currently.

hello.  seeing as it is Thursday and I can barely keep my eyes open at 1:18pm, I thought I would take a quick minute to just jot down what the eff is up since honestly... you all aren't getting some deep conversation/intellectual post this week.  I mean, let's have a round of applause that I got in two posts in a week.  (HOW DO MOMS HAVE TIME TO BLOG?!?!!?)


This week -

I was watching my baby's heart rate on the monitor at the hospital.  I fell (again).  It was actually one of those things where I was just immediately pissed at myself because hello how stupid and now I have to go to the hospital to be monitored.  It was actually a very casual affair with me waiting until Jim got home and then just driving myself.  Spoiler alert: everything was fine, my 21 month old just needs to keep her toys out of my way! (yeah right)

Searching for patience, and more sleep.  Hoping these will be combined one of these days.  Also ways to maximize our space while we try to make room for the addition.  Ugh, it's been an emotionally up and down week.  Impatience at wanting to move and meet my new son and knowing in the back of my mind to stop wishing the time away because honey it stops for no one anyway.

I have been missing my best friend a lot this week.  She lives in Raleigh and I got to see her a week and a half ago for her brother's wedding.  Ugh, it was such a tease.  Our times together since she moved four years ago have been few an far between.  I feel lucky in this life to have found both my soulmates (spouse and friend) but it's hard being away from her all the time.

Adelynn has been growing up recently.  It's like we are turning our heads for a second and she is just mastering more and more.  I'd like to do a full post on her updates, but in case I don't get to it, here are things she has mastered recently: independent sentences (IE. asking for someone and then asking for an action "TyTy swim" "Leo eat it") swinging on big girl swings, very independent play both a the park and at home, walking and running everywhere, climbing ladders... it goes on and on.  It both breaks my heart and makes me so proud.

I have been doing my best to ignore the fact that in just a couple short weeks my nannying job will end.  I feel goofy over how sad it is making me.  Those kids are just so special and so close with Addie and I'm close with them. I actually had trouble falling asleep last night because I kept picturing them going to school and leaving Adelynn behind.  I know it is ending for the best of reasons and it might not even be permanent (maybe next summer?) but for now it is and I feel sad that my daughters best friends are going to be going away without an explanation that she will really understand...


ugh.  Way to end on a high note.  That being said, the weather here is gorgeous, I have the windows open - air off in the middle end of July....  also holy cow it's the end of July.  Enjoy the (almost) weekend and have a donut for me!

lazy, hazy, crazy baby.

it's summer.  I am actually quit thrilled to see so many of my favorite bloggers taking a break.  It takes the pressure off a bit.  Everyone is out enjoying the weather, unplugging.  It feels nice to breathe the fresh air, have a glass of lemonade, enjoy family, friends, longer days, etc.

That being said, I am now in my seventh month of pregnancy and getting to that uncomfortable, when is he going to be out, pregnancy is so difficult stage.  Truly.  I keep reminding myself that no matter how difficult pregnancy is, it only becomes more so once they are out.

J and I took the plunge and joined our local gym with an annual membership this past weekend.  The biggest draw for us was the pool/aquatic center they have.  I am so so so excited about this.  We paid for a daily pass last week to take Adelynn swimming.  Later that night, she flopped on her belly in the tub and as she was squirming around and said "swimming, swimming."  It was pretty much decided then and there that a membership was going to be a necessity.  It's an indoor pool which takes away seasonal worries and sun worries.  With the baby coming it will be so nice to have somewhere close where Jim can take her for a couple hours and she LOVES.  I am also equally excited about the gym membership... although I am not doing much now (haha!) I suffer from seasonal depression in the winter and am looking forward to having an outlet and a way to train for my marathon.  Even if I only make it twice a week, I am going to love having that time for just me and my goals. 

Lately... this is what we've been up to in numbers





daily wagon rides, number of times having to double back to pick up lost sunglasses - 2

3 - number of hours I made it at the reception and number of people in this picture

1 - birthday pop

12 - roses from my love

12 million, number of times she says higher!

so that's been life lately.  we've been working and loving and living.  some days are a struggle, some I am frustrated.  but overall it's been asweet summer with the promise of new things to come this fall. 

ps. we are going to work on transitioning addy to a big girl bed this coming weekend.  I will keep you posted on how this all goes!

Currently, struggles and wishes!

This post could probably be titled "Things I am struggling with" because right now I am.  I just seem to be in a funk and it's difficult to look at myself, know I am not fully enjoying life, and not know what to do to pull out of it.  I've analyzed and compiled and am left just unsure.  I am not sure if it's the progesterone shots I'm on (that's my likely guess) or just my hormones in general but overall I am left just wishing I was enjoying life a little more.  I am going to do my best to make sure the things in my control like: diet, sleep, and water aren't being ignored and go from there. 




