black river boutique & jessi's design bows giveaway

I've seriously been the world's worst blogger lately, but it's been for good reasons! I'm busy baking this beautiful baby, raising a happy toddler and enjoying what might actually (finally) be SPRING here in the North Country! I have a lot of posts to catch up on, including an amazing collaboration with Kohl's and Coleman Camping Goods, as well as a metric a$s ton of pictures from the last few weeks, but first things first!

Everybody loves a good giveaway, right? Today, I’m so excited to team up with Jessi from Jessi’s Design to offer up an amazing collaboration between Jessi’s Design Bows and Black River Boutique! 

As work-at-home mamas, we pride ourselves in making products for the modern mama and the trendiest of littles. So, what can you win? 

 From Jessi’s Design Bows: Win a Spring Package of 4 (even if you have a boy – these are great shower gifts!) 

From Black River Boutique: Your pick of ANY product currently live in the shop! 

This giveaway will run from today April 15, 2016 through April 22, 2016 (ends midnight 12 AM EST) and is open to all US residents! We’ll pick one lucky winner via Rafflecopter and send your prize out! What are you waiting for? Simply enter the Rafflecopter below for your chance to win...Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

we shop the web

Friends, I love shopping online. Truly. It's a rarity if you actually catch me in any physical mall or shop trying on clothes (other than Target, obviously, or boutiques like Koo de Ker). Shopping online though? It's the greatest invention ever. That, and Amazon Prime...it's worth every single penny! Anyway, Ryan and I have been working on reigning in excess expenses, but that doesn't mean we don't indulge in a good online purchase when the need (read: want) arises, so I thought I'd round up our most recent favorites.

^^^ image via

1 // Honest Company Diaper Bundle -- We have a 14-month-old son, and let's be honest (pun intended), he poos a lot. We took our sweet time figuring out which diapers work for us and which ones didn't, and we finally came down to our favorite - Honest Company. Our local Target is the only place that stocks the diapers, and I don't always want to drive the 20 minutes to get there in the ice and snow - just to pick up the same two patterns they always carry there. By bundling online, we get over 120 diapers per month, plus 4 packs of wipes, which is more than enough for us. Even better? We can pick new patterns! And yes, that's important to this diapering mama.

^^^ image via

2 // Squatty Potty -- No, I'm not kidding. Ask any 26 week pregnant woman how important it is to go. Or, ask any man how much they really enjoy a good movement. I bought this sucker for Ryan for Christmas after seeing the ridiculous commercial that we both laughed way too hard over. But seriously. This invention tucks neatly around the bowl, doesn't look any worse than Spencer's training potty and has received rave reviews from the Moores. Try it! 

^^^image via

3 // Poo-Pourri -- Okay, there's kind of a theme here. I'm sorry about that! But actually, I'm really not that sorry. When you live with men, there are bound to be stinkies in your life. This nifty invention, however, really saves us. If you really do spritz the bowl before you go, it works, and our house no longer smells like dirty man gas. #truth

What online purchases have you made lately that I should look into?

These opinions are all my own. I received no compensation for this blog post, whatsoever.

the ultimate transformation

"You blink, and in an instant, they're grown."

So many people told me this before Spencer was born. So many people reiterated this in the weeks of sleep deprivation and that hollow, aching hole of delirium that followed. And yet, I wished those sleepless nights away. There have been times at 2 AM when our sweet babe just wanted to nurse or be rocked that I've missed the comfort of my thick blankets and wondered at the days that seem so long ago when Ryan and I could simply take a nap at 2 PM…just because.

Those days have long since passed. I miss them a lot; I won't lie. But I realized something this morning. When the alarm rings early, or my son's cries wake me up, it really isn't a burden. It's a real, true and beautiful blessing.

In just over 100 days, this little man's sweet heart and joyful spirit has completely transformed us - and me. I wasn't a selfish person before, but I can honestly say that motherhood has made me more selfless. The Bible tells us that we must daily die to self, or give ourselves fully until His service. I find a lot of parallels in motherhood, even if that sounds like blasphemy. To give my son the love he needs, I come second. I can put my daily trivialities like running in a prioritized place on certain days, but Spencer's needs come before my own. 

I remember my mother taking us shopping many times when we were little. We'd go in with the intention of her buying a new shirt or pants for her wardrobe, and we'd leave with new things for my sisters and I instead. She gave, and gave and gave. And when she probably felt as though she had nothing left to give, she gave some more. Even though I'm exhausted 100% of the time these days, I would walk through hell and back for my son. 

