What's Up Wednesday...September Edition

Today, I am linking up with The Larson Lingo, Pinterest Told Me To, and Mix and Match Family for What's Up Wednesday! I honestly cannot believe that today is the last day of September-- I feel as though this month has come and gone without me really realizing it. It is also crazy to think that in 9 short weeks, our little one will be here. I can't wait! 

Anyway....onto the link-up!

What We're Eating This Week: 

This week has been low key. My husband has been on a business trip, I haven't felt well at all, so it's been cereal and toast kind of a week :) Honestly-- sometimes it's nice to take a break from cooking overnight and just have a "college" dinner haha. 

What I'm Reminiscing About:

We got our wedding video sneak peak (a sneak peak 9 months later....I was slightly annoyed with how long it took to receive a 1 minute video but I digress). Anyway, the minute preview was amazing. It reminded me of our beautiful wedding day and how special it was-- it made me cry! I can only imagine how I will react to the actual video! 

What I'm Loving:

I am loving the cooler weather in the morning and at night. There is nothing like opening up the windows for some fresh air :) This week I also wore my first scarf of the season!!! Although I didn't wear it the whole day (I was sweating halfway through the day), it was promising haha. 

What We've Been Up To:

My husband has been on a mission to finish the kitchen, but also finish what we can with the nursery. I've been doing a lot of planning, grading, and organizing. School is busy and I easily get stressed. Thankfully this past weekend, I was able to relax and little bit and rest.  

What I'm Dreading:

I am dreading having to put the kitchen back together haha-- although I can't really complain. My husband has done about 90% of the work. 

What I'm Working On:

Umm.....nothing really. Is that sad? That's sad. I need a hobby---and soon haha. 

What I'm Excited About:

I am excited that Jim will be back home tonight :)

What I'm Watching/Reading:

I am seriously binge-watching Parenthood. I have also been on a football kick-- it doesn't even matter what teams are playing haha. 

What I'm Listening To:

Sam Smith Pandora station, my general iTunes selection and I hate to admit it, but also some Christmas songs. 

What I'm Wearing:

Maternity clothes everyday: dresses, shirts, pants, etc. It isn't quite cool enough to wear multiple layers and scarves yet, but I am hopeful that is coming soon! 

What I'm Doing This Weekend:

This weekend, I am helping out a friend with wedding planning, and my husband and I are attending our birthing class (eek--- wish us luck)!

What I'm Looking Forward To Next Month:

I am looking forward to cooler weather, sweaters, scarves, and Columbus Day Weekend. 

What Else Is New:

I got a new haircut this week :) I needed a change! I hadn't done anything differently with my hair since January! 

I hope you all had a great month, and are ready for October! 

Weekending.....Birthday Weekend Edition

Happy Monday everyone :) I am linking up with B Loved Boston and Champagne and Suburbs for Weekending... My birthday was on Friday, and although I didn't necessarily plan for my birthday to be celebrated the entire weekend--it did haha. The whole weekend was gorgeous- perfect fall weather. I crammed in a lot this weekend, so let's get to it! 

{FRIDAY}

I had a great day at school Friday, despite feeling pretty crappy (thanks to a cold and/or allergies). My students sang happy birthday to me, behaved fairly well (aside from my last class-- a bunch of chatty Cathys!), and I got beautiful flowers from my wonderful friends. 

Aren't these amazing?! I love my school crew!

When I got home from work, I cleaned up a little bit around the house and then I started to binge watch my new favorite (albeit old) show: "Parenthood." 

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I can't believe I never got into this show! It is amazing, and definitely reminds me of my crazy, but loving family. Thank you Netflix for allowing us to binge watch shows for an unhealthy amount of time. 

Friday night, my husband brought me out to dinner to a place called  The Copper Door:

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The food was delicious, the service was amazing, and the ambience was perfect. It was so nice to just spend some quality time with each other-- the last few weeks we have both been so busy. Crazy side note: I knew that our waitress looked familiar. When she said her name, I instantly knew why. I taught her when I was a student teacher at her high school. She was a Senior at the time, which was almost 6 years ago now. The class was biotechnology and I remember her saying that she wanted to be a dental hygienist. However, my cooperating teacher and I thought she really should go into biotechnology-- she just "got" it. Anyway, I had to know if she was my student-- so I asked haha. She immediately said she knew it was me, and asked how I was doing. We ended up talking quite a bit, and I found out that she in fact became a dental hygienist, specifically a pediatric one, and that she is married and has a 6 month old baby girl. I am so happy that she is doing well. It also kind of freaked me out-- I am old enough that my first students could be married and could have babies of their own?!!! Man, reality is tough sometimes haha. 

