9 Year Date-iversary

Today, the hubby and I celebrate nine years together. The fact that we've been together for literally 1/3 of my life still blows my mind, but I just couldn't have it any other way.

As most of you know, we started dating the fall of my Freshman year and how we made it through four years of college, well, I'll never know. It could only be that it was just meant to be, right?

Who knew that these kids...

Our first date - Mai Tai Date Party - Sept 2003 (Wish I could've told my 18-yr-old self to cover up a bit!)

Halloween Party - Oct 2003 "Goose" from Top Gun & an apparently sassy bumblebee 

Summer 2004 - The weekend Greg saw first-hand that I'm not the "camping type"

Would be expecting our own little one nine years later.

If you would've told me that the cute Sigma Nu that I wanted to ask to our very first date party (see photo above) would be my most amazing husband, friend and future baby daddy... well, actually, I probably would've said "Oh yes, I know!" as I had the plan all along to make sure he fell in love with me. (Mission Accomplished)

But HE, he probably would have never believed you.

Now, here we are all these years later experiencing possibly the most joyful year of our life (to date). Happy Dating Anniversary to the most wonderful man in the world!

Hungry Lady: Red Hot Apples

This is seriously one of my favorite fall treats. While it definitely doesn't have to be a fall-only treat, the yummy aroma that will fill your kitchen when making this just screams fall! So, I've enjoyed "red hot apples" since I was a little girl and my Grandma would make them for us. Fast forward to the first year that Greg and I were married, I decided randomly to make them. Turns out his Grammy used to make them, too, but she called them "Rosy Apples" (coincidence that my Grandma's name is Rosie?! I think not!) But I digress...

So, here's what you need:

4 Red Delicious Apples (peeled and sliced)
1/4 c. brown sugar
1/4 c. red hots
3/4 - 1 c. water

Cook for 20ish minutes on med-high heat (stirring every few minutes) until apples are soft. Let cool on the stove. You can serve hot (some like it over vanilla ice cream) or cold and by itself (how I prefer it).

Mmmmmm, delish!

The Real Deal Behind Pre-Natal Yoga

I started a prenatal yoga class about 3 weeks ago - the main reason was simply because I wanted to stay (somewhat) active during pregnancy, but I also thought it would be a good way to relax, prepare for labor and maybe meet a preggo friend in the 'burbs. Well, fast-forward 3 weeks and I've learned a few things.

 
1. No giggling out loud.
On my first visit to yoga, I really had no expectations. My only previous experience with yoga was about 25 minutes of a 90 minute hot yoga session. So let me back up - I guess I would say that I did have the expectation that it wouldn't be 100+ degrees in the studio, it wouldn't smell like the bottom of the ball pit at McDonald's play place and I wouldn't almost faint. Lucky for me, hot yoga is nothing like prenatal yoga. But what I didn't expect... was the giggles. While we had one hand over our heart and the other "hugging" our baby and my instructor uttered the words "Clear your mind. You are a strong, confident, peaceful warrior mama..." Sorry, now, can we back up? I'm a WHAT?! I opened my eyes to peek at the other "warrior mamas" in my class to see if anyone else found this at all hilarious. Um, they did not. So now my rule is no giggling in class.

2. It's allllll about "all natural."
Maybe this isn't news to anyone else, but it was news to me. Turns out many, many women take prenatal yoga classes to help prepare themselves for childbirth. Natural childbirth. While I don't knock anyone who wants to go the au-natural route, I'm just more of a "keep-the-epidural-on-ice-I'm-on-the-way" kinda gal. In fact, it appears that I'm the only one in my class who isn't trying for a natural birth. One gal even previously had a *shudders* water birth. The instructor makes many comments about doing things the natural way, eating only organic foods (as I quickly stash my Cool Ranch Doritos in my purse) and even how we sit, stand and sleep.

3. Clothing choice can be important.
The first two classes, I carefully picked out my yoga outfits, but by week 3 I just kind of threw on what I found in my drawer. Well, I didn't really think about it until I walked into the class, but what I found in my drawer was actually a t-shirt that says "Pizza Hut is for Lovers" - I got it for free somewhere and it's super-soft but I definitely got a few looks when I walked in. (See #2)

4. "Time to do more kegels!"
One thing I was not expecting during the class was to get in a crouching position and be instructed to "practice your kegels." Say wha?

Yes, these are the same things you read about in your smuggled Cosmopolitan Magazine in high school - apparently they help in childbirth and afterward. I swear, of the one hour class, we easily spend 10 minutes doing kegels. I mean, geez, I could prop my ass in the air and practice those in the comfort of my own home. There's something about doing them in a class setting that is just a little odd.


So, while it's a pretty different experience than what I expected, here I am, ready for next week's class. It may be weird, but I sort of enjoy the classes each week and if nothing else, it's an hour of peace and quiet where I can totally relax. I just told the hubby that if I start getting brain-washed and start talking about an all-natural childbirth, to kindly yank me from that class. I do know my limits.
 
Ohmmmmm...

Pregnancy: Week 14-17 in Review

Well I feel like I've definitely gotten in the swing of this whole pregnancy thing. Here's a quick look at the first few weeks of my second trimester:
Feeling? I'm feeling really good, for the most part, and am really enjoying every little moment. Soaking it all in because I know in a few short months, it may not be as magical as it is now.

Weight Gain? About 4-5 pounds total

Baby Size? We've graduated from the size of a lemon to a the size of a turnip. Baby B is now approximately 5 inches long (from head to bottom) and weighs 5 ounces.

Maternity Clothes? No, I've ordered/bought a few things, but haven't worn anything yet. I finally got a belly band and it's working like a charm, though. Will be on the hunt for more maternity clothes shortly.

Cravings? Basically anything salty and fruit. My faves right now Wavy Lays and french onion dip (I could literally eat it with a spoon) and strawberries, grapes and apples. But I'm back to eating pretty normally and sensibly; I only succumb to cravings every now and again.

What I Miss? Every once in a while, I'd love a margarita, but other than that, I'm doing alright. I also don't have the stamina to run like I used to before, so now I walk/jog the best I can.

What I'm Looking Forward To? I get a sonogram at our next doctor's appointment in two short weeks. This will (hopefully) be our gender confirmation appointment. Can't wait to see our little one again!

Best Moment? I've finally felt my first flutters of movement a few times. It's usually when I'm laying flat or on my side right before I go to bed. One of my favorite moments in life, actually :-)