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.

Goodbye BYU-I

Because titles that rhyme are obviously more fun.

In front of our first little home.

Josh's sweet family, minus his sister Jessica, who's on a mission in Sacramento.

My sister, Jordan, drove out with my brother for the day!

Typical Rexburg.

Josh's wonderful Aunt Liz (who threw me the best bridal shower, ever)

Big brother (and photographer of the day)

I was slightly embarrassed to do these Graduation/ maternity pics in front of a college-sized gymnasium full of people, but I just decided to own it. 

It was pretty wonderful to be able to walk with Josh. He works so hard at everything he does and I felt really proud being able to sit next to him and take this final college step together. 

Our last few weeks in Rexburg did not allow much time for nostalgia. Even when we were actually graduating all I kept thinking about was the treacherous combo of my robe + cap + and prego belly, and trying to make all of those things work together for a smooooth walk across that stage.
It was so wonderful having family come out to celebrate with us. It was short, but we had a super fun evening together just munching on food, chatting and talking about the future. I love our families.

But when I think back on the wonderful 4 1/2 years I've had in that city, I'm overwhelmed with gratitude at the people I've met, teachers who've helped me grow, and classes that changed the way I thought about and dealt with life. 

Highlights of my time in Rexburg include..

// Meeting and staying friends with an amazing group of girls from my first semester dorm

// Spring semesters filled with Monkey Rock (more or less), Karie Anne's ice cream, bonfires, sand dunes, late night drives, Porter Park, and trips to the drive in

// Religion classes. They truly just filled my soul.

// Getting an A in my American Epidemic class- the one everyone said was unconquerable. BOO YA.

// Volunteering at the Special Olympics. A very small, but sweet experience with some very happy individuals

// Deciding with one of my best friends, Carly, to go teach English in Mexico for a semester

// All the fun times with the BEST ward on campus- 32nd ward. Bear Lake, Mud Football, couch movie nights, hot springs, shooting, and many many many other fun times.

// Learning from the great examples I had around me

// Sunday dinners and apartment prayer with my girls

// That time I tried to play on a flag football team. HA.
// Roadtrips to Montana, California, Arizona and Utah

// Actually developing a taste in music

// ALL of the incredible random times with my friends in our apt. Dan in Real Life, "Dan-ger", living room sleepovers, 27 dresses, fort-building, mattress surfing, bedroom conversations, boy creeping, eating etc.

// Making giant, table sized no bake cookies and nachos (separate occasions)

// Doing the Spartan Cheerleaders SNL skit with a fantastic Will Ferrell impersonator

// 4th of Julys. Just couldn't be topped.
// Going to my first General Conference

// Waking up to the same best friend/ roommate for 4 years (literally, she had to wake me up because I NEVER heard my alarm clock)

// Planning and executing some pretty spectacular events

// Meeting, dating, and marrying my husband
// Watching all of my bests meet, date and marry their husbands

// Settling into our first apartment together

// Fixing it up from flooded, unlivable status, to slightly cute and more livable status

// Finding out we were going to have a baby!

// Watching the campus grow and develop 

// Hearing from amazing academic and religious speakers every week at Devotional

// Adventures in Island Park, Mesa Falls, Packsaddle, Jackson Hole, and all of the other incredible places surrounding our little SE Idaho corner.

// Leaving knowing I had one of the very best college experiences, ever.



Goodbye, BYU-Idaho.