That being said, as of today, we are officially 3 months away from baby boys due date.  It seems really far away and close at the same time.  I am starting to get to the uncomfortable phase where the belly is starting to be pretty big and twelve more weeks of growing seems.... well pretty unfeasible.  On the other hand, holy shit, 12 weeks MAXIMUM to go.  Ummm, let's think about how much we gotta get done in 12 weeks. 


In other news, I thought I would share a few items on my wish list.  Jim and I made the difficult decision that for now house hunting is tabled and we will revisit it in January.  It was made for a myriad of reason the two most important ones being:

1) we will be much more financially stable in January due to Christmas bonus.  Yes we probably could move now but why stress ourselves out for the next four-five months especially with...

2) baby boys birth.  Of course we are hoping and praying for a complication free delivery but one never knows.  No need to compile stress when we can just wait and get him home safely.


That being said.... it hasn't stopped me from reworking multiple rooms and layouts in my head.  Here are a few items I am craving.

1) natural textures like this tablecloth featuring jute

2) this large wooden clock from JBJunkMarket on etsy. I am obsessed with this clock ever since I saw it about a year ago.  The price tag is hefty but I know I would use it my whole life.

3) a new area rug (this one is from amazon).  I am most likely going to be hitting local discount stores for a new rug but I would love something lighter and patterned for our family room.  I am trying to rid ourselves of the brown!

4) a double strand initial necklace.  we haven't decided on a boys name yet but I can't wait to get a necklace with both of their initials.  I love the strong lettering look of this one from ElegantSwan.

5) okay last necklace.  I wear a necklace almost every day, that being said Burnish has become my favorite shop on Etsy for unique and wearable jewelry.  I asked for this necklace for Christmas two years ago and wear it almost daily.  That being said, we can always add to the collection with this beautiful stone necklace featured above.



So that's what's topping my wish list recently.  What about you all?  Any unique items you want to share?

It's Wednesday.  I'm a bit tapped for this week if I am going to be honest.  Addy started on the monitor at five am this morning and I woke up realizing I was in the exact same position that I fell asleep in last night, I didn't even get up to pee. 

That being said, this summer is sweet and full of hope and life and joy.  I have been struggling, struggling in a way of "jesus, this is the fifth freaking tantrum and the clock hasn't even hit 6:30 yet" "holy hell how can I be so mad at such a small human?" and struggling physically.  Adelynn is way more physical than I bargained for and is into climbing e-v-e-r-y-t-h-i-n-g.

That being said.  This summer is sweet.  I am overwhelmed and probably a bit underprepared for the biggest change that will take place in the nest few months but I have a boy that is kicking me every second of every day in my belly and I have a daughter that wraps her arms around me and when I do leave and come back gets so excited she just about has a conniption fit "MOMMY!!!!" I get to end my days with my soul mate and partner.  I have a tan for the first time ever because I actually get to spend my days outside as opposed to in an office.  We have plans for fruit stands and grilled corn, pulled pork and cupcakes.  My family is coming together, we are growing and maturing and laughing and crying, usually every day. 

I struggle with a lot and I don't know a lot, but I can tell you that I can look at Jim and know that he is my soul mate.  I look at A and know that, while she is way more than I bargained for, she is mine and the greatest gift I have been given.  I look at my stomach and know that in a couple of months, for the very first time, I will set eyes on my son.  For now, this is enough.

5 Quick Things

1.  I was lucky enough to be the guest blogger on Wifessionals and Happily Ever Rushed this week.  If you get a chance stop by and check out both blogs - they are great!

2.  Whew, I am six months in to this pregnancy and having a 20 month old is no joke guys.  The screaming... so much screaming.  I am trying to stay positive, on top of things, and just make light of what I can because... holy hell - that scream.

3.  Does anyone else feel in a rut with cooking?  In summer meal planning just goes out the window, ugh who feels like cranking the oven up to 400 when it's hot and muggy outside?

4.  I just really hope this is a good weekend, I have my fingers crossed - smooth sailing in the wiggle household.

5. 

ham, that's all I have to say about this.

what i've returned to for maternity round 2.

I think the first time you are pregnant, it's such a shock and experience and honestly - your body has no idea what you are going through much less your mind so in terms of what you should buy, what you'll need to get through being pregnant, etc. it seems easiest to either buy almost nothing (the route I chose) or buy EVERYTHING MATERNITY IN SIGHT.  I was working my first time being pregnant, so using quite a few of my dresses as tunics and adding leggings and one pair of maternity black pants, I called myself set. 

This time around, I am nannying for the summer and I knew I would need to get some new things, I am not going to be chasing after 4 kids in freaking jeans in 90 degree weather, that's for sure.  I wanted to catalogue some new things that I have bought and also some of the good stuff from before that I just can't get enough of.

