It's Wednesday, So What!

Linking up with Shannon @ Life After I Dew

 

This week I am saying so what to....

• Getting really excited to wash clothes in the new laundry room last night even though we still don't have light in the room yet
• Deciding not to fold those two loads until this morning
• Some of those clothes are still sitting on my bed waiting to be put away
• Attempting to watch Dowton Abby for like the 15th time and having to stop to do something else. I have not made it past the first 30 minutes of the first episode...
• Feeling terrible about making Ocean and outside dog, I shed some tears. He mostly LOVES it, he is getting used to it which is hard on me.
• I have given into all my cravings, there is only 2 weeks left...baby want it all too right??
• I read a blog today and she had Chick Fil A and I was jealous, like actually jealous!
• Staying up way too late last night playing with my new iPad from my husband (in place of folding clothes)...early gift for the mommy to be :)

 

Please Excuse My Waddle

Yep, my waddling time has arrived! I have had a very easy pregnancy and don't have any horrific stories to share. My weight gain is pretty amazing considering it is only now reaching the 10 pound mark. I usually have a lot of energy and overall am loving this experience. Everyone kept saying just wait till you get closer to the end, things won't be the same... They were absolutely right! After dinner I am pretty much uncomfortable for the rest of the night and strut a pregnant waddle around my house. I'm talking at times I got one arm swinging and one hand on my back. I understand that walk! Eating is sometimes a challenge, I am not stuffing my face and eating for two in fact it is quite the opposite. I just don't have room for food but I'm hungry! Heartburn is no joke these days. I hate Tums and hope that I don't need them after pregnancy! Now the issue of space is sorta a big deal I mean something as simple as standing up require a deep breath, I literally feel like I need momentum because my insides are being squished while trying to stand. I feel every single movement and every set of hiccups. I ask myself will I miss this??? As of now NO! I am ready to get this party started and I'm counting down every minute of my final 2.5 weeks. Every moment of discomfort, every Tum, the small bit of nausea, waddling, hormones that make me extra emotional and sleepless nights are so worth it! There is no experience like this in the world. I have not even seen my son yet and I am already in love. I love that he moves more when he hears music and his father's voice. I love that when a tiny foot or hand creates this mass on my belly and I push it he moves to another place as if playing a game with me. Most of all I love the sound of his heartbeat!  I feel like I am waiting for Christmas morning to arrive with the anticipation of his arrival.  Any day now buddy, any day. Mommy is ready!

Linking up with....

My Best Friend

When I think of February I think of love, valentines day certainly has a lot to do with that! While this holiday is highly commercialized it does cause us to stop and reflect on that special someone in our lives. We think about why we love them and our favorite things are about them. Before we got married someone told me not to marry someone you can live with, but someone you can't live without....

I feel that way about my husband, I am so blessed to be married to my best friend, my soulmate, my teammate and the love of my life. He still gives me butterflies and make my heart flutter when I haven't seen him all day. Even though we text throughout the day it is just not the same seeing him. 

Our home has been under construction for almost 4 weeks now and our son will be here in about 3 weeks. Our Pastor's did a marriage counseling session with us prior to getting married and one thing that I remember them saying is that some marriages do not survive construction projects. We laughed and thought no way. Now that we are in the midst of it all we see how it could actually be possible. We have shared some unhappy, frustrating, stressful, tearful...I am 9 months pregnant,  and just plain angry moments with each other in the last 4 weeks. We have spent a LOT of money and we aren't done paying for the rest of the project. That alone will cause a marriage to crumble. At the end of everyday we choose not to go to bed mad. We choose to say sorry and move on. 

Things have not always gone as planned but it truly has not made either one of us question our marriage. First off we applied for permits in August and didn't get the final approval until the end January leaving us less than 10 weeks before I am due. Ummmm yeah I have had my fair share of freak out moments that things weren't going to be done. Up until Thursday I hadn't finished washing all the baby clothes and blankets nor packed a hospital bag.  My husband kept telling me not to worry that it would all get done with plenty of time...and he was right! All the clothes are washed, organized in the drawer and the crib is all set up. 

