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!

This week was trying and tiring. I felt as though nothing was going quite the way I had planned or wanted. I was feeling like a lackluster teacher; I was worried about the "contractions" I was having; I was upset that the guest speakers I was supposed to have yesterday weren't correctly scheduled through the program I contacted; and I was just feeling down. 

Enough of my whining :) It is Friday, AND long weekend so onto positive, happier things! 

{FAVORITE ONE}

I am attempting to organize the baby room this weekend (we will see how it goes). I am having so much fun browsing through Pinterest to see all of the ways I could functionally organize the room. Although I want it to look nice-- I also want to be realistic and set-up the nursery in a way that will be useful to us! 

Here are a few of the ideas I love:

 

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{FAVORITE TWO}

I hate to admit it, but I am loving the Samsung Smart Things app on my phone. Our door unlocks as we drive down the driveway, and although I thought it was silly at first- I must admit it is wonderful not having to unlock our door through our key and code. It is especially helpful when I have bags upon bags to bring inside. Our phones are also set-up so that we can dim the lights in our living room without having to get up. I feel as though this will become helpful in the next two months or so....

{FAVORITE THREE}

I am LOVING these diaper bags that I got for my baby shower- each has it's own purpose and I know that I will be putting them to good use! 

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{FAVORITE FOUR}

I have already started to indulge in Halloween candy....I am slightly ashamed haha. However, my husband has also joined me so I don't feel so bad. He loves the pumpkin shaped Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, and I love candy corn. I just can't get enough right now :)

{FAVORITE FIVE}

IT'S A LONG WEEKEND! Not only that-- it looks like it is going to be a beautiful weekend weather-wise. I can't ask for anything more! A think a few crock-pot meal preps are in my future haha! (anything to make next week less stressful/busy) 

I hope you enjoy the weekend--- I know many of us need this :)

Pregnancy Update.....Week 31!

How far along? 31 weeks 5 days 

Size of baby: Coconut (18 in, 3.2 lbs)

Total weight gain:  19 lbs and holding.... 

Maternity clothes:  Yes- although I can still wear my yoga pants :) it's necessary at night haha. 

  

Sleep: Not terribly haha-- I'll take it. 

Best moment of the week: I am so glad that I have my sense of smell back, and my sense of taste haha. I can actually smell my candles, and my pumpkin bread haha

Movement: The baby is moving in spurts-- I will go periods of time with a LOT of movement, and there are periods where I can tell the baby is tired and sleeping :)

Miss anything: I miss feeling like myself-- the cramps, backaches, and tired feet are getting old haha. 

Food cravings:  I think I will just be craving carbs this pregnancy haha. 

Food aversions: Nothing :) 

Symptoms I have:  I am tired, sore, crampy, cranky, achy, and whiny. It is not a great time to be around me haha-- and I still have 8 weeks left.....

Gender Predictions: I'm still thinking a girl :)

Looking forward to: The long weekend-- I am going to try to organize the baby room a little bit. My husband is gone on a hunting trip, so I thought this would be the perfect time to go on a cleaning/organizing rampage. 

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}

My husband and I like to watch shows together, and since our schedules are so busy, we usually try to find a show that we can watch either On Demand or Netflix. This is obviously so we can binge watch haha. Last night, we decided to start "Narcos" on Netflix. While the concept of the show is certainly disturbing, it is so intriguing that I had to continue watching. The fact that it is a true story also got to me- I love shows that are based on real-life scenarios.  

Any other shows that we should put on our must-watch list?!

{FAVORITE TWO}

This wonderful blanket from Pier 1 Imports! I got it as a gift from my aunt for my birthday and I have used it every day since! If you are looking for a soft, warm blanket-- this is the one you should be getting! 

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{FAVORITE THREE}

I was able to wear a scarf for a full day this week! This has to be a favorite on my list-- I am obsessed with scarves. I don't know how many I have--- and that is on purpose. I legitimately don't want to know how many I have haha. I also love looking at Pinterest and seeing all the different ways people wear scarves-- especially pregnant women. Some of my favorite styles are: 

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{FAVORITE FOUR}

The fact that it is October-- AND now it is officially Fall :) I feel like everyone's favorite season is Fall (it's okay- we can all share haha) but I think there is so much meaning behind Fall. For me, it means a new beginning with a new school year, it means that in two months we will meet our baby, it means that we need to finish preparing for said baby haha, and lastly it means that this is the last Fall with just the two of us. There is so much change coming, that part of me wants it to slow down. The other part, can't wait for the next two months to be over! 

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{FAVORITE FIVE}

Honestly with the week I have been having, I am just so glad that it is Friday. I need to rest, especially after my little scare on Wednesday-- I was having some contractions. I was severely dehydrated and my intense cough wasn't helping the situation. It seems to be under control (although I am still having "contractions" and tightening). School has been extremely stressful, I have felt sick, and my husband was gone for most of the week on a business trip. Needless to say, I need this weekend haha. 

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Pregnancy Update...Week 30

How far along? 30 weeks 5 days 

Size of baby: Butternut squash (17 in, 3.1 lbs)

Total weight gain: About 19 lbs.  

Maternity clothes:  Yes-- thankfully maternity clothes are extremely comfortable haha. 

  

Sleep: I have been sick the last week, and so some nights I have been sleeping great and other nights I can hardly sleep. 

Best moment of the week: Yesterday I was having some contractions, so I went to my OBGYN and then hooked me up to a fetal monitor. The monitor was picking up slight contractions, and the nurse thought that I might be dehydrated which could have caused the contractions. My doctors office ended up sending me to  the Birth Place at my hospital. It was scary for a newbie like me-- I didn't know what is normal or not. I didn't know if it was preterm labor, just contractions, or something else. I tried to keep it together, but my husband was on a business trip and I was stressing out. I called my mom, who immediately picked me up from the doctors office and brought me to the hospital. I am so thankful that I live so close to family, especially during times like these. Although I was scared and worried, the best moment was getting to see the baby on the ultra sound monitor and the doctor telling me that the baby was a rockstar :) He/she was moving around so much, which was so reassuring. Thankfully, I was able to leave the hospital and there is a low chance of preterm labor. However, the doctor did note that I was pretty dehydrated which may have contributed to the contractions. The doctor also said that my cold/cough didn't help the situation. I am just thankful that everything looks okay so far.  

Movement: All of the time now! 

Miss anything: Yesterday after my hospital visit (when I got home), I would have loved to have had a glass of wine :) 

Food cravings:  Still carbohydrates

Food aversions: Nothing this week 

Symptoms I have:  Exhaustion, stretching ligaments, cramping contractions. 

Gender Predictions: Girl :)-- although the doctor today made a comment that made it seem like we were having a boy......

Looking forward to: The weekend and rest. I could use a day to just veg out and not really do anything. 

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 :)