Morning Reads

Each morning, Charlotte wakes up around 5:30 am for her morning feeding. She nurses for 20 minutes or so and then falls asleep on my chest - which happens to be my favorite time of day. Usually, I quietly flip on the local news and reach for my phone to scroll through my favorite blogs and websites for edifying reads.

I still haven't been able to crack a real-life book during the down-time or nursing sessions. It just hasn't "fit" for me, despite being a long-time reader. Instead, I find that this morning news and blog gander fills that void and provides a wide array of information. 

To give you an idea of a typical morning of internet perusing, I've compiled the best of the articles I read during our cuddle time this morning. Perhaps you'll find something you enjoy too (or recognize being one of the people who linked to it in the first place!)

13 Things Mentally Strong People Don't Do - Peaceful Warrior

Why This Generation of American Veterans are Different - Task and Purpose

Mapping Maternity Leave (Comparing the US to other countries)

The Minnesota Wild are Learning the Hard Way: You Can't Buy a Cup - Deadspin

(What!?! I'm a hockey fan...)

Did you recently read something interesting? Please share, I might need fodder for tomorrow!

Nearing 30

In exactly ONE WEEK I am going to be 30 years old. 

I can honestly say that this is no where near as scary as I thought I would be. I have a great career, a strong marriage, a beautiful little girl, and a home in a place I'm really learning to love. Overall, I can't complain at all about where my life is at as I enter my 30th year of life. I hope to accomplish even more as decade number three begins. For now, I'm going to go take care of a fussy baby and leave you with this sweet, fun list of 35 things every stylish woman should have in her 30's. 

One Month

Today, Charlotte is one month old.

She is already one month old.

It's amazing how much she has already grown and changed in those four weeks. She surprises me with something new every single day and keeps us on our toes.

I'm also back to work already, which has provided its own set of challenges. Al works early mornings, home in time for me to get to the office by 8 am, then I come home and take over so he can do school work and attend evening classes. It's a complete whirlwind and incredibly draining on both of us.

But this face...

It's so worth it.

Happy One-Month, little lady. Thank you for enriching my life and filling my heart. You have taught me patience and resolve and shown me that love goes deeper than I ever thought. You make me a better person and your father a better man and we're both so blessed to continue this adventure with you.

By the way, for your birthday, I got you a set of size 1 diapers! Time to move up, darling!

One Week

One week ago, my daughter entered my life in a way that both softened my entire soul and ran over it like a freight train. She is the most beautiful thing I have ever seen and I created her. My body formed her into being which ended in the most humbling physical test of my entire life.

I've never considered myself a weak person. Not physically and certainly not mentally or emotionally. But childbirth has a funny way of reminding you that you are completely and utterly human. And at the same time making you feel like a superhero. 

And then, without any warning at all (and with even less sleep), you're flung immediately into parenthood and served another giant dose of humility on a silver platter. All of a sudden, you are feeding, bathing, changing, and nurturing this small human life - while trying to heal and sleep and keep yourself afloat. 

Then you're battling the roller coaster of emotions that come along with the hormone changes and the realness of it all. You love this tiny person more than you've ever loved a single thing in your life. You love it so much it physically hurts. But you're tired. And sore. And emotionally drained. 

Someone says a small thing, even a sweet thing, and you cry. You try to breastfeed (which hurts SO bad at first) and you sob uncontrollably into your infant's face. You look at your husband (who now sees you as this incomparable mix of beauty and power) and find yourself so happy to have him by your side. Everything is funny. Everything is terrifying and yet so exciting. Nothing is sad and yet you can't stop crying. 

The most perfect reward is resting on your chest or in your arms, loving you even though she hasn't learned how. That child is so amazing and so worth it. 

This last week has felt like one of the longest weeks of my entire life. I have been pushed to the brink in every possible way and brought back to reality only by the quiet sounds of my daughter as she reaches for my face. I have been tested, and so far I have passed. I have made it through the week, each day easier than before. She gets healthier and more beautiful every second and my husband and I are stronger and more in love because of this whole experience. And as I continue to amaze myself with my own strength and resilience, I realize that I can totally do this again next week.

Arrival

On Thursday, March 27, 2014 at 1:20 pm, miss Charlotte Grace entered this world. She was 7lbs 2oz and 18 3/4 inches long.

I'm sleep deprived, so very sore and ready to sleep in my own bed. On the other hand, I'm completely enamored by this beautiful, tiny human I've created.

I'll come back with a more thorough review and birth story. Until then...

Hey guys, I'm still pregnant.

