-decoration-line: underline;">Tempo Pace 3rd Tri </i>: There was no tempo running in my 3rd trimester :D. I was just happy to get out there! </p><p><b>Longest distance ran in 3rd trimester: </b>8 miles. When I was 29 weeks pregnant, I went for a run with a friend who is coming back from having her baby - and I was able to get 8 miles in because we took the pace easy and I was distracted by seeing a lot of running friends. </p><p><b>Workouts? </b>I actually kept up my "workouts" until I was at week 32. I was still hitting the track and doing 400m repeats. But then I sort of lost my motivation after that. </p><p><b>Highlights: </b>My primary"social time" during this trimester was running time. </p><p>I had some really enjoyable runs connecting with different girlfriends during this time. I got to run with people I never used to run with because my pace has sort of changed. ;) </p><p><b>Tips: </b>This is when I had to stop running in the dark. I chose to keep myself safe from any chance of falling. </p><p>My belly band was very helpful. It is sort of a thick, velcro seat belt that straps around my lower abdomen. I religiously wore this every run - and I felt like it helped prevent any pelvic discomfort. Ryan called it "Baby Maddy's Seat Belt" when he would watch me strapping it on before my runs haha!</p><p><b>Picture highlights:</b> </p><p><span> </span><br /></p><p>This was taken last week @ Sabino Canyon with my friend Julie. She has a little girl who is going to be 7 months older than ours - and I have a feeling we will be logging many stroller runs and play dates in the upcoming years!</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMdEPuxC2CBENWqgysdtn6zsGKYN6f2LXwjCN3PWVHqphCcVauLo19ow4ojRQRsuXnzb_9M5qsSz4YAYMZLBUqmlkJy64bFwIJVMiMSEhbKrBU3CaTophSE1WnANGkNVCCqBiI5vvzBAI/s1600/Vigil+run.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMdEPuxC2CBENWqgysdtn6zsGKYN6f2LXwjCN3PWVHqphCcVauLo19ow4ojRQRsuXnzb_9M5qsSz4YAYMZLBUqmlkJy64bFwIJVMiMSEhbKrBU3CaTophSE1WnANGkNVCCqBiI5vvzBAI/w300-h400/Vigil+run.jpeg" width="300" /></a></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This Saturday - my running group had a time trial. Ryan and I showed up for me to do just an easy run. But it was so fun to see everyone. They had fun taking pictures of us :) and making jokes about baby crossing the finish line 1st (b/c my belly stuck out) </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFGyD9iu0l712ppb1F4cWNVKJIw-lPN6tmI0umuwYfeMJCMcrzZrPQdjyu7dlG4Pk3rwWitTvaFRpViFkMOifNNcnujYQDP95nAw9Jh9y4nvLGO4gM1x0FVM-ktFo6FIWqDDuY7H-_Q40/s2048/racing.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFGyD9iu0l712ppb1F4cWNVKJIw-lPN6tmI0umuwYfeMJCMcrzZrPQdjyu7dlG4Pk3rwWitTvaFRpViFkMOifNNcnujYQDP95nAw9Jh9y4nvLGO4gM1x0FVM-ktFo6FIWqDDuY7H-_Q40/w300-h400/racing.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We also joked about how someday - we hope to show this picture to our daughter and have her say "Why are you wearing those stupid masks, Mom?" </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8eWZsnUjsjesD682yLnIcGImJnjfk_0kmJ8qN-Q60SkEIe6QAjosEmR7fsl8NrErk2zngkwnOH5C92C05nc0qqgq7kSjwqkCQ754B1i02P7SJh8A-Om-xYxXCamwqnuahyCcxujh1uV0/s960/running42.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8eWZsnUjsjesD682yLnIcGImJnjfk_0kmJ8qN-Q60SkEIe6QAjosEmR7fsl8NrErk2zngkwnOH5C92C05nc0qqgq7kSjwqkCQ754B1i02P7SJh8A-Om-xYxXCamwqnuahyCcxujh1uV0/w300-h400/running42.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I have to say running was kind of the one and only "norm" for me this whole pregnancy. I am so grateful it felt "good" the whole time, and I was able to keep at it. Mostly for my mental health - to be able to get fresh air, socialize with friends, and get some movement. I also hope it helps with my delivery! We shall see. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I calculated that I put in 808 miles with this little girl in my belly. So I assume she is going to like movement ;) </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />Abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06854266979976413979noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6096971906693742277.post-18239193515629874382021-02-12T07:24:00.001-07:002021-02-12T07:24:26.702-07:00She will come when she's ready <p>"She will come when she is ready"</p><p>The most annoying phrase of the week. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2S9efo5VWTqWKED55pJFsmP6qU5aVV1zvqUvpGv6NTLdg9CI00gUXDIMx0fBVs3hB2En4AsKo8ZM9tP8L_yX97eB3lH_D4hdiySkpDcuVIIf8mNemgaAuer0eOOn5d96kC6UVeXkZOR0/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1252" data-original-width="1252" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2S9efo5VWTqWKED55pJFsmP6qU5aVV1zvqUvpGv6NTLdg9CI00gUXDIMx0fBVs3hB2En4AsKo8ZM9tP8L_yX97eB3lH_D4hdiySkpDcuVIIf8mNemgaAuer0eOOn5d96kC6UVeXkZOR0/" width="240" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p><p><i>Thank you for your wise insight. I had no idea that was how this whole pregnancy, labor, and delivery concept works. </i></p><p>Also, when someone is sleeping about 4 hours/night for the past week - telling them "she will come when she's ready" is <i>so </i>therapeutic. I was tired, uncomfortable, impatient, and anxious... But now I feel s<b>o much better</b> knowing such valuable information. </p><p>( Ha! :D ) </p><p>Okay okay, I'll end my rant. You know I have to rant. I know these comments of insightful and wise advice aren't meant to be annoying. But, they are annoying. </p><p>I've been pregnant for 39 weeks and 5 days, my house is 100% ready for a baby, I'm not sleeping well - and I am very aware that babies come when they are ready. </p><p>And just to add, I've heard this from a handful of friends/colleagues this week. I never once asked them "when is this baby going to come?". this has been their response after saying "How are you feeling? Are you sleeping well?" -- and when I give my honest assessment...they say "Well, babies come when they are ready"</p><p>So now when people ask how I'm feeling - I just say "Great."</p><p>I even had someone say "<i>Well, once she comes she isn't going anywhere. So savor these moments</i>" </p><p>Gosh, I wish you would have told me that <i>before </i>I sat on a balance ball from the hours of 12 am-3am the other night having contractions and cramps. I would have worked harder at really savoring that time. That was so much fun - I don't know why it didn't dawn on me in the moment how enjoyable that was.</p><p>Okay - I'll put the salt shaker down. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdTrMJdR2Zk2lXIdkuimBVBgHHmiunyZAp9GSieiE5ud9IT6SuyuYgXXL_jHiUxZYPbA5RfPQU9mm-J3PNjzBLCsfhYDGJBWqXn_-XDgQtk9W2hCST33VlU8hM4n9kaFW6yzwM2u7ZX9g/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="676" data-original-width="610" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdTrMJdR2Zk2lXIdkuimBVBgHHmiunyZAp9GSieiE5ud9IT6SuyuYgXXL_jHiUxZYPbA5RfPQU9mm-J3PNjzBLCsfhYDGJBWqXn_-XDgQtk9W2hCST33VlU8hM4n9kaFW6yzwM2u7ZX9g/" width="217" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Any day now, let's hope this little baby makes her way into our world! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I mean, she will come when she's ready, Right? That's what I hear, anyways. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">:D </div><br /><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06854266979976413979noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6096971906693742277.post-73014853537350115672021-02-03T19:04:00.003-07:002021-02-03T19:04:01.595-07:00Currently<p>My last "Currently" post before becoming a Mom! </p><p> <strong>Reading</strong>: </p><p>The Dutch House by Ann Patchett </p><p>My sister recommended this book and author to me. I loved The Patron Saint of Liars so much, I decided to read another Ann Patchett book. </p><p><b>Thinking</b>: About labor. I'm planning on a natural childbirth with no epidural. But every birth story someone tells me makes me afraid. Also, one of the you tube videos I watched about "natural labor pain management" the lady said she lost consciousness 3 times during labor because the pain was so intense. </p><p>Um, you should get off YouTube, lady :D Ha!</p><p><strong>Feeling: </strong>Surprisingly good! I don't really have any major "complaints" at this point. I mean, I don't sleep the best and I'm ready to not be pregnant. But I don't really have any aches/pains/issues. I feel I paid my dues in the 1st trimester with all that vomiting. I did my fair share of whining during that phase.</p><p><strong>Anticipating</strong>: The moment I start to feel contractions....</p><p><strong>Working</strong>: On getting all my projects wrapped up at work! I am doing this huge project to write policy, consents, create staff & patient education around transplantation of Hepatitis C positive kidneys. Our nephrologists have done a ton of research on this topic, and I have really enjoyed this project. I presented my forms and policies to corporate today - so things should be in a place before I leave! Feels really good to have this done :) </p><p><strong>Grateful</strong>: For the rain we got last week. We were <i>so </i>overdue, and it's amazing how a few days of rain have turned our desert green again! </p><p><b>Watching:</b> The Crown on Netflix. I'm not normally a big tv person - but now that we are both done with school, we have started to enjoy some series' on Netflix. We are on season 3 and really enjoy this! </p><p><strong>Wishing</strong>: For a healthy baby girl in the next few weeks. </p>Abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06854266979976413979noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6096971906693742277.post-18392367711728031032021-02-01T19:04:00.001-07:002021-02-01T19:04:16.619-07:00The Advice<p> As my due date approaches within the next 2 weeks..the advice has been coming in strong from multiple angles. And holy crap, is it ever overwhelming.</p><p>"Let the baby cry it out"</p><p>"Don't let them cry, they are a new born - they need your love"</p><p>"Nurse your baby to sleep."<br /></p><p>"Whatever you do...do <b>not </b>nurse your baby to sleep! This creates bad habits."</p><p>"Pump so dad can bottle-feed."</p><p>"Don't pump until you have to, or she will get confused."</p><p>"Just nurse them in bed" </p><p>"Whatever you do...DO NOT nurse them in bed..."</p><p>"You can breastfeed!"</p><p>"Don't be so confident you'll be able to breastfeed. I wasn't able to breastfeed with any of mine. Not everyone can do it..."</p><p>"You're awfully small. Are you sure they have your due date correct?" </p><p>"You don't let ready to deliver in 2 weeks. You'll go over." </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWTQcJi3WqauVn9uFrCE2O0isc5KhyphenhyphenXsLP3d4KNIBO1mOTvQT1-3bVRa1bQ9HOfZZCsIm6AgE0O6fSPMsyAYSb4iWOUMTVA1hb_yBd-otuU4mho_UcOkYKxzLi7KT63Nvn3IleHibRFKI/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="190" data-original-width="265" height="229" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWTQcJi3WqauVn9uFrCE2O0isc5KhyphenhyphenXsLP3d4KNIBO1mOTvQT1-3bVRa1bQ9HOfZZCsIm6AgE0O6fSPMsyAYSb4iWOUMTVA1hb_yBd-otuU4mho_UcOkYKxzLi7KT63Nvn3IleHibRFKI/" width="320" /></a></div><br />Ha! My response to all of it is "Oh thank you for that tip! I'll keep that in mind!" :) <p></p><p>Ryan and I have read a few books, we are taking a "Breastfeeding & Baby care" class via zoom, and know that some of these things we are just going to learn and figure out as we go. But it's really quite comical how much advice is thrown at you. I know it all is in good heart, and people just wanting to help... </p><p>I do really like the instructor of this class we are taking (who is a lactation consultant, pediatric physical therapist, and certified Doula...so <i>she seems to know a thing or 2 about babies</i>)... and one of there biggest themes is "You cannot do any harm to your newborn loving and bonding with them." She really tries to debunk the pressure that is put on new parents to "train" their newborn. </p><p>Our society kind of has this unspoken belief that sleeping baby = success and poorly sleeping baby = failure. But, she reminds me that this baby has been in my belly for 9 months with absolutely no schedule, and they do not have the neurological aptitude to know what they are doing within those 1st months. So just love, comfort, sooth, and feed them - and the rest sort of falls into place. </p><p>Ryan and I are so excited to greet this litty lady when she is ready to make her appearance! I finally figured out how to use the car seat/stroller system (which seemed SO DAUNTING a few months ago when we 1st purchased it :D </p><p>I'm really happy my Mom & Dad will get to be here shortly after the baby is born, as they have opinions I trust ;) She has raised 5 children and snuggled 9 grandchildren before...so I believe she may have some tricks up her sleeve. </p><p>I get my COVID test this Thursday, and then I'm full term at 39 weeks! So things are getting real :) </p><p>My pregnancy blog posts are coming to an end. I think I'll plan to keep up with blogging - as it is a nice way to journal. </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06854266979976413979noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6096971906693742277.post-33786105016166651412021-01-19T20:30:00.001-07:002021-01-19T20:30:23.860-07:00Growing a Watermelon<p> While most of this blog since it's rebirth has been focused on "growing a watermelon" in terms of having a baby...</p><p>I thought I'd take a more literal approach and do an update on the actual watermelons we grew! What is funny is that we planted our watermelon seeds back in April, and tonight we finally ate one. So that took about 9 months seed-to-table.</p><p>And I'm on my 9th month of growing a baby! </p><p>Moral of the story - don't eat watermelon seeds. </p><p>We are in the midst of my <i>absolute favorite </i>gardening season in the Sonoran Desert -- The winter garden! (Yes, we get to garden year-round here). In the winter we grow things like: all the greens, carrots, beets, broccoli, Brussels. Right now we still are enjoying some of our long summer crops such as butternut squash, eggplant, and watermelon. Squash has a very long growing season - partly because we had such a dry summer. </p><p>Here is what we are enjoying currently via pictures :) </p><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">Here is a bowl of greens! We currently have baby kale, 2 varieties of romaine, 2 varieties of swiss chard, mustard greens, & arugula. Since I am working from home and Ryan has been 50% of the time -- we seriously go through a bowl like this every 2 days right now!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSvFuGUIWPM_Rr6hkiD6yDwa3IsCbob4ofQ_mglqZyuC1dlrBlS-tkUI9n5jX_g2c95dFtPI0sURfWSTk3nCs0Iy-h9SE9G80x8Xt0P01AsDm-3pb4l4S0KwcMV5h6uafD1IiWPHc2t2c/s2048/kale.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSvFuGUIWPM_Rr6hkiD6yDwa3IsCbob4ofQ_mglqZyuC1dlrBlS-tkUI9n5jX_g2c95dFtPI0sURfWSTk3nCs0Iy-h9SE9G80x8Xt0P01AsDm-3pb4l4S0KwcMV5h6uafD1IiWPHc2t2c/w300-h400/kale.