I love this man more than ever! I have learned a lot of new things about him during this time and we have grown stronger! I truly cannot live without him. I am ready to start the next chapter with him, he is going to be an amazing father. I already know that I am going to fall in love all over again seeing him with our son. He mentioned the other day how he has seen me in all stages of my life, we have known each other for more than 20 years! From elementary school, then there was a gap when I was in middle school our families got busy and we didn't see each other. Picked up when I was graduating from high school, then our relationship started when I was in college and he saw me graduate. The next stage was getting married and now my journey into motherhood. I am glad I got to grow up with my best friend, may not have always been my best friend but he is now 

Today I am linking up with Morgan for Saturday Morning Coffee. 

Bloglovin'

So maybe I'm a little late to join Bloglovin'....let me tell you this site is awesome!! I was having the hardest time reading blogs from my phone. This app makes it so much easier and you can follow all the blogs you do now in Bloglovin'.

If you don't have a Bloglovin' account you should make one now!

Thank You

Today I reached 50 followers and it made my day...Seriously!!  

When starting this Blog almost 3 months ago I wanted to create a space for myself write which is something I really enjoy doing. I am not much of a paper journaling girl so a blog made the most sense to me since I do love my computer oh so much. Along the way I have met some amazing women who lives I feel so privileged to be a part of their life via their blog.  

My goal was never to write to gain an audience, but it does feel pretty amazing to know that their are people who like to read what I have to say, ok type. 

Thank you so very much from the bottom of my heart to my lovely readers, you have truly made my day. Thank you for your input, suggestions and sweet comments :) 

Chapter 3: Baby!

Today I am linking up with Becky for Women Connect for the second time. Last year this was the very first link up I had ever done, and it was my second blog entry. I was pretty excited to read that she was hosting this again. I really enjoyed reading so many other women's stories the first time around.

Usually on Sunday I spend time relaxing after I come home from Church. Then around 7ish I start to get this dreadful feeling that the weekend is over and I am going back to work tomorrow. I have blogged before about how much I love my job and I do, I promise! I just don't enjoy waking up in the morning, more so now than ever! Today I am free of that feeling because I'm not going to work tomorrow. Yes it is a holiday but that's not why! I won't be going back Tuesday, or the next day, or the one after that, or next week, or next month, or in a couple, not in a year, NOPE I am off until I'm ready to go back.

Thursday was my last day of work and let me tell you it was hard to say goodbye. I am going to miss seeing my lovely coworkers faces everyday. And the kids, oh boy did they make me cry! Some of them did not understand that they were giving me a goodbye hug not just their daily hug. After a tearful hug session with the kids and my coworkers I made it out, took a deep breath and smiled because I am going to start the the most exciting job of my life. A job that not every mom has the opportunity to do, nor does every mom want to. I am going to be a stay at home mom. And my new coworker, my husband, well he is pretty amazing. He is going to be a great father!

I overwhelmed with JOY right now. I am looking forward to being a stay at home mom. I have an idea in my head what my life will be like but I'm not really too sure exactly what will happen. I have heard that it is the most rewarding experience and that is the hardest/best job you will every have. I was a teacher to toddler age children so I have an idea what I am in for a little later in life but not what the first few months are going to be like. Will I sleep? I have heard mixed things about sleep. Some say it depends on your baby, some say NOPE. I guess I will find out Will I get dressed daily? Yes! I will make it a point to get dressed in regular clothes everyday. Even if that means some days a pair of yoga pants and a shirt. I will comb my hair too! My normal get ready routine takes about 30 minutes from start to finish. I will find time daily to get ready. I am not sure what I expect but I am ready to figure it out.

I haven't quite decided how to incorporate my little man into this blog. He will definitely be a part of it, I'm just not sure how much detail. It is something I really have to think about and take my husbands opinion into consideration. Will I use his name? I'm not sure, if not he will have a really cool nickname. Will I post pictures? I think so. Will I write about him? Well yes of course!

