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. 

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}

One of my favorites has to be the fact that I have a four day weekend! I don't have school tomorrow, and we have Labor Day off as well. I am look for some rest and relaxation-- my feet are tired! The weather is also supposed to be nice this weekend-- although a tad warm-- but I will take it :) 

{via}

{FAVORITE TWO}

Apple picking starts this weekend!! This fall, I will be working at a local farm's Pick-You-Own Apple field. I have worked the Pick-Your-Own station before (throughout my college years), and I absolutely love it! I can't wait to get started this weekend :)

Old picture of my love apple picking in the rain :)

{FAVORITE THREE}

I have fully accepted that it is fall (although someone please tell the weather). I am currently burning apple/pumpkin candles, and I have made my first pumpkin bread of the season. Next time I will post pictures of the bread-- but it is already half gone! My favorite pumpkin bread recipe is from Simply Recipes found here. I use the original recipe from 2006 (without the orange zest, molasses, and instead of butter, I used oil) but feel free to use their updated recipe! 

{FAVORITE FOUR}

My husband and I are completely obsessed with the show Mr. Robot (I mentioned it on Monday!). We binged watched all of the available episodes last weekend, and then watched the latest episode last night. We can't get enough. 

{FAVORITE FIVE}

This week I have felt a little off-- not feeling like my energetic self. I have to say my husband has been amazing :) The support he has given me has meant so much. He has been the best partner during this pregnancy (by primarily making me laugh every single day haha), and I know he will be a great father :) 

Pregnancy Update.....Week 26 :)

How far along? 26 weeks 5 days 

Size of baby: A turnip (9.2 in, 2 lbs)

Total weight gain: About 17 lbs.  

Maternity clothes:  Aside from a few dresses and some shirts, I am in full maternity gear. Since being back at school, however, I have found that I may need more versatile pieces in the coming months. I have a few pairs of pants/jeans to wear, but I am lacking in the shirt department. The problem is-- I don't want to spend a lot of money purchasing these items. I will hopefully use them again in the future, but I don't want to go overboard with my shopping. Any tips/suggestions for this new mom to be? I have tried places like Motherhood and Gap, but they seem to be a bit pricey. I tried on a few items at Target and Kohls, but nothing really fit properly at either of these stores. I do have a quite a few pieces from Old Navy (always seems to be the store that fits me the best haha), but again, I want to try to keep costs down. 

  

Sleep:  I have been really tired lately which could be due to a few things: getting back into the teaching routine, the extremely hot days around here (90 degree weather in a school with no air conditioning (aside from the main office, library and computer room) can be tough, and the fact that I have put on a little too much weight. I have been sleeping okay-- the baby can be very active at night, which is amazing :) but at the same time, I am trying to sleep haha. I know this is foreshadowing.....;) 

Best moment of the week: Getting to hear the baby's heart rate at the doctors office Tuesday :) It honestly never gets old.  

Movement:  Yes! So much so that the baby actually woke my husband up one night! Although I felt bad he was awoken, I love that he gets to feel the baby move. I think my husband also loves that he can feel the baby move. A few nights this week, he would place his hand my stomach and gently press down in certain areas to see if the baby would react to the movement-- and the baby did!  

Miss anything:  I am starting to miss some of my flexibility! I am trying to continue with the yoga and barre DVDs to keep this loss at bay!

Food cravings: Carbohydrates-- I am trying to focus on eating primarily fruits and vegetables and whole grains for my carbohydrates. However, I can't lie, sometimes cheese-its, pretzels or even ice cream is what I crave and eat. 

Food aversions: Still nothing-- I have been really really lucky!

Symptoms I have:  A little bit of bloating and tingling in my hands and feet. I got a few headaches this week, so I am really focusing on keeping hydrated. 

Gender Predictions: Girl :)

Looking forward to:  Starting the third trimester in a week! I can't believe it-- it honestly has gone by so quickly. 


I also have to give a special shout-out to my husband and my family. I have been feeling down a little bit about my weight gain (I am on the higher side of weight gain for my BMI). I am trying to eat right, exercise, but also not deprive myself of nutrients. However, I still seem to be gaining a little bit more than recommended. Having the support of my family, but most importantly my husband has meant so much to me. I have to remember that there is a reason and purpose for the changes going on-- and my husband constantly reminds me of this. Thank you and I love you. 