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;">Here is an example of one of the almost daily dishes we enjoy! I just sautee a bunch of vegetables and crack a few eggs in it!</p><p style="text-align: center;">Look how yellow our farm fresh eggs are!...I have a little secret!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2-B_dQwxmIfngioD9TSB69PFyGfoVLuO1kE-Nxg7AXCUWgzE_KL-ksvokyeoeL8gzNhdaUGwaDnGbA22CpRkFsd0kMD6YiUr7UnD7eDUm7SJItxAQDKFQvWleIEEjT2xv7r1E99f5Kyw/s2048/eggs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2-B_dQwxmIfngioD9TSB69PFyGfoVLuO1kE-Nxg7AXCUWgzE_KL-ksvokyeoeL8gzNhdaUGwaDnGbA22CpRkFsd0kMD6YiUr7UnD7eDUm7SJItxAQDKFQvWleIEEjT2xv7r1E99f5Kyw/w300-h400/eggs.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The more vegetables your chickens eat, the more yellow and vibrant their yolks! We give our chickens basil, sweet potato vines, and any weeds I pull from the garden and they love it! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This is Blanche & Dorothy, by the way.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9DQeUR96ymZ90PH13xZuXH5iDUbeIYSdtD0TxWORiBsEom7km7Ejy7jgXCvtbVDh_PidvPO0ZaCizhYz-jUrY5cHM8s9sVHVbLSLYEsGopjGJF5zwkCbDF-ZcrA-ypvYUSyiOpSlJazE/s2048/hens.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9DQeUR96ymZ90PH13xZuXH5iDUbeIYSdtD0TxWORiBsEom7km7Ejy7jgXCvtbVDh_PidvPO0ZaCizhYz-jUrY5cHM8s9sVHVbLSLYEsGopjGJF5zwkCbDF-ZcrA-ypvYUSyiOpSlJazE/w420-h308/hens.jpg" width="420" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here is a pitcher of fresh-squeezed limeaid that Ryan made the other day! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I have been craving all the citrus things...so feel like I could drink this entire thing if it didn't have so much sugar ;) </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRkaJ7yV_OgxaR7ZHOJGrsE1tV_-Fpul7H5LPxhxfoHYvedkfMWxwAmbo1T4B-ZJwC18DOYo2Mnb9OsKctUwv2pAQmRDn88EAovmnMQJkc94fODtEmhww_RogGZg7rodveix8WaomDxMg/s2048/Limeaid.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRkaJ7yV_OgxaR7ZHOJGrsE1tV_-Fpul7H5LPxhxfoHYvedkfMWxwAmbo1T4B-ZJwC18DOYo2Mnb9OsKctUwv2pAQmRDn88EAovmnMQJkc94fODtEmhww_RogGZg7rodveix8WaomDxMg/w300-h400/Limeaid.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">He made it with fresh-squeezed limequats from our tree! And stevia in the raw! </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4Ckdvh0Z-0S-crBIRqR8KwYNfJUSXKsBZn2CKUGuRBLsTyZxK9kBkKFNm6DhppQadzUg1dS-7M4X55VVNzlWAEYXXVxGfDlckSc4uZdV8KGtndeQ0uKhwP1Y5uTh7ffaSSyCvWT5QXb0/s2048/limequats.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4Ckdvh0Z-0S-crBIRqR8KwYNfJUSXKsBZn2CKUGuRBLsTyZxK9kBkKFNm6DhppQadzUg1dS-7M4X55VVNzlWAEYXXVxGfDlckSc4uZdV8KGtndeQ0uKhwP1Y5uTh7ffaSSyCvWT5QXb0/s320/limequats.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This is our biggest watermelon that we grew this year. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We had to put it in a sling because it was so heavy!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3pF-84_G2WX_Q4uLjYUtof_hjoBswE1Zj_b8u7Dh1mLT7MtO_tOkC64PEIfmcyRtW3oHgT-w1HNtPuV79vt1HSdOnGNnl26-ZehExyRe9GEp4vWm_BGYLyTPzeaqm4X4r0p4Teg24cQg/s2048/watermelon+sling.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3pF-84_G2WX_Q4uLjYUtof_hjoBswE1Zj_b8u7Dh1mLT7MtO_tOkC64PEIfmcyRtW3oHgT-w1HNtPuV79vt1HSdOnGNnl26-ZehExyRe9GEp4vWm_BGYLyTPzeaqm4X4r0p4Teg24cQg/w300-h400/watermelon+sling.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZee5TG1fqoXunrZqW9wycuh6WAOojjmgxolPL4PRLP1civi-LWENFFHpX0YURIWb-OGWqJ9c9Ghl-TtYBOEaJhSgStkT_q9PKi3334JUVpeakkJs2SUG1oRY7WNsJNzeO5UBKFxtW3MY/s2048/watermelon+vines.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZee5TG1fqoXunrZqW9wycuh6WAOojjmgxolPL4PRLP1civi-LWENFFHpX0YURIWb-OGWqJ9c9Ghl-TtYBOEaJhSgStkT_q9PKi3334JUVpeakkJs2SUG1oRY7WNsJNzeO5UBKFxtW3MY/w319-h425/watermelon+vines.jpg" width="319" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And tonight we finally cut into one of the melons and got to enjoy! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It was delicious!!! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_ysphYXxatNb0PXiDaEtRfjpzHtE4DUZ0rZdjqrKOcgdxWgMb5lZsIZtDW7QP6h-kn5ljuCskS5DL0dO6OIhje6IoJBf9Bi27B5T_it6HxJvxkgIhEuZRhG7iVpLWEFwxdJfl3q4hjaI/s2048/watermelon+fruit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_ysphYXxatNb0PXiDaEtRfjpzHtE4DUZ0rZdjqrKOcgdxWgMb5lZsIZtDW7QP6h-kn5ljuCskS5DL0dO6OIhje6IoJBf9Bi27B5T_it6HxJvxkgIhEuZRhG7iVpLWEFwxdJfl3q4hjaI/s320/watermelon+fruit.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06854266979976413979noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6096971906693742277.post-9581773433935584922021-01-12T20:54:00.001-07:002021-01-12T20:54:52.404-07:00Things Not to Say<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">How to piss off a pregnant lady in 1 simple step!</span></u></b><div><br /></div><div>Tell her how <i>fast </i>her pregnancy has gone! </div><div><br /></div><div>I have heard or read those words so frequently over the last week from colleagues, friends, and a few people on social media. </div><div><br /></div><div>They are <i>so </i>right. The part that's gone really fast has been the part where we have been on lockdown and my face-to-face social interaction and "outings outside the house" decreased by like 70-80%.</div><div><br /></div><div><i>Or </i>perhaps the 3 months I spent on my knees in our bathroom floor dry-heaving. That was like a blink of an eye!!! Time flies when you're having fun. Or vomiting. </div><div><br /></div><div>Okay, okay ... I'm just kidding around. </div><div><br /></div><div>But seriously - don't tell a pregnant woman (during a pandemic) that time has just flown by because it probably hasn't for her.</div><div><br /></div><div>In seriousness, my pregnancy has gone fast in ways. And I've mostly enjoyed it and had it pretty easy! But when I look back at when I found out I was pregnant at just 5 weeks..that seriously feels like <i>eons</i> ago. </div><div><br /></div><div>Another thing that is mind-blowing to look back on? Progress pictures. </div><div><br /></div><div>I remember being 12 weeks along and feeling like I was starting to show, and certain clothes weren't fitting anymore. </div><div><br /></div><div>In fact, I refused to spend time by our pool this summer because I felt uncomfortable in a swimming suit. (I also felt nauseated...which makes sitting outdoors in the sun <i>very </i>undesirable)</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG3-AKOo8zasYoPgFbnKGqWw2kY9T5yZIIMOTXTr6x1Z_GO7k_ry1AxOEHmGXFhM8un9jeH0aZEgfM5-gVjB4Dw1mlspmeYGXMV0sjikPiiV-bR2BH_uqX_F9v6t0-RHOGEvGIS41JeX8/s2048/12+weeks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG3-AKOo8zasYoPgFbnKGqWw2kY9T5yZIIMOTXTr6x1Z_GO7k_ry1AxOEHmGXFhM8un9jeH0aZEgfM5-gVjB4Dw1mlspmeYGXMV0sjikPiiV-bR2BH_uqX_F9v6t0-RHOGEvGIS41JeX8/s320/12+weeks.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Now I look at this picture of me at 12 weeks and laugh out loud!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFgxXwpAPhWHmlTe5x-RJu_kp5sicGsnPDDgIiCYygGsseUUYuiyd4nvIFQyQwYU8xPmbQ9sVEysueBFbBUS0UOR29KF_nF9ys33LLVlbcrmQ-7v3-9xGA0pK3peUyhOMvv9eKsJAsZ60/s2048/35+weeks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFgxXwpAPhWHmlTe5x-RJu_kp5sicGsnPDDgIiCYygGsseUUYuiyd4nvIFQyQwYU8xPmbQ9sVEysueBFbBUS0UOR29KF_nF9ys33LLVlbcrmQ-7v3-9xGA0pK3peUyhOMvv9eKsJAsZ60/s320/35+weeks.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Little Baby Namaste sure has grown a little since that 12-week photo was taken! :D </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I am finally at a point in my pregnancy where a random stranger actually knows I'm pregnant. It took 34 weeks to get there! But over the last 2 weeks, the baby has really made her appearance!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">As I get through these next 5 weeks of pregnancy...as fast as 5 weeks <i>tend </i>to go, I have a feeling that won't be the case. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It is surreal to think that in 5-6 weeks our house will have a newborn in it. We seriously cannot wait! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And maybe <i>then </i>I can say "Wow, that went fast!"</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06854266979976413979noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6096971906693742277.post-82028067160635740872021-01-06T19:50:00.003-07:002021-01-06T19:50:26.436-07:002020 Goals - Oh for cute<p>Every year towards the end of December, I sit down and write down a "bucket list" for the year. I do that instead of resolutions or goals because it just feels more fun to check things off as the year goes on. </p><p>Well, in 2020 - I have a lofty bucket list involving different travel plans, career endeavors, and athletic accomplishments. </p><p>And then COVID happened. And then I got pregnant. So now when I read my 2020 goals, it kind of makes me giggle. While 2020 looked different than I thought it would -- it shaped out to be a pretty great year despite conditions out of our control!</p><p>One thing I can't stand is making up excuses for things you didn't get done. Excuses = crutches. If you didn't accomplish something, you clearly didn't make that a priority. But this year...I think I can we can all use a"judgement-free excuse card".</p><p>So here is where I came out :D </p><p>1. <b>Run 50K</b> -- I did that! It was January 25, prior to the world starting on fire and races shutting down. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6SkE88nqQoWqLjDePYb6vfgsk62vy5iaktSkILVoCprdcwFqGj3qCkxTsImWKswF0Dc9Yov1vj0mnAkkJn4O7R0-QseCBGPq5sI1bA4aB5czJJKVZAlljXAeJRRnFhBwQvYyBtp-cwuA/s2048/50K.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6SkE88nqQoWqLjDePYb6vfgsk62vy5iaktSkILVoCprdcwFqGj3qCkxTsImWKswF0Dc9Yov1vj0mnAkkJn4O7R0-QseCBGPq5sI1bA4aB5czJJKVZAlljXAeJRRnFhBwQvYyBtp-cwuA/w400-h300/50K.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This is me with my friends Sharon & Craig - who I did all the training for this race with! It was a pretty cool memory.</div><br /><p><br /></p><p>2. <b>Hike Mt. Wrightston</b> -- Well, after I recovered from my 50K, many of the trails were shut down due to COVID. Then the mountains started on fire. By the time the mountains weren't on fire, I was into my second trimester of pregnancy - and that just isn't the time to be climbing the highest peak in the Tucson area.</p><p>3. <b>Obtain my Six Sigma Yellow Belt</b>. I was signed up for an all-day class in Phoenix for the initial training. And then COVID hit, and it got cancelled. By the time my company rescheduled it to a virtual meeting, I was redeployed and assisting with distribution of PPE. </p><p>4. <b>Deadlift 200 lbs</b>. Right after my 50K, I started to do a lot of weight training, and I got up to 165# deadlifting. When we had our shutdowns in March, I started turning to running 6 days/week as my escape from everything, so I lost interest in this goal.</p><p>5. <b>Visit Sedona.</b> Yes! We did this in May when we were camping in Flagstaff. We had a beautiful hike and soaked in the sites. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBtdG6EPwC3tqFFUkhi0fp7jISo4UWGE-bb3xxf_qo0epylPxaF0C1IM8dra6Drumgbe3gmGQI9kY8CbQ26fqYJSPtjaIZyu5fmu3tt2rdzktdEkc_9vPppyyyXyZikPwAwMSti35uBDM/s2048/Sedona.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1697" data-original-width="2048" height="331" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBtdG6EPwC3tqFFUkhi0fp7jISo4UWGE-bb3xxf_qo0epylPxaF0C1IM8dra6Drumgbe3gmGQI9kY8CbQ26fqYJSPtjaIZyu5fmu3tt2rdzktdEkc_9vPppyyyXyZikPwAwMSti35uBDM/w400-h331/Sedona.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Sedona is absolutely gorgeous! We look forward to retuning here for another camping trip hopefully this spring once the baby is old enough.</div><p>6. <b>Graduate from MSN Program.</b> Another thing I did! haha </p><p>7. <b>Run a sub-1:32 half marathon.</b> This would have qualified me into the NYC Marathon. Well, all races got cancelled - so this didn't happen. </p><p>8. <b>Read 4 books. </b>If you count the pregnancy books I read this summer, then I accomplished this goal. I know 4 isn't much - but I was trying to be realistic knowing I'd have my toughest courses with grad school this year!</p><p>9. <b>Make 5 new friends.</b> This sounds like a strange goal - but I always try to set relationship/friendship goals, and always like to expand my circle each year. I didn't accomplish this goal, because it is hard to make new friends when everything is shut down. I will say I re-kindled some friendships this year, however! </p><p>10.<b> Join church choir.</b> Well, there is no singing and church has mostly been shut down. So this did not happen. </p><p>11. <b>Get pregnant. </b></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI5msPqZUcVsmHPxbcT93YdhjUJsWaW_rH9dbiBWn03n7LjfIe3uqbUtZ_ykhew8xezLirrIbJoVU26_Kc6L4gSAhKQbDqEKXSkD3KiiIGS_osocU_ju8Mwvv2hfIYPALPVsfOuXk0soU/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="225" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI5msPqZUcVsmHPxbcT93YdhjUJsWaW_rH9dbiBWn03n7LjfIe3uqbUtZ_ykhew8xezLirrIbJoVU26_Kc6L4gSAhKQbDqEKXSkD3KiiIGS_osocU_ju8Mwvv2hfIYPALPVsfOuXk0soU/" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Okay, reading this goal made me laugh out loud -- because I seriously do not even <i>remember </i>writing this one down!! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Not to say this pregnancy was an "oops". </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">In May, Ryan and I made the conscious decision to stop "not trying". We have been doing natural family planning throughout our marriage, and to be completely honest - I didn't even think I <i>could </i>get pregnant since I had irregular cycles and had never gotten pregnant yet to this date. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">But I pretty much got pregnant the second we started "trying". </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So there is another goal that was checked off the 2020 bucket list! And I'd have to say the best one yet!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><br /><p></p>Abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06854266979976413979noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6096971906693742277.post-15390978239345275112020-12-29T19:58:00.001-07:002020-12-29T19:58:21.747-07:00Pineapples & Tums <p> I haven't been writing too much about my pregnancy, because honestly, I don't have a lot to report. </p><p>At my last OB appointment, my doctor said "You're one of my most boring patients I'm seeing these days. Keep it up!" Which is the best thing I could ask for... </p><p>I'm currently 33 weeks and 2 days along. Not that anyone's counting. The baby is the size of a pineapple (those fruit comparisons make zero sense to me, by the way...). </p><p>But here are some updates that maybe I'll look back on in my future pregancies...