All About You

This bumpdate is for you, little girl.

We're almost 3/4 of the way through this little journey and we are 

just so happy that you're still growing and moving non-stop.

I never want to blame bad memory, or the fact that I'll have other kids and other pregnancies crowding my brain as a reason why I can't remember the details of our short and sweet time spent together like this. So here are some answers to questions you might ask me when you become a little one and some details that I want to remember....

Where Were You When You Found Out You Were Pregnant?: 

In the bathroom of our very first apartment. I took the test without telling your Dad first because we'd agreed to wait out the weekend before we found out... but I couldn't wait!

What Was Your First Thought When You Found Out?: 

It wasn't so much a thought as much as disbelief and amazement. And lots of happiness. 

People get kind of funny when something incredible happens, and our reaction was to laugh lots, hug lots, and stare at each other with really big eyes.

Did You Think You Were Pregnant Before You Knew?: 

Yes. I am not a napping person, and I had started to take 2 or 3 hour naps, no problem. 

And shed tears over Wendy's spicy chicken sandwiches on Fast Sunday. 

What Were Some of The First Names You Thought of For Me?: 

Grace, Audrey and Sienna were some that we liked. Now we've got it narrowed down to two and are waiting to meet you before we choose!

When Do I Move Most?: 

When I'm lounging about or taking walking breaks in Target ;) I've heard that you and most other babies spend lots of time sleeping while mom's are up and moving. Which is very thoughtful seeing as walking around and such is becoming quite the chore lately..

Have You Ever Been Scared or Nervous While Pregnant?: 

There was a small period of time where we went what seemed like forever without getting to go see you on an ultrasound or listen to your heart beat. Plus you hadn't started moving very much yet around the time they say is 'average' to feel movement. But when we did get in to the doctor you looked perfect, your heart was strong, and you've been moving like nutso for a few good weeks now. 

Have I Done Anything Funny?: 

Well there was that one time that you were in a yoga pose in my belly for who knows how long. 

You seemed to be very comfortable with having your feet right in front of your face. Silly girl. 

What Do You/ I Crave?: 

You are a spicy food craver! Since being pregnant I've managed to boost up my tolerance of spicy food quiiiiite a bit. You also love big green salads, pineapple, and the occasional steak. I couldn't eat more than a 9 oz. before... but I think I can out-eat your Dad in the red meat department now ;) The craziest thing I have craved was a big juicy pickle and some raspberry lemonade, at the same time. 

Do You Get Sick a Lot?: 

I was very sick for the first 3-4 months, but then I think we started to mellow out a bit and not have to avoid the kitchen so much. (Your Dad did lots of cooking and dishes during those months.)

What's Your Favorite Thing About Being Pregnant?:

You are my most favorite thing. Other than the first few months this has been, I think, a relatively easy pregnancy and I have just had so much fun watching you get big and feeling you move and imagining your little personality. Especially when you move right under where my hand has been resting on my belly- those little high fives (or foot fives...) are pretty incredible. 

Sometimes I catch your Dad staring at my belly and smiling to himself- 

he's so excited to meet you, baby. 

Keep growing, little girl. 

Family and the Fourth

Josh made an observation about my demeanor the other day that has really stuck with me and made me think about how blessed we've been and our current situation.

"You are your happiest self, but all the time."

And I feel very much like my happiest self, all the time.

The last couple of months in Rexburg were rough. They were rough on my body, they were rough on my mind, and they were rough on mine and Josh's relationship. I was on the very sick side for the first trimester of my pregnancy, felt like I had no idea what I was doing, and watched my productivity level go from an average 7.5 to a 3- all while working a very high-demand job and trying to finish the semester to get my degree. 

Eventually it just became a constant spiral of feeling negative all the time- holding myself to standards I couldn't meet, yet working myself into the ground, and constantly worrying, "What am I going to do?" 

Then we got to Minnesota. 

And I began to feel lighter.

I stopped feeling so much pressure and weight, and decided that I could afford to give myself a little bit of a break. And that this short amount of time we have before baby girl gets here is precious- not because of her absence necessarily, but in terms of preparation. I want to make sure I put as much effort as possible into preparing myself for motherhood (as much as you can prepare yourself for something you've never experienced before, and can't really fully anticipate how it will change your life.)

Since being here, one of the things that I feel most grateful for is Josh's family and extended family. 

They are a wonderful group of people who have been so loving and accepting of me, and taught me a lot about what is important in life and in families.

Being able to spend so much time with them, soaking up every ounce of summer, and have so much support has made me appreciate my own family that much more (and miss them like crazy) and look forward to the addition being made to mine and Josh's family. 

It's just happiness really.

And so, here are some pictures of time spent with the family and our super fun 4th of July that we spent with them.

Josh's Grandma, Barbara and Great Grandbaby, Juniper.

Just some fun family time on Sunday at Grandma's after dinner.

The ONLY bad thing about 4th of July was experiencing what it's like to be producing 2x the amount of blood as a normal human being in a state that considers the mosquito to be it's state bird.

6 bites on one foot.

But everything else made up for that!

Swimming, BBQ, fireworks from Wisconsin, homemade ice cream...

And cakes made into the shape of hamburgers.

What's more American than that?

This boy and artillery shells...

I had no idea.

It was a wonderful 4th of July! 

Fun fact: It's our last time celebrating a holiday (that's not labor day) before baby girl is here.

Whaaaat??

Bumpdate- 27 weeks

A longer-than-normal update since I haven't documented in almost a month.

I swear I grew a good 2 inches horizontally in about a week.

Still loving the tunic dress-leggings combo.

My good friend, Andrea, who just had her little boy this past week, recommended a store for baby things called Once Upon A Child. It's like Plato's Closet, but for kids.

And. It. Is. Bad. News. 

Baby Gap clothes and the most adorable other little get ups for 1-6 dollars?! 

Yes, please.

My baby wardrobe went from nearly nonexistent to excessive in about a week.

Don't feel bad about it one bit.

Now I have to share this fun little quirk from my last time at the ultrasound tech.

When my little girl popped up on screen, this is what I saw. 

Yes, those are her feet touching her forehead.

She's just practicing her yoga, it's fine.

I was a little nervous though and asked the technician if it's normal/ safe for her to be positioned like that. 

She assured me it was totally fine.... so, yeah.

How far along? 27 weeks (on Sunday)

Total weight gain/loss: 20 lbs

Maternity clothes: I bought some awesome dark green pants that just have an elastic band and tie at the waist. I have a hard time not reaching for them everyday. I haven't really bought a ton of 'maternity clothes' though- just extra blousy shirts.

Gender: Girl 

Stretch marks: No belly marks... yet!

Sleep: Like a log. But only on my side (lower back has started to sore up real nice) and always woken up in the morning by a pretty rhythmic set of kicks and punches :) 

Most interesting interaction: Two gems from the past few weeks:

- In the Mall of America, after holding the elevator open for a group of very loud rambunctious ladies, the elevator got eerily quiet while it traveled until one of them looks at me and says, "....Pregnant?" 

As I look over my protruding belly, "Well if I'm not there's something really wrong with me." 

- While walking out of my gym a lady at the front desk looked at me and said, "You ready?"

I said "Well yeah, but I'm fine with waiting the 3-ish more months till she gets here." 

Homegirl's eyes seriously bulged. 

As in, 'You mean you're not about two seconds away from delivering right here in this 

Lifetime Fitness lobby?' 

I know, I know. I'm large. Thank you. Now please take care of those big eyes before they jump out of your head.

Best moment of the week: Josh and I won't even fully be awake yet when I start feeling kicks, so I just pull his hand over and rest it on my tummy to watch him wake up to the feeling of her moving. 

Movement: I'm impressed at how I will simultaneously feel a punch/kick on two opposite sides of my belly at the same time. 

Makes me feel best: Getting heavy doses of sunshine.

Hardest task: Holy I can't bend over for the next 3 months. 

Food cravings: Large amounts of everything. Especially Chipotle. Like, for every meal.

Most looking forward to: Really beginning to get our space set up for baby girls arrival. I have big plans for making the most out of our little space!

Most nervous about: Honestly, I have very few nerves right now. I've been hearing more lately about the strain of a newborn on a marriage, so I'm trying to mentally prepare for that and talk with Josh about it.

Anything making you queasy or sick? Like clockwork I have morning sickness ONCE a week. 

Are you showing? Oh yes. 

Belly button: Flat as a pancake.

Happy or Moody: Very happy! Baby girl is healthy, and I'm honestly starting to feel the excitement kick in. Looking at her little clothes every day helps.

Weekly Wisdom: First- always ask for a 3D ultrasound! Second: I've found it to be somewhat rewarding to hold myself to slightly higher expectations than other people hold me to. I have lots of sweet people around me who want to make sure I don't push myself too hard, and I definitely keep it in check but I feel very energized at making choices like walking vs driving to the farmer's market, and pushing myself just a bit further to finish all of the chores for the day. It's good to take it easy and not go past your limits, but don't form a bubble of idleness around yourself. Getting up and moving (waddling) really helps keep up the energy levels.

I feel content with waiting 3 more months, but I'm getting increasingly excited to meet this little one.

I already think she's the greatest.

Little Nothings

Pregnant me cracks herself up. 

In the past 48 hours I have had 4 very significant lapses in judgment and coherence that caused me to spill large amounts of water everywhere. 

1. Josh hands me a cup full of water in the middle of the night to soothe my sore throat- not two seconds after he hands it to me while I'm lying flat in bed, I fall asleep, my hand holding the cup goes limp and the water seeps all over my chest, pillow, back, sheets and hair. I was so disoriented I kind of just started whimpering while Josh ran to get some towels.

2. The very next day I went out in the backyard to sit and lounge on one of the plush patio chairs and read my book. Not a problem, except I forgot that the day before the clouds had opened wide to pour several inches of rain water right into the plushiness of my chair... 

Proceeded to laugh out loud to no one, and go inside to change my pants.

3. Faulty water bottle = face, chest and shirt full of water

Pregnant me forgot the 4th, but I promise it was a doozie. 

Oh my, Friday. You are a beautiful sight. 

The air conditioning has been on the fritz in our home for (coming on) two weeks now and at the same time I am re-learning all about the wonders of humidity. This weekend I just want to be near a body of water as much as humanly possible. 

I think I could actually be a person that doesn't despise humidity, but I'd like to find out perhaps at a time when my body isn't already naturally swelling...

Humidity and all though, I'm so excited for summer. Apart from those couple of holiday months it is my FAVORITE time of year. I hope we take the time to go and explore some of the lakes and bike trails, spend lots of evenings outside, host at least one BBQ, check out the local and city farmers markets, and just enjoy this beautiful time. 

And I'm not gonna lie, I'm weirdly excited to check out the Minnesota State Fair.

Josh has been bragging to me that it's the biggest state fair in the U.S., but frankly I would just be going to check out all the crazy fair-food. I mean, that's everyone's favorite part anyway, right?

I thought so.

Our Friday Night

Josh's mom, Kris has been great at picking up on some of the coolest/ yummiest places around Lakeville. Before we went to a Twins game during our first week in town she found this place called the Smack Shack in downtown Minneapolis where we had the best crab cake sandwiches of ever.

Earlier in the week she told Josh and I about this place called the Olive Grove in Mendota Heights that sells quality balsamic vinegar, extra virgin olive oil and other italian goods. 

Um. Yes please.

So we decided to piggy back on Josh's parents night out and join them for dinner and an amazing taste-testing of quality and uniquely flavored oils and vinegars.

Bread and toothpicks were offered as vehicles for the oils and vinegar but I couldn't be bothered. 

Once I saw words like "Peruvian Lime", "Sweet Peach", "and "Black Truffle" I was sipping straight from the little cups. Every flavor was super unique and delicious. 

This fusti above (I learned that's the name for these big beautiful steel canisters) had an 18-year aged balsamic vinegar that was so smooth and sweet I went back for seconds. There was also a delicious 12-year aged balsamic that had just a little more bite to it.

Our favorites:

18-year aged balsamic

Chipotle olive oil

Cinnamon pear white balsamic

Jalapeño balsamic

Mango balsamic

Peruvian Lime olive oil + Mango balsamic combo

I wanted to take all of them home, but we decided on the Mango to add to salad dressings, drizzle on top of salsas and for meat and summer grilling marinades. I can't wait to use it!

Then we headed across the street to mendoberri cafe for some really scrumptious grub.

Yes, that is three photos of the same burger. It was that good.

One thing I realized about outings involving food is that I am the worst at documenting the people!

I tend to kind of make the meals and food the star of the show haha... 

*Note to self to snap more pics of Josh and I in the future*

We really have appreciated the breadth of experiences we've been able to have since moving away from Idaho. Rexburg was a great spring-board for our marriage and we had experiences/ fun times that won't be forgotten, but living in a new area has actually added a new dimension to our relationship. Each of us is happier and more energized every day to get up, go, and try new things. Even taking walks around the neighborhood and the local trails is a sweet, new experience. I wasn't expecting to enjoy Minnesota so much but the people, the cities, cute downtowns and gorgeous farmland are beginning to make it hard not to. 

We've got a good thing going here MN. I think you and I will get a long real nicely. 

Bumpdate- 22 Weeks

How far along? 22 weeks

Total weight gain/loss: I haven't kept track very well, but I think about 15 lbs.

Maternity clothes: My lifesaver are these pants from Gap that my sister got for me above. They're so comfortable, plus they're way cute! Other than that my wardrobe is maxi dresses, skirts and long baggy blouses with leggings. 

Gender: Girl 

Stretch marks: I haven't seen any yet. I'm sure they'll appear something fierce one of these days.

Sleep: Sometimes I wake up randomly in the middle of the night and can't go back to sleep. Other than that I sleep great!

Most interesting interaction: I don't know if its the belly or just how nice Minnesota people are, but I've had 4 people randomly bring up the weather to start a conversation out of nothing in a 2 day period. 

Best moment of the week: Laying in bed after a perfect Sunday while Josh sang to my tummy. 

Movement: She probably kicks just a few times a day right now. Sometimes I can feel her moving more and the only way to explain that feeling is like all the empty spaces of your stomach are sort of filling up.

Makes me feel best: Getting fully ready for the day and taking the time to make a nice, healthy meal for myself

Hardest task: Anything to do with reaching all of a sudden feels like a massive chore

Food cravings: Lately I've been on a sweets kick, which is weird for me because I'm more of a pasta than a pastry person. Any candy I see looks delectable. It was easier when all I craved was a big, fresh salad, haha!

Most looking forward to: Seeing baby girl on screen again

Most nervous about: I think the first few days/ weeks after she's born. I can't wait for her to come, but I just hope that I can take care of her as well as I expect myself too.

Anything making you queasy or sick? Nope, not really. This was not the case in the first trimester.

Are you showing? Yup. I especially feel like I've popped in the past few days.

Belly button: Haha one night Josh looked at me and told me that my belly button was starting to disappear, and he was totally right. It's just sort of stretching out a bit...

Happy or Moody: Happy! I don't think I've been too moody really throughout the pregnancy. Except for when I was really sick. I was pretty grumpy then.

Weekly Wisdom: Umm.. don't leave yourself alone with a box full of watermelon twists?

*This post was initially "23 weeks" until a sweet friend who's due the same day as me reminded me I was a week off. Yeah, sometimes I can't even get the numbers associated with the growth rate of my child right*

My Mini-Obsession

Food has been, and always will be, one of the pillars of my life.

I am that person that is willing to plan road trips, vacations, weekends, evenings, and any other space of time around a certain meal or trying out a restaurant. And I'm not ashamed of it.

Wednesday is my favorite night of the week because I cook for, not just Josh and I, but for his family also (a small thank-you for letting us live in their basement.)

I spend a fair amount of time thinking of the mood I want the food to give, the heaviness of each dish and the feeling I want people to have as they walk away from it.

My siblings have always teased me a bit because, even as a small child, my favorite place to be was either the pantry, the kitchen table or the stove. It used to bother me, but I'm pretty proud of my mini obsession now. And I can't deny that sneaking snacks down to my room even after dinner was a liiiiittle over the top. But I really and truly just have always enjoyed the experience of eating.

I also like to think that I'm not a snob when it comes to food either. Believe me, I will spend  too much time at the fancy cheese section of the grocery store and I dream of those plated meals with more decoration than actual food to consume- but I also have nights where a messy, greasy piece of pizza and a nice beverage truly hit the spot. And I'm pretty sure that I can out-eat my husband any day of the week (I won't even try to use the excuse of pregnancy for that.)

Food is a passion and, yes, a great source of happiness for me. It has the power to cause a quiet pride in a person through the creation of a good meal, and the even more important power of bringing groups of people together. I believe some of the most important events in history happened at a table over a good meal. I know already that the time we spend at the table will be very important for Josh, me and our family.

And AS a born food enthusiast, I cannot wait to see these upcoming films that focus on the connection between food and human relationships.

The Hundred Foot Journey

Based on the novel

Produced by Steven Spielberg and Oprah Winfrey

Chef

Written, directed by and starring Jon Favreau

Mother's Day Weekend

Josh and I took a trip to the Mall of America on Friday for a pre-Mother's Day date. 

I won't lie, the first couple of time I went to the MoA, I wasn't all that impressed. I basically felt like it was a big (very big) mall with a couple of rides in the center. 

For some reason this time my eyes were opened. We went to a delicious restaurant called the CRAVE, and ordered ahi tuna, a spicy lamb burger for Josh and spicy shrimp fettucine for me.

Maybe we've just been in Rexburg too long, but this food BLEW OUR MINDS. The burger was incredible, and my fettucine set a new standard for pasta in my life. 

Then we perused Nordstrom Rack, Urban Outfitters, and a few of my other favorite stores before topping off the trip by splitting an almond toffee caramel apple from Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory.

Top date night, for sure.


Then later in the week I got an early MD package from my Dad and Mandy in Arizona!
Dried mango, word games, a super cute onesie, and the BEST Costco baby wipes.

Packages just make a person feel so loved.

Mother's Day began in the Naatjes house with a crepe breakfast made by Josh, his Dad, Chuck and his little sister Rachel. 

Crepes? Yes please, I'll take two. Extra nutella and strawberries.

Bacon? Yes please, I'll take two. Extra nutella and straw... never mind.

Then Josh's mom, Kris, and I opened our gifts!

An iPad Air, potted geranium, and a sweet tile picture made by Rachel for her.

A pair of beautiful Kate Spade earrings, a cute diaper changing pad, monogrammed mug and DQ gift card for me! 

Haha, what a morning of cooking and present wrapping will do.

After church we headed over to Josh's Uncle Scott's house for dinner and to hear from the two missionaries in the family- Josh's sister Jessica (Sacramento) and his cousin Nicole (South Korea)

Dinners with the Naatjes family are a weekly thing and are always a party. It was one of the things that made me really excited about moving out to Minnesota.

The men-folk.

Happy, engaged people. Cuuute.

These girls. The two most opposite personalities in the world, but boy do they love each other.

 It's very fun to watch.

It's crazy to think that she's coming home in a little over 3 months! Time really does fly.

Food for the masses. Josh's cousin Kendall makes excellent baked ziti.

Mother's Day was pretty wonderful this year. It felt like a birthday, but one that you get to celebrate with every other woman that you know. To be honest I felt a bit like I was cheating as I received gifts and accolades throughout the day. It was like getting the praise without doing any of the work. Don't get me wrong- pregnancy in it's own right is work (first trimester anyone?), but it's nothing to actually caring for a human being.

Mother's Day though, especially in the church, seems to somehow turn into a wonderful celebration of women in general and our natural inclination and ability to mother. In all ways, shapes and forms.

My sisters, niece and sister-in-law at my rehearsal dinner.

I've always felt very blessed to have the women in my life that I do and I thought a lot about them as we celebrated this weekend. I thought of my Grandma's who are beacons of commitment, love and goodness. I thought about my sister-in-law who's doing a spectacular job of raising my two sweet nieces. I thought about all of my YW leaders and Relief Society Sisters that have been surrogate mothers and sisters to me throughout my life. I thought about my own sisters, their strength and ability to make and sustain friendships. I thought about my Mom and the many gifts that she's given me. The greatest one being her constant love and devotion.

Since marrying Josh I've been able to add even more incredible women to my list of examples and friends. His mom, grandma's and aunts are some of the most amazing women I've ever met- and they've done a great job at making me feel like part of the family. 

All in all it was a wonderful weekend. I'm very grateful for the amazing people in my life and for the many women I have to look to for guidance and direction when this little girl makes me a Mom.

p.s. Little girl gave her first kicks the night of the Mother's Day. Best. Gift. Ever.