Five on Friday and Friday Favorites

I am so ready to welcome the weekend! Although this week has gone by quickly, there were so many things on my to do list that I wish it had slowed down. I was barely able to keep up with my normal routine this week. These are the moments when I wonder how I will be able to do it all with a baby! I am fully aware that it will be a learning curve for me and my husband-- it's kind of a nerve-wrecking thought! Any working mothers out there have any advice for a first time mom?!! How do you balance it all?! How do you do it all?! 

Anyway, enough of my complaining and stressing (two things I have been doing a lot of lately-- mostly to my husband). Onto Five on Friday and Friday Favorites! Today, as always, 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}

One of the reasons I had a hard time keeping up with normal chores around the house this week was because I met up with one of my closest friends for dinner Wednesday night. This was a very good reason to put aside my chores :) My friend Patrice is the very best. She has been my friend since high school, and we have been through a lot together! She has been there during the happiest times in my life, and during some of the most challenging times in my life. She is self-less, caring, funny, beautiful, down-to-earth, honest, and would do anything for me or my family. We can go weeks without talking/texting, but when we meet back up, we pick up right where we left off. I can talk to her about anything, and I have! Thank you Patrice for being such an amazing friend to me all these years :) I am definitely grateful for our friendship :) 

{FAVORITE TWO}

Last night, my family (sisters, husband, brother-in-law, parents) went out to dinner to celebrate my sister Elizabeth's 25th birthday. We always have so  much fun when we are together :) 

Elizabeth is one of the best people I know. To read more about Elizabeth and our relationship, you can go here for her sister spotlight!

{FAVORITE THREE}

My husband. This week we received some news about our ultra sound results (not necessarily bad news but news that requires an additional test and ultra-sound), and he has been such a calming and reassuring force. He knows exactly what to say, and how to make me feel better. Pregnancy is such a journey-- not just for the woman, but for her partner and family. My husband has been an amazing partner thus far in our journey.  My family has also been very supportive and encouraging during this time right now, and I am so lucky to have so many loving people surrounding me. Once I know more information, I will pass it along.  

{FAVORITE FOUR}

We have finally (I think) decided on names for the baby (we have a girl name and a boy name picked out!). Once it gets closer to the due date, I will share those names with you :) 

{FAVORITE FIVE}
Can I include being able to sleep in on my list of favorites? I can?! Yes! That is definitely on my list of musts this weekend-- one day of sleeping in. I am tired! 


I hope you all have a great weekend, and that you are able to do a lot of fun stuff this weekend! Can't wait to check it all out on Monday :) 

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.....and I'm sorry!

Hello everyone! Long time no see, huh? First, I want to apologize to you all. This week has been CRAZY! From still being sick, to getting pretty good news (I will share soon!), to being overwhelmed by grading and quarter 3 grades, to lots of family time, to complete exhaustion, lets just say I am ready for this week to end. I had fully intended to complete posts all this week, but I just didn't have the energy or the stamina. Which really stinks, since I absolutely love blogging. Side note: How do you all fit it in every day each week?! What's your advice? HOW DO YOU ALL DO THIS?! You all are amazing btw :) 

Putting all of that aside, I am so excited to be linking up with Andrea from Momfessionals for Friday Favorites and April from A. Liz Adventures for 5 on Friday! Let's end this week on a great note, shall we?!


{FAVORITE ONE}
I have to give someone very special to me, some much deserved credit. This week has been....interesting...haha and I have to thank my husband Jim for being there for me every step of the way. I am so lucky to have someone love me so unconditionally, and it is such a comforting feeling knowing he will always be there for me. He gets major props this week. He also hand-washed my car-- so there's that as well :) 

{FAVORITE TWO}
A little more than a week and we will be on our way to DISNEY!!! This much anticipated trip is such a welcomed break for both my husband and I. I can't wait to just step away from responsibilities for a week and enjoy the magic of Disney :) 

{FAVORITE THREE} 
 I am so excited to see Spring colors in clothing stores! It has been way too long-- I need to see some bright colors out there!While I honestly don't think I could pull them off (nor am I brave enough), I am loving these pant options from Old Navy: 

{via}

{FAVORITE FOUR}
Softball season has officially started :) I don't play anymore, but sister number four (Jocelyn) plays softball for her high school team. I absolutely love watching softball-- it is such a fun, springtime sport. It's active, intense (most of the time), and most of all I love supporting my sister :)


{FAVORITE FIVE}
This week, I was actually able to wear capris, roll my windows down, and feel the warmth of the sun. I have to remember the simple things in life, and being able to enjoy Spring is something to celebrate. 

