Life Lately

Hello out there,

I feel like it’s been a while since I just sat down and chatted with you all. Time is moving so fast these days, and I know that summer is going to fly by.

Last weekend, four of my college friends came to town to shower one of our other friends with gifts for her bundle of joy. I’m so excited that these friends are starting to have babies.  Watching each other become mothers was definitely not something I thought about when we were drinking gross amounts of beer on our freshman hall at Davidson. It was such a nice reunion because we didn’t really have plans other than the shower, and spent a lot of time chatting and relaxing. Emerson also LOVED having guests, and although she couldn’t keep their names straight, she was in tears when they left.

Potty training has turned Em into a teenager.  She seems so grown up to me now when she’s using the big potty and wearing underwear!  While the first week was rough, and I didn’t know how I’d make it through, something just clicked on the 8th day.  She figured out how to open the ‘pee gate’ and has been able to proactively go before we leave the house now.  #2 is going ok too, but we are usually spending an hour or so on the potty before anything happens.  It’s been keeping Em up at night and making us late for everything, but I’m so happy that she’s having success.  What I didn’t expect with this whole process was the fits and clinginess that come with a big change.  She’s still resistant to try at times, and has been apprehensive about going to school (I think because she’s nervous to go there and will only go if I come in at pick-up time).

The work on our yard is finally finished!  We had a downpour this morning and there was no standing water at all, so I know the drains are working!  We opted for seeding instead of sod because of the cost, and now I’m wondering if we made the right choice.  The straw is pretty ugly and I’m skeptical that this will turn into  beautiful green grass. I’ll post a picture of our patio once our outdoor dining table arrives.

I’m feeling so huge, but when I looked back for a picture of Emerson at 19 weeks, I’m really not that much bigger. I think I just had abs last time that were keeping things nice and secure, and this time the bump is not supported. Although my energy is back, I can’t keep up with exercise quite like I did last time, and I’m already modifying so much more. Even a brisk walk is hard! I also feel like I’m on my feet so much more because I’m chasing after Emerson and attempting to keep the house clean versus working at a desk job, so that may be part of why my body is drained at the end of every day. I’m pumped to be at the halfway point, and feel like this stretch of ten weeks or so is the best part of pregnancy.

We are thinking about a babymoon at the end of the summer and can’t quite decide what to do. We originally booked the Old Edwards Inn & Spa, thinking a quiet weekend in the NC mountains would be easiest.  But now I’m starting to think we should do something further away/more exciting because who knows how many years it will be until we take a solo trip again? We have 3 or 4 nights to play with.

Lastly, I got to hear the CEO of Beautycounter speak on Tuesday night. I signed up at the last minute and had no idea Brooklyn Decker would be there! I actually didn’t know much about her (she grew up in Charlotte!), but hearing her speak about motherhood, balancing it all, and her struggles becoming an entrepreneur with no college education was so inspiring! I didn’t know anyone else at the event, but there was a huge crowd of passionate women,; And, it was nice to be out of the house at night for once:)  Everyone enjoyed a cocktail reception after the speakers, but I snuck next door for Jeni’s ice cream instead!  I brought home a flight for Matt and I to share, and it was fantastic (first time trying it!).

Speaking of getting out, tonight we are actually going to the social and art auction for Emerson’s school.  I’m very much looking forward to a date night. I hope you all have an awesome weekend!