It was a great, busy, and productive weekend! Being the holiday season, no weekend is complete without a holiday celebration. This week’s festivity was with my favorite girlies. We all trekked out in the freezing rain (another joy of Wisconsin) for a lovely dinner and secret santa at our friend, Ashley’s. Somehow, I took no photos, but it was great! We had delicious food, wonderful company, and got some pretty great gifts. It’s funny though, I’ve found that when I’m tasked with bringing a dish these days, my contribution is pretty pathetic. I’m usually one who over does it with some awesome recipe I found online… these days, it’s some frozen something or other that I’ve picked up on my way. So pathetic. Hopefully the Martha Stewart in me returns soon.

Anyway, Saturday was a busy day. The day started my favorite way… with a manicure and the company of my mom, sister and niece. I decided to be festive and pick a sparkly, holiday color…

Then the day picked up… it was time to make returns. From Chanukah gifts to wedding gifts, we had a bunch of stuff to take care of. Our first stop was Pea in the Pod / Destination Maternity, which I’m not going to lie, I kind of fell in love with. This is a store that trains its employees to put us pregnant mommas up on a pedestal… I loved it. Anyway, from up on my pedestal, it seemed like a great idea to spend a fortune on a pair of maternity jeans. Now, back at ground-level, I’m not sure I regret the purchase… but I will say it might be a little excessive. Either way, I stand by the decision… my tush deserves to look nice… even while pregnant! Right? My husband agreed, so I don’t feel bad.

While trying on clothes, I also had the opportunity to try on a “7-month pregnant belly.” It was… interesting. From this experience, I learned a few things…

1. I do not know how I will be able to bend over or stand up with this large of a belly.
2. I think I could handle having this big of a belly as long as the rest of me stays the same size. I may have actually found the bump (or mountain) a little cute.
3. I might have to stop driving at 7 months, because it is unclear whether or not I will be able to fit behind the wheel.

 

While we were in the car, we also got in a little facetime with Mark’s nieces. The conversation went from this…

 

 

To this…

From shopping / returning, we met up with my parents to see the new Tom Hanks movie, Saving Mr. Banks. I had been super excited to see it. Honestly, it was a little slow and I may have dozed off for 15 minutes in the beginning, but I did end up enjoying it. It made me want to read the original Mary Poppins.

Then, on Sunday, we got dumped on! 7 inches of snow! It was crazy. So, while I put up our holiday decorations, Mark cleared the driveway and a ridiculous path for our very high maintenance doggy…

 

 

Symptoms

Yesterday and today have been a little rough. I’ve been really achy… mostly in my lower back. It feels way too early for lower back pain, but it is definitely there. Mostly, it just makes me feel restless and uncomfortable, but it definitely has its plain old painful moments. I’ve also been battling a headache the past few days. I’m thinking I need to catch up on some sleep.. that might help. All I know, is that I woke up this morning feeling like I had a wicked hang over. It was not cool.

Enough whining… Besides all that, I’m feeling pretty good. I feel like my motivation to get things done around the house has improved a bit and despite feeling super tired, I feel a little more motivated. Plus, I’ve been feeling pretty excited! We’re having a baby! And, my husband has been really sweet and lovely and wonderful. I’m a lucky gal.