</p><p><b><u>Symptoms</u></b>: Heartburn, Restless Legs, and Insomnia. </p><p>I'm having to be really careful about what I eat and when I eat - or I'm up all night with agonizing heartburn. It is not uncommon for me to be pacing the halls of our house chomping on Tums at 2am lately. </p><p>I always have wicked restless legs at night. No matter how much I stretch and try rolling out my calves - my legs seem to contort Emily Rose Exorcism style. </p><p>Ryan got me a Pregnancy & Beyond cookbook, and it had a recipe for your own electrolyte concoction and I tried that and it actually seems to be helping! It has coconut water, a little OJ, fresh squeezed citrus, and salt. I've been having a small glass in the evenings.</p><p><b><u>Cravings</u></b>: Peppermint Tums. Ha! I don't actually crave that. But I seek heartburn relief. </p><p>Other than that - vinegary salads are sort of my jam these days. I take cucumber, greens, feta cheese, avocado, and walnuts - and toss it with lemon and oil.</p><p>I also eat a lot of fruit these days. (oranges, kiwi, green apples, and lemon...yes, I said lemon) </p><p><b><u>Aversions</u></b>: I have to admit... I still don't love coffee like I used to. It isn't necessarily an "aversion" - but I rarely can finish a full cup these days. I used to consume so much coffee. </p><p><b><u>Exercise</u>: </b>I'm still running, but that has significantly reduced in the last 2 weeks. I am starting to transition to more of a run/walk pattern. Especially after I hit 3 miles. Nothing is uncomfortable, I just notice I am getting more out of breath so take more walking breaks!</p><p>And I'm doing 2 Barre classes/week still - which has been awesome! Those workouts feel great and I truly feel they are helping keep my back from hurting. </p><p><b><u>Worries</u>: </b> I worry there will be issues getting my husband into the hospital with me. I worry the hospital will be a freaking warzone the day I give birth. I know for years women gave birth with no support person, and they all survived - so I am being extremely privileged here. But, I really just don't want to do this alone. </p><p>Those worries far surpass any worries about childbirth or bringing a child into the world. </p><p><b><u>Favorite Part:</u></b> My favorite part of being pregnant right now is her constant movement. There are very few moments I don't feel her kicking and moving around these days - which is the best reassurance ever. However, when I feel her kicking and twisting at 3 am...it makes me wonder what kind of "sleeper" she won't be ;) </p><p><br /></p>Abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06854266979976413979noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6096971906693742277.post-52184442749541895132020-12-27T21:05:00.002-07:002020-12-27T21:05:55.765-07:00Our Last Christmas as 2<p> Many talked about how <i>different </i>their Christmas was this year given the pandemic, and their need to be isolated at home with no family. Fortunately or unfortunately, this Christmas was no different for me. As a nurse, I've spent most Christmases working in the hospital. As a military spouse, the last 2 years I didn't even spend Christmas with Ryan. 2018 he was deployed and 2019 he was on mandatory orders and worked the night shift through the holiday. </p><p>We live 1700 miles away from any family. So have always had to figure out a creative way to spend the holiday. As much as I love the Christmas season, the baking, the decorations, and the fun - the actual holiday is one that I have sort of come to not enjoy. I find myself in tears at some point either on Christmas Eve or Day in envy of people who get to spend holidays with their families.</p><p>While we try to travel home for holidays, it has been a challenge - since we both have jobs that continue to work on holidays. So we always would have to coordinate and bid our schedule. (Well, I have finally landed a position that doesn't require me to work holidays...)</p><p>This is not meant to be a "woe is me" post. :D It is just an honest reflection. With all that being said, I've learned to put a lot of energy into making the day special. And thankfully, we have friends who also do not have family in town that we have started to spend Christmas with - and that has filled the emptiness! </p><p>But next year that changes - because we will have a little girl to enjoy the magic of Christmas with. We so look forward to that. </p><p>Here is how we filled our Christmas to make it a really truly special holiday. I was so grateful to actually get to spend Christmas with Ryan this year - and we savored every minute of the holiday.</p><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">Christmas Eve was a busy day! We both worked out in the morning, I did some last-minute Christmas shopping, cleaned the house, and we hit the 4pm Christmas Eve Mass. </p><p style="text-align: center;">Ryan prepared/grilled steaks & I made butternut squash risotto and a salad from our garden!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh33KmYfEgpF_iMQezQOTTm7PtrpsDN7S2hLjZV57Xtvt-UNEYoqiabFhPp_7sAuX7_ykLoF0zzoIZLeDQharbPEKs2pJogL33gEHc9feHoKppbkBcPMIkg8xaVmm2asT7Guno4LpQ9JXs/s2048/xmas+dinner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh33KmYfEgpF_iMQezQOTTm7PtrpsDN7S2hLjZV57Xtvt-UNEYoqiabFhPp_7sAuX7_ykLoF0zzoIZLeDQharbPEKs2pJogL33gEHc9feHoKppbkBcPMIkg8xaVmm2asT7Guno4LpQ9JXs/w300-h400/xmas+dinner.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">After dinner, I made a mug of tea and Ryan made himself whisky after-dinner drink - and we headed to a neighborhood in Tucson called "Winterhaven". Every year since the '80's - this neighborhood gets completely decked out in Christmas lights, and the streets are closed for people to walk (and they have horse carriages, too!). This Year COVID canceled the event - but many of the homes still decorated in beautiful lights. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We took Miles and had a great evening walk. We decided this will be a new tradition we do every year with Baby Namaste!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQqUNz8goi9hUxAHscLDr7JQG8MC09uw8acVKmm5YE3vSNabeCZ0BSwpJcg3uAdQIPvJnItJ_NjoAXXtVfqzfaQU420evskB3_-bKHP5mFhqbCRyonQEcI6oeLkgQTaraLnMGsxIbm_xo/s1280/winterhaven.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQqUNz8goi9hUxAHscLDr7JQG8MC09uw8acVKmm5YE3vSNabeCZ0BSwpJcg3uAdQIPvJnItJ_NjoAXXtVfqzfaQU420evskB3_-bKHP5mFhqbCRyonQEcI6oeLkgQTaraLnMGsxIbm_xo/w300-h400/winterhaven.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">After our walk - Ryan fired up the creme brulee torch to finish off the creme brulee I made earlier in the day. We had an espresso to accompany dessert, and we opened our gifts!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz55gm4m5Kr3oAewvFrtkjaDLTsOiW0cHWv0BHathXZWAH8e7_4k-xrnnUreFgxeCg9GW7DId6efTFxkdITy38dmSIDsfBzmJqyp9iI5OK0Sfb4NQUd54XnbV5fZINaBVUcxmYfZ60T5U/s2048/creme+brulee.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz55gm4m5Kr3oAewvFrtkjaDLTsOiW0cHWv0BHathXZWAH8e7_4k-xrnnUreFgxeCg9GW7DId6efTFxkdITy38dmSIDsfBzmJqyp9iI5OK0Sfb4NQUd54XnbV5fZINaBVUcxmYfZ60T5U/s320/creme+brulee.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Ryan and I did not do big gifts for each other this year - since our "gift" was some updates to our backyard. But he got me a ton of cute pregnancy gifts: different skin products, a cookbook, and this shirt. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I haven't been super keen on the idea of taking pictures of my belly. But I let him snap one, as I know someday it will be fun to look back on!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnvrf8IcCvVvG801DsnZSQ5N1i4jPON8YiBnS9s7iPWYJrYUNvTnqbQQLgdprjuqEr6xw4XEh_uqx2iR-xi9o5G8zjwKp-ljKFE2x79zNK_4TooDK0hGU_wXDanmXjpbpES0Yk7w3xwVA/s960/baby+bump.