Weekending...

Man, this Monday came too fast. Am I right? I am excited for this week, however, because my entire family on my mom's side will be headed to York, ME for a few days (including the 4th of July). As always, it is time to link up with B Loved Boston and Champagne and Suburbs for Weekending....

{FRIDAY}

• Friday night, I took my usual 2 mile walk around the neighborhood. I absolutely love living in a neighborhood with sidewalks and a flat road. It doesn't hurt that the nights have been gorgeous, and most importantly not too hot/humid! 
• After my walk, my husband brought pizza home for dinner. I could use the excuse that I am "craving" pizza during my pregnancy. But, that would be a complete lie. I love pizza anyway. I always said that pizza would be the one food that I know I could eat every single day and never get sick of it. There are so many choices and styles. 

{SATURDAY} 

• For most of Saturday, I cleaned and organized, finished up laundry, and watched WAY too much "Celebrity Marriage Boot-Camp" (I am slightly ashamed haha-- but I got hooked!!) 
• Saturday night, my husband and I went out to dinner-- and I proceeded to leave my left overs at the restaurant. Baby brain is real and in full force people. It's bad. 
• After dinner, we went to the mall so I could replace my tempered glass screen protector for my iPhone. Seriously-- if you don't have this on your phone, you must get it (you can also get this for non-iPhone cell phones). I drop my phone constantly, and my tempered glass protector has definitely protected my phone. For reference, my tempered glass protector had four scratches and cracks, and my actual phone was perfect underneath. They cost about $25- but honestly they are so worth it. I got mine at the Verizon store, but I am sure you can find them other stores. 

                                 
                                                                               {via}

• At the mall, I also had to stop by Bath and Body Works to replace some lotions and body sprays. Yes- I still go to Bath and Body Works. I have tried other body lotions and plenty of other companies, and I just keep coming back to this place! Right now, they are having their semi-annual sale, so make sure to stock up now! Some scents that I am loving for summer: 

via (only available online) // via (only available online)// 

via (only available online)// via // via // via

The first three also happen to be on sale. The others are a part of the 2 for 1 or 3 for 2 deal!

• After our errands, we watched "John Wick" with Keanu Reeves. It was okay-- a lot of action and fight scenes (not really my style haha). My husband liked the movie and was impressed with the choreography of the fight scenes. I don't know if I recommend it for a date night movie but if you like action films, this may be right up your alley. 

{SUNDAY} 

• Sunday was filled with church, family, and a birthday party for my nephew who is two! 

I hope you all had a great and restful weekend! I cannot believe that it will be July this week. Honestly, this year has flown by so quickly-- in some ways I am glad-- in other ways I wish time would slow down. As someone who is always ready and anxious for the next step, I am really trying to enjoy each day and moment this summer. While I can't wait for Baby M to arrive, I am also trying to enjoy being pregnant. It is such a unique and special time in my life, and I want to soak everything in (even the hormonal moments ;)). 

Happy Monday!   

Friday Favorites and Five on Friday!

Thank goodness it's Friday! This week, I had my last day at my "normal" teaching job and one day later began working at my summer job. Needless to say, I need a break! Today, I am linking up with Momfessionals for Friday Favorites and A. Liz Adventures for 5 on Friday. 

{FAVORITE ONE}

The gorgeous sunsets and views on my nightly walk. I am really trying to stay active during my pregnancy, and my nightly walks have been great. I am not pushing myself too much, and I get to enjoy beautiful views like these:

{FAVORITE TWO}

Wednesday night, I went to a New Kids on the Block Concert in Boston. IT WAS AMAZING!! Nelly and TLC opened, and they were great. NKOTB were obviously great :) They sang all of their classic songs, plus their new songs as well (which are really good if you haven't listened to any of them). We took a limo down (sounds so fancy haha) and it was actually really nice not worrying about parking or driving into the city. While the girls were at the concert, the guys (my husband, brother-in-law, and cousins-in-law) went to see Jurassic World and had dinner together in Boston. Because I was dancing the whole time, these are the only pictures I got! 

