Dresses and Naps

Sometimes I’m in a season where I feel like writing about important things – cultural reflections, happenings in the Reformed blogosphere, women’s roles. But lately, I’ve felt like writing about my little life as a wife and mother. I know it’s important too, but it’s small. I hope you don’t mind the narrow scope of my writing (or lack thereof) for a season.

I’ve decided not to let a lack of profundity stop me from writing.

I’m 17 weeks today (hooray!) and plugging through the second trimester. I’m really enjoying these last months alone with Christian. I’m going to miss our one-on-one time.

I am reaching that awkward stage with clothes. My non-maternity shirts still fit, but they’re kind of tight, and I try to avoid that until it’s impossible. My maternity shirts are still too big.

My pregnancy uniform has become dresses (with leggings in public, since they’re mostly short). I’m pretty sure everyone’s already sick of seeing me in that combo! I’ve been collecting several non-maternity dresses that will fit throughout a lot of pregnancy, like this one:

I do need to get a few more shirts for this in-between stage, though, and eventually some maternity capris. I’m not even thinking about getting more maternity jeans (I have two pairs) because hello? Pregnant + summer + Florida = miserable and I am never going to wear jeans if I can help it. I already feel like wearing nothing but dresses and it’s only April.

I didn’t realize I had so much to say about clothes.

Christian is in an awkward stage himself – between one nap and two. I was telling a friend the other day that I don’t mind one nap, but the inconsistency drives me crazy… I never know what to expect from day to day. This is a two-nap day, which is so nice.

I wanted to write about more than clothes, but I need to take advantage of the rest of little one’s naptime, so that’s all for now.

Prenatal Exercise

I have never particularly enjoyed exercising.

However, I love:

1. The long-term results – health, fitness, and lack of weight gain!
2. The immediate benefits – endorphins and better sleep
3. The fact that the more you do it, the more enjoyable it becomes.

Here is my absolute favorite form of exercise:

I love riding my bike. I finally got a tire pump and I can’t wait to ride this weekend!

Walking is always good, too. I walked constantly with Christian from the time he was a week or two old.

I’ve completely slacked off on exercise since I started getting sick in the first trimester, but it’s definitely time to change that. I do have a gym membership, but there’s no child care, so a realistic aim is probably twice a week.

I also own this DVD:

I’d never heard of Summer Sanders, but she’s an Olympic medalist, and so far I love these workouts. The options for each trimester include full-length (about 1 hour) and express (about 30 minutes) and incorporate cardio and muscle work, using a resistance band.

So there’s my pregnancy fitness plan… I want to be in better shape than I was with my first pregnancy. Now if I can just stick to it!

Blogs, Babies, and Cheesecake

A blog is a bit like a garden. And mine is a bit neglected.

I’ve needed this time, though. A time when I’ve felt disenchanted with the online world. That’s not to say I don’t value my online friendships, because I do. I’m continually amazed by the kindness and camaraderie.

But it’s been good to step back, albeit without really planning to do so.

My little baby is already to the 16-week mark! The avocado is his/her food-size comparison this week. Our anatomy ultrasound (where we hopefully find out the gender) is scheduled for May 6. I’m hoping for a girl, but I’m sensing it’s a boy. Two brothers would be a lot of fun!

I’ve been feeling some movement, which is one of the best parts of pregnancy. I love the second trimester. It’s flying by.

I still haven’t gained any weight – in fact, I’m still 2-3 pounds under my pre-pregnancy weight, but I’m sure that’ll be remedied soon enough. Baby Center suggests drinking a milkshake every day if you’re having trouble gaining weight. Um, I think that might speed things up a bit too much for my liking.

Our little one is affectionately known as “Bearwsh 2” around here. “Bearwsh” is Christian’s nickname. It’s like “Bears” in baby talk. You’d really have to hear A.J. say it to get the full effect.

Speaking of Christian, he’s 14 months old now! I’m loving this stage. He’s walking, saying lots of words, and loves looking at books and being outside. He’s very sweet and curious.

I want to post more pictures, but our camera battery charger broke and we haven’t even taken pictures since his birthday party. I just bought some batteries so I’m looking forward to remedying that.

Our second anniversary was yesterday. We celebrated on Saturday by going out to the Cheesecake Factory. It was the first time I’d ever been there and it was so good. Can you have a favorite restaurant that you’ve only been to once? I loved the entree, and the lemon raspberry cream cheesecake? Words fail me. I almost finished the whole piece, which is quite a feat for me since I have trouble eating rich dessert.

And the anniversary was good, too. I can hardly believe it’s been two years!

Thanks for sticking around during my unintended break! Happy Tuesday!

[photo 1] [photo 2]