Friday Favorites

Is it weird that I am still SO happy it's Friday, even though I've been home all week? There is just something about the energy on Friday that makes me so excited for the weekend! Tonight, we have youth group, and then NOTHING ELSE planned except for church on Sunday morning. Ohhhhh glorious....

Tomorrow, hubby and I are planning on working a bit more on the baby's room (just a few more finishing touches!) and then I really want to go to a local salsa night, but I'm not sure how conducive my 36 weeks pregnant bump will be to salsa dancing. We might just enjoy a quiet night in or a movie! Either way, I'm super excited for the weekend. 

I had so many favorite moments this week, it's hard to pick just a few! 

1. Childbirth classes. One highlight of this week was attending our first of two childbirth classes! We went to our local hospital for the classes since the hospital we are delivering at was already full. But the class was so great and full of amazing info for both hubby and I! 

2. Our 2 year anniversary! We celebrated our two year wedding anniversary on Wednesday, April 19th. I can't believe it's been 2 years since we got married! My husband took the day off and we went to our prenatal check up, then went to Huntington Gardens and frolicked in the pretty flowers! Followed by an awesome dinner at a restaurant by our house that we've been dying to try. 

But the highlight of the anniversary was definitely the surprise Vasken planned for me. I woke up to petals of roses leading me downstairs to the kitchen. By each petal there was an index card of qualities he loves about me (my top love language is word of affirmation, so this made my heart explode), and the final card was a picture of eggs and bacon (we are true foodies). He also cooked me a pancake breakfast before our prenatal appointment. I've got a keeper, folks!

3. Strawberries. I have been all about the strawberries this week. Pretty sure I've gone through 4 cartons by myself. I really should just go get a big flat of them from the local farmer's stand we have. That's going on my to-do list for the weekend. 

4. Resting. Ok even though this isn't necessarily a favorite of mine this week, it is a concept that is growing on me. At our prenatal check up, Baby Emma was measuring a bit smaller than what my OB was comfortable with. She had caught up with her growth a few weeks ago, but is falling behind again, especially in the belly. So I am now going in for NST tests 2x/week (non stress tests for the baby) on top of weekly ultrasounds to check on her growth. My doctor also recommended that I take it easy and lay down more often throughout the day on my left side. He said walking is fine, but he definitely wants me to rest. So I have embraced some new Netflix/Amazon prime shows (thankful to friends for the suggestions!) and have parked myself on the couch for most of my days. I'm not on strict bedrest or anything, but I know that I have to slow down on my movements (our 3 story townhouse is activity enough, those stairs are getting tougher and tougher!) I plan on going on walks to enjoy the weather and resting; a balance that is OB-approved! :) 

For now, I am finishing up an episode of the Royals while sipping on some coffee, then am headed to my first NST appointment! The rest of the day may consist of a mani/pedi, getting some work done at a Starbucks for my private clients, and of course, resting on the couch! I hope you all have a fabulous Friday! Share some of your favorite moments from the week in the comments below, I'd love to hear! 

Maternity Leave: Day 1!

Yesterday was my first day of maternity leave, and to say that it was busy is a definite understatement! My husband has demanded me to nap every day until the baby comes, but I'm starting to think that may not happen considering all that needs to get done before she arrives! I'm definitely in "nesting" mode and wanting to do "all the things" around the house (cleaning, decluttering, washing all the baby clothes, reorganizing her room over and over again, etc). It's so hard to just relax. I am SUCH a planner and the fact that I can't write on my planner "Baby Emma is born" on any day in the next few weeks kind of terrifies me. God is definitely teaching me how to let go of my plans and let Him take control. This is something I 100% canNOT plan, so I am definitely having to roll with the punches and give over every anxiety and worry to Him!

But, needless to say, there are still things that need to get done, and yesterday my lovely mama and grandma came over and helped me a ton! But first, I made a quick trip to the new Sprouts by our house. I usually don't shop at Sprouts because $$$, and our bill definitely was higher than usual, but I loved perusing around the new store and buying some goodies for our meals this week!

It felt so good to get fresh produce! I got zucchini and bell peppers to make a beef stew for dinner tonight, plus some gluten free products that I can't really find anywhere else. I usually stay away from gluten free processed foods (a cracker is a cracker, a cookie is a cookie, etc) but I wanted some quick things I can grab and go at home when hunger strikes! I got two kinds of crackers and some waffles for easy breakfasts. I also got some fruit, larabars, and nuts from their bulk bins! Overall, I spent $85, and I usually spend $50-$60 per week. So even though Sprouts won't be my go-to grocery store, I defintiely will visit it from time to time! 

I made a quick breakfast when I got home of 3 scrambled eggs with some coffee! I haven't had much protein the last few days, and knew I need a good dose. These eggs hit the spot!

Around 11am, my mom came over and we washed some baby clothes, picked up my grandma, and headed out! We went to Babies R Us and Hobby Lobby for some baby stuff, and I found this super cute sign that made me cry. I didn't get it though, because I think that it might me too mushy for my husband haha but I just cried in the aisle for a little bit, then walked away. Ohhhh hormones....

We got a ton of shopping done, then headed to Souplanation for lunch (MY FAV!) I wanted to go back for seconds, but got nauseous just after this much food as my belly is slowly running out of space. I'm having to eat less and less food, but more often throughout the day I am also kind of sick of eating and have way less of an appetite than before, but I read that's totally normal. We go for our next ultrasound tomorrow and I hope baby girl is still growing strong! This mommy is trying to eat eat eat! :) 

We came back home after lunch, packed up the hospital bag a bit more, and then I hopped into the shower to get ready (finally...it was 2pm at this point). My belly felt so big yesterday! 

After this point in the day, I totally spaced and forgot to take pictures! BUT, I went to the mall with my mom in the afternoon, had dinner with my parents and my aunt, uncle and cousin (I split a pasta and chicken dish with my mom), then went to the hospital I am delivering at with my husband for an orientation/tour in the evening! It was nice seeing to see the hospital and hear what to expect when we check in, how labor and delivery looks, and where we will be staying once our baby is born. It is feeling more and more real as the days go on! We are so excited! 

I'd say maternity leave is off to a great, yet busy start. I'm hoping to incorporate more rest and relaxation in the days ahead! I am SUCH a busy body sometimes, and now with all this nervous and anxious energy, it's even worse! 

Today has been great so far though! Did my workout, finished up a meal plan for my client, and now about to fold some laundry and head to Target to print some Easter pictures! I am hoping a nap happens in the afternoon (right, Vasken?)

I hope you all are having a great start to your week. If anyone has tips on keeping anxiety at bay while you get closer to your due date...I AM ALL EARS! :)