{FAVORITE THREE}

I am loving the pregnancy quotes and memes from Pinterest! They describe exactly how I feel :)

{via} 

{via}

{FAVORITE FOUR}

On the radio this morning I heard an amazing story about a couple, Tony and Susan Hawgood from Groton, MA, who adopted a child from Ethiopia. During his adoption process, Tony and Susan found out that the little boy they were adopting, David, had a brother Jack. Well, they decided to adopt both boys. After arriving in the United States, the boys started talking about another brother of theirs still in Ethiopia. Tony and Susan are compelled to reunite all three brothers, and thus are in the process of trying to adopt the third brother. They have set-up a "Go Fund Me" page, and I urge you to take a look at it. It is a truly, remarkable story. Click here for more information.  

{FAVORITE FIVE}

I absolutely love my flip flops from L.L. Bean. I have some cheaper flip flops from Old Navy, but honestly, the ones I bought at L.L. Bean are the best. They are comfortable, durable, and perfect for the pool, lake, beach, or just hanging around the house. Yes-- I know they are more expensive than the $2 ones from Old Navy, but they are so worth it! I promise :) They come in a lot of fun colors, but I love my polka dot ones! 

{via}

I can't wait to see everyone's favorites for this week! Happy weekend everyone! 

Pregnancy Update-- Week 16 (and a half)

16 1/2 weeks 

By the next pregnancy update, I promise I will have a better picture. Bear with me-- this was my first real baby bump picture haha. Hopefully it provides you with some comedic relief :)

I know that many bloggers post about their pregnancies- and why shouldn't they? Being pregnant is an amazing, life-changing, and joyful event in a woman's life. It also encompasses about 9 months of their lives!  Just like blogging about my journey in finding my husband, I want to blog about my pregnancy so I don't forget! When I look back 5, 10, 20 years from now, these posts will still be here and how amazing is that? I want to remember all the moments, good and bad. As a first time mom, everything is new to me. I find myself constantly texting my mom asking "Is this okay?" I mean I remember when my mom was pregnant with my sister Nicole (I was 13), but I was a spectator. It is very different when you are in the moment, specifically when you are the one pregnant. I am an anxious, nervous person anyway, and being pregnant is wonderful, but at the same time terrifying. I am responsible for a little one inside me. I know that many of you can empathize with me! 

Regardless, I do feel incredibly blessed and lucky to be on this new journey of mine. I probably won't post an update every single week, but maybe every other week? We'll see how it goes :) 

How far along? 16 weeks and 4 days

Size of baby: Avocado (4-5 inches, and 3-4 oz) 

Total weight gain: About 5 pounds. I am really trying to eat healthy, exercise, and not worry too much about weight gain. However, I do feel as though I am showing more than I had expected to at 16 weeks. Most of my family tries to remind me that I am only 5 ft 1, and therefore there is no where for the weight/baby to go haha. Anyone else worry about their weight gain/weight loss this early in the game? 

Maternity clothes: Yes-- although I can still wear my dresses, leggings, and most of my shirts. I can fit into my jeans, but as I have stated in previous posts, I feel uncomfortable by the end of the day. With summer coming, I am welcoming the dresses and more flowy clothes. 

Sleep: The last week and a half, I have had some trouble sleeping. I find that I am exhausted by 9 pm, but when I finally get to sleep, I wake up multiple times throughout the night (2-4 AM). Any suggestions on what to do?!

Best moment of the week: During our end of the year luncheon, my principal announced to the faculty and staff that I was pregnant. Some of my co-workers were so surprised-- it was great to see their reactions :) I figured people should know at school-- I mean when I return I will be about 6 months pregnant-- can't really hide it at that point ;)

Movement: No movement yet-- but I am hopeful! 

Miss anything: I am not a drinker, but last weekend with the nice weather, I was really craving a nice cold beer. Funny how I am only craving things I can't have ha ha. 

Food cravings: Anything and everything sweet! Fruit, ice cream, cookies, yogurt. I am all about the sweet stuff! I am also craving hot dogs haha-- don't worry I am not eating them!

Food aversions: No real food aversions (knock on wood)

Symptoms I have: Difficulty sleeping, bloating, and more bloating. Occassionally I will feel a little dizzy/fainty but typically if I haven't eaten in a while or had water-- so now I am tracking those things. But as we all know, since I have GREATLY increased my water intake-- I now have to visit the bathroom a whole lot more (which I didn't think was possible). 

Gender Predictions: I think the baby is a girl-- my husband is convinced (or is convincing himself ;)) that it is a boy. It is still pretty split in terms of our family-- which is hysterical! 

Looking forward to: Feeling the baby move! I hear it is one of the most magical moments you will have while being pregnant. I can't wait!

                                                             

Here is another picture just for laughs :)

What's Up Wednesday!

We made it to Wednesday! Today, I am linking up with: The Larson Lingo, Mix & Match Family, and Pinterest Told Me To for What's Up Wednesday. 

WHAT WE'RE EATING THIS WEEK:

This week, we are grilling and eating fresh vegetables. There is honestly nothing like the summertime in terms of produce-- there really isn't a comparison (especially in New England). Therefore, I am taking advantage of the local produce from farms in our area. If you haven't tried pickling cucumbers, you have been missing out! Trust me-- once you try them it will be hard to go back to your run of the mill cucumbers. Although we are grilling, I am anxious to try out some new recipes, like this one: 

{via Host the Toast}

And this one: 

{via Delightful E Made}

WHAT I AM REMINISCING ABOUT:

We are getting ready for a family vacation (with my sisters, parents, cousins, and grandparents) and I am reminded about the family vacations we went on when I was younger. Fresh lobster, dripping ice cream cones, fried seafood on a beach towel, boogie boarding, tide pool exploration, and sparklers. 

WHAT I AM LOVING:

Is it sad to say that I am loving my maternity pants and dresses? Well-- even if it is-- I am haha. 

WHAT WE'VE BEEN UP TO:

Since the weather has been nice, we have tried to spend time outdoors as much as possible--with day trips to various places on the weekends! Jim has been working on some outside projects (making the lamp post, working on the lawn, fixing up our shed, etc). Other than the normal household chores, I have been working on school items (not anymore!!!!). I am so ready to be "homework free" for 8 weeks (although I will be working on lesson plans during summer so I can be prepared for my maternity leave in early December). 

WHAT I'M DREADING:

I am dreading the extreme humidity that inevitably comes in the summertime. I can usually handle warmer temperatures, but once the humidity starts, I feel so uncomfortable! 

WHAT I'M WORKING ON:

I am working on organizing all of my school items, bags, papers, and clothes. I have let things slide for a few weeks, and now I have no excuse! I have to clean up around here :) 

WHAT I'M EXCITED ABOUT:

I am excited to see how my body will change throughout this pregnancy. I'm not going to lie-- I am nervous about gaining too much weight/not gaining enough weight. I am worried about how I will look/feel. But at the same time, it is exciting to see the changes. To know that there is a baby growing inside is such an unreal notion. 

WHAT I'M WATCHING/READING:

My husband and I just started watching "Ballers" with The Rock-- and the first episode was pretty good. It reminded me of "Playmakers"--anyone else watch that show? I actually remember watching it in my Exercise Physiology class (pretty sure we weren't supposed to be watching that hahha), and I was hooked! Unfortunately, the show only lasted a season I think-- but it was so good.  

I am also watching "UnREAL" on Lifetime-- which is a drama centered around a "Reality Show" much like "The Bachelor." It is really good! Predictable to some degree, but it does make you think about how "real" certain reality shows are. If nothing else, it is definitely a show that will entertain you. 

WHAT I'M LISTENING TO:

I have been listening to Pandora-- specifically my Eric Hutchinson station (mello, catchy, alternative music). Artists on that station include: John Mayer, Ray Lamontagne, Jason Mraz, Ingrid Michaelson, and Sara Bareilles. 

WHAT I'M WEARING:

Dresses, leggings, tank-tops, and more dresses! 

WHAT I'M DOING THIS WEEKEND:

This weekend I am celebrating Father's Day with my dad (he was away on a business trip) and we will be celebrating my nephew's second birthday! I cannot believe he is two already-- this year went by so quickly! 

WHAT I'M LOOKING FORWARD TO NEXT MONTH:

I am looking forward to blueberry picking, fresh peaches and nectarines, and the Fourth of July of course (we will be on vacation). 

WHAT ELSE IS NEW:

Nothing really is new? 

WHAT ARE YOU DOING FOR THE FOURTH OF JULY:

I will be away for a family vacation on York Beach, ME. I cannot wait! Fingers crossed for the weather! 

What's up with you this Wednesday? I can't wait to check it out! 

Weekending.....

Happy Monday!! It was a crazy busy, but great weekend. Today, I am linking up with B Loved Boston and Champagne and Suburbs for Weekending...

FRIDAY

• Friday I realized (as noted in my last post haha) that I needed to purchase some new pants ;) so I dragged /asked/ guilted my husband into coming with me to Old Navy. As I posted Saturday, Old Navy has some great maternity items both online and in the store. We went to the store and I found a great pair of capris that will carry me through the Fall, a cute black skirt, and a nice comfortable shirt. Afterwards, we went to dinner and enjoyed watching the Red Sox finally play well! 
• Friday night, we rented "McFarland, USA" with Kevin Costner and it was such a heart-warming film. I'm not sure how it did in the theaters, but it is definitely worth watching.
• 

                                                                               via

SATURDAY

• I convinced most of my family (sisters and my mom) to come with me to York Beach, Maine for the morning/early afternoon. Jim was up in Maine too (in a town a lot further than York and more inland) helping his dad and brother clear some of their land. So, I figured I could have a girls day with my mom and sisters at the beach. I absolutely love the beach-- if I could live there year-round I would. Yes-- I know that last week I also was on the coast Sunday (Newburyport, MA)-- but I can't help it! I can't put it into words-- I just need to be at the beach. If you ever visit New England, you must visit Maine-- whether its York, Wells, Kennebunk, Kennebunkport, Old Orchard Beach, Portland (well you get the picture)-- you just need to go. Anyway, the weather was perfect, and we had a great time just lounging and walking around the beach. We also hit our favorite restaurant, the Goldenrod, for sandwiches and frappes. It was the perfect ending to a beach day. 

• Saturday night, I relaxed and shamelessly rented "The DUFF"-- it was okay haha. Jim wasn't home yet in case you were wondering ;) but he did ask about the charge since I ordered it from On Demand haha. 

SUNDAY

• Sunday, we took Jim's dad out for breakfast for Father's Day, did some errands, and ended the day at my grandparent's house for dinner and dessert. Unfortunately, my dad was gone on a business trip, so we couldn't celebrate Father's Day with him. But we are going to make up for it next Sunday when he comes home. 
• Overall, I had a great weekend, and I am so ready to wrap-up things at school. Tuesday cannot come fast enough!! Hope you all had a great weekend :) 

A Day Late But...Friday Favorites!

Hello everyone! Between end of the year duties, finals and trying to clean my classroom, this past week has been a doozy! So, I am little late with my Friday Favorites, but I PROMISE next week I will be better! (Gosh, I hope so!) I am, of course, linking up with Andrea from Momfessionals and Darci from The Good Life for Friday Favorites and Five on Friday. 

{FAVORITE ONE}

This week, I received the nicest notes from my students congratulating me on my pregnancy. It was so touching to read them. Teenagers can certainly have their moments (both good and bad haha), and this was one of those "good" moments reminding me that teaching them is such a privilege. 

{FAVORITE TWO}

I am about 16 weeks along, and I have reached the moment where my pants do not fit comfortably-- and all that I want to wear are dresses. I've done some searching online, and I found some cute dresses that will be perfect for summer and fall. Best part-- they are all on sale!!

  

via // via // via

{FAVORITE THREE}

The last day for students was Friday and I only have two more teacher days left (oh and I finished grading all their finals)! Definitely a Friday favorite :) 

via

{FAVORITE FOUR}

Since my husband and I are not finding out the gender of our baby (which is so difficult for me by the way-- I am such a planner!!), I have started to look for some ideas for the baby room (neutral colors). It is so much fun searching through pinterest for this! It has definitely been one of my favorites this week, and also a great distraction from all of my responsibilities ;)

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{FAVORITE FIVE}

Although it's going to seem odd to say (although mothers out there can correct me haha), these last few weeks I have so enjoyed being pregnant. When they say there is nothing like it, they mean it! (I also don't know who "they" are exactly but you know what I mean). Now that I am showing, it seems so real! Not that it didn't before, but now seeing the changes my body is going through, I am just so happy. So very happy to be carrying this precious baby :) 

Hope you all had a great week! See you Monday for my weekend update!  

Weekending...Almost Summer!

Happy Monday everyone! Five more days with the students, seven more days in total and I will be on summer break! Well, a break from teaching that is-- not a break from working :) Today, I am linking up with B Loved Boston and Champagne and Suburbs for Weekending.....

FRIDAY: 

• In case you missed my big announcement Friday (you can find that post here), my husband and I are expecting our first child in December! We are so excited/nervous/overjoyed/stressed/scared/and blissfully happy. I told my high school students Friday, and they were surprised and happy for me. I told two of my classes through a jeopardy question ( I asked them what I should name the baby)- and some thought it was a joke! I had to quickly tell them it was not a joke so they could answer the question in time. I know it was cheesy, but they have been there with me for almost 4 months of this pregnancy, so I felt like they deserved to know. I have had a few emotional/tough days at school and I think some of them now understand why. My last class of the day had a bonus question asking them what I should name my baby, and they were so excited! One of my students came up with probably about 20 girl names and 20 boy names-- it was so cute! 
• Friday night, after all of that excitement, all I wanted was pizza, ice cream, a movie, and to relax (AKA grade massive amounts of work). 

SATURDAY

• Saturday morning/early afternoon, I attended my school's graduation. It was a gorgeous day (although I did burn-- I now have an odd burn line-- I clearly missed some spots). It was so bittersweet to see those students graduate-- I remembered them as Freshmen and Sophomores-- they seemed so young! I am so lucky that I get the opportunity to watch and observe the students as they mature into young adults-- there really isn't anything else like it. 
• After the graduation, I came back home and was resolved to clean all the floors and bathrooms in our house and dust every room. What was I thinking?! Three hours later.....everything was cleaned! It felt so good to be done! 
• After my cleaning spree, I took a nice 2 mile walk around our neighborhood. I am trying to be as active as possible during this pregnancy-- it actually gives me so much more energy. I found that last week, I wasn't able to walk every day and I felt tired and run down. Therefore, I am making a strong effort to walk at least 5 days a week. 
• Saturday night, I graded and planned some more (I am so ready to be done with school!)

SUNDAY

• After church, Jim and I drove to Newburyport, MA to enjoy the beautiful afternoon along the Massachusetts coastline. Newburyport is a quaint, New England, port town filled with shopping, food, and most importantly, the ocean. I love the beach-- especially beaches in New England. I love the crisp, cool water, the salty refreshing breeze, and the feeling of total peace I have whenever I am there. Jim and I wanted to spend some quality time together just the two of us. It has been so busy these last few weeks, that we really wanted to just relax and wind down. I wish I had taken pictures, but I was too busy taking in the scenery and truly enjoying everything. I should also mention that my husband is not a huge fan of the beach haha-- true love is driving an hour for your wife to enjoy the beauty of the seaside :)
• When we returned, I resolved to finishing up preparing for the week, getting massive amounts of laundry done, finalizing my study guides/ finals, and making sure everything was all set school wise for the rest of the year. 

I hope you all had a great weekend :) Just five days away from another weekend ;)

Extra Special Friday Post :)

My husband and I are very excited to share the following news.....

We are expecting our first child this December!!!!! 

Thank you all for sticking with me these last few months (especially during times when I was absent from the blogging world)-- it means a lot to me :) I promise I have more energy than the first trimester! I can't wait to share this journey with all of you :)

Friday Favorites and 5 on Friday

Happy Friday everyone! Today, I am linking up with Momfessionals for Friday Favorites and A. Liz Adventures for 5 on Friday. 

These last few months have been well....exhausting.... I will be sharing soon why...although many of you will probably guess ;) I'm hoping that once school ends, I will have more energy and TIME to focus on my blog. Between end of the year teacher duties and evaluations, creating study guides and final exams, and finishing up grading and various projects, I have had very little time to just relax! I am so looking forward to the end of next week-- I need a break! 

Anyways.....time for Friday Favorites and 5 on Friday! 

{FAVORITE ONE}

• In one week, I will be able to read FREELY!! And I can't wait to re-read some of my favorite summer books from one of my favorite authors: Elin Hilderbrand:

                                                            

                                                                                 {via}

{FAVORITE TWO}

• My family and husband-- they all have been extremely supportive the last few weeks when I have been stressed out. 

{FAVORITE THREE}

• Old Navy is having a HUGE sale- so make sure you either check it out online or in the store! I just bought some really nice summer dresses on sale, and they have a great online coupon you can use! 

{FAVORITE FOUR}

• Two weeks until my sisters, cousins, and I head to see New Kids on the Block!!! Have I been before? Yes haha :) this will be our fourth time seeing them and I cannot wait! 

{FAVORITE FIVE}

• I found this recipe for Peach and Blueberry Greek Yogurt Cake on Pinterest from Julia's Album and I CANNOT wait to test it out. I am loving spring and summer deserts right now, and this one looks like it will be perfect. I will test it out and let you all know how it is! This summer, my goal is to bake and cook more (think Julie & Julia without the Julia Child recipes). So I think this will be the first recipe in my "journey." 

{via}

I hope you all have a great Friday and a great weekend :) 

Weekending..... June Style :)

Happy first day of June everyone! Today, I am linking up with B Loved Boston and Champagne and Suburbs for Weekending. 

{FRIDAY}

• After school Friday, I went to my sister's softball game and thankfully the weather was absolutely gorgeous. Her team won their game in extra innings, and it was definitely a nail-biter! 
• I honestly did not want to cook Friday night haha so Jim and I went out to a local, family restaurant. I love supporting local businesses, especially family businesses. 

{SATURDAY}

• The first part of Saturday was spent shopping and cleaning the house. Don't get me wrong-- I love the spring-- but between the humidity, dust, and pollen, my house needed a thorough cleaning. 
• The second part of Saturday included participating in a styled wedding photo shoot for my cousins! Jim and I dressed in wedding attire, and then modeled in a castle and beautiful field. I had so much fun! Our actual wedding was in December, and while I absolutely loved our photos, it was fun to take sunset pictures, especially in warm weather. Again, if you are looking for a photographer in the New England area, you definitely should check them out! They are amazing :) Kelly and Kristina Photography

• After our photo shoot, we ate at a great restaurant called Gibbett Hill Grille-- which was right next to the field and castle. I always have so much fun with my cousins, their husbands, and my immediate family (they all joined us for dinner). What also helps-- eating delicious, amazing food! One thing I realized that night--being a model can be exhausting! When Jim and I got home that night, we went to sleep right away haha. 

{SUNDAY}

• Jim and I overslept! We quickly got ready, headed to a local diner for breakfast, and then went grocery shopping. Although it doesn't seem very romantic, I love spending time with my husband, even when picking out what kind of produce we need for the week ;) 
• When we got back from grocery shopping, I had to iron. I had so much ironing! I don' t mind ironing, but I do always feel as though it takes FOREVER! Anyone else feel like that?
• Sunday afternoon was spent at my grandparents for our usual Sunday dinner. 
• Sunday night, Jim and I rented "Wedding Ringer," and it was HILARIOUS! I haven't watched a good comedy in a long time, and this one was pretty good. 

I hope you all had a great weekend :) Happy Monday and happy June!