{via}

I hope you all had a great week! Don't worry! I will be up and running next week :) 

Past the First Date

It's been a while since I wrote a post about my journey of finding true love. I was feeling nostalgic, and I decided to continue sharing what happened after that first amazing date.

As you may recall, Jim and I went bowling and then out for drinks for our first date. The date lasted most of the night, and I was surprised that I had such a good time :). I knew after our first date, that I wanted to continue seeing Jim. I decided to stop talking to my other matches immediately. The week in between our first and second date, Jim and I were in constant contact with each other. We sent multiple emails a day, and even started texting each other whenever we could. For our second date, Jim invited me to his apartment warming party. I was hesitant to go at first since it was an hour and a half away, but I decided to go with my sister. In retrospect, I'm glad I did :). It was important to me to spend as much time with him as I could. Our third date, we went to a great Mexican restaurant about half way between us (45 minutes away). I remember being so surprised at how comfortable I was with him. From the very beginning, I was myself. In my past relationships and even on other eHarmony dates, I always felt like I had to act a certain way, be a certain person, and I was never truly myself. When I was with Jim, I didn't have to pretend to be anything other than who I was. I knew that if I felt that way with him right away, that we were starting something pretty special.

{via}

Our fourth date is probably one of my favorite dates. Jim and I ventured to Salem, MA, a beautiful, scenic, North shore city. Yes, this is the place that is notorious for the Salem Witch Trials and crazy Halloween shenanigans! But trust me-- this is a gorgeous place and well worth the trip. We decided to eat at a local seafood restaurant, and then just walk around the city. It was a beautiful, breezy summer day. The city wasn't crowded, and it wasn't too humid (always a plus for me and my hair haha). I loved this date so much because it was where we became a couple. It wasn't something that was said outl oud, but we both agree, that this day marked a change in our relationship. We had progressed from just talking and communicating, to being a part of each other's lives. Even though it was only our fourth date, I knew that this was the man I was meant to be with. Yes-- on date four I knew. It was that amazing :) After this date, we never looked back-- we only looked forward. Was it always easy? No. Did we always get to see each other when we wanted or needed? No. But we were together, and that's what mattered. 

{via}

Thankful This Tuesday

Lately, I have been thinking about how lucky I am in life. Maybe I have become more aware of this because of the situations and scenarios I hear about at school, out in public, or on TV. It could be that I am hyper-focusing on all of these aspects because I am truly and honestly trying to make this Easter more meaningful than others in the past. Or it could also be due to my cousin's recent post on her blog about the importance of family and the uniqueness of my family (to see that blog post read it here!) Whatever the reason or reasons, I have decided to highlight what I am thankful for this Tuesday. 

Thankful Item #1: My husband's constant love, support and supply of humor :) I honestly don't know what I would do without him. He compliments me SO WELL, and is pretty much the only person who knows how to calm me down. The sacrifices he has made so that we can be together is something that I will always cherish. 

Thankful Item #2: My family and the connections we have. I am so lucky to have such an amazing family (including my in-laws). I know that I am fortunate to have such a big support system, and to know there are multiple people who will always be there for me. I know that so many people are without family, and my heart aches for them. I will forever treasure my family.  

Thankful Item #3: My co-workers. Honestly, I don't know what I would do without my co-workers. There are many days where I need to vent, and I am so thankful I have friends at school that will listen to me complain! My co-workers are always there when I need advice, whether it be school related or not. Since we all spend so much of our time at work, I think it is so important to recognize those who are there for us outside our home/family. 

{via}

Thankful Item #4: Having all the basic necessities of life and my overall health. While I could always work out more (or work out in general haha) and eat more healthily, I am so lucky that I am healthy. I am also lucky that I have a roof over my head, food at my table, and a warm bed to rest in at night. So many people are without these basic necessities, and while we might think we need" more, it's important to remember those without.   