Motherhood isn't a job. It's a transformation. And as I watch my son coo and use his little voice, I find myself transformed over and over again every single day.

confessions of a new mom

Two posts in two days?! What is this nonsense?! Seriously though, I now wake up at 5:15 AM. Though it's super tempting to hit snooze and catch that extra 45 minutes of sleep, it's honestly not worth it anymore. I have so much to get done during the day and, if I'm lucky, those extra 45 minutes will give me a jumpstart not only on my work day, but the household stuff, as well. Being a mama is an adventure, you guys. If I've said it once, I've said it a thousand times, but truly…it's a trip…and I have some confessions to make.

I'm not sure whether that suspicious stain on my sleeve is poop or spit up. And that residue under my nails? Pretty sure that might be poop, despite the fact that I've washed my hands five times in the last five minutes. 

That faint odor you smell? Breast milk. I swear it's the most common constant in our lives these days. If it's not somewhere on my shirt, it's probably somewhere on Spencer's. My apologies. Two loads of laundry a day is not enough. 

I inevitably time all my errands around feedings and nap times. If he's napping, I'm good to go. If he might be getting hungry in the not-too-distant future, I'll hold off an hour or two…and maybe the errands won't get done.

Sometimes I put Spencer in his Bumbo when he clearly needs to poop. Something about the combination of gravity and being able to bear down forces poops out a little better. Granted, it does lead to the inevitable blowout…

That telltale stain? Yes, my friends, that's a blowout, and no, the onesie did not survive this episode. There are some stains that just won't come out.

I'm uncomfortably comfortable with fecal matter these days. Mostly of my son's variety. 

I prefer to have my husband wash my son's boy bits. This might make me a bad mama, but seriously…I think it's a little more comfortable if Daddy does that. ;)

My son has approximately one a half billion skin folds. Each and every one of them somehow captures some sort of spit up, vomit, poop, etc residue. Every single one needs to be cleaned, or my son starts to smell like a dirty little monkey. As an aside, I didn't know that neck rolls could have yeast infections. True story. 

I very rarely do my hair these days. In fact, I'm contemplating the mom chop. Truth.

Motherhood is simultaneously disgusting and hilarious, sweet and horrifying. In all honestly, I love it, but my husband and I both agree that babies are the biggest messes we've ever had to deal with. It's a good thing they're freaking adorable. :)

For more amazing mom confessions, please check out Steph's blog post…hers are much more eloquent than my own. 

38 (plus) week bump date

I can't believe Thanksgiving has already come and gone! It was such a whirlwind this year, and it was definitely different not being home with family - either Ryan's or my own - this year. We were lucky enough, however, to spend it with our Army family. We've made some wonderful friends here at Fort Huachuca, and it was nice to spend the holiday with one of our favorite families here, who are very shortly PCSing to Fort Wainwright in Alaska. We'll be heading off to opposite corners of the world, but we've been so blessed to meet and spend time with Jeremy, Tiffany and their two sweet children, Cayden and Madison. 

And now, life is moving full-speed ahead! We sold Ryan's car this morning, which is a huge relief (and a huge blessing) because it just wouldn't be a great car for the winters in New York or for our growing family. We'll purchase a second car once we're back East, which should weather the climate better. We have our pre-inspection from housing here on post this coming Wednesday, which is our first step towards moving out on the 18th. Ryan has his final day of his 150U course tomorrow, and then he's all mine through the move until his report date at Drum! Our house purchase is moving forward, and we're looking at closing December 29th…which we are SO excited about! But…onto the bump :)

^^^ I always look slightly ridiculous in selfies

How far along: 38 weeks & 2 days

Gender: We're not finding out!

Weight gain: 20 lbs…and I feel all 20 of them. My weight, however, has leveled off.

Maternity clothes: I can still fit into my pre-pregnancy jeans with an elastic, but I don't try anymore. These days, I'm solely in leggings and sweaters, and I'm loving it. 

Stretch marks: I have one teeny one on my left hip, which taunts me nightly, but that's the only one I've had. Coconut oil has been a complete lifesaver.

Belly button in or out: It's a very flat pancake these days…does that still count as an innie?

Sleep: I've been sleeping like a rock lately. I have the weirdest dreams in the whole world, but when I'm asleep, I'm just dead to the world.