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnvrf8IcCvVvG801DsnZSQ5N1i4jPON8YiBnS9s7iPWYJrYUNvTnqbQQLgdprjuqEr6xw4XEh_uqx2iR-xi9o5G8zjwKp-ljKFE2x79zNK_4TooDK0hGU_wXDanmXjpbpES0Yk7w3xwVA/w300-h400/baby+bump.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Christmas morning we woke up to the best gift an Arizonan can receive: Rain!!! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I immediately canceled my 5:30 am running plans, and got up and made coffee and blueberry waffles with a blueberry compote (not pictured).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipGc17FV2iRBWjqkGRHKH7Cfsv2tYmsPZ64Lie9LOGIaUEK71mXQ2jhdsxXAP55yYG2XvkhqSqdEraZqVufsyl3D8V0sabptC4Yhg30ip00_YMLnTj0gyQYIJ1FcfX78048VZ_dzxWHfA/s2048/xmas+waffles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipGc17FV2iRBWjqkGRHKH7Cfsv2tYmsPZ64Lie9LOGIaUEK71mXQ2jhdsxXAP55yYG2XvkhqSqdEraZqVufsyl3D8V0sabptC4Yhg30ip00_YMLnTj0gyQYIJ1FcfX78048VZ_dzxWHfA/w300-h400/xmas+waffles.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We face-timed my parents and then had probably a 2-hour zoom call with Ryan's Mom and step-dad in Germany and his sister's family. It was kind of fun to just casually spend a few hours catching up. It almost felt like in person! I was able to make my chocolate pie for Christmas dinner while we were catching up with his family :) </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We then headed to my friend Sharon's home for our annual tradition of Ciopinno Christmas dinner! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It was a really fun evening, as it always is! We are so grateful for our friends who are like family. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Ryan and I decided 5 minutes before heading to dinner, we would wear ugly sweaters. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Ryan had <i>no </i>idea that I had this sweater in my closet - and we laughed so hard about how I "out-uglied" him!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It says "Baaaaa hum-bug" - and there is literally a stuffed lamb coming out of the sweater! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDTY9Whdrs6ovEgJ8kBYGj_k8nGIm79r3H2m8y52Zg0BNXCMh9GDG8VbLtP7gx-AUa-NJo3sFSXwCuKTZltmVMwZysNXHBWSzRYQiredCF0TPk-oPuL8Dv2IicCqYIVYh8W8DWqCs4Snc/s1080/ugly+sweaters.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDTY9Whdrs6ovEgJ8kBYGj_k8nGIm79r3H2m8y52Zg0BNXCMh9GDG8VbLtP7gx-AUa-NJo3sFSXwCuKTZltmVMwZysNXHBWSzRYQiredCF0TPk-oPuL8Dv2IicCqYIVYh8W8DWqCs4Snc/w400-h400/ugly+sweaters.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It was a special 2 days - and I hope that anyone who had to experience Christmas in a different light this year for the 1st time was able to appreciate the importance and gift of good company. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I also hope that by next year we have the luxury back of being able to travel and gather freely again! </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p><br /></p>Abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06854266979976413979noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6096971906693742277.post-57690257414648473132020-12-14T21:03:00.002-07:002020-12-14T21:03:25.358-07:00Finished<p>I will pause for a brief intermission of all things baby to celebrate an exciting moment. </p><p>I am done with grad school! </p><p>This is the first evening that the reality is really settling in. For the past 2.5 years of my life, assignments were due by 9 or 10 pm Tuesday night (for me, since I'm in AZ and everything was on East Coast time)...</p><p>I never waited until Tuesday to submit my assignments - but there were a few Monday nights that I was scrambling. </p><p>I got to add "MSN, RN" behind my name on my email signature today at work - and it felt kind of cool! New letters behind the name are always fun, right? </p><p>I always wanted to get my master's, but honestly didn't think I'd actually do it. </p><p>Then while I was doing it - I had many moments where I thought about quitting. </p><p><i>Then </i>I got pregnant and realized I'd be doing my practicum in the midst of the pandemic, and <i>really </i>thought about putting things on hold. However, I knew that if I put things on hold - that would turn into me not finishing it. </p><p>This will help me in the future if I ever want to take a leadership role within my organization or if I wanted to teach for some universities. </p><p>How will I celebrate? </p><p>Well, being 7 months pregnant during a pandemic doesn't leave room for a great deal of "celebrating opportunities". No champagne or fun trips to the ocean to celebrate. </p><p>But I will celebrate by filling my evenings with more reading, walks, and some house organizing! </p><p><br /></p>Abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06854266979976413979noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6096971906693742277.post-86233112738833942472020-12-07T20:14:00.000-07:002020-12-07T20:14:04.711-07:00Currently<p>First, I would like to say that when I looked at the last time I did a "currently" post - it was September 28. </p><p>Which means >2 months ago.</p><p>So 2 months from now, I'll be holding you in my arms. </p><p>And this is the kind of stuff that literally consumes my brain on an hourly basis. </p><p>I check the expiration date on the coffee creamer and think "February 20 - that means by then baby should be here!" </p><p>:D Wonder if other pregnant women do this...</p><p><strong>Reading</strong>: Indistractable by Nir Eyal. This is a book Ryan actually purchased, but he is reading "1st Time Dad" - so lended this to me as he wanted us both to read it. I love it so far! </p><p>It is about how many things in our lives distract us from what matter, and how to regain "traction" in our lives. It covers everything from how to manage email at work, to how to re-hack your smart phone, to time-blocking your entire day to assure you are giving the people and priorities the attention they deserve.</p><p>Really good book to read as we both work full time, are now running a small business, and will soon have a baby that consumes our every hour. </p><p><b>Thinking</b>: About how it does not feel real that I'm done with school. I think because I've been doing it for >2 years, and it felt like the end was never coming - it just hasn't set in that I won't have homework this weekend. </p><p><br /><strong>Feeling: </strong>A little anxious, to be completely honest. My hospital is at maximum capacity, and our COVID numbers are constantly rising. I was in some scary conversations last week during my final practicum about basically pushing "all hands on deck" to take these COVID patients. </p><p>In fact - my husband is preparing himself to possibly have to get dispatched to this situation being in the National Guard. If the numbers continue to rise - we will be putting patients in our city Convention Center, and deploying military personnel. </p><p>I hope there are hospital beds in February for me to safely deliver my child into. </p><p>But enough of that!</p><p><strong>Anticipating</strong>: A long weekend at Christmas and New Years. I didn't really take any time off from work this year aside from a Friday here and there. I don't know what we are even doing - but it is the 1st Christmas Ryan has not had to work in years (or been home). </p><p><strong>Working</strong>: On our 5th investment property this year! Hopefully by the end of the week, we will have a tenant. We do a rent-to-own model, which is nice because we do not have to do renovations/repairs. We just have to make sure the home is safe, functional, and clean. It's a pretty cool, hands-off model. </p><p><strong>Grateful</strong>: For a lot of things -- to be done with school, to be healthy in my 3rd trimester, that my sister Lisa gave birth last Thursday to the most beautiful boy, and that our temperatures are FINALLY cool here! </p><p><strong>Listening</strong>: To jazz Christmas music. Doing anything and everything to get myself into the Christmas spirit during this weird year...</p><p><strong>Wishing</strong>: My boss accepts my offer to take a 4-month maternity leave! I have my meeting with her on Wedneday. We are only eligible for 12 weeks, so I am asking for an extra 4 weeks. I will be without pay most of it - hospitals only pay nurses for 5 weeks 60% of their income. (pathetic). But I am very grateful that Ryan and I are in a place financially where I don't have to worry about taking a few months without pay to spend with our newborn. </p>Abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06854266979976413979noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6096971906693742277.post-5681128336618794862020-12-01T20:32:00.005-07:002020-12-01T20:32:41.101-07:00Running in the 2nd Trimester<p> I did this after the 1st Trimester - and am doing it again. </p><p><b>Again, I expect no one to read this. </b>This is sort of my "diary" to look back on next pregnancy. </p><p><b>What was different about 2nd Trimester from 1st trimester?</b></p><p>I actually ran so much better in my 2nd trimester because I wasn't so dang sick. It was glorious. </p><p><b>Weekly avg mileage & pace?</b></p><p>I ran 20-25 miles/week. I had a few weeks where I hit 30 miles, but once I got a barre membership - I dropped down to 20 miles/week. </p><p><i><u>Pre-Pregnancy "avg" Road Pace:</u></i> 7:45/mile</p><p><u><i>Pre-Pregnancy Road half marathon pace: </i></u>7:00/mile</p><p><u><i>Pre-Pregnancy Tempo Pace:</i></u> 6:45/mile</p><p><i><u>"Avg" Road Pace 1st Tri:</u></i> 8:40/mile (but it is also averaging 85 degrees + 60% humidity every morning) </p><p><u><i>Tempo Pace 1st Tri:</i></u> 7:30/mile (but I can hold it for very long because it's so hot)</p><p><i><u>Avg Road Pace 2nd Tri:</u></i> 8:20/mile (notice it was faster...attributed to not vomiting + not being 90 degrees at 5 am)</p><p><i><u>Tempo Pace 2nd Tri:</u></i> 7:45/mile </p><p><b>Longest distance ran in 1st trimester:</b></p><p>10 miles! Around Week 15 I was able to do a 10 mile trail run, and that was my longest run of my pregnancy. It was fun to see those double digits - and it was a fun morning as it was a very easy trail that I ran with 2 girlfriends.</p><p><b>Workouts?</b></p><p>I continued with running workouts 1-2 days/week. My running group (WOG) started up in August, and is just 5 minutes from my house. We run on variable surfaces - and one of my friends is coming back from having a baby so it was nice to be sort of similar pace. </p><p>Workouts actually felt better than "easy" runs. I talked to other runner friends who ran through their pregnancy - and they agreed. Our consensus is during a "workout" - you're more focused on form and doing interval-type workouts. Therefore, it just feels better! </p><p><b>Highlights:</b></p><p>My Tues/Thurs WOG workouts. This again was a big part of my "social time" - working from home and living in the pandemic. I really looked forward to 5:15am every Tues/Thurs to put on my headlamp and hit the track with friends. </p><p>I also really enjoyed running when I visited my parents in Minnesota - b/c I got to look at snow and run along the lake.</p><p><b>Tips</b></p><p>My OB encouraged me to keep running if it feels good, since it is such a part of my lifestyle. The only rule she gave me was I must drink at least 1 gallon of water on the days I run and I have to make sure I can still speak in full sentences. I followed that rule and would talk to myself on runs sometimes to be sure I was in control of my breathing.</p><p>I joined a barre studio, and I found this so helpful. there is so much balance and deep core work that I think helped keep my joints and back healthy as my body continues to grow. </p><p><b>I hardly have any pictures from my 2nd trimester, as most of my runs were early in the morning before the sun came up :D But here are a few highlights of me carrying Baby M.</b></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFdae7zLWl5Tg__9owwwWYMV34sifGY9tQPToG_oEtcf3SRu9wWG34fl4ecEzD0R4a9pWBjUOpkNSbR170LiMvCkpCm32Uz0fro2XW4m60NH4ZmNZNHVdeiA8ziXeCmMyNFL0QWbjrjSk/s1080/10+mile+run.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="810" data-original-width="1080" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFdae7zLWl5Tg__9owwwWYMV34sifGY9tQPToG_oEtcf3SRu9wWG34fl4ecEzD0R4a9pWBjUOpkNSbR170LiMvCkpCm32Uz0fro2XW4m60NH4ZmNZNHVdeiA8ziXeCmMyNFL0QWbjrjSk/w400-h300/10+mile+run.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This was taken the day of the 10 miles at Honeybee Canyon with 2 of my closest girlfriends -- Sharon & Lisa!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlv6lZwnbvgybUcOZCS1UmzJqNUvuTXiL5GFwegD2ZzGZi-nAvH6Q2MZbpQXs44DCi80XTCpLotpekFYH3fpz1jLzwhb8rXlVcdZ4La-ldUswYh8N-Ss_q2P44O53bKPRya2k8Nq2uvgg/s1080/phoneline+selfie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlv6lZwnbvgybUcOZCS1UmzJqNUvuTXiL5GFwegD2ZzGZi-nAvH6Q2MZbpQXs44DCi80XTCpLotpekFYH3fpz1jLzwhb8rXlVcdZ4La-ldUswYh8N-Ss_q2P44O53bKPRya2k8Nq2uvgg/w400-h400/phoneline+selfie.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This is taken at the top of Sabino Canyon @ 23 weeks. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I was very excited to make it to the top. This area was closed all summer due to the fires - and when it finally opened in October, I was really hoping I could run it before I got "too pregnant". </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit1N7Hvn-pWSN7-zb9oQRE3mQld6LWUJKOyOpoN6BuOgK4rAQYHLp3fhAbOM-z2AhSPrTd7zcNUkoD7gvu0_Hrihhqg5grd-rRq0wsGO8trv0Yt9O0QQgXjinaUaKrykgKn_2CCEdt7UE/s811/WOG+TT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="811" data-original-width="811" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit1N7Hvn-pWSN7-zb9oQRE3mQld6LWUJKOyOpoN6BuOgK4rAQYHLp3fhAbOM-z2AhSPrTd7zcNUkoD7gvu0_Hrihhqg5grd-rRq0wsGO8trv0Yt9O0QQgXjinaUaKrykgKn_2CCEdt7UE/s320/WOG+TT.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This was a 2 mile TT my "WOG" group did one Saturday morning.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I was 20 weeks here, and I averaged 7:15/mile pace on this and felt pretty proud! (7:15/mile is my typical goal marathon pace...to give some perspective :D) </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Afterwards, I enjoyed an empanada and another Mexican pastry at my favorite Mexican Bakery - and we all sat outside on lawn chairs enjoying a "socially distanced breakfast".</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><b><br /></b><p></p>Abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06854266979976413979noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6096971906693742277.post-43338061381299804142020-12-01T20:08:00.001-07:002020-12-01T20:08:16.508-07:00Final Stretch! <p> Dear Baby Namaste,</p><p>As anticipated, I've been a little absent from blogging. Your Mama had to finish her capstone paper, had 10 hours of practicum each week, on top of working 40 hours/week. Oh, and we closed on 2 real estate deals over the past 8 weeks. So I've been a little "occupied" from blogging. But guess what? She graduates from my masters program in a few short days!!