Aladdin Tumbler:  I got a "free" reusable liter water bottle from the hospital when I had A and used the crap out of that thing.  However, it has seen better days although I definitely still have it stashed up in my cupboard (I mean seriously a liter! Can't beat it!) this has become my go-to.  I have really sensitive teeth and have always preferred drinking from a straw as opposed to a cup.  I like this one the best because:

• it's straw has a little guard at the bottom to prevent over happy toddlers from pulling it out and running off with it
• its somewhat spill proof (water comes out through the straw but I can usually catch it before it's a disaster)
• it fits in my cup holder for when I'm driving
• dishwasher safe and sweatproof

Gap Supersoft Leggings: I used these my first pregnancy at the advice of some other mamas out there  and loved them but had a hard just time justifying the price.  Since then I have tried pretty much every brand of leggings out there and have never been truly satisfied.  I ordered a new pair and when I got these today I told my husband "the only way I can describe it is your first bite of filet mignon after eating nothing but hamburgers" BEST LEGGING hands down pregnant or not.  Yes, they are expensive for "leggings", do yourself a favor, get a coupon and get them.

H&M Mama Nursing Bra: I exclusively breastfed for 14 months with TWO (2!!) "regular" nursing bras (ie. not sports bras) Needless to say, I didn't really feel sexy just alternating between a patterned bra and tan bra.  I just kinda wrote it off as an unnecessary expenditure and hated all my bras and my time in them lol.  It's not.  When the ahem girls grew this time around, I knew it was time to invest in some bras but I HATE shopping in stores.  I saw a recommendation for this bra and seeing as how they are under 20 bucks I decided to try one.  They are great for the money and pretty comfortable (I mean for a bra ya know)- my only recommendation is size up (in cup and band size), at least in my experience, they seem to run a little small.

Old Navy Maternity Jersey-Stretch Tank: This is a leftover from my first pregnancy.  So comfortable, so soft, not sure why I bought any other tanks.  For the money, can't be beat.

Bath and Body Lavender Vanilla Pillow Mist: One side affect that I have is trouble sleeping/troubling dreams, etc. Like intense trouble sleeping.  One of the things that seems to help me is to have a ritual of doing the same things before sleep every night.  Spraying this on my pillows usually makes the list.  It smells divine and I do feel it at least mentally helps me relax - which is half the battle when trying to get to sleep.



So those have been my go-to's this pregnancy.  I am always curious though - what does everyone else love?

Also - I hope you all are getting ready to enjoy the weekend.  It's supposed to be gorgeous here all weekend long - I just hope my peanut is well enough to enjoy it!

wish list

although we haven't started house hunting yet (school loan problems can ya hear me!) and with the way things are looking it will probably be closer to the end of the year when we actually get to really get down to the bones of looking/buying/moving, I thought I would make a list of things I definitely WANT in our new house.  I am hoping to maybe do a somewhat regular series on our process of moving/buying/finishing things.  After 2 1/2 years renting this home - I have become very aware of some of it's ahem deficiencies.

1. a desk area.  this is crucial for me.  we have a laptop in our living room, stored under the couch and a printer balanced on top of a small filing cabinet in our eating area.  originally we thought we would make the second spare bedroom into an office, but that become our nursery when I got pregnant 3 months after we moved in...  I want a place to feel organized, store important papers, and if it happens, grow this business.  I am not big on working in bed, a couch, etc.  Even now when I write posts, I usually set up at the kitchen table or outside if it's nice to feel like I am "working."

2. a play area, this can be as small as just bedrooms big enough to house "big" toys like kitchen sets, etc. or a separate living space.   our living room right now is small.  for the square footage of the house (just under 1200) it is a little awkwardly laid out and the kitchen is a huge square with a gaping hole in the middle (WASTED SPACE).  Adelynn's toys get stacked on a small bookshelf at the bottom of the steps and while it works for now... we are going to need something larger than a 3 shelf bookshelf ala Target 7 years ago for my junior year of college.

3. privacy.  we share a driveway now (HATE IT) and face a lot of neighbors.  it's not awful, it is an older neighborhood so there is VERY mature landscaping offering nice shade and some privacy but jim and I really want some space to stretch out and not have everyone up in my business all the time.  it comes more from just wanting the option to live a private life more from like NEEDING privacy for some freaky business but I just don't want everyone to need/know when I leave the house every second of every day.  this includes a FENCABLE yard!

4. updated electrical/walls/etc.  I don't mind older homes, in fact most times I prefer the character and styling of RENOVATED older homes.  plaster walls, 2 prong outlets.... I've seen enough of you.  While we are more than willing to work on cosmetic details, we also need to be practical about the level of project we can take on.  More likely than not, we will be moving in with a 2 year old and 3 month old, and I stay home all day - having workers in day in and day out will not mesh.

5. Suitable for long term use.  We aren't really in the market for starter home at this point.  We are two kids in and are planning on more in the future.  We realistically can't "make due" with one bathroom, 3 bedrooms, etc.  Ideally we would like to find our "forever" home but at the very least will plan on staying at least 10+ years.

I know this is going to be a long haul and that we are going to have to be picky.  I am okay with that but part of me wishes we were just in the market for a cute, starter home that we were planning on flipping.  Any tips out there?  I can't wait to start but part of me is DREADING the process!