Best moment this week: Spending Thanksgiving with our wonderful friends and getting to dote on baby Madison was lovely. It was nice, too, to spend this final holiday with my love as just a couple of young newlyweds. Life is going to change so much soon, and I've savored every moment of just us.

Miss anything: I miss being comfortable and not feeling as though I'm going to wet myself all the time. And yet, at the same time, I'm blessed to feel these discomforts. 

Movement: Baby Moore has quite the penchant for snuggling with his or her legs all scrunched under my right ribs. I feel a lot of movement very low these days, almost as though baby is ready to make its way out, too, which is exciting!

Cravings: Ice water and coffee. That's pretty much it!

Food aversions: No real food aversions here anymore, which is pretty awesome!

Looking forward to: I have an ultrasound scheduled for tomorrow. I was measuring small at my appointment last week, so my OB wanted me to get in to see if I'm leaking amniotic fluid. He has a sneaking suspicion I might be, which means it's time for baby to come out. I also have an OB appointment on Tuesday, a cervical check to strip my membranes on Friday and, if that doesn't start labor, I'll be induced on Sunday, 12/7. My friends, we're a week away from baby!!!

36 week bumpdate

I am totally of two schools of thought now. On the one hand, I'm all for baby staying in there, baking a little longer and taking his/her sweet time so Ryan and I can enjoy our last few days of singledom. On the other hand though...oh my gosh. I'm so ready to have this nugget in our arms and, well, to be honest, I'd love my body back. They said the last few weeks would be the hardest (and the longest), and they weren't kidding. It's madness.

 ^^^ well, hello there, little baby moore. you can come out now!

How far along: 36 weeks

Gender: We're not finding out!

Weight gain: 17 lbs - no gain in the last two weeks, which doctor said was a good indicator that the end is in sight

Maternity clothes: I'm officially not comfortable in anything. When I do force myself to wear clothes, they're 99% maternity clothes now. I live in my maternity leggings and hoodies, and I'm not ashamed of it. The picture is of me in a Target maternity tank dress, and it's heaven.

Stretch marks: None. I thought I saw one on my left hip the other day and had a legitimate breakdown. It turned out to be a crease from my shorts. No biggie. 

Belly button in or out: It's still in, but it's lopsided and looks like it's drunk

Sleep: Oh my gosh, the past few days, I've had the weirdest dreams, but I've slept like the dead. Maybe it's my body letting me have just a few last moments of rest?! 

Best moment this week: There was a lot of good this week. The bassinet was assembled, Ryan had a 4-day, so we got a lot of PCS business done, and despite a little scare, we got to see peanut dance for an hour or so at the hospital for our NST. We were quickly cleared to go home, as I figured we would be, but it was a wakeup call to get ready.

Miss anything: I miss being able to physically exert myself. There is zero running, I'm lucky if I walk more than a mile a day, and this lower back pain definitely hinders most everything else.

Movement: Baby Moore enjoys moving, but I think baby Moore is also running out of room. He/she finds comfy little nooks on my sides at night, but the footsies are right up in my ribs, so that's fun. Good news with that though? Baby's head down and almost engaged!

Cravings: Olives. I also really want McDonalds french fries, which is absurd. I don't like greasy things.

Food aversions: Pretty much just meat again. It gives me heartburn and I get nauseous.

Looking forward to: Since my 36 week appointment was on Wednesday, we have a mandatory induction date due to our impending PCS. If baby isn't born by 12/4, they'll start the induction process so baby will arrive around 12/7 - no later. It gives us a real end in sight, though I'm really hoping to go into labor naturally! Fingers crossed :)

that sweet little heartbeat

I had my 36 week appointment today, and let's just say that today has been quite the adventure for this procrastinating mama-to-be. First and foremost, I had a frank discussion with my OB about our due date and the impending PCS, which is taking place on December 18th. He agreed with us that the timeline is too tight, and we officially have a mandatory induction date of December 7th if no baby has come by that point…that said, he seemed confident it might happen before then.

I had a non-invasive visual check and was 1 cm dilated, and then I had my Group B Strep test, which is totally not an aggressive thing. I left after scheduling my appointment for a week from now, and started having insane cramping while dropping by the commissary for some groceries. When I got home, I noticed blood for the first time, so I immediately called my OB, who told me to go straight to Labor and Delivery for monitoring. Guys, I'm no alarmist, but I felt like it was definitely necessary.

After about an hour of monitoring, baby's heart rate was consistently between 140 and 148 BPM, and the bleeding had stopped, so they sent me home with strict instructions to rest and look out for signs of labor.

Down side of today? Panic. Plus side of today? Listening to this feisty peanut dance around for an hour on the monitor. Also…we're officially pre-registered at the hospital, I've had my vaccines now and I finally figured I should pack my hospital bag…

Needless to say, folks, the countdown is on!

31 week bumpdate

I'm pretty amazed how quickly time is flying right now, and though everyone has warned me that it will slow down near the end, I'm treasuring this time. Baby Moore is a  mover and a shaker in there these days, and it's insane to feel these pronounced kicks, hiccups and rolls all the time. While it might not look like much (until I eat a big meal - and it does happen), trust me, there's a baby in there. The nugget has been in the head-down position for almost 3 weeks now, so we're *cautiously* optimistic that we may have a baby earlier than December. Who knows?! Until then, baby can just keep cooking :)

^^^ I take shameless selfies these days. Whoops.

How far along: 31 weeks

Gender: We're not finding out!

Weight gain: It's hovering between 12 and 13 lbs now

Maternity clothes: Mostly only maternity clothes these days. I live in maxi dresses and skirts, as well as yoga pants and leggings, too. I can still wear most of my pre-pregnancy tanks though and I do still wear my pre-pregnancy jeans with a hair tie to close them.

Stretch marks: None. I swear by pure coconut oil twice a day. I rub it all over my boobs, belly, back and sides, and it seems to be doing the trick thus far.

Belly button in or out: It's still very much an innie!

Sleep: I've actually been sleeping amazing the past few nights! I make sure I stop drinking any liquids around 7 PM, and I only get up 2 times a night to go to the bathroom, which is a huge improvement.

Best moment this week: My family was in town, and they got to experience the full-blown effect of baby Moore! Baby cooperated and kicked for both my sisters, and my mom got to feel it have the hiccups and do its little barrel rolls in there.

Miss anything: I miss running like I used to. Running has been much harder lately, and I'm lucky if I get a full mile in before I resort to walking. I'm hoping beyond hope that it comes back after the birth.

Movement: I never thought it would get to this point, but baby Moore's movements are much less gentle these days! Baby is a mover, and when he/she gets going, there are some pretty intense jabs straight to the ribs now. I can also distinguish the little knobby knees, which is so fun.

Cravings: Ice water and bananas

Food aversions: Eggs and avocado. I just can't stomach them!

Looking forward to: Our childbirth classes are starting next week! Yes, we're a little behind schedule here…whoops ;)

30 week bumpdate

It's kind of crazy to believe that today marks 30 weeks of baby Moore. Ryan and I are getting more excited (and way more nervous) as the days tick by, but we're definitely eagerly anticipating the peanut's arrival. My parents are arriving in town tomorrow morning, and my baby shower is on Sunday, so it's going to be a busy few days, but we're so thrilled to actually start preparing and celebrating this little nugget.

How far along: 30 weeks

Gender: We're not finding out!

Weight gain: Right at 11 lbs total. I weighed in at the doc a little less on Wednesday, but he mentioned it was entirely normal.

Maternity clothes: Yes. I scored a whole bunch of sale dresses (read: mumus) at Target the other day, and I live in them now. If I'm wearing jeans, I still wear my pre-pregnancy jeans with my new belly band, or I wear yoga pants. I just don't like any of the maternity jeans I've seen.

Stretch marks: None. I swear by pure coconut oil twice a day. I rub it all over my boobs, belly, back and sides, and it seems to be doing the trick thus far.

Belly button in or out: In, though that little indent over my belly button is a strange phenomenon.

Sleep: Sleep is entirely dependent on the amount of liquids I drink prior to bed. If I don't drink anything after 6 PM, I can generally get by with only two trips to the bathroom per night. If, however, I feel the need to drink hot chocolate at 8 PM like I did on Tuesday, 5+ visits to the bathroom is not uncommon. When I am sleeping though, I sleep like the dead.

Best moment this week: I had my 30 week appointment this past week, and shiz is definitely getting real! Visits to the OB are every two weeks now, and baby Moore has quite the sense of humor when Nina, my nurse, tries to Doppler for a heartbeat. Baby Moore decided squirming away from the Doppler was reasonable, so it took her a good 10 minutes to get an accurate heartrate of 144 bpm. Strong peanut!

Miss anything: I still really miss my old body, but I'm learning to embrace these last 10 weeks of the peanut. Honestly, I think the whole process is incredible, but having no control over your body is a huge eye-opener.

Movement: All. The. Time. I think baby is running out of room, so movements are much more pronounced these days. Sometimes, I can feel the baby's head or bum on one side or the other, and I have to say that the kicks to the belly button are not pleasant. On the weirder side...baby really likes the right side of my abdomen. It's unique.

Cravings: Sweets and ice water. I also really want Subway Italian BMTs.

Food aversions: Eggs and avocado. I've noticed my nausea is more pronounced again like the third trimester, but it's avoidable if I eat.

Looking forward to: Our baby shower is on Sunday, and my parents arrive tomorrow! I can't wait :)

small victories

^^^ sleep. my new favorite hobby.

I may be speaking too soon here, but barring the insane fatigue that continues to plague me,

my morning sickness seems to be lessening a little bit. 

That means I'm not feeling as sick 24/7 as I was before,

but I still have those fun food aversions as before, 

and I have a feeling those might stick with me for a little while longer. 

I've been doing a lot of reading and research lately to discover what is normal about my symptoms,

and what might or might not just be in my head.

My mother is uber-European, and she told me, sweetly, that morning sickness is an American thing.

Have I mentioned I love her a freaking lot?

But seriously...I'm just ready for this first trimester to be over already.

I know that I'll be gaining weight like crazy from the second on, 

but I figure I haven't gained anything (except bloat and water weight) yet, 

so maybe I'm on the right track.

That's been alleviating my fears about that aspect of pregnancy thus far.

I'm not looking forward to going through this alone with Ryan headed off to WOCs.

He might bear the brunt of most of my moodiness, 

but he's been a godsend, as well, and he's kept me mostly sane throughout.

I've been fighting my own psyche to get in the gym most days right now, 

simply because I feel like I got hit by a truck then run over four times...on a good day, that is.

I'm forcing myself to do my workouts earlier and earlier in the mornings, too,

because by 12 PM, my body is slowly but surely melting down, 

and by 2 PM, I could totally go to bed for the night.

We've bought one thing for the baby, and that's a crib.

The only reason we bought it is because I knew exactly what I wanted,

and Ryan, being the saint he is, gave into my pleadings and said we could buy it before the other stuff.

It now sits in a box in the garage waiting to be assembled.

In November, I'm sure.

one step forward

Well, Ryan and I had our very first ultrasound this past Friday!

I'll admit that I was pretty freaking nervous for it, simply because I had this innate fear that something was wrong.

The ultrasound tech alleviated our fears though, 

and we got to see our little peanut on the screen for the first time ever.

Here's the tricky part though (and it's the main reason we went in for the ultrasound).

Ryan and I conceived on birth control, which makes it tricky to predict an actual due date.

Case in point? Based on the dates (last cycle, etc), I'm 11.5 weeks right now.

However, our little baby is measuring small at only 10 weeks today.

So, the ultrasound tech told us in cases like this, they go solely off the measurements of the baby.

^^^ image via

So, we basically just went back in time 1.5 weeks.

It doesn't seem like much when you think about it that way, but trust me...

with morning sickness, it feels like an eternity of extra time until the second trimester!

They've adjusted my due date to December 15th,

but the tech made sure to inform me that this could change if the baby catches up in size.

Regardless, we were just excited to actually see and get a visual (and audio) confirmation of our baby's health!

The baby has a high heart rate of 163 beats per minute, which they said is high but strong.

Also, she informed me that there is a ton of room for this little baby to grow,

as my uterus is measuring 11.5 weeks and the baby is measuring 1.5 weeks less...

he/she was all huddled in the right corner, hiding out, and it made those cramps a whole lot more understandable.

I was thrilled Ryan was able to join me this time around because he leaves in 2 weeks,

and he won't be around for any of the ultrasounds until the very end.

So, now I just wait until my next appointment on June 4th to check on baby again,

and hoping that this little nugget knows that all it has to do is grow!

a trip to the OB

So, fun fact...I was supposed to have my first consult with my actual OB on Monday, right? 

Yeah, it didn't happen, guys.

I am very quickly learning that Tricare is absolutely horrendous, 

and while it has its perks (like not paying $2900 for an initial screening during the visit),

you definitely have to deal with their utter incompetence to take advantage of said perks. 

^^^ image via

Well, once they figured out the problem with their referral and got their heads out of their butts,

I was finally able to have my visit yesterday!

I'm so excited I chose the OB I did because he is really wonderful.

No woman wants a man all up in her business, but if it has to happen, it's better it's a great doctor.

I had 8 vials of blood drawn for disease screenings, drug tests, a full exam,

and though I was hoping to hear a heartbeat, apparently I have to wait a month with this OB to do that.

My OB did notice during the exam that my uterus (sorry, things I should never mention on the blog)

is measuring pretty small for 10 weeks,

so despite the usual 14-week appointment being the one where you see/hear the baby,

my OB has requested a limited ultrasound consult to see if I really am 10 weeks along, 

which, like I mentioned, could be wrong because we were on birth control when we conceived.

He didn't appear to be too alarmed - just said I was measuring closer to 8 weeks, which can happen.

I haven't gained any weight, which I'm thrilled about,

and I'm looking forward to knowing an actual due date later next week when we have the ultrasound!

I think that maybe...just maybe...I'm falling in love with the idea of being a mother :)

back in the game

As I'm sure you've all noticed, I've been crazy mopey and feeling sorry for myself the past few weeks.

However, I seem to have hit a little turnaround yesterday and today. 

I have a bit more energy, my headaches are fewer and farther apart, and the heartburn is gone.

I'm still exhausted by 2 PM every day, 

but I'm just taking the time to listen to my body, eat what I need to eat and keep moving.

Yesterday I got in 2.5 miles on the treadmill, 

and even though my super-sonic smelling abilities make the gym difficult, it felt so good.

I've also started to get some more nutrients in me.

I ate an epic bowl of fruit, plus a strawberry smoothie with some extra greens in it, too.

Hey, progress is progress right now, folks.

Sleeping is still pretty horrible, really. 

When I'm actually asleep, I sleep like the dead,

but I'm usually up 4-5 times a night now to pee…even though half the time I don't even really have to go.

I just feel like it for some reason.

I've also got these weird phantom pains that Ryan says make me whimper in my sleep.

I wake up with horrible cramps sometimes, and then I panic, of course, until I manage to fall back asleep.

Right now, I'm just working to find a little more balance in my life and to just embrace this crazy life.

It's not what we'd planned, but it's happening, and we're so excited for this nugget.

I will say, the scale is still terrifying me though.

I was up about a half pound today, and I almost had a mental breakdown.

I know I'm crazy bloated, too, so that has an effect on it, as well.

Mostly, I just need to keep reminding myself that it is okay to gain weight for the sake of this child.

I just need to do it the right way, listen to my body and let God do the rest.

hop aboard the struggle bus

I swear I haven't abandoned this blog, you guys...though I've felt like abandoning everything lately.

You know, despite the occasional bout of grossness, I was doing fine up until about a week ago.

Lately, however, morning sickness and this baby are just kicking my ass three ways from Sunday.

If it's not heartburn, it's constant nausea...

and if it's neither of those, it's migraines that literally shut me down.

^^^ my happy place

Pretty much the only place I can find relief right now is in water.

I take about 3-4 baths a day, which dries my skin out like no other, but I swear it's sweet relief.

Swimming has also been helping, 

but the second I get out, all my symptoms are back.

My poor husband...

he's lucky if I put on yoga pants these days.

I truly consider that "dressed up" because I'm just so dang uncomfortable.

I've also found that I have these weird phantom pains at night that make me literally whimper if he touches me.

I have  my first OB appointment on Monday, 

and I'm really looking forward to finding out what drugs I can take. 

Yes. That is really what I'm most excited about right now, and I'm not ashamed. 

In other news, after four months on the wait list, my ipsy subscription finally went through.

I'm looking forward to seeing all these beauty products I'll have no desire to use for a while.

Seriously. 

I know this baby is a miracle,

but right now, I wish this miracle would just be a little nicer to its momma.

7-week bumpdate

I've seriously debated doing this post because, well, I feel like an idiot showing absolutely nothing. Seriously, folks, there is nothing to see here (yet). The lovely Ashley convinced me that I'll want to look back at this milestone and remember where I started though, and she's right. Also, hell, this blog is mine! So, without further ado...my very first bumpdate...even though there's no bump in sight :)

How far along: 7 weeks

Gender: We're not finding out!