When we got back from dinner, we continued to binge watch one of our favorite shows: "Bloodline." 

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If you like suspense, mystery, interesting family dynamics, and just overall good acting, you will love this show. The second to last episode of this season was so intense-- I can understand why Kyle Chandler was nominated for an Emmy. If you aren't on this bandwagon, get on it! Immediately-- seriously haha.

{SATURDAY}

For the greater part of the day Saturday, I worked at Pick-Your-Own Apples. Weather-wise, you couldn't have asked for a better day. 

After work, I joined my friends for dinner at our favorite high school spot: Lui Luis. I love my friends. No matter how long it's been, we have no problem getting back into our normal routine. I laugh so much when I am with them. Even though we don't get together as much I hoped we did, when we do get together we always have a great time. 

{SUNDAY}

Sunday, I woke up and felt terrible. I didn't sleep well, my nose was stuffy, my throat was sore, and I was just miserable. I think I overdid it yesterday and didn't allow myself to rest enough. I have felt so invigorated for most of the second trimester and now my third, that I forget that I do need to slow down every once in a while. I ended up staying home and resting instead of going to church-- and although I felt extremely guilty, I knew it was probably the best choice. 

I rested for most of the day Sunday, but I did go with my husband to what I like to call our weekly jaunt to Lowes haha. We were on a mission for a few things, and some of those items included outdoor decorations for my grandmother's birthday. This was my lovely view in their outdoor section: 

They had so many great choices for mums-- it was really hard to pick just one color! 

 After our errands, my husband tried to get some house work done while I ironed our work clothes haha. It was necessary-- the pile was getting too big! We then headed to my grandparents house for the afternoon to celebrate the September birthdays. There are four of us in my family that have birthdays in September, and I love celebrating with them :) 

Sunday night was all about prepping for Monday (yuck) and a combination of watching Netflix and football. My husband was also diligently trying to fix and install new outlets and outlet protectors in the baby room so that everything would match. He has been working so hard at home and work lately-- I know he can't wait for a break haha. 

Hope you all are ready for another week! I'm not quite sure if I am....

Friday Favorites and 5 on Friday!

Today, I am linking up with Momfessionals, A Little Bit of Everything, and Grace and Love for Friday Favorites, but also A. Liz Adventures, Carolina Charm, Hello! Happiness, and The Good Life for 5 on Friday!

{FAVORITE ONE}

Yesterday was officially the first day of Fall :) Scarf season is upon us! Everyone get ready! I must admit -- I tried to wear a scarf last Sunday and I was so hot. I am typically cold all of the time, but since second trimester, I have been so warm all of the time! Regardless, I will be wearing scarves soon, even if I sweat in them haha. 

I am in love with these options: 

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{FAVORITE TWO}

My old laptop was dying-- like white screen, I had to hit it constantly, type dying. Last night, my husband brought me to pick out my birthday present: a new laptop! Let me tell you-- I am in love. Here it is already in use! 

I was a Dell/ HP girl, but secretly I always wanted a Mac. I am so very excited, and I told my husband that I am all set for all gifts for the next few years :) I also told him that this could count as my "push present" haha (he laughed when I first told him about push presents). 

{FAVORITE THREE}

My husband :) While he is a constant favorite, these last few weeks he has been pretty great. He does so much for me, and I hope he knows how much I appreciate him. 

{FAVORITE FOUR}

I get to see this beautiful face Sunday for a family birthday party (there are four of us that have birthdays in September! Such a busy month for my family haha). It has been a little more than four weeks since I have seen my sister Jocelyn, and I am very excited :) Of course I am happy she is loving UNH, but I miss seeing her face haha. 

{FAVORITE FIVE}

Although I wasn't feeling well for a good portion of the week (thanks to a cold that is going around my school), my students have been great (my colleagues have been great too- you know who you are :)). I know it has only been about five weeks, but I feel so lucky to have the group of kids that I do (I am also knocking on wood as we speak haha). Even on the days that I have felt like crap, I find myself enjoying the day because of my students and my awesome colleagues.  

I hope you all had a great week-- do something Fall-ish this weekend :) It doesn't last very long. For all of you who either live in New England or know New England at all, you know that winter will be here before we know it. Thankfully I have something to look forward to this winter :) 

Pregnancy Update....Week 29!!

How far along? 29 weeks 5 days 

Size of baby: Small cabbage (17 in, 2.9 lbs)

Total weight gain: About 19 lbs.  

Maternity clothes:  Yes-- all the time now! 

  

Sleep:  Not that great lately-- I just can't get comfortable!

Best moment of the week: Feeling the baby kick and move during school :) It was such a nice surprise and it completely changes my mood! I also had a pretty good appointment Tuesday. Everything is progressing well and on track. 

Movement:  Yes- so much! 

Miss anything: Not really--thankfully :)

Food cravings:  Carbohydrates and anything sweet. 

Food aversions: Nope! 

Symptoms I have:  I am starting to get really tired-- I think it's known as third trimester....

Gender Predictions: Girl :)

Looking forward to: Getting through this week! I have not felt well at all- sore throat, exhaustion, and achiness-- ugh. I just want to rest!   

Weekending.... Fall Fun

Happy Monday everyone :) I am linking up with B Loved Boston and Champagne and Suburbs for Weekending... 

{FRIDAY}

- Friday was a longggg day. I was exhausted from the day before (we had Parent Open House at my school from 6-8 pm). After school on Friday, I could hardly function when I got home. I started a load of laundry right away (thankfully my top loader washer did not smell anymore-- I will share this information in a post soon!), and I tried to finish some last minute lesson planning items for this week. I just wanted a "homework" free weekend :) 

- I was craving a meatball sub (such a weird craving I know!!!!) and so my loving husband picked up subs on his way home from work. It was as delicious as I was hoping it would be haha. 

- Throughout the evening, while monitoring the four loads of laundry that I wanted to get done, my husband and I watched "A Winter's Tale." It was okay. It is not really a movie I would recommend-- but I had been intrigued by it for a long time, so I'm glad we watched it. 

{SATURDAY}

- Saturday, I worked at the Pick-Your-Own-Apple station again at a local farm, and I always have so much fun! It was a little warm outside, but every time I felt it was unbearable, a nice breeze would come through. One of the best parts about working at the Pick-Your-Own? Free apples :) 

- Saturday night, I came home to a wonderful meal made by my husband :) If you all recall-- last week I was "hangry" when I got home from work haha. It was delicious and he is by far a better cook than I could ever hope to be! 

- After dinner, we headed to a high school football game my sister was cheering at (my old high school team). She was so excited we went, and I was glad to catch up with a few people I hadn't seen in a while. 

{SUNDAY}

- Sunday, Jim and I were able to meet up with my niece, nephews, sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law at a cute farm called Davis Farm in Sterling, MA. The place was huge, and had so many activities for families. They had a cute petting area, where you could interact with farm animals (there were so many!!). They also had apple picking and pumpkin picking, and it was the perfect weather for it! We had so much fun, and the kids really loved it. I can't wait until next year when we can bring our little one :) Honestly that's all I was thinking about as I was touring the place-- how much fun it will be! 

Here are some pictures that I think capture the day perfectly! 

- Sunday afternoon we went to my grandparents house for dinner and football (thankfully the Patriots won :)). 

- Sunday night, Jim and I started to watch "Exodus"-- I made it about halfway through the movie and then I was spent. I went to bed early, and it was great :)

I hope you all had a great weekend, and are ready for this week!!!

Friday Favorites and Five on Friday

Today, I am linking up with Momfessionals, A Little Bit of Everything, and Grace and Love for Friday Favorites, but also A. Liz Adventures, Carolina Charm, Hello! Happiness, and The Good Life for 5 on Friday!

{FAVORITE ONE}

This week I was able to snag quite a few maternity pieces from Old Navy (online). Many items are 50% off, and they are so cute! Here are a few things I ordered and I can't wait to wear them! 

 

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{FAVORITE TWO}

Football season has officially started!!! I love watching games-- I especially love having it on in the background while I am lesson planning, grading, or scheduling. Sundays, Monday nights, and Thursday nights are reserved for football :)

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{FAVORITE THREE}

I know this was from a week ago, but I just can't stop watching these two videos :) Jimmy Fallon is awesome.

 

{FAVORITE FOUR}

Although it is still warm out during the middle of the day, the crisp air has at least made an appearance in the morning and at night. It is so nice to open my classroom windows in the morning to get some fresh air inside! And at the end of the day, it's wonderful to get some fresh air inside the house. Fall is so close.....so so so close! 

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{FAVORITE FIVE}

Honestly making it through this week was one of my favorites! Not only was it a full week, but Thursday night we had open house at my school. To say I was exhausted this morning would be a SERIOUS understatement. 

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Pregnancy Update...Week 28 :)

How far along? 28 weeks 5 days 

Size of baby: Head of a cauliflower (16 in, 2.5 lbs)

Total weight gain: About 19 lbs.  

Maternity clothes:  Yes. Just yes. And I'm feeling totally insecure about how I look. In the past two weeks, I've had multiple co-workers comment on my size ("wow you are big!" "oh...you're not due until December?") and my "waddle." This week was just tough. 

  

Sleep:  Extremely inconsistent. Some nights I maybe get two hours of sleep, and other nights I don't wake up until my alarm. The baby isn't waking me up-- I just am having a hard time getting to sleep and then staying asleep. 

Best moment of the week: When my youngest sister Nicole felt the baby move during church :) She was so surprised and it was so cute! 

Movement:  Yes-  ALL THE TIME! There are moments where the baby is moving so much that I get distracted and just wait til he/she stops:) 

Miss anything: Other than Fall beer and drinks-- nope!   

Food cravings:  Still carbohydrates-- I would definitely choose bread/pasta over meat. 

Food aversions: Nope! 

Symptoms I have:  Tingly hands and feet! I am also starting to get really tired at the end of the school day-- it's hard for me to sit down! 

Gender Predictions: Girl :)

Looking forward to:   Our next appointment on Tuesday! I can't wait to see the progression since our last one :)

Weekending.....

Happy Monday everyone :) I am linking up with B Loved Boston and Champagne and Suburbs for Weekending... This weekend was packed with just about everything-- and it obviously went by way too quickly. This week is the first full week of school-- FIVE DAYS! Yikes ;) I hope I am ready for it haha. But before I worry about the week ahead, I'll recap my happenings from the weekend. 

{FRIDAY AFTERNOON AND NIGHT}

- Since the weather was much cooler on Friday, I found myself enjoying a nice walk around the neighborhood when I got home from school. I have been trying to stay active, but the heat has definitely made it difficult. Friday afternoon, there was a nice breeze, and I am so glad I was able to enjoy the cool temps. 

- Friday night, I went to a co-worker's house for an Arbonne party. One of my co-worker's friends is trying to expand her client base, so my friend decided to host a party for her. I didn't really know that much about the company and their products, and I did find the party very informative. Plus, it was nice to get together with friends and acquaintances and just have a "girls night." After reviewing some of the products, I decided to try out their shampoo and hand/body lotion. The only thing about this company is that the products are EXPENSIVE! The prices are reduced if you become a consultant, host a party, or join as a client or preferred client. I hope I like the products I purchased haha but I hope I don't like them too much that I want to continue purchasing them-- otherwise it would be smart to become at least a "client." I am also skeptical at how "green" or "natural" all of their products are. I did some research, and although they do not seem to be the best "all natural" company out there (there are so many companies out there!), their products are without a lot of chemicals that could potentially be harmful. After attending this party, I started to think about whether or not I want to change some of the products I use at home. I have to be honest though, it is hard to figure out/find the best products to use. For example, even The Honest Company has been under scrutiny lately. I have used their soaps and kitchen cleaners and I love them! There is so much to research and think about-- I'm a little overwhelmed. I'll keep you all posted as I continue to investigate! 

{SATURDAY}

- Saturday morning, my husband and I slept in :) Although, I must confess that I did wake up before him due to a lot of baby activity :). I was in the mood for a nice brunch, so we went to a local place known for their breakfast food: Parker's Maple Barn. 

Baby's first trip to Parkers! (Definitely not the last) 

- I had the most amazing pumpkin pancakes (with eggs, homefries, sausage, toast haha) and my husband got the Irish Breakfast. It was so so good! It kept us full until dinner :) Got to love brunch! 

- After we got breakfast, we headed to Lowe's. This seems to be our weekend tradition now :) There are a few projects "we" (mostly my husband) are trying to finish before the baby comes. We are pretty much done the baby room, and once we have the decor and crib all set, I will post updated pictures. The next project on the list is the kitchen. My husband is making my dream kitchen come true :) We are painting the cabinets white, putting down new flooring, and installing a backsplash. The first task is to paint the cabinets, which is what our trip to Lowe's was all about. 

- When we came home from Lowe's, my husband got to work taking down the cabinet drawers and removing the hardware. He then used TSP to clean the cabinets and doors, and sanded them all to prep them for primer. While he was hard at work, I was also hard at work cleaning the rest of the house. 

- Saturday night, after dinner, we went to get some much needed ice cream (baby needed it ;))-- even though it was raining-- I think we both needed to get out of the house for a little bit haha 

- When we got home, we were in the mood for a movie, so we watched "V for Vendetta." I had never seen the movie, and I have to say I actually really liked it. I honestly think I am the last person to watch this movie haha. 

{SUNDAY}

- After church, I came home to my husband hard at work prepping the kitchen area for primer! Once he finished sanding and cleaning the cabinet areas, he got to work priming the surfaces. 

Here are some before and in-progress pictures: 

This is how it will be for a while ;)

These pictures are after one coat of primer. It still needs another coat of primer, but I love how bright the kitchen looks already! Definitely what I was hoping for :)

While my husband was hard at work in the kitchen, I was hard at work grading. So. much. grading..... Thankfully, I was drinking pumpkin spice coffee (yes the only type of coffee I am craving during pregnancy), watching "Sleeping Beauty" (the classic cartoon one), and lounging with comfy pants on.   

This was my view for the afternoon/early evening. 

- When I finally finished grading one assignment, we made dinner: hamburgers, potatoes, and asparagus. I also prepped dinner for tonight-- a crockpot recipe from Mix and Match Mama: recipe here. I will let you know how it turns out! Lastly, I made pumpkin bread for the week-- seriously such a great snack or breakfast alternative. The recipe I use is from Simply Recipes found here. Again, I use the "old" recipe with oil instead of butter. 

- Finally, my husband and I relaxed and watched some football. 

It was a busy, but great weekend! I hope you all had a great weekend as well :) 

Friday Favorites and 5 on Friday

Today, I am linking up with Momfessionals, A Little Bit of Everything, and Grace and Love for Friday Favorites, but also A. Liz Adventures, Carolina Charm, Hello! Happiness, and The Good Life for 5 on Friday!

{FAVORITE ONE and FAVORITE TWO}

I have to say that one of my favorites this week is my husband, Jim and what he gave to me. Not only has he just been amazing throughout this whole pregnancy journey, but he has had to deal with the "pregnant Kaitlin." I can certainly hold it all together at school and outside of the house, but once I get home, I need to let out some steam! After a long day at school, I am tired, hungry, stressed, and feeling like I just can't win. I am easily agitated, frustrated, and whiny. During stressful times in my pregnancy, Jim has been great. Thankfully he doesn't take me "too seriously," and usually just laughs at me or gives me a funny look. He has been extremely patient with me, and is such a great partner. 

I usually don't get too "mushy" on this blog-- but I have to say what my husband did yesterday was truly precious and something I will never forget. After a long day at work (and an errand to get more dog food :/), Jim came home with a Paper Store bag. Curious, I asked what was in it, and he told me to just take a look. Inside I found a Willow Tree Figure called Angel of Mine- it's beautiful, just beautiful. I asked him why he gave it to me, and he said just because. He thought I would like it, and I absolutely love it. The meaning behind not only the figure, but gift itself is indescribable. The picture on the top is from the Paper Store website, and the picture on the bottom was taken in the nursery :) I will always cherish this gift. 

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{FAVORITE THREE}

Another one of my favorite's this week was making my mom's apple crisp :) Well it's not "her recipe" persay, but it's the same recipe I have indulged in since I was little.  I had some apples left over from last week that were just past the point of crisp, and so I decided to make a small batch of apple crisp Wednesday night. I am so glad I did! Even though it was 90 degrees outside, inside my house, it smelled and felt like fall (thanks to AC, apple crisp baking, and my Harvest Welcome Yankee Candle). 

{FAVORITE FOUR}

This is finally the beginning of the third trimester!!! That deserves to be a favorite :) Honestly, it has gone by so quickly! In some ways I feel like we are so ready (in terms of the house), but in other ways, I feel like we are so behind. We still have to finish the nursery, my husband wants to fix up the kitchen a little bit (minor cosmetic changes really), and potentially fix our entry stairs. I also have to start thinking about lesson plans for my maternity leave (I doubt I will want to worry about that in my 8th and 9th month haha). 

{FAVORITE FIVE}

Cooler temperatures are on their way :) I know, I know. Many of you deal with 90 degree weather for much longer than we do in New England, but one of the perks of living in New England is the gorgeous fall weather! This weekend we will be in the 70s, and then next week it looks like we are in the 80s again. So, I will definitely be enjoying this nice cool down while we have it.