20 Week Highlights

How Far Along: Last Saturday marked 20 weeks

Size of Baby: Mango, 10 oz.

Weight Gain: Didn't gain anything this week so still 12 pounds 

Stretch Marks: Nope!

Maternity Clothes:  Loving my Liz Lange maternity jeans and I have a few favorite tee-shirts right now.  I'm sure I will become more creative in the next few weeks since schools is back in session and I will have reason to dress up.

Gender:  Sweet baby boy!

Movement:  Yes.  And I think he sometimes like to play kickball with my kidney!

Sleep: The past week I've slept great!  You know you married a good man when he sleeps on the couch so that you can get a good night rest.  And, no, I didn't ask him to or even kick him (I don't think) out of the bed.  He just did it to be sweet.

Missing:  Wine; I would love a glass of wine after a stressful day of school, but that just can't happen right now.

Loving:  Shopping for Baby G!  Now that I know he is a boy, I can purchase things and get our registry started. I am trying not to buy much knowing we will get a TON of stuff at showers, but it is just fun to know what we are having and be able to buy things.  I did buy him a 6 month summer outfit that will be perfect for when we travel to the Adirondacks next summer and for any breezy summer days we may experience in NC.  After all, you can't avoid a Target clearance rack in the baby section.

Craving:  Lemon. When I go out to eat I say extra lemon for my water and most waiters give me at least 4-5 slices!  Plus my friends give me their slices :o)

Feeling: Loved. Last week was a really hard week for one of my best friends and myself.  Without going into too much detail it was really revealed to me how many people in my life truly love me and care about me as well as the friends I have.  I'm sure I will share more as I feel comfortable, but just knowing that there are so many people in my life praying, loving, and looking out for me and my friends means the world to me.

Looking Forward: I'm excited to register for Baby G.  Thinking maybe we can do that Labor Day.  Also, very excited to be welcoming a new member of our family in at a wedding this weekend.  Love this girl and the man she is marrying and can't wait to be real family.  

Best Moment(s):   My mother in-law and I went to Costco Saturday to grocery shop and she spoiled us rotten.  We also enjoyed a delicious lunch at Panera.  Taking gender reveal photos with my hubby was so fun and I'm so pleased with how they came out.  I set up my trusty tripod and used what little editing skills I have.  I can't wait until I get really good with that thing because I've already done more with it than I thought I could.

Went grocery shopping and saw that those cookies you just throw in the oven had a coupon on them,

so we got peanut butter and chocolate chip.  Yum!

Bought these babies for our sweet baby.  Can't wait for him to wear them next football season!

Also bought Baby G the perfect outfit for summer in the ADK next summer.

Linking up for H54F

Baby Boy Wishlist

Now that we know we are having a baby boy, I find myself pinning all sorts of goodies for Baby G and scanning Walmart/Target/Belk/anybabysectionanywhere for little goodies for my sweet boy.  I know it's crazy to purchase stuff because we will get so much for shower gifts and from loving friends and family, but I just can't help but want all the things that scream cutie patootie!

So, I thought I would make a baby boy wish list of things I've seen around that I would love to splurge on for the little guy if NC didn't stomp on teachers or money really did grow on trees of course.

baby boy wishlist by coachgaines on Polyvore

1. I had to admit, I'm obsessed with leggings and leg warmers for little ones.  Especially ones like this with a simple print that can go with so many different onesies.

2. We've been debating on an outfit to bring him home in.  We want it to be special.  This one is so sweet, classic, and special with the monogram.  Since we're keeping Baby G's name a surprise until he gets here, we thought it would be nice to have his name on the outfit he comes home in.

3.  This mobile is perfect!  I'm doing the room in greens, blues, and yellows and this has all those colors plus some.  Since we don't have a particular theme I like that it doesn't have animal shapes or anything like that.

4.  Baby Toms.  I don't need to explain.  Since getting pregnant, I've wanted to get a pair of green Toms and get a matching pair for my baby.  I figured green was a great way to go no matter what we found out we were having.

5.  This hat is adorable.  It is my husband's style and will look darling on a baby boy.

6.  Every time I hear this song by the Lumineers I think of the precious gift growing inside my belly and how he belongs with me.  I was chosen to be his mommy for a reason.  He is my sweetheart.  I want this hanging in our nursery and these colors happen to be perfect.  Confession: I bought this already!  Couldn't bear to live without it hanging in his nursery.

7.  Football legwarmers, heck yes!  So stinking cute.  I can see him wearing these with the new ECU sneakers I purchased him from Zulilly next football season.

8.  A nursing necklace - I'm not sure if these are just novelties or necessities, but they seem to be a great ploy to keep baby entertained while feeding.  I love that this one is long enough for him to reach and all the different colors in it.

Linking up with Ashley

Celebrate EVERYTHING: Baby Boys

We are so excited to know that we are going to be having a sweet baby boy in January!!

After all, a daughter grows up to be your friend, but a boy will always be your baby.

*You don't have to do boy's hair*
*Little Man outfits*
*Boys like to play rough and get dirty*
*Mama's boys - nuff said*
*Boys generally have a high self-esteem*
*Football*


I would like to point out that had we found out we were having a girl, we would be equally as excited and certainly celebrate that news as well.  I must admit there are a few things about raising a boy I'm nervous about including:
*worms*
*girlfriends*
*football*
And a multitude of others that I will have to figure out as we go!

What are you celebrating?
Link up below!

BBQ Chicken Salad Recipe

This is another one of those recipes I tried at a restaurant and loved so much I just had to remake it at home and over the years I've changed it up on multiple occasions depending on what was in my fridge at the time.  I think I originally had it at California Pizza Kitchen years ago; Panera has a very similar BBQ Chopped Chicken Salad.

Ingredients:

• BBQ chicken (grill after marinating in your favorite bbq sauce overnight)
• Romaine
• Black beans (washed and drained)
• Corn (drained)
• Jicama (optional, but trust me it is worth every bite!)
• Favorite veggies 
• BBQ sauce or Ranch dressing

Steps:

1. Marinate chicken in your favorite BBQ sauce overnight (I prefer Sweet Baby Ray's) and grill completely through.
2. Prepare lettuce, black beans, jicama, and any other veggies on plate.
3. Put corn in skillet to "blacken" on medium-high heat until warmed and slightly black in places. (This step is not necessary, but it adds flavor and makes your salad seem more gourmet)
4. Garnish with extra BBQ sauce or your favorite dressing.
5. Enjoy!

P.S. Tomorrow is the Celebrate EVERYTHING! link up so be sure to get ready to celebrate whatever is going great in your life and come back tomorrow to link up!

19 weeks and the BIG reveal!

How Far Along: Last Saturday marked 19 weeks

Size of Baby: Heirloom tomato: 8.5 ounces, 6 inches

Weight Gain: 12 pounds 

Stretch Marks: Not on my tummy...sorry for the tmi dad!

Maternity Clothes:  Maternity is still just a tad too big for me, but I'm making them work because they are SO much more comfy than normal clothes.  I just don't quite fill out most of my tops and my bottoms sag a little so I yank them up!  But, really though...maternity clothes should be the norm - comfort is key!

Gender:  Keep reading.

Movement:  Yes, quite a bit of movement lately.

Sleep: Bought myself a body pillow at Ikea last week and sleeping with that is heaven!

Missing:  My family.  Particularly my mom, dad, and brother bear.  Finding out the gender this week was super exciting and I'm so glad I got to call them immediately with the news, but I really wish they could have been in the room with me.  Thanksgiving!

Loving:  S'more poptarts; CONFESSION: I bought more.  They were on sale - don't hate.

Craving:  Sushi.  I'm seeing some cooked rolls in my near future in preparation for the first week of school with kids.  I deserve it....right hubby?

Feeling: Blessed.  There are so many things we take for granted and this week and last, especially, opened my eyes to the miracle that I get to be part of.  I have said it from the beginning, but I will say it again: I fully intend to embrace and drink in every precious moment in these 9 months.

Looking Forward: Celebrating one of the sweetest friends I've made since moving to NC tomorrow as she prepares to be a bride and another sweet friend expecting her first baby (boy) on Sunday.   

Best Moment(s):   Finding out we are having a BOY!!  Seeing every single nook and cranny of Baby G on an extra ultrasound we had done at the hospital this week.  Being surrounded by amazing friends that rally together in good times and in bad.

I will have nicer pictures after the weekend.

My week took an unexpected twist and we weren't able to take nice announcement pictures yet.

Brick Wall

Tee: GAP old (love this option), Jeans: Liz Lange Maternity (option, non-maternity option), Shoes: Sanuk

Are you sick of the side pony?  I can't help it.  Prenatal vitamins are working wonders on my hair and I just find myself wanting to wear it down all. the. time.  Unfortunately, despite cooler temps it is still soooooper humid outside so - side pony it is.

Also, brace yourself, if you're already sick of the side pony there's a good chance you will get sick of this glorious brick wall I came across in my town because when I found it I got really excited about pictures in front of it!  I got the fancy camera - now a fancy back drop.  Moving up in the world!

If you hate the brick wall, don't come back tomorrow because there will be more pictures in front of the brick wall.  But, if you don't come back tomorrow, you won't know the answer to Tuesday's question because tomorrow is the big announcement!!  (In front of the brick wall.)

Bow Ties or Hair Bows

Today is D Day!

We find out what we're having!!

Here is what the old wives tales say:

High or Low: Low

Front or Horizontal: Front

Acne or Dry Skin: Acne

Ring Swing: Back and Forth and then Circular...who knows?!

Heart Rate: Girl

Sweet or Sour: Sour and Sweet

Chinese Calendar: Girl

Hubby's Weight: Same

Morning Sickness: Queasy

Face Change: Fuller and rosy

Feet Hot or Cold: Hot

Fruit or Cheese: Fruit

Nose Bigger or Same Size: Same

Chest Growth: In my friends words, "Out of control!"

Placenta placement at first ultrasound: Left

What do you think?

heavy questions and hearts

I feel like being very quiet today.

Everything is okay here in my life, but some of my friends and loved ones are going through things that I cannot imagine going through right now.

And, it just seems appropriate to be quiet for them...with them.

There are so many things in life that are unexplainable and its hard not to question

...why, how, who?

I know there is a reason for everything and that nothing deserves explanation,

so I will just be quiet today and embrace the peace that I pray my loved ones begin to feel.

I will be back tomorrow with a lighter heart.

Thank you for understanding.

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give as the world gives. 

Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. 

John 14:27

18 weeks

How Far Along: Last Saturday marked 18 weeks

Size of Baby: Mango, 6 inches, 1/2 pound

Weight Gain: 10 pounds 

Stretch Marks: I'm going to say NO instead of "not yet" in hopes that I don't get any! :o)

Maternity Clothes:  Grateful for some cooler weather this week!  I'm almost to the point where I can wear some items that have been given to me by various companies and I'm really excited to be collaborating with For Two Fitness in the near future.

Gender:  We find out August 20th!!  So soon!

Movement:  Yes, baby loves yoga! 

Sleep: Trying so hard to stay on my left side, but I hate it. I'm contemplating investing in a pregnancy pillow or a body pillow.  Any advice?  

Missing:  Certain cheeses - hubby and I love a good cheese platter and glass of wine.  

Loving:  S'more poptarts - refusing to buy them anymore.  I ate a whole box in like 4 days.  Bad news.

Craving:  Nothing in particular, but still loving lemons and vinegar.  My girlfriend hands me her lemon as soon as our waters come out and I usually say lots of lemon so they bring me 3-4 slices for my water.

Feeling: Happy.  Motivated.  Relieved that we finally sold our dining room table, 2 end tables, and my Cricut machine to make room in what was my sewing room for the nursery.  Those were stressing me out.

Looking Forward: 4 days til we find out if we are team bow ties or hair bows!!  

Best Moment(s): Making some new baby items to sell at future craft fairs and having several people place orders and give me fabulous ideas for future projects.  I'm hoping to do a few fairs in the next few months.  

High Fives for Friday

1. I'm spending my day at Ikea right now with some of the best friends.  Be jealous.  This is just one of the items that will be coming home with me.  Momma needs space for her sewing materials!
   
2. Cooler weather and quite possibly a few signs of fall.  I'm not mad.
3. Purchasing the dresser from Craig's List that I had been lusting over for the nursery!  Can't wait to get the whole nursery together and share it with you all.  I already have a very clear vision.
4. Finding out that our county and UNCGreensboro are coming together to help us graduate in plenty of time so that we will all receive master's pay!  If you aren't sure what I'm talking about, click here to read about the frustrating new laws passed in our state regarding teacher pay and education in general.
5. Embracing these last days of summer as I prepare to go back to work on Monday.

Linked up with Lauren for H54F

Slippery Slope

When people ask me how I'm feeling, I just smile and say, "Great!"  It's true, I do feel great.  I'm 4.5 months pregnant and sometimes I forget that anything is different!  Then I move just right and remember there is a baby in my belly.

I know I'm lucky.  I'm enjoying a healthy pregnancy and I know that not everyone gets to have this experience.  I credit my healthy and active lifestyle prior to becoming pregnant for that.

Running, yoga, water aerobics, and daily walks are my routine.  Fact of the matter is, they always were.

People seem to be astounded that I'm doing all that still.  Some even question whether or not I should be...claiming I need to slow down, take care of baby, get rest while I can.  I understand their concern, but this was my life before getting pregnant...why would I use pregnancy as an excuse to stop now?

If anything, it should be an excuse to start taking better care of myself.  Taking care of yourself is more than just eating less ice cream and more veggies.  It includes exercise.  Obviously, if you weren't active before getting pregnant, you need to be careful how active you become during pregnancy because it is not the time to start a new regimen, but certainly don't take it as an excuse to put your feet up, eat whatever you want, and DVR everything.

One excuse is a slippery slope.  Once you make one, it becomes easy to make one per day.
Turn your excuses into reasons.

Sunshine Me Time

Top: Liz Lange Maternity (if you go to the store, this was $5.98 on clearance), Skirt: Banana Republic Outlet (similar)

Guys, I didn't share this before because I have a wild imagination that takes away from me especially into the dark hours of the night and wee hours of the morning.  But, last week from Sunday to Friday night, my husband was in banking school and I was home alone...all day and night.

I thought I would be able to rest so well in that big bed all by myself, stretching out and using all the pillows I wanted.  Not to mention, a quiet night with no tv or snoring!  Let me tell you, it was the complete opposite.  I blamed it on pregnancy the first night - not being able to get comfortable, required to sleep on my left side.  By the third night, when I was exhausted and still wide awake after midnight, I realized it had nothing to do with pregnancy.  I wasn't uncomfortable or in pain; I just wasn't at ease.

I'm so excited he is home now.  Being home alone has never been something I enjoyed.  Before marriage, when I lived by myself, I would lock the front door (several locks) and my bedroom door at night.  I kept my phone and keys right beside my bed and made sure to have a first floor apartment so I could get out my bedroom window before anyone could get into me.  I even locked the bathroom door while using the bathroom in case someone came in!  In college, my roommate and I actually had the option of having our own rooms.  Instead, we put our beds in one room so we could sleep in the same room and put our desks/dressers in the other room so we could get ready and do work without keeping each other awake.

I've always been so independent and such a free spirit (laid back, go with the flow) that I never realized my dependency on others.  After 3 years of marriage, I don't want to be away from my husband (unless I have to).  Now, I'm not saying I don't enjoy alone time - I loooooove "me time."  I got so much done this week: cleaning, nursery inspiration board, prepped for a yard sale, etc.  But that is all during the day time!

I'll take my "me time" when the sun is shining.  How about you?

Easy & Healthy Snacks for Work

Being pregnant at work is not easy.

You may find yourself starving halfway through the morning, way before lunch time.
If you walk past the candy bowl or the vending machine several times a day with those hunger pangs taunting you, it can be easy to grab Doritos or a Honeybun which are both not fantastic choices.

I am all about indulging on occasion.  Now that I'm pregnant, I may find a way to indulge once a day even (keep in mind I am still running, practicing prenatal yoga, and taking water aerobics.)  However, if you don't plan, it can become very easy to indulge multiples times a day/week.  Those indulgences will not keep you satisfied nor will they help with the extra weight gain already happening.

The most important thing to remember when snacking is that you are providing nutrition the baby needs.  I've read over and over that we really only need, on average, an extra 300 calories during pregnancy.  Most women take this opportunity to eat whatever we want without abandon.  I am definitely having more than normal, but I'm trying to listen to what my body needs.  So I've come up with several snacks that are quick, easy, healthy, and satisfying for the work place.

healthy snacks while pregnant by coachgaines on Polyvore

If you pick up a snack like a bag of Doritos or a Honeybun or a candy bar, chances are you will be hungry within an hour or so.  Those choices will not satisfy your hunger.  They might satisfy your tastebuds, but eventually you will need something else to curb your cravings.  And let's just be honest, none of us need the extra calories and sugar, especially when pregnant.

With a little planning, you can be sure to have healthy snacks on hand each day.  Buy snack size ziploc bags and fill them with raw almonds, carrots, berries, trail mix, or edamame.  Fix a small cup of peanut butter or hummus to dunk those fruits or vegetables in.  I prepare all of my snacks along with my lunch the night before.  In today's world of fast pace, convenience there are so many healthy pre-packaged options.  Recently, Influenster invited me to test out the Lifeway Kefir products.  They offer a variety of different products ranging from cheese to frozen treats. 

Kefir is one of the best probiotics out there.  It gives your body the good bacteria it needs to aid your immune system.  It has a similar taste and texture to yogurt you drink, but contains more live and active cultures.  I tried the strawberry cultured milk smoothie.  I'm going to be completely honest; I was skeptical.  When I poured it into my glass for the first time I was afraid of how it would feel in my mouth and what the after taste would be.  I have to admit, I really liked it!  What a tasty way to get some healthy bacteria into your diet.

I had some difficulty locating it in my small town, but they carry it in most Walmarts and Lowes' Foods if you are interested in trying it.  I will definitely be purchasing it again.  Drink up!

*I was compensated for this post, but all opinions are my own.*

Mouthwatering Mondays

17 Weeks

How Far Along: Last Saturday marked 17 weeks

Size of Baby: Sweet Potato, 5 oz.

Weight Gain: 8 pounds - Things are supposed to speed up the next few weeks.  Yikes!

Stretch Marks: I'm going to say NO instead of "not yet" in hopes that I don't get any! :o)

Maternity Clothes:  Loving maternity, but still able to wear some of my regular clothes.  Finally organized my closet this week with what I can still wear in the front and I was pleasantly surprised at the versatility my wardrobe still has.  A lot of my maternity is still a little big on me.

Gender:  We find out August 20th!!  Countdown is on!

Movement:  Yes!  Baby even woke me up one morning.  Felt a lot while I was swimming, too.  

Sleep: Trying so hard to stay on my left side, but I hate it.  I am a belly sleeper and since I can't do that, I'm wanting to sleep on my right side.  I'm trying really hard to not do that since I know I'm not supposed to.  

Missing:  Sushi.  Bad.  Sleep, but I think sushi more actually.  Is that sad?

Loving:  Yoga.  It's keeping me stretched, loose, and comfortable.  When my back or hips start bothering me I just do the moves I've learned and its almost immediate relief.

Craving:  Vinegar!  I have been dunking my fries in it and I even bought a bag of Salt & Vinegar chips.

Feeling: In love with life - is that a real feeling?  

Looking Forward: Having a yard sale this weekend to make room in the nursery.  We have SO much we are wanting to get rid of including electronics, furniture, and tons of clothing.  I'm really hoping for good weather and a good crowd.  I know we have time for another one, but I would love to get this stuff out of the way so nursery can be under construction ASAP.

Best Moment(s): Hanging out with girlfriends at the pool for my good friend's bachelorette party and being with family for a birthday party.  Words can't describe how good this glow feels on the inside! Also, reading my sweet friend's letter to her unborn baby - this whole miracle is so beautiful to me.

High Fives for Friday:

1. Letting go of some of my fears and worries about motherhood and how to be a supermom earlier this week.  Your comments and love were so much appreciated and it was refreshing to hear that no one expects anyone to do everything perfectly.
2. Dinner with Angela and Mia - loved catching up with these 2.  Plus, Nantucket Grill gives a free "half" (literally double a normal serving) piece of cake on Tuesdays if you spend more than $10!  Score.
   
   
   
   
3. Finally finding the perfect piece of furniture for the nursery after scouring Craigs List for days!  Even though we don't know what the gender of the baby is yet, we have a clear idea of what we want the nursery to look like so I'm trying to get as much done as possible.
4. These 2 pups follow me everywhere and as annoying as it can be at times, I really love it.  I've read that dogs can tell you are having puppies they just don't know how many you're having; now I have high security at all times.
   
   
   
   
5. Cleaning and organizing and getting things ready for our yard sale tomorrow.  I'm hoping lots of people come buy stuff.  I'm ready to get it out of the house!  It is currently sitting in a pile in the nursery!
   
   P.S. Did you sign up for our $50 CASH giveaway?!  Click here and fill your gas tank for back to school!

The Transition Period

I know that I'm no pregnancy guru or expert or anything, but I think I'm officially or mostly out of that transition period.  The period where you are pregnant and you know you are pregnant, but you don't yet look it.  Instead, you just look like you've made a few too many trips through the Krispy Kreme drive-thru when the light is on.

It's a really difficult period of time to navigate for many reasons.  Some people are still not sharing the fact that they are pregnant with the world during this time.  Some have a strong desire to look pregnant early on because they are so excited - just being honest, a bump is fun to dress.  Some may not fit comfortably into their normal clothes, but are still too small for maternity.  And who wants to go out and buy bigger sizes for a month of wear?

transition period by coachgaines featuring mossimo

So, I came up with a list of Transition Period Essentials that helped me and may help you get through this weird period of time when you feel pregnant, but you don't look pregnant.

• Jersey Knit dresses: They stretch enough to fit your growing body and if you get the right cut, they can help to conceal that spare tire you've got growing around your waist until it turns into a bump.  Empire waist will help conceal it best.  Belting it around the waist is cute as well.
• Maxi skirts: These are perfect because they stretch so much as well and they are comfortable.  You can wear them above your new belly or below and most of them will grow with you as you do.
• Belly Band: I bought the one here in nude.  I ended up going back and getting one in black as well.  They are perfect for that moment when you can no longer button your pants comfortably.  They make your tummy look more like a bump and kind of hold everything in.  You could definitely wear this after delivery to transition back into your regular clothes again.
• Blousy tops: Anything that is loose and flowy is going to be comfortable, help conceal what you want hidden, and last you a while until you are at least into your second trimester.
• Workout capris: I am still wearing the same size I was before, but next time I'm near a Marshall's or TJ Maxx I will buy a size bigger.  These are more comfortable than cinch waist because they help to support your tummy while working out.  Most are pretty stretchy so they will grow with you to an extent.
• Bras: Shortly after finding out I was pregnant, I had to go up a whole cup size.  I'm almost ready to go up another and I'm only 4 mos.  (should I have warned about TMI?) Do not invest big bucks in your bras during this time.  I bought 2 from Target for about $12 and they have done a fabulous job during this transition time.
• Sports bras: Go to WalMart or Target and buy a multipack (or two) because during this time, you don't even want to think about a regular bra unless you have to.  Sports bras are much more comfortable during this time when everything is super tender.

Don't go out and spend a bunch of money on these things because chances are, much like maternity clothes, they are going to be worn for a brief time.  This is the perfect time to hit up stores like TJ Maxx, Marshall's, and Target.  Not that I don't shop at those stores all the time.

What items would you mommas add to the list?

Linking up with Style Elixir & The Mrs. and the Momma

Sometimes Renting is Better

*I was compensated for this post, but all opinions are my own*

I would dare say that a few years ago I would argue renting was a waste of money.  When I was in my apartment, I literally felt like I was throwing away money each month because I knew, in the long run, I would have nothing to show for it.  I have found one instance where renting is actually smarter than owning.  In fact, it may save you from throwing away money!  Campus Book Rentals

As a current grad student, I have rented texts.  We all know there are those classes you are required to take that don't necessarily fit the mold of what you will be doing with your degree once you complete your program.  Or there is the professor that requires you to get the brand new 17th edition of the text because the forward has been rewritten and if you walk into class with the 16th edition, he won't accept it.  That happened to me last semester.  So, I rented the text.  I got to write in it, highlight, and even fold pages when I felt the desire and then, I returned it.  The best part: it cost me a fraction, less than half a fraction, of the price the text would have cost me to purchase!

If you're a student and you've never rented a book, let me enlighten you:

• Save 40-90% off the campus bookstore price
• Free shipping both ways
• Highlight in the text (treat it like you own it)
• Flexible renting periods
• Risk-free returns within 21 days (Oops!  Dropped the class?  Return it!)

Something about Campus Book Rentals that really touched me was that with each textbook rented, they donate to Operation Smile.  That is so awesome.  So not only are you benefitting from this fantastic service, but children all over the world are benefitting as well!

One last thing - as if it can get any better - they have recently implemented a new program Called Rent Back where you can sign up to rent your texts to others.  So, rather than taking it back to the bookstore and getting a measly few dollars (enough for the campus laundry), you can make money off books you already own more than once by renting it out to other students!  I haven't gotten to use this service since it is new, but you can bet that I'm going to go through my old texts and see if there are any that might qualify.  Holla for a dolla!

Check it out, I don't think you'll be disappointed.

the Desire and the Dose

DomesticatedWorkingWoman

Blame it on Pinterest, or Blog World, or our generation, but there are so many incredible moms out there that I find myself with a strong desire to be Super Mom.  You know... cloth diapers, homemade organic baby food, breast feeding for 16+ months...

It hit me the other day that some women are extremely talented and maybe even called to do ALL those things.  It is their job to be a stay at home mommy and bless them for that.  Unfortunately staying at home is not in my cards...at least not right now.  Therefore I needed my own mom to give me a dose of reality when I was carrying on about all these magnificent things I'm going to do on top of being a wife, mother, teacher, student, and keeping the child alive!

She brought to my attention that I cannot do all of those things and do them 100%.  And she is right.  I am the type of person that does things 100% or I don't do them at all.  So, it was time for me to sit down and prioritize what is best for me, my husband, and our growing family.  It is okay not to do everything ourselves.  It is okay to spend money on conveniences that save us time.  It is okay to admit that there will be times that I will be too tired, busy, or stressed to be Super Mom.

None of these things will affect the love I demonstrate to my baby.  So, it's okay.

I've realized that the best moms capitalize on their strengths and make up for their weaknesses in other ways.  The best moms focus more time and energy on their baby and less on cleaning, cooking, and worrying.  So, as I come into mommyhood there are things you will and will not see on this blog and there are things I will try to do and fail at.  There are things I will not want to do that may work out for the best.  I promise to share it all with you: the good and the bad, the success and the failure.

You will not see me using cloth diapers.  I wish I could and I know there are so many women out there just as busy as I am that do.  However, after looking at expense, time, and effort I have realized that this is one area where convenience is worth the money.  It is difficult to find a daycare willing to use cloth diapers and this is a decision we have made for our family.

You will not see me making ALL my baby's food.  I will make most of the food, but this is another area where at times convenience will be worth the time saved.  My husband and I eat many steamed veggies so I will definitely be preparing those for baby, but I cannot commit myself to spending a few hours each week preparing all the food myself.  When the time comes, if I realize I enjoy making the food and it is not super time-consuming, perhaps I will change my mind.

You will see me attempting to breast feed for as long as physically possible, but this will include pumping as I will be going back to work full time.  I've heard horror stories and blessings about breast feeding and I'm praying already that I have the blessing of this bonding moment with my babe.

You will see me loving this baby, unconditionally with all my being each and every moment of every day.  I'm sure you will get sick of pictures, tweets, stories, and celebrations.  I'm also sure you will forgive me.  After all, this is the most essential thing I can do for this child.

I think every mom is a Super Mom.  

Navigating motherhood and raising children is not an easy job.  

Any woman who does so with grace, humility, and love is a Super Mom in my book.

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