Weight gain: -3 lbs - I've consistently lost weight since finding out and being a bit sick. I'll take it while it lasts, I guess.

Maternity clothes: Nope.

Stretch marks: No

Belly button in or out: In

Sleep: Ugh. Sleeping is a thing of the past, and I thought this was supposed to only be in the third trimester. Baby has me feeling like I have to pee at least 4 times a night, and if I'm not in the bathroom, I'm just restless. My fitbit seems to concur, as last night I had 76 restless minutes.

Best moment this week: Tricare finally sent through my referral for my OB. We literally dropped my health insurance 3 days before we found out. Yeahhh we're regretting that. Fort Huachuca is the only Army post down here that doesn't have a maternity and OB ward on post. So, we're shuttled off post to the Sierra Vista hospital, which is great, but it also means waiting for a referral, which could take 4-6 weeks...and it only took 2! 

Miss anything: I would have given anything for a margarita this past weekend. With spring and summer kicking into gear, I miss being able to run 4+ miles without being completely winded. 

Movement: Nope. That's not for a good long while, but I can't wait!

Cravings: The only thing I've craved consistently, really, is chocolate milk. I have momentary cravings for quacamole, but they pass by the time I cut an avocado, and then I'm queasy again. Mostly, I just have food aversion right now. 

Looking forward to: My first OB appointment. Frankly, since finding it, I've had a hard time believing that this is actually real. I'm not sure it will feel real until I'm at the OB and they're reinforcing the fact that it is real.

going with the flow

First off, thank you all so much for your sweet words on Ryan and my big announcement. It's been a crazy week so far, to say the least, and we're only just getting used to the idea that we're going to be parents in the same year we got married. It's madness...madness, I say! I was pretty overwhelmed on Sunday before we even had the blood test, and I felt panicked - like this was the end of my life. I prayed and felt this amazing sense of calm wash over me because Ryan and I are ready, as much as we might think we aren't. 

Furthermore, I know so many people who would give anything to have this miracle so I know that we are blessed beyond measure, and I have absolutely no reason to whine or complain. I do plan to document this pregnancy on the blog, but I promise it won't be all I talk about...though I must admit this post is all about it. So, without further ado, here's a list of things you can expect to hear about throughout the next 8+ months.

1. Never before in my life have I experienced heartburn. I thought it was a myth. Baby Moore would like you all to know that it is not a myth, and it will last forever.

2. Ryan and I have decided not to learn the sex of the baby because I decided that if I have to grow a human, there better be a surprise at the end.

3. Pregnancy for me = never ending period-style cramps...even through my back.

4. Not everybody is always hungry. Baby Moore has made it so that food is the enemy, and I have no appetite whatsoever. On the plus side, I've lost 11 lbs.

5. Baby Moore is currently the size of a freaking chia seed and yet somehow makes my boobs feel as though they've undergone torsion for multiple hours at a time.

6. This baby is due a grand total of about 3 weeks before we PCS to our next duty station, which means we might have to extend a month here in Arizona.

7. I have no idea where or how to start getting ready for a baby.

8. I am most excited to buy this baby a jogging stroller because, thus far, it's interfering with my running plans due to the aforementioned heartburn and cramps.

9. This miss is aiming for a completely natural birth. Ask me again in 8 months whether this is still the case.

10. We are ridiculously, undeniably, overwhelmingly blessed to be given a baby by our Heavenly Father to raise as our own. Despite all my fears and complaints, I can't deny that.

(As a footnote, I was estimated at just six weeks yesterday. I hadn't planned to spill the beans publicly for a while, but my darling husband was so excited that he posted this on Facebook, so there was no reason to hide it anymore:)

the best made plans

It seems like the minute we decide to make our plans and think that we're in control of our lives,

God throws us a curveball to remind us that He is actually the one running the show.

Remember how Ryan and I said we wanted to wait for kids?

Remember how we adamantly stated that despite our excitement, we wanted to travel for the year

and just enjoy this time being newlyweds together?

Apparently the man upstairs had different plans in mind for us...

This was in no way planned on either of our parts.

I've been on the pill religiously - never missed a day, and I was never late.

And yet, here we are...

The funny thing is that since we just got back from our cruise,

we were pretty sure I had norovirus because food has been the last thing on my mