"Running"

I've been doing my best to stay active whilst pregnant.

I notice I feel entirely better for the rest of the day if I've done some kind of exercise in the morning.

My doctors gave me the go-ahead so now I feel like I have to, since I have no medical reason not to.

Even though it is sometimes hard to get out of bed and do it, I generally do every day.

I have been "running" outside now that the weather is shaping up here.

Well, I used to call it running.

I guess I've been officially demoted to jogging.

As I get bigger this is becoming more complicated.

I used to never have to stop for bathroom breaks...now I stop twice each time I'm out thanks to my new peanut-sized bladder.

I've never been an amazing runner but I used to be able to hold a pretty good pace.

I enjoyed getting outside on the trail with the hoards of New York runners and seeing how I matched up against them...secretely trying to pass and beat people along my way.

It was a little game I liked to play.

Now those games are but a distant memory.

When I run I feel like a contestant on 'The Biggest Loser' trying to finish the marathon at the end of the season.

A few days ago a grandma wearing Ked's and khaki shorts passed me with her poodle.

Ty was nice enough to come out with me once last week when we were in Florida.

He hasn't run one step for more than two years.

He was maybe a little surprised at my slowness, and didn't quite understand what about "running" was still enjoyable to me, since he was basically walking along side me.

I told him I was determined to keep this up until I can't anymore, and he was supportive.

He even threw in a few "Good job babe!"s and "We're almost there!"s just to twist the knife.

But hey, I'm not complaining.

Well kind of I am.

husband and baby

Remember this guy?

He hasn't made an appearance on the blog in quite some time.

So in case you were wondering -- yes, we are still married : )

On Mother's Day we went on a walk along the Hudson River Parkway and snapped a photo.

It was a nice evening in the city now that the weather is getting warmer.

Also, I found this "Project Baby" shirt through a friend of a friend's blog...

Good idea right?

Maybe you can't tell but the numbers represent every week of pregnancy and it comes with a red fabric pen to cross the weeks off as you go.

I wish I had started at the very beginning of my pregnancy!

The shirt itself is really comfy and I've been tempted to wear it out but that would be super weird.

My favorite part is that after you have the baby you can send the shirt back to the girl who makes them and she'll turn it into a lil onsie for your babe.

PRESH!!!

Home Part 2

Being home made me realize that Salt Lake City, Utah's coolness level has risen dramatically since I moved away a year ago.

Not sure if it got cooler BECAUSE I moved away or what...

But this new mall they have downtown is pretty amazing.

Even though I live in NYC (best shopping, duh) I think I prefer the mall/food court/restaurant set up, and this new mall does not disappoint in any of those areas.

I guess I will always be a mall rat at heart.

During my stay at home the baby bump at least doubled in size! (Perhaps it's just the box of Krispy Cremes I devoured?)

Ty could hardly believe his eyes when I walked in the door after not seeing me for almost 3 weeks.

I can feel baby girl moving around a lot and it definitely makes this whole thing more real (and alien-like).

I was able to spend a lot of time with family during my stay in Utah and even got some baby-holding practice with new baby Carter. My nephew Tanner is adorable, btw. 

It was sad to leave Utah but I am happy to be back in the big city : )

Heaven Is Here

 

Have you ever read a book that is so good you wanted everyone you know to read it and feel what you felt?

That's how I was reading this book, Heaven Is Here by Stephanie Nielson.

So I would like to tell you about it.

Sorry to my friends family members who have already heard me rave about it : )

I was immediately interested when I heard about this book because I have read the Nie Nie Dialogues for years and have also heard Stephanie speak at an event. 

When I learned it was available I downloaded it and read it in like, 36 hours. 

Which is saying a lot because I am most likely the slowest reader ever.

She describes in detail her life before, during, and after a devastating plane crash that left her body 80% burned. 

Her descriptions of the accident and recovery are heavy...hard to read but I could not stop.

My favorite thing about the book is that it is a real life love story.

Stephanie and Mr. Nielson (as she calls him) met, fell in love, and were married by the time she was like 19 years old.
Something I can relate to being somewhat of a child-bride myself   : )
All she wanted her entire life was to have a family of her own.

Stephanie and Mr. Nielson went through an unimaginable nightmare together.
Can you imagine literally being burned alive?
One of my biggest fears.

Instead of harvesting blame and anger their love and respect for each other grew and they came out of their trial even more in love than before, despite their majorly changed and disfigured physical appearances.

Being LDS I also enjoyed reading her words about the Church. 

She didn't come off preachy at all, she simply stated what she believed in a 'take it or leave it' kind of way.

I was constantly wondering what people who aren't LDS thought of it all.

The only thing that I didn't like about the book is that I was sad when it was over.
Make sure you have a tissue handy with this one.

For realsies.

Home So Far...

Mom picked up her sweet new ride

Only had 7 miles on it so I thought that was cool

Found a pic of me as a baby and LOLed at it

Alli and Tanner eating suckers from Brick Oven

I finally met baby Carter...he looks like my dad

Saw some puppies for sale and really wanted to buy one

20 week baby bump=awkward stage

Cafe Rio delight

Met up with my friends Brooke and Liz
Our newest and tiniest niece, Katherine

Alli and I at her preschool performance

Alli's class

Mimi and the kids

Wedding Weekend

I have been waiting MONTHS to go to Arizona for my friend Aleesha's wedding.

Leesha and I were pretty much inseparable in college.

Our freshman and sophomore years we lived together in tight quarters, had classes together, swam together 4 hours a day, and somehow didn't get sick of each other.

(I guess should speak for myself... I didn't get sick of her :)

I even went to AZ and lived with her and her family for a few months the summer after our freshman year because...well, I guess I just didn't know what to do without her after school got out!

We were besties and I just couldn't wait to go see her and Nate finally seal the deal.

Leesha let me help her get ready for the big day:

Lookin calm as a cucumber as usual

Wahoo!!!

Kirsty, Leesha and I (the swammers)

The reception was fabulous...SO Leesha. 

It was at her grandma's house and was b-e-a-utiful. 

She served mini sliders and had pizookies and cotton candy! 

(If you don't know what a pizookie is...I cry for you)

Pretty cake

My fave...old blue convertible where guests put their presents

Even though it was 105(!) degrees and I was sweating my pregnant face off, everything was perfect!

Happy I got to witness the culmination of their love story after a long 4 years : )