A little fact you may not know about me is that I am/was a little paranoid about my life being on the internet. It is the main reason why I didn't blog in the first place. I debate how much of my life to share and what pictures to share. I know I can't be the only one who feels this way right?

I am realizing that chapter 3 is not just about baby, but discovering a whole new me as well!

I HEART Pinterest

Pinterest is seriously one of the best sites ever created! I can spend hours on here, seriously hours. I have the perfect home, awesome wardrobe, a fantastic collection of recipes and I am the organizing queen. Oh wait that's not really me, maybe a little bit me, but according to Pinterest thats me in a nutshell :) Our home renovation is nearing the end THANK GOODNESS! I have got rid of so much stuff and let me tell you, it feels good to throw stuff away. I have been stalking my favorite website for organizing ideas and came across these genius ideas....

1. DIY Magnetic Spice Rack  2. Pantry Organization 3. Pantry Organization

I love an organized space, I cannot wait to start organizing my kitchen :) I didn't have a pantry before so I am pretty psyched to have one now! I have wanted to make a magnetic spice rack for a while, this might just be the right time. I am just itching to get started organizing, just a few more days! Ok back to pinning...

Second Liebster Award

Last week I received my second Liebster Award. It truly means a lot to me that people like reading what I have to say. Thank you so much Latesha you truly made my day :)  The Liebster, it is awarded to new and upcoming bloggers who have less than 200 followers. The award is passed on to other bloggers in the same category to help spread their names around and support one another!

If you receive this award these simple rules must be followed...

• The nominated blogger has to post 11 random facts about themselves
• Answer the 11 questions the person who nominated them asked
• Create 11 new questions for the those the blogger is nominated to answer
• Choose 11 bloggers with less than 200 followers to nominate and link them on their blog post
• No tag backs!

11 Random Facts about me:

1. I really love food a lot...it is usually one of my main topics in conversation, my husband jokes that I plan my dinner before I have even eaten breakfast. 
2. My favorite season is Fall. I love everything about it, the colors, the weather and PUMPKIN!
3. Christmas is my favorite holiday. I love decorating, eating all the delicious foods associated with Christmas, spending time with family and reminding other of the true reason for the season, Jesus' birth! Sometimes I wish it was Christmas all year long.
4. My kitchen is always spotless before I go to sleep which leads me to number 5....
5. I am sort of a neat freak. At first it drove my husband crazy but he has accepted it :)
6. I have an adorable 85 pound blue nose pit bull named Ocean. Last year when my husband and I decided to get a dog we agreed on getting a 20-30 poundish non shedding inside dog....then we saw Ocean and fell in love. My husband has always wanted a pit bull and I am so glad we got him, we love him so much! 
7. My food cannot touch! Mainly just sauces running and hot/cold items mixing. Sounds weird but it really freaks me out. My family laughs about it and as a joke a few Christmases ago my mom bought me a cafeteria tray which I used a couple of times :)
8. It takes me FOREVER to make an online purchase. I'm not sure why, if I'm in my favorite store TARGET I swipe away but, there is something about the freedom of research online that delays the process. 
9. My favorite colors are Tiffany blue, dark purple and orange. 
10. I crave Mexican food 24-7! I have always loved Mexican food, now that I am pregnant it has become a staple in my diet. 
11. Chipped nail polish irritates me! My mom used to do nails and I spent a lot of time (by choice, practically begging) watching her during her appointments. I have the BEST picture of myself painting my nails in my high chair with non-toxic polish. Needless to say my nails are usually in excellent condition. 

My Questions from Latesha:

1. What's the history behind your blog name? I wanted to come up with a name that summed up who I was and the general feel of my blog. It took me a while but I decided on Simply Inspired Me. 
2. How long have you been blogging? About 3 months
3. Why did you start blogging? I love to write and debated with starting a blog for a while, then one day I just went for it. I LOVE it, it is one of the ways I spend my me time. 
4. Name 1 item you could not live without. (ANYTHING- beauty product, clothing, food, physical object, etc.) Hmmm, I would have to say my phone. I chose it because it's so multifunctional. Phone, camera, book....the possibilities are endless. 
5. What is your favorite fairytale? Why? I love Cinderella, partly because I also love shoes :)
6. What song do you have on your iPod, phone, Mp3, etc. that you would be embarrassed for others to hear? I wouldn't say it would embarrass me, but I wouldn't want it to start playing on shuffle...there is a small collection of preschool music on my iPod for work and I know the words to every song in that playlist :)
7. When was your most recent public embarrassment? I don't have anything good because I cannot think of anything, I have a mild case of prego brain. I hope this counts...I hate being the center of attention and last weekend was my baby shower. The gift opening was rough, I look so angry in some of the pictures not because I am mad but because I was freaking out inside! 
8.  Which was the 1st blog you started following? From Mrs to Mama
9. What is your favorite post from your blog? I would have to say Before Baby (in 8 weeks) Bucket List. I got a lot of great ideas and feedback from some wonderful ladies :) 
10. If you could have dinner with anyone in the world- living or dead- who would it be and why? Without question my Grandma who passed away almost 2 years ago. There is so much I would love to ask her and tell her about my son who will be here in 5 weeks. Most of all I just want to give her a hug, tell her I love her and miss her!! 
11. What should my next blog topic be? A new recipe you have tried.

My Nominees:

I have less than 11, these 9 lovely ladies blog are so worth reading :)

Shaina @ Shaina Rae

Sarah @ Tucker Up

Melissa @ The Real McCoys

Courtney @ The Hippie Chambers

Kate @ Raising The Rogers

Emily @ Formerly Known As Emj

Ashley @ Momma On A Misson

Caitlin @ Mommy and Her Meltdowns
Martina @ Amazingly Blessed

My Questions for You:

1. How would you describe yourself in three words?
2. What is one things that you do just for you?
3. What was one of your resolutions this year? Have you kept it?
4. If you could change one thing about your life what would it be?
5. How do you feel about chocolate?
6. What is your biggest phobia?
7. Why do you blog?
8. Dogs or Cats?
9. What is your most embarrassing moment?
10. What is your favorite TV show?
11. What is your guilty pleasure?

I look forward to reading your responses.

This is One Happy Girl

I have been MIA for the past two weeks...life has been a little hectic around here.....Two weeks ago construction started in my home! We are converting our garage into a family room. Now you may be thinking so soon to your due date right? Well, this whole process started in August but it takes a llllooooonnnngggg time to get permits, I'm talking nearly 6 months!!! The day we got the permits construction began. Thankfully the conversion is not too challenging and won't take more than a couple more weeks. 

The beginning

I am a bit of a neat freak so needless to say the messes are not my favorite. And the creepy crawlers that just appear out of nowhere freak me out! Yes that is real and it was outside my house THANKFULLY!

A couple of days into construction my super amazing and wonderful husband surprised me and said that we are renovating my kitchen too. When we bought our home a year ago I said that I wanted to make changes. We have new appliances that came with the home but the kitchen had not been renovated since the 70's I'm guessing. We made it a little better by changing the floors and a temporary fix for the backsplash...I saw on Rachael Ray's morning show to use linoleum tiles as a backsplash and that we did. It cost us $20 and a couple of hours and made a HUGE difference. 

Kitchen when we bought it

Minor Updates

As for our kitchen reno plans we have knocked down a wall, sanded and painted the cabinets, got a new backsplash and countertop. I am so excited so see it all done....

In progress....

It is completely sealed off so I am not breathing in anything and our house doesn't get super dusty. Hopefully tomorrow the kitchen will be done, there was a small set back...my cook top got broken in the demo process. The new one won't be in till Monday and then it should all be done :) 

This coming week is a bittersweet one for me...I am so excited to be on maternity leave and start my life as a SAHM, but on the other hand I am pretty sad to say goodbye to my coworkers and students on Thursday.  I'm sure there will be tears! Then it's time to finish my baby boy's room with my free time oh yes and rest too!!!

Have a wonderful weekend :) 

Today I am linking up with: