Nesting mama!

It's official -- I have entered full-on nesting mode. 😜😜😜

It's crazy. It's intense. It's real.😝😝😝😝

And tomorrow is May 1. That means we will hopefully meet BBL2 this month! Yay!🤗🤗

Perhaps that realization alone has sent me into overdrive. Here's a list of what we got accomplished today with a sense of urgency:🤓

1. Greg planted lots of beautiful plants and flowers in the front of our home. We can't wait for them to bloom!🌺💐🌻🌸🌼🌷🌹

2. I organized and exchanged all of our winter shoes and coats for spring and summer ones. Here's hoping for more warm weather moving forward!☀️☀️

3. I completely updated my pregnancy journal through Month 9.📒📒

4. I wrote all of the thank you notes from my work baby shower.📝📝

5. Laundry is done and folded, even our winter coats for next year!🏆🏆

6. Several frozen meals are ready for post-baby!🍕🍔🌯🍽🍼

7. The nursery is organized, even down to outfits and diapers! And thanks to my work shower, we have plenty in all sizes. Score!👶🏻👶🏻

8. Grading and planning for my Saturday school class is up to date. 📝

Still to be done:

1. Pack hospital bags for us.

2. Install infant car seat in our van.

3. Order new breast pump.

4. Secure care for Will and Dexter depending on timing of baby.

5. Organize maternity clothes by season (I'm a weirdo).🌟🌟🌟

Did I mention I LOVE organization? It's a weird affinity of mine.👏👏👏

I feel really revved up now, so perhaps I should do some light reading, calm breathing, calm the **** down, and go to bed.💤💤💤

BBL2, we are ready for you, but please cook at least a few weeks more, if not more!! 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

#babyprepinfullforce #nestingtotheextreme #bringit

Stop the madness!

Let's talk about forming habits. 🤓🤔

Yes, they say it takes 3 weeks of doing something every single day for it to start to become a habit for you. I agree.😎🤓

I'm a big routine person, which works well for me, especially as a toddler mom. Toddlers LOVE and thrive on routines, Will included.👶🏻👶🏻

But lately, I haven't been satisfied with my evening routine after Will is in bed. I spend a great deal of time answering work emails, organizing, cleaning, and putzing around on Facebook. As a result, the only down time I get is walking the dog or time with Greg. 🐶💗

I miss real books. Audiobooks and my Kindle are great, but I miss the feel of a good hardcover or paperback in my hands before bed of a title NOT related to school, coursework, or YA intended for my students.📚📚📚

I want to make time for reading the old fashioned -- and best -- way again. I'm going to try making this a nightly habit, rather than ending my day on social media. I think this will ultimately be a healthier, more relaxed, and balanced person at the end of the day. 🌟👏🌟👏

Who's with me? Who has a new habit they want to start forming??💞💞💞

Oh, and an addictive habit I need to stop ASAP? Buying Lularoe through online parties. I have more than enough of their amazing butter leggings, tops, and adorable dresses. Stop, Kay! Stop the madness!!😂😂😂

The perfect day!

There were a lot of things I could or should have accomplished today on my day off (thanks to the Primaries). 😜

But I chose to ignore my to-do list and put myself first. Yes, I did. And I don't feel guilty one bit.😉😀😜

And it was a perfect day. Some highlights and/or things that brought me happiness today:☀️☀️☀️

1. Not setting an alarm clock. Will and I even slept until after 7!😀

2. Relaxing with Will over breakfast and bringing him into school to find a special shelf of cars and trucks waiting for Will from his fave current teacher! 

🚒🚑🚗

3. AM Barre class. 💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻

4. A fabulous prenatal massage, made even better with the gift card I redeemed. 💗

5. Leisurely lunch at Panera where I spent time catching up on reading for pleasure!🍽

6. A powerful matinee that needs to be seen -- Barbershop: The Next Cut. It's a telling commentary on race relations and ongoing gang violence in Chicago with a hopeful and action-oriented message. #chicagostandup👏👏

7. A Starbucks Oprah Chai Latte.☕️

8. A fun and entertaining trip to Wegman's with Will.🍣🌮🍲

9. SO much fun with him outside on the playground and then going for a long walk with Dex.💫💫💫

10. Winding down with some great interactions with friends and a Greek yogurt mini cheesecake from Wegman's.🍮

Life is good. Take time for yourself. Stop putting everyone else's needs in front of your own. You won't regret you did.👏👏👏

#makeYOUapriority #takeadayforYOU 💞💞💞

Great day!

Preparing for your second child can be a bit anticlimactic. 😬

No one really cares.😁😁

"Oh, it's your second? I'm sure you know what to expect! You know what to do!" 😂😂😂

Ha!! That couldn't be further from the truth.

My amazing colleagues showered another colleague and me with an awesome baby shower this afternoon. Complete with diaper towers and diaper donations, other gifts, and delicious cake and food, we truly felt loved. I never expected anything like this for my second child and am truly blessed.💞💞💞

I appreciated the chance to hear advice from several colleagues on going from one to two kids. Here are a few:👏

1. One is a lot easier. You should've stopped there.😂

2. Don't feel like you need to constantly split the kids up, a la divide and conquer parenting. Get the boys used to being around each other early on.🚗🚗

3. Ask for help and actually take people up on their offers to help! Make lists of what you could use help with.👏👏

4. Expect everything you learned about parenting from your first child to be thrown out the window. Your second will be completely new and different.😱😱

5. Still try to sleep when the baby sleeps. 💤💤💤

6. You'll have two boys. Know where the nearest Urgent Care is.😉

7. Talk just as much to the new kid as you did with the first -- and no baby talk!!😜😜

8. Embrace all the differences between your first and second children.💞💞💞

9. Still remember to take time for yourself!💗

10. And remember that this too shall pass. 🌟

What other advice can you Mamas give me?? 

Crazy road trips!

Many people say I'm crazy to attempt the kind of road trips we like to do with a toddler and dog, let alone in late pregnancy. 😜😜

Perhaps I am. 😂😂😂

Yesterday morning, we left the house at 8:10 am and arrived in CT by 3:45 pm. We then left for home today at noon and got home at 6:50 pm. The whole point of our whirlwind weekend travels? To get to officially celebrate my amazing father-in-law and his retirement at an honorary dinner given by his firefighters' association. The event was initially supposed to be two weeks ago (when we also drove up for a quick weekend) but then had to be moved due to some sort of crazy double booking at the restaurant. So, the first weekend was all about celebrating him with my brother-in-law and his girlfriend (who couldn't change their flights), and this weekend marked the official dinner. 😀

As I've mentioned, Don is an incredible man who worked his way up from firefighter to battalion chief in his 37 year career with his fire department. Seeing the profound admiration and respect all of the men there have for him was humbling and quite legendary. He is truly the definition of a steadfast, hard-working, selfless, caring, and never-wavering leader who was never afraid to speak his mind of stand up for what was right. I truly admire him.🌟🌟🌟

On another note, we were up at the crack of dawn this morning to attend A Day Out with Thomas (the tank engine), and it was totally worth it. Will was in awe of everything, and his mind was completely blown when he got to sit in a real firetruck. Nirvana. Complete nirvana.🚒🚊

What is it with boys and their firetrucks? I love that there is special family meaning behind them too.🚒🚒🚒🚑

Start the week off right, Warrior Women, and perhaps find your own version of nirvana? Right now, that is sleep for this exhausted mama. 💤💤💤💤

What's happening??

And just like that, I have gone from being the "you're so small" to the "oh my gosh you're going to pop soon" pregnant woman. 😂😂😂

And I'm cool with it. 💗💗💗

6th grader, staring at my belly: "What's happening?!"

Me: It's OK, Steven, I'm pregnant and going to give birth next month."

6th grader: "Ooooooh."

He then began knocking on my stomach, asking, "Who's there?"  and then promptly ran off, talking to himself. There's a middle schooler for you!! 😜😜

Greg is still not clear how I got so big, seemingly overnight. I like to take it as a good sign that all is well with BBL2. After all, he's supposed to be gaining about 1/2 pound per week now, and I think it's safe to say he's doing just that. #goodboy #fattenup 💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻

Let's also discuss just how constantly HUNGRY I am. 🍽🍽🍽🍽🍽🍽🍽🍽🍽🍽 It's bad. I may even need to go back downstairs now for some popcorn. Mmmmmm, popcorn. I could also eat peanut butter all day, every day. Very bad. 🍴🍴

My sugar tooth has been off the chain this week too. 🍫 That's also bad. I'm still working on taming it. I rarely ask Greg to go get bizarre foods for me, as I haven't had many strange cravings this pregnancy. However, I NEEDED a chipwich tonight. It was clearly a life or death matter. It took a bit of imploring, but I eventually got my way, of course. 😇😇😇

In other news, our maternity pics turned about beautifully well. I will post some of my favorites below.💞💞💞💞

TGIF and happy weekend, Warrior Women!!! 

Advice...

In keeping with yesterday's theme, here are 10 tell-tale signs others are keenly aware of -- and possibly terrified by -- your late stage of pregnancy: 😳😳😳

1. They immediately stare at your belly. 😮😯😯

2. They want to touch your belly. Always ask, people; always ask.

🤗

3. They immediately offer you their chair or hold the door open for you. 😀😀

 4. They can confidently say, "Congratulations!" without fear. It's now apparent you haven't just gained a few pounds for the heck of it. 😜😜

5. They say, "Wow! You're big!!" Yes, idiot, I would hope so. I'm due next month, after all.

 😜😜

6. People begin describing their own children's birth stories to you. Unless it's a happy one, fool, I don't want to hear it. Thank you very much. 🙏🏻🙏🏻

7. People are shocked when they see you up and moving, like I should be sitting or lying down at all times. Um, NO. 💪🏻💪🏻

8. Everyone constantly asks you what you're naming the baby. You'll find out when he's born, thank you, just like everyone else. 😉

9. Then they suggest names for you. One student suggested Bruce for BBL2. No thanks. 😂

10. They instantly pick things up for you when they fall. Love that.

💗💗💗💗

And the bonus sign is:

They love to joke about your water breaking and how awful the birth will be, saying I'm in for it and am crazy to have two boys so close in age. 😱😱

No, sweetie, I'm not the crazy one. You are. Don't let the door hit you on the way out. 😜😜😜

Ahhhh!

I rarely complain about being pregnant because frankly, I love being pregnant. 💞💞💞

I also remember all too well what it's like to want a viable pregnancy more than anything else in the world and not be able to have it. So, I know I will also feel extremely blessed and grateful. 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

That doesn't mean I still can't make fun of myself, though. In that spirit, here is today's edition of The Top 10 Late Pregnancy Nuisances: 😜😜😜

1. Living in the bathroom. 💦💦

2. Fearing your water has broken but then realizing that no, you just pee a lot and have no control over your body anymore. 😁😁

3. Not being able to see your feet anymore. 😫

4. Bending down to pick up anything that has fallen. It may now live there. Sorry. 😩😩

5. Getting up 1,000 times during the night due to: having to pee, baby having a dance party, or trying to find a comfortable sleeping position, which is now next to impossible. 😩😩😩

6. People assuming you are disabled or incapable of doing anything besides sitting. SO not true, and I'm still kicking a** for my second week in a Workweek Hustle Fitbit challenge to prove it. Over 20,000 steps today, baby! 🤗

7. Shaving your legs or other parts. SO not happening, at least easily. 😱

8. Boogers. Never ending mucus and boogers. 😳

9. People pointing out just HOW much you waddle. 😳😳

10. People who think it's funny to ask you whether you're still pregnant or just burrito happy. 😜

And tonight's bonus item: your toddler son hitting your enormous and sensitive boobs over and over, thinking it's the funniest game in the world. Sweet boy. 😫😫😫😂😂😂

Will's first date!

Will already likes older women. 😂😂

Her name is Evelyn. She is 3. They met on a playground over a mutual love of slides. 

Will tried his best to impress her with his fearless "going down the slides" moves. He excitedly screamed, clapped, and danced every time she went down a slide successfully. It was love at first sight. So special. 💞💞💞

At the end of this date, Evelyn hugged Will. He played hard to get until Greg told him to hug her. He did.💗

And then he threw mulch in her face. End of date and relationship. 😪😪😪

Poor Will. He will learn. 🤔

Sorry, no pics are available, as my phone died. Upsetting, I know.😡

Will, I'm sorry your first relationship has come and gone. We wish you all the best next time. And always remember, no one will EVER replace your Mama. 😘😘😘

#ladiesman #flirt #mulchthrower 

Gratitude matters!

Because Mondays are never particularly FUNdays for me, it's time for a good 'old fashioned gratitude list!! 👏👏👏

1. Close friends of ours just found out they're pregnant! Yay! Fingers crossed for another boy playmate for our boys! 👶🏻👶🏻👶🏻👶🏻

2. It was 82 degrees and sunny today, feeling a heck of a lot like summer. #aprilisbizarre ☀️

3. Lularoe leggings. They feel like butter and may be the softest things to ever grace my legs. #obsessed 🌟

4. A heartfelt note from a dear colleague thanking me for my help in the next step of her professional journey. 🤗

5. Have you tried the new peach green tea lemonade at Starbucks? #delicious 🍹

6. Spending less than $70 on a Target run and actually sticking to a list. #smallmiracle 💰

7. Evening family playground visits and walks. 👶🏻

8. Still enjoying BBL2's persistent jabs and kicks. It's especially amusing when it's quite visible through my shirt now. 👶🏻👶🏻

9. Will's endless love of books, cars, trucks, and all animals. 💞📚🚕

10. Will's kisses. #bestthingever 😘😘😘

Take time to take stock of what YOU are grateful for, Warrior Women! Such positivity can help you shift your mindset and turn around a foul mood ANY day. 😃😃😃

#yougotthis #growthmindset #youareawarrior 💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻

Busy weekend!

"Being preggers is the definition of productivity." 😂😂😂

I like this. I think I will definitely lean on it for the rest of this pregnancy. 😜😜

I am exhausted. I've really been feeling it since Friday, so I've tried to take advantage of Will's afternoon nap and lay down myself. I know this will soon be a luxury I will no longer have! 😩😩😩

Despite my exhaustion, we had a really awesome and productive weekend as a family. Greg and I both got sufficient alone time (he to go to a concert in DC and me to go to Barre -- shocker, I know -- and a subsequent girls' night out), and we made a lot of progress on our BBL2 prep. Thanks to Greg, the garage is now entirely reorganized, infant car seats are re-installed, and every part of the nursery is ready to go. We also got to check out an awesome winery in Poolesville (Rocklands Farm) and did a fun maternity shoot with my talented friend Bruna (from Bruna Photography). It was slightly different this time around trying to get an active toddler to behave for each shot, much like herding a stray cat. We got through it, though, and I can't wait to see how the pics came out! 👏👏

On an unrelated note, if any of you would like to be invited to my online Lularoe party this Tuesday at 9 pm, let me know. I'm now obsessed with their stylish, modest, and affordable clothing and could literally live in their leggings, which feel like silk. Let me know if you're interested! 🎀🎀

Now, back to being a productive preggers with more sleep time! 💤💤💤 Get to bed earlier tonight so you can start the week off right, Warrior Women!! 💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻💞💞💞

A huge leap!

I'm feeling a bit emotional tonight (in a good way), so I will keep this short. 💞

Being a Mama is the most incredible job in the world. It has completely changed me for the better, and I have Will -- and Greg -- to thank for that.💗💗💗

Will recently underwent a MAJOR developmental leap and wants to connect to and understand us even more. I had such an incredible time with him tonight that I had tears in my eyes. 💦 Sure, some of these may be hormonal, but they certainly were genuine. 🤗

Motherhood is incredible, and I am truly blessed. Make time to take stock over what matters most in your life, and don't forget that saying "I love you" (and meaning it) never gets old or cliched. 😍😘💞💗

#soblessed #ourchildrenourworld #familyfirst 

Be true to yourself!

As previously mentioned, the Restorative Justice training I'm participating in this week is quite powerful. 💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻

One of the essential practices of RJ is the restorative circle. In this circle, all participants speak their truths and work together to develop a common -- and agreed upon -- course of action to right a wrong committed. The process originated in prisons and has been highly successful in schools -- and preventing the school to prison pipeline, particularly in Baltimore.

To practice our circle facilitation, we've been invited to participate in several circles this week, both as a large group and in smaller circles. Since we didn't have conflicts to resolve, we were invited to share our personal stories connected to our lives as educators. One such question posed today was: are success and happiness the same thing?

I feel like I've reflected A TON on this question over my life. As a recovering perfectionist and overachiever, I know how addicting success -- and the accompanying achievement -- can be. It becomes all-encompassing to accomplish one goal and then quickly set your sights on another. It has taken me a long time to realize that success and accomplishments do not guarantee happiness. You can win all the awards, promotions, and marathon medals in the world -- and still not be happy or fulfilled with yourself. 😁😁😁

Happiness is a state of mind one has to actively choose with a positive attitude and mindset each and every day. For me, it involves being comfortable, confident, and secure with myself, having all of my "houses" in order, and finding a healthy balance between my personal and professional selves. Some of the most "successful" people I know are also some of the most unhappy, while some of the people living the "simplest" lives are truly the happiest. 💞💞

I firmly believe it's all about balance and staying true to yourself. Know what motivates you, inspires you, energizes you, and makes you want to be a better person. Follow your heart. Be the AUTHENTIC version of yourself, not someone you previously thought you were or what others want you to be. 💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻

Every day is an opportunity to find yourself and make the active decision to be happy. I try to do this every single day. Go to it, Warrior Women!! 🌟👏🌟👏

#staytruetothyself #beauthentic #balanceyourhouses 

So much goodness!

Gratitude list time! Soooo much to be thankful for! 🌟🌟🌟🌟

1. Will was a superstar in his new bunk bed and slept ALL through the night last night! Hoping for a repeat performance tonight!! 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

2. I am totally loving the Restorative Justice training I'm attending all week! Sooo powerful! 💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻

3. Next 7 day predicted forecast = totally beautiful and sunny in the 60s and 70s. Perfect weather!! ☀️🌞☀️🌞☀️

4. My first Book of the Month Club book arrived today, The Nest. Can't wait to dive into it! 📚📚📚

5. I have an interview next month for a possible exciting new job! Hopefully, my water won't break during it. 😂😂😂

6. Our taxes are done, finally and just in the nick of time!! I'll try to focus on the fact that they are done, not what we owe the government. 😜💰💰💰

7. I got to head back to Barre class after 1.5 weeks. Travel and crazy schedules haven't been kind to me recently! 💪🏻💪🏻

8. Will still loves to give me constant -- and random -- hugs and kisses. They will NEVER get old. 💗💗💗

9. Lunches out at delicious restaurants with some awesome coworkers = such a treat! 🍽🍽🍽

10. I finally made a decision who to vote for and mailed in my absentee ballot for the primary tonight (just in case I'm in labor or something happens on 4/26 -- you never know!). And no, I'm not telling. That's not the point of this blog. 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

Sleep well, WW....and little William! 💤💤💤

#begrateful #staypresent #cherisheachday 💞😍😘👏

Fingers crossed!

I'm afraid to jinx anything, but so far, so good with Will's new bed!! 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

The cutest thing happened early this evening. Greg told Will he would be sleeping in his new big boy bed tonight, so Will immediately went to his crib, removed the blankets from his crib, went back to Greg in his new room, and threw the blankets on his new bed. Isn't that awesome?!! It's amazing how much he really understands. 👏👏👏👏

After storytime, though, Will seemed a bit sad. 😪 Greg placed him in his new bed, and he cried and cried. Greg took him back in his lap, explained to him what was going on, and stayed with him until he fell asleep, a little after 9 pm. 😩

He's still asleep, but we're both nervous for what happens when he inevitably wakes up in the middle of the night. Let him cry it out? Go in to comfort and reassure him? Only respond if it's something like a pain cry (i.e.: He fell out of the bed)?!! Decisions, decisions. Oiy.

Fingers crossed! I should really get to bed just in case things are bad. 😳😳😳

Stay tuned for an update tomorrow. Think good thoughts for us parents here! 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

#comeonwill #youcandothis #bigboybedtransitionexcitement 

Mama in mourning!

I am a Mama in mourning. 😩😩😩

Tonight may be the last night Will ever sleeps in his crib. Say it ain't so! Tomorrow night, the dreaded transition to the lower bunk bed begins. To say I'm not excited about this would be an understatement. 😩😩😩

Time is flying by WAY too fast. I'm not ready for this. I know we have to do this now so Will doesn't feel shafted and excommunicated when his brother arrives, but I'm still NOT ready. At all. 😩😩😩

Everyone keeps assuring me that Will will be fine and safe, but I can't help but worry about him falling out of bed. He's not a huge climber, but I'm sure he will try that too. Multiple times. Just to drive Mama crazy. 😜😜

Is this what every little transition and change feels like as your little ones grow up? Does it ever get any easier? 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

I certainly hope so. If not, this Mama is in for it! I'm already picturing the tragedy that will be preschool and then kindergarten graduation. Lord, help me! I'm already a mess. 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

Something tells me all of this will be a LOT harder on me than on Will. Isn't that the hardest part of Mommyhood, watching your babies grow up and no longer need you? 💞💞💞

In the meantime, I will continue to treasure EVERY hug, kiss, and snuggle from little Will. One day I will wish I had them! 😍😍😍

#hotmessmama #changeishard #keepittogetherkay 

What a man!

This was truly a very special weekend. 💞💞💞

We made a trip up north to spend time with my in-laws, finally see my brother-in-law and his girlfriend (for the first time since 9/14, as they live in ND), and celebrate my father-in-law's retirement as a battalion chief for his fire department together. It was amazing having everyone together again -- and for Will to be in the center of it all. 💗💗💗

Both Greg and Kevin (my awesome BIL) gave touching toasts to Don (my FIL) that practically brought me to tears. They both learned so much about what it means to work hard, provide, put your family first, and always be the best husband, father, and person you can be through it all. Don risked his life in the line of duty every shift and often worked 2-3 jobs just to keep his family afloat and comfortable. He never complained, pushed himself to be better, and always wanted the best for both of his boys. 🌟🌟🌟

Don is a true hero, and I feel beyond blessed to have him in my life. I am thrilled Will is joining such a strong, hard-working, loving, and ever-dedicated line of LaBanca men. He really couldn't ask for better guides or role models. 👏👏👏👏

Here's to you, Don! 😘😘😘

#soblessed #whataman #familyfirstalways 

Pasta!!

Every child has a comfort object.

Some are just more bizarre than others. 😳😳😳

Usually, Will is satisfied and comforted by a blanket, paci, book, car, truck, or "fuscia" (cereal/fruit and grain bar), but tonight was a totally different story. Will only wanted a plate of plain cooked pasta, nothing on it. 🍝🍝🍝

He carried this plate everywhere and even insisted on bringing it to bed in his crib with him. Sadly, I do not have photographic evidence of this, as I didn't get home from work until after 8:30 pm (Yay for interviewing candidates at the middle school job fair all night!). I did, however, catch a sweet glimpse of a sleeping Will in his crib -- on his back, arms behind his head, plate of pasta to his left, looking completely content without a care in the world. 💤💤💤

Yes, our boy is a weird one. I wonder where he gets that?!! 😂😂😂

Any Mamas have stories of children's bizarre comfort objects? 😜😜😜

#williswill #sweetboy #definitelyauniqueone 😍😍😍

Poop!!

Poop. 💩

More poop. 💩💩

Endless discussions about poop. 💩💩💩

That's when you know you're a parent. 😂😂😃

As many of you know, Will has had issues with constipation since being a newborn. We have found ways to ease the issue, but there are some times where the poop needs to get out ... and it's a long, difficult, and exhaustive process. Last night was one such time. 3 long hours + lots of crying + bicycling + warm bath = eventual success. Needless to say, I wish I could've had a drink once Will was finally in bed. 😳😳😳

Today and tonight have been much better. Unrelated to poop, I got to teach multiple classes this morning, help out with the 6th grade Outdoor Education field trip this afternoon (Always fun leading obstacle courses at 8 months pregnant!), and got lots of quality time with both of my boys tonight. I will keep my political comments about tonight's WI primaries to myself to spare you. 😀😜😉

I will always have poop in my life as a human and pet parent, and that's OK. It's amazing how much one's threshold for "gross" things widens once you're any kind of parent. 💪🏻👏💩🌟💗💞

Poop on, Warrior Women! 💩💩💩

#embracethepoop #stillsoblessed #keepeverythinginperspective  

Gratitude!

On this cold and windy Sunday in early April that also happens to be the last day of my spring break, a gratitude list is most definitely in order. 😀😀😀

Here's one for today: 💞💞💞

1. Escaping the crazy winds and cold with an early morning Barre class. 💨💨💨

2. Panera for breakfast. 🍽🍽🍽

3. Hugs and kisses from Will. He's much more generous and genuine with them now!! It's truly adorable. 💗💗💗

4. Reading a million books to Will. This NEVER gets old. 📚📚📚

5. Getting several organization projects done, including organizing BBL2's newborn clothes, cleaning out my crazy jewelry collection, purging expired stuff from our bathroom drawers, and watching Greg put the finishing touches on Will's new room. It truly looks fantastic!! 💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻

6. Bundling up for a midday walk with Dex while Will napped. 💨💨🌬🌬Grateful I didn't pack away my hat or winter coat yet!

7. We are 32 weeks pregnant today! Only 8 weeks (or less) to go!! I wouldn't be disappointed if BBL2 decides to arrive 2 weeks early like his brother did! 👶🏻👶🏻

8. Having generous friends and neighbors always willing to open their doors for great food, company, and playtime for our boys!! 😘😘😘

9. Greg is just about done with our taxes, finally!! 💰💰💰

10. We get to see my in-laws AND brother-in-law in CT next weekend to celebrate my father-in-law's retirement as a battalion chief for his fire department. Can't wait! 🌟🌟🌟

To all my teacher friends returning to school tomorrow -- Good luck. Stay strong. May the odds be EVER in your favor. 💪🏻🌟😜💗😂

Also, I still want a second dog. #badkay 🐶🐶

I am impulsive.

I am an impulsive person by nature. 😜😜😜

This has gotten me into trouble in the past, whether it has resulted in me saying "yes" to commitments I had no business getting into, trying to please others, doing things for the wrong reason, or purchasing something I regretted later, especially online. #grouponisevil 😈😈😈

Luckily, I married the opposite personality, one that is extremely rational, logical, and excellent with money (Thank God). His downfall? He takes FOREVER to make some decisions, especially anything having to do with money. But maybe this is a good thing for us.💰💰💰

This is one of the many reasons why we make a great team. We balance each other out well, compromise, and continually work to find middle ground. This is not easy by far, but we work hard at it every day. 💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻

Take, for example, my love of animals and desire to bring 10,000 of them home. From fish to guinea pigs to ferrets and cats and dogs, I love rescuing animals and have been I was a small child collecting random insects and caterpillars in jars in my garage (no joke -- hence the childhood nickname Kaybug). I love nurturing and caring for all living things, even gross creepy crawly ones. 🐶🐰🐹🐝🐛🐌🐞🕷🦂🐜

Greg has to talk me off the animal wagon from time to time. Today was one such time. A random conversation with an old friend resulted in me texting with a French Bulldog breeder in the area. You know where this is going ... nowhere good or productive!! Greg calmly reminded me that we are about to give birth to our second son and will be just a WEE bit busy. A second dog can wait. Booooo! I know, I know. Calm down, Kay. 🐶🐶🐶

Perhaps this is just my third trimester nesting instinct kicking into high gear? Who knows. But one thing's for sure -- thank goodness for Greg. Who knows how many animals would have overrun my home without him. 😂😂😂

In other news, the wind is blowing and howling like CRAZY outside. Will is oblivious. God, how I love this child. BBL2, start learning from your big brother now please!! 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

This too shall pass!!

It's taken me a long time to be comfortable in my own skin. 😬

A true test of how comfortable you are in your own body is to go to a Korean spa and have to be naked with other women in the bathing pool section. 😳😳😳

I conquered this feat today, all with an almost 8 month pregnant belly. And it felt pretty awesome too. 😎😎😎

Yes, Greg and I took some time off today to get in some much-needed R and R at Spa World in Centreville, VA. We relaxed, read, ate, enjoyed the bathing pools, and Greg relaxed in the hot stone rooms (not really safe for preggers here). It was a perfect day. 😌😌😌

We allotted two hours to make it to daycare in time to pick up Will and of course encountered a bottlenecked traffic apocalypse, one of the worst I've seen in the area. 😡😡😡 Luckily, Amanda and Jay saved the day and were able to pick up Will with their son, Andrew. Heroes of the day! 👏👏👏

We all caught up at their house over dinner until both toddlers embarked in crazy meltdowns. Ah, the evening witching hour = always a pleasure! My mantra -- this too shall pass. This too shall pass. 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

And in the meantime, Mommy and Daddy will try to stay sane and forget that they soon will be the crazy parents of 2 under 2. 😜😜😜

#whatwerewethinking #onedayatatime #itwillallbeworthit 💗💞😍😳😀😘