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Thank you for reading today! :) I am glad that I decided to write this post. When I am having a bad day or a difficult time, I can just look at this post and remind myself of the good things in my life. I also think it's important to be thankful not just during holidays, but on "normal" days. Otherwise, you might not be as appreciative of those items if you only remember them once in a while. 

What are you thankful for on this Tuesday? I would love to hear from you! 

A Little Late...but Friday Favorites!

I am going to be honest-- this week was long and tough to get through! I was really sick Monday, which I think threw me off the rest of the week haha. My fellow teachers will know what I mean!

Even though I'm a little late, I am linking up with Andrea from Momfessionals for Friday Favorites and April from A. Liz Adventures for 5 on Friday.

{ONE} 

IT'S FRIDAY!!! Need I say more?! 

{via}

{TWO} 

It's finally Spring :) I love seeing this favorite on everyone else's blog! I love how there are different seasons that we celebrate, and I feel especially lucky that I get to experience the different weather and climate from each one! (Well we are supposed to at least-- as I type this it is snowing outside.....haha...think Spring, think Spring).

{via}

{THREE} 

Today is International Day of Happiness, and I love this idea :) and although everyone should strive to be happy each and everyday, sometimes we don't allow ourselves to appreciate the good in our lives. This year's campaign is to focus on the interactions and connections we have with other people. What a great reminder for us to appreciate and acknowledge the happiness we feel in the presence of others.

{via}

{FOUR}

This weekend, my husband and I are finalizing our Disney vacation. We have mapped out which parks we will visit each day, and we will "attempt" to sign up for fast passes haha. Wish us luck!

{via}

{FIVE}

The last of my Friday Favorites and 5 on Friday is my husband. It's been a very busy week for us, and I am just ready to relax with him tonight and tomorrow :) oh and maybe spend some quality time cleaning......:) 

{via}

Happy Friday everyone! Enjoy your weekend :)

Show and Tell Tuesdays: How We Met and/or Got Engaged

Today I am linking up again with Andrea from Momfessionals for Show and Tell Tuesdays (which is so much fun! Thanks for the great post ideas Andrea :)). For this link-up we are to describe how we met and/or got engaged to our spouse. I can't wait to read everyone's posts! I think it is so interesting to see how people met, and how their happenstance meeting evolved into their journey of love. I completely believe in fate and serendipity (also one of my personal favorite movies), and how love can start anywhere, anytime.

Since I am new at this whole blog thing, I actually detailed my journey in finding and meeting my husband already, but I will provide a short synopsis of how that happened below.

**Side Note: If you want THE WHOLE STORY, you can find that in these posts: The Road to Mrs. From the Beginning, The Middle of the Road, The Middle of the Road Continued......., Meeting My Husband, Meeting My Husband Part II. 

Our engagement story was featured for the last Show and Tell Tuesday here: Proposal Story

How I Met My Husband
My husband and I met through eHarmony. I had joined eHarmony a little more than six months before I actually got "matched" with my husband. I had a pretty tough breakup, and my parents suggested that I try eHarmony. Since I had only really dated one person, I didn't know how to date. I have to say, I think it was so important for me to experience "dating." I needed to know what I wanted in a life partner, what qualities were extremely important to me, and the aspects that didn't matter a whole lot to me. More importantly, I needed to gain my self-confidence. I was pretty shaken up after my break-up and I didn't believe that I would ever get married. I was 24, and I thought, well this is it. How ridiculous does that sound now?! But, when I was in that moment, that is honestly what I thought each and everyday.

Fast forward to my "match" with Jim. When I got "matched" to him, I thought he was so handsome! His dimples, his smile, were just so attractive to me. I waited a few days for him to contact me, but he didn't send anything! I don't know if it was my instincts, gumption, or frankly desperation haha, but I decided to make the first move. Who says the guy has to make the first move? While it is flattering to be contacted first, I wanted to find my "person." In the grand scheme of things, does it really matter who makes the first move? I don't think so! I sent him a basic intro message, and we started talking every day, sometimes multiple times a day. When we finally met "face to face" I felt as though I had known him for years. In the time that we communicated, I truly felt as thought we built an honest friendship. I wanted to talk to him not just about what I wanted in a husband, but my day-to-day interactions. He had already started to become a part of my life by the time I actually met him. Our first date was bowling, and I knew from the moment I saw Jim that he was "the one." We had built such a solid foundation from the discussions we had before meeting, that seeing him in person, just sealed the deal. The old adage, "When you know, you know" is so true! I thought people just said that, but it really does happen. Even though I had a tough journey to love, I wouldn't change it for anything. There is always a reason for everything, even when you don't see it. If you or anyone you know is contemplating online dating, please feel free to share my story! I have nothing but good things to say about my experiences on eHarmony (it led me to my husband after all!), and I truly think that it is a great way to meet your special someone.

First outing with my family

Our first Christmas

First wedding as a couple :)

Our wedding!

I can't wait to read the other stories! Happy Tuesday :)

Weekending- Valentine's Edition

As for my post today, I am linking up with B Loved Boston and Champagne and Suburbs for Weekending.......

                                                         

Well friends, if you thought Mother Nature was done dumping snow on New England-- think again! Another foot has landed, and well, I don't even know what to think or say at this point. Oh, and we have blizzard and wind chill warnings for today haha. You just have to laugh-- everyone is so over the snow (so am I), but what can we do about it? Just remind ourselves that summer is just four short months away :).

The snow didn't stop us from having a great Valentine's Day weekend :)

Friday night:
~I was home well before Jim, so I indulged and watched one of my favorite romantic comedies: "Music and Lyrics" while grading (nothing like multi-tasking haha). This movie is funny, light, and revolves around an 80s pop star. Perfect! Jim is not a huge fan of romantic comedies, so when I can, I watch them :)

Saturday afternoon: 

Beautiful flowers from my love 

~ Since we knew the snow was coming, Jim and I decided to head out for a few errands. On the way, we stopped to eat at a local restaurant called Chrysanthis. I have driven by this restaurant multiple times, as it is on the way to my school, and it always seemed busy. I had mentioned it to Jim, and we decided to try it out. The coolest part of this restaurant is that it's on a snowmobile trail, and even has a spot where you can keep your helmet and clothes while you eat! The best part-- the food was amazing! I got a chicken panini, and my husband got fish chowder. Nothing like warm, comfort food during a cold day.

~After lunch, we headed to my husband's favorite store: Lowe's. I swear he could stay there the whole day! I don't mind going to Lowe's  but I like to have a plan when I go into that store. Anyone else feel overwhelmed by all the aisles?! I have a hard time focusing on everything unless I have a purpose! Trust me-- when we start our kitchen renovation, I am sure I will want to spend hours in there too ;) 

Saturday night:

~ Since our reservations for dinner weren't until 8:45, Jim and I just relaxed at home. Little did we know that while we were resting, the snow was starting to pick up! We got all dressed up (which we never really do), and my poor husband had to clean off the multiple inches off the car! Jim ended up making surprise reservations at a rustic place called The Mile Away. My grandparent's 50th wedding anniversary was celebrated there, and my bridal shower was held there as well. It is one of my favorite places; it has great food, atmosphere, and service. They had a special Valentine's Day menu, and it was perfect :). It was worth braving the snow for! Truth be told, anyone with Jim is perfect. No matter where we are, what we do, I always love spending time with him. He is my better half, my best friend, and the absolute love of my life. He is what matters most in my life. 

                                                                 Best picture I could get during the blizzard! 

                                                                  {via}//{via} In warmer weather....

Sunday:

~The calm and cold after the storm. We survived another foot of snow-- just in time to celebrate my cousin Kelly's birthday! She turned 30 this year, and was not super excited about it! I always tease her because she is the oldest cousin, and thus unfortunately for her, paves the way for the rest of us :)! We again braved the snow covered roads to celebrate her birthday, it was a 13 going on 30 theme of course :). I love getting together with my family. We are extremely close; I consider my cousins my best friends. Growing up I saw them every Sunday, and it is a tradition we have tried to keep the best we can. It can be difficult to schedule at times, but it is something that means a lot to all of us, especially my grandparents. 

My nephew William :) 

~ Sunday night, Jim and I prepared for the cold, and hunkered down to watch a movie. We watched "Funny Farm." Chevy Chase is hilarious in this movie (when is he not?!); it is a serious laugh out loud, funny movie. What are your favorite laugh out loud movies? I would love to add more to my list! 

 I hope everyone else had a great, relaxing weekend :)