My due date isn't for another 9 days, and I really don't want to go into labor before my mom arrives next Saturday. So, at a minimum, I have 7 days to go before little Charlotte arrives. 

Nevertheless, I find myself answering the question: "How are you doing?" with a resounding "Well, I'm still pregnant."

The last three weeks of pregnancy, I would say, are the least comfortable. I have all these things I want to do, but no energy to do them. I am feeling big for the first time (my midwife is tracking her weight around 7.5 lbs with just over a week to do. That's approximating her delivery weight around 8.5 lbs unless she stays even later. So, yeah, I feel huge.) And I'm very, very sore. Hips mostly. And lower back. 

Here I am complaining when I should probably say that I've had a wonderfully healthy pregnancy and I really do feel great. Even at this stage, I'm still working every day, sometimes long days, and I am able to do virtually anything I want to. It's the "extra" tasks - the above and beyond - that aren't getting done. (Like those darn shelves in the nursery that still need to be painted.)

The other thing I've noticed is that I am not a "nester." Like, at all. I keep a clean enough house, and all the really important stuff gets done. But I read all these books and my friends tell me stories about getting on their hands and knees to scrub the tile grout and some such bullshit. Umm, no thanks.

Instead, I have a serious case of wanderlust. I spent a vast majority of my day today researching how to back-pack/train-hop through Europe and what the best camping and road-trips are through the U.S. I also created an entire Pinterest board dedicated to local day-trips or on-the-cheap weekend excursion we can take here in Colorado. I just have the desperate need to go somewhere.

I have this vision of buying a little pop-up camper, strapping Charlotte into her carrier, packing a weekend bag and driving somewhere. Somewhere we can hike and fish and when we get bored of that, drive into town to shop and eat. I want to explore. I want her to explore. I want her to be a traveler. To see the country and the world. To learn about all types of people. To create memories. To have roots and wings.

Oh man, I'm so excited to meet this little girl. In the meantime...I'm still pregnant.

Swagbucks Solar Vortex Swag Code Extravaganza

I haven't posted on Swagbucks in a while, but since I just redeemed my stash of points for an Amazon gift card with enough value to purchase a small library for little Charlotte, I'm in the mood to share!

For those of you who don't know, Swagbucks is a social community that allows you to earn points that build up to purchase items, gift cards, etc... You can earn points through a variety of ways most of which are pretty easy and don't require a lot of time. (That is, of course, my preferred method of saving money!)

(source)

If you haven't already, go check it out and sign up. Tomorrow is the perfect day to start since they are having an EXTRAVAGANZA to give away a truck-load of points. It's an easy way to jump start your points total and get a feel for how Swagbucks works. 

Oh, and have fun!

{Disclosure: I earn referral points for clicking on the above links to Swagbucks and/or the Extravaganza. All the words, thoughts, and opinions are my own and I do not promote companies that I don't legitimately use and support.}

Final Month Pregnancy Thoughts

I am a few shorts weeks from my due date and thought it was necessary to check back in with my current pregnancy thoughts. I am going to apologize in advance if this turns into a post where I merely complain about how tired and uncomfortable I am...but...well...I am tired and extremely uncomfortable.

Things I like:

Eating smaller portions throughout the day
Having clear skin
Having strong hair and nails
Feeling baby kicks
The words "because I'm pregnant"

Things I'm totally over:

Having an infant's head resting directly on my bladder
Or pushing into my ribs
Or stabbing me in the spine
Acid-reflux
Itchy skin
Charlie horses

Things I can't wait to do again:

Sleep on my stomach
Sleep more than 3 hours at a time
Have a glass of wine with dinner

Wear high heels

Eat sushi

Drink more than one cup of coffee

Wear a nice suit to work

Wear anything more than leggings and a tee
Shave my legs, paint my toenails, and see my own feet

Things I can't wait to do for the first time: 

Meet my daughter
(and)
Watch my husband become a father


Ok...this is completely worth it.

Minivan Family

Well, it's official. I've handed in my cool points and succumbed to driving a minivan. The new (to us) van arrives from Florida on Monday after making the journey from my Aunt's house in Florida. They gave us an amazing deal that, for practical and financial reasons, we just couldn't pass up. My car was no longer reliable - at least not when you add late nights at work and a baby to the mix - and with Al's job transition we needed something cost-effective as well as safe.

Enter my generous family who gave us a great deal on a Chrysler Town & Country with less than 60,000 miles on it and the full luxury package. It was almost impossible to say no. And I promise to never get a stick-figure-family window decal or drive like an idiot. I also vow to regain many of my cool points by wearing leather pants, watching sports, and being a kick-ass mother. 