</p><p>But all that doesn't mean you don't consume just about every waking moment of my mind. :D </p><p>I've managed to slide into the 3rd trimester already! I feel like the 1st trimester lasted 2 years, and then once I hit 16 weeks and removed my head from the toilet - the clock started running again! </p><p>I've honestly enjoyed this phase of pregnancy quite a bit. I am so grateful to not be nauseated anymore - that I'm elated. I prayed and prayed to God that if he would just relieve my nausea, I'd never complain again. And I'm holding to that pretty strong...for now :D </p><p>Your nursery is really coming together. I hope you like pink. By the way, that was your Dad's idea. I obviously love pink but wasn't going to suggest it as I assumed I'd get shut down. But he is so over-the-moon excited to add you to our life that he wanted a pink nursery! Score!!</p><p><i>So on that note - since he seems to be so swooned by you. Once you start talking, maybe you can ask him if we can get a housekeeper? And how about a membership to the local spa for a monthly massage :D.... </i></p><p>You've certainly become active. Especially after I eat Indian food (which is almost a weekly occurrence in this household). Pumpkin pie also got your very excited last weekend. You also like to start kicking me at 4 am. Which is funny, because my alarm typically goes off at 4:20am. You must be a morning person like me!</p><p>The doctor told me at my last appointment that you're preferring to hang out "transverse" across my belly. Which means I don't have much of a big baby bump. The benefit is that I have zero back pain and am pretty comfortable. Please do make your way to your proper position as the time gets closer, however ! </p><p>It is surreal to think that in just about 10 weeks I get to hold you in my arms and meet your sweet face! </p><p>With Love,</p><p>Your Content Mama</p>Abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06854266979976413979noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6096971906693742277.post-17628957461207692592020-10-20T19:23:00.003-07:002020-10-20T19:23:58.767-07:0010 Questions <p>How fast does the 2nd half of pregnancy go? My 1st half went extraordinarily slow, and there were 5 weeks where I didn't even know I was pregnant. But I also spent 95% of those months lying down or vomiting or thinking about how I wanted to lie down and vomit. </p><p>I'm starting to feel like I ought to be "doing something". </p><p>You know that feeling in the morning when you're sort of still asleep, but you're coming to consciousness? that is sort of how I feel about pregnancy right now. I'm sort of hyperfocused on work, adjusting/establishing myself in a new role and really finishing the last 7 weeks of grad school. But here is the list of things that are on my mind sort of "peripherally" stressing me out.</p><p>When I come back to consciousness after December 6 (when I finish school) - I'll re-read this post and start going through the checklist, I suppose. </p><p>1. How do you bring a citizen into the world? Am I supposed to be contacting someone about her birth certificate? Who handles that? </p><p>2. How early do I have to let a pediatrician know they have a patient to see? I was provided a print-out list of pediatricians by my OB office when I was 8 weeks pregnant, along with a large folder of other lists and resources I'm not quite sure what I'm supposed to do with. </p><p>3. How many diapers do I buy? What kind of diapers do I buy? We decided against doing cloth, because I am more stressed about using too much water and our laundry room is too close to our living space - and I don't want to deal with that smell. </p><p>4. How do you arrange maternity leave with your employer? I have a timeframe set in my mind, and know that I will have to take several weeks unpaid (which is fine...I'd rather have time with my newborn than have a paycheck. We live below our means for these kinds of perks...)</p><p>5. Do I <i>really </i>need to take any pre-birthing classes? My hospital canceled everything due to COVID. The online ones are rather pricey and quite a time commitment. Is it work the money or can I read a book? </p><p>6. Where are we going to establish daycare? Again, COVID cancels any ability to tour the places we have chosen. But I'd like to step foot in the place before we make that decision. </p><p>7. What do we need to register for? And how many of these different things? </p><p>8. How do you handle it with work when you go into labor? Like....when I am going into labor at 2am, should I quick log on and set up my "Out of office reply"? (lol)</p><p>9. What if I can't figure out how to console our baby? I've babysat young children. I've stabilized old cardiac patients as a cardiac nurse. I've helped resuscitate drug overdoses as an emergency room nurse. I've never taken care of a newborn. </p><p>10. What else should I be stressing about that I'm missing?</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06854266979976413979noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6096971906693742277.post-6326879719610220802020-10-05T17:59:00.001-07:002020-10-05T17:59:46.289-07:00A Letter to You<p> Dear Baby Namaste,</p><p>I can remember a handful of times in my life where I would upset or let down my Mom or cause worry, and I would get frustrated that she was "in my business". And my Mom would respond and tell me, "Until I have a child of my own, I'll never be able to understand the love and worry a mother's heart feels."</p><p>As I got older and started thinking about having a family - I still didn't quite "get" it. </p><p>And as things have progressed in my pregnancy and I got to see all your perfectly developed organs on the anatomy scan last week, I think it started to click. Nothing in this entire world matters more to me than knowing that you are healthy and growing. And I have not even met you yet! </p><p>Every time I feel a little twitch in my stomach right now of your little feet fluttering, my heart swells to know that you're there and alive. </p><p>I wonder if you can hear me talking about you with your Dad, and how excited we are for life with you. I wonder if you feel me put my hand on my stomach as the closest thing to a hug I can give you right now. Can you hear your dad some mornings when he puts his head on my stomach and says "Good morning, sweet Maddy. I love you!"? </p><p>While I have had a lot of moments in pregnancy that I haven't loved (i.e. vomiting my brains out at 2 am every night for several weeks) or trying to navigate doing my 8 weeks of grad school practicum, while VERY pregnant, while working 40 hours a week, in a hospital, during a pandemic.... :D (your mama is crazy)</p><p>But those discomforts are heavily overshadowed by the excitement of bringing you into this world and getting to be your mama! I cannot quantify how much energy I put into hoping you are healthy, hoping I can be a good mom to you, and hoping you're a happy child. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihKiPp4_woWdHoCbTVnMiNZc4jaJ3LwocpQck9_wYFtrifCc1rtV5nY8lVeVlmG3NxqD124iB4BocTFV0dw8BVzTAY6rm2rdSymG6j1OKawy6gKi58AodOABNmubYnb3gkgMD-ktWCY6A/s2048/baby+namaste+waving.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihKiPp4_woWdHoCbTVnMiNZc4jaJ3LwocpQck9_wYFtrifCc1rtV5nY8lVeVlmG3NxqD124iB4BocTFV0dw8BVzTAY6rm2rdSymG6j1OKawy6gKi58AodOABNmubYnb3gkgMD-ktWCY6A/s320/baby+namaste+waving.jpg" /></a></div><br />That's all.<p></p><p>Sincerely,</p><p>Over The Moon</p>Abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06854266979976413979noreply@blogger.com2