Does that make up for it? 

Nearing the End

The title of this post is probably deceiving. Yes, we're nearing the end of the pregnancy - but that's not actually what this is about.  In true military fashion, when change comes it comes in spades, and well, we're also nearing the end of our time in the Army. 

Al has his CIF appointment today where he is handing in all of his Army-issued gear. He's already signed over his keys, his office, and all of his responsibilities. He's already gotten his ETS orders.

Guys, this is really real.

I thought as this date got closer I would be more nervous. We still haven't 100% locked down our health-care plan. We still don't know exactly how the income transition is going to effect us. And, frankly, Al still isn't sure what he wants to do after his time in military service. Many of the variables are still up in the air, but one this is certain: we are not doubting our decision. 

I love being a military wife. I love watching my husband don his uniform (especially the class-A's). I love the places I've been and people I've met through our years in the Army. Mostly, though, I love saying that my family was a part of the bigger picture - that we did something for our fellow Americans that required a sacrifice bigger than ourselves. 

But we are ready to move on. I am ready to take back control of my own calendar. I am ready to plan for the future knowing (to a larger degree at least) where I'm going to be and how I'm going to get there. Al is ready to be his own boss again and to be able to explore entrepreneurship and invention and creativity. Al is ready to be a dad and putting down roots for our children.

And ultimately, the Army just wasn't the place to pursue those dreams.

Now it's my turn. I get to put my career first. I get to build my passion into something that gives back to the world. And I get to do it while creating a family.

Right now our life is full of blessing and transition, which is both lovely and terrifying all at the same time. At the end of the day, though, there is light and promise in the future and I am so excited to see where we're headed next!

8 Things I've Learned About Pregnancy So Far

I am now 32-weeks pregnant. 7 months. Only 8 weeks (or so) to go!
Supposedly, during the third trimester my comfort goes down, my belly grows out, and I can expect a heightened level of anxiousness over the arrival of our little lady. It seems fitting, then, to review what I've learned so far about pregnancy...

1. It really does affect every little part of your body. 
In many ways, that's an amazingly cool thing. In others it flat out sucks. I love watching my belly grow and feeling the kicks and flips she's doing in my stomach. My skin and hair are the healthiest they've ever been.  On the other hand, my back hurts, I get random charlie horses, and I go to the bathroom ALL THE TIME. I could also do without the extra line of hair around my belly button and stretching, itchy skin.

2. Specifically, boobs go crazy during pregnancy.
I wasn't small chested prior to pregnancy, but my breasts are out of control. They are already two whole sizes larger than pre-pregnancy and rumored to go up at least one more size to accommodate breast-feeding. They leak, they hurt, and they're shaped really weird. And ultimately, no amount of bras or shirts are ideal for the hot-chest-mess I'm experiencing. 

3. Sleeping is a never-ending battle.  
For the most part, I sleep just fine. But if I spend too much time on one side, my hips hurt. I use a body pillow to help relieve the hip strain, but there's nothing I can do about my stiff neck and awkward arms when I sleep on my side. Forget sleeping on my back (which "they" don't recommend anyway.) All I can say is once this little girl joins us, I'm looking forward to celebrating with a nice stomach-sleep!

4. Pregnancy can be creepy and weird. 
I don't think people want to associate negative terms with pregnancy. After all it is a truly beautiful experience. But, the plain and simple truth is that sometimes it really is creepy too. Like when you look down and see the outline of a foot firmly pressed against your belly wall. 

5. People are especially confused by pregnant ladies who work.
Just prior to Christmas, I took my leave from the gymnastics gym. I was about to cross into my third trimester and I was getting tired of the long days and physical demands of coaching. Even before I left, though, people were constantly perplexed by the fact that I was still working there. Even now, I spend most of time sitting at my desk and writing motions, but have a caseload that requires me to be in court at least once per week. My clients, and even other attorneys, are constantly asking me "why are you still working?" and "Aren't you really tired?" Of course I'm tired, but I love my job and I want to work so long as I'm physically able. Usually, I respond with a smile and a polite, "I feel great!" 

6. Maternity clothes still have a long way to go.
If you're independently wealthy, of course, there are plenty of stylish and beautiful options for maternity-wear. If you're like the rest of us, maternity clothes are just short of awful. Especially in a professional field where suits and office-wear are required. Most of the clothing companies went out and created maternity clothing lines made of leggings and stretchy t-shirts, completely ignoring working ladies and those who want simply want less frump. Leggings and tees are wonderful, but they're not going to cut it. And frankly, I like to look nice, even on the weekends when I'm just running to the grocery store. 

7. The simple pleasures are vital.
I treasure my allotted one cup of coffee per day. I cherish a nice, hot bubble bath every now and then. And I still get my nails done every two weeks. I have really cut back on a vast majority of things I previously enjoyed (like that third and fourth cup of coffee), but I still keep a moderate amount of luxury so I can feel like a normal human being whenever possible.

8. I don't have to be a super-hero, but I don't have to be scared either.
I had no idea what to expect with pregnancy. I still have no idea what child birth will be like. But I do know this: women have been doing this for centuries. Women are meant to do this. Our bodies, our brains, our hearts are all designed to be pregnant, deliver babies, and most importantly, be mothers. It's okay that I am tired ALL. THE. TIME and it's okay that I am already letting some things go that I swore "I'd never do..." It's also okay that I have no intention of "saving the earth" by cloth diapering or making my own diaper wipes. Finally, whether my body is prepared to deliver my sweet girl without medical intervention or whether I choose medical assistance to help me along, I will have a baby in March - and she'll probably be fine either way! 

2014. No goals this year, just memories.

I've spent quite a bit of time thinking about what goals I wanted to lay out for 2014. After throwing around some specific ideas (lose weight, learn how to sew, read X number of books, etc...) and tossing around some one-word goals for the year, I decided that none of that was really going to work for me.

2014 is going to be such a huge year for us, with the arrival of our little girl and the transition out of the Army. My career is going to continue to be a focus and learning how to navigate parenthood is going to take our remaining energy. Goal-setting and the follow-up seem much too daunting.

For 2014, I'm not setting any goals. I'm not putting any pressure on myself to check-in. I'm not going to hold myself accountable for any goals that take away from my other priorities. This year is going to be hard (wonderfully, blissfully hard) enough, without those added expectations. And, frankly, those other priorities, those are my goals for 2014. 

So instead of setting goals, I'm going to make memories. Hopefully, I'll grab my camera and capture those memories. Pictures of my beautiful husband with our baby girl. Pictures of new places and fun adventures. Pictures of the little moments that make motherhood so damn special. I can't promise I'll do much with those pictures. I can't even promise that I'll always remember to bring the camera. But I can promise this: 2014 will be a year of memories that I will never, ever forget.

2013 In Review

It's already two weeks into 2014 and I have yet to reflect on 2013. Blah blah blah.

What can I say other than the fact that 2013 was BU-SY an with all the change my little family is going through I just haven't slowed down enough to put this in writing. 

Nevertheless, as I gear up to solidify my 2014 goals, I need to review those I set for myself last year.

Rather than break them down and nitpick all the areas I failed to accomplish those goals, I'm going to highlight the things I did well. Then, I want to review my favorite experiences from this year and look at my 2013 blog stats. 

January 1, 2013 I stopped smoking. I'm proud to say that I haven't had a cigarette since. Sure, I've had the extra motivation of pregnancy to keep that goal in line, but I'm so happy I was able to quit cold-turkey and walk away altogether. Hopefully, 2014 is the year that Al does the same.

I learned many new skills last year. I became an AFTB instructor. I got my Finance Securities 6 and 63 licensing. And...I got my first law firm job! I would consider that my biggest accomplishment of 2013 - one that makes up for the lack of progress made in other areas. I LOVE my job and am learning new things every day.

We worked on the house. A lot. 
We renovated the upstairs guest bathroom. We pulled the carpet on two of the three floors, which were replaced with hardwood. We finished the basement bathroom, landscaped the front lawn and refinished the deck. We still have a long way to go in the house, but that's easier with a baby around, right?! (ha!)

We had many travel adventures. I went to Las Vegas for my best friends' bachelorette party. I traveled to Minnesota for the wedding itself. Al spent October in Minnesota to help his dad on the farm. We both have visited many great sites here in Colorado - from Breckenridge to Steamboat Springs - and hope to continue those adventures in the coming year. I attended my first (and likely only) Army Ball. 

And perhaps the most exciting adventure of 2013 was finding out we were pregnant with our first child - a little girl - due this coming March. The last part of 2013 has been consumed with preparation of both our hearts and home for her arrival. Figuring out how to balance motherhood and my career and Al transitioning from Army life to the civilian world have been huge focuses of the last year. 

As for this little blog...once July 2013 hit (and news of my job and the baby surfaced within days of each other) my priorities shifted away from the blog and onto real life. I simply didn't have the time, energy, or desire to blog during much of the second half of 2013. And that's OK.

That said, I hope 2014 is even half the adventure that 2013 was. And I hope to do a better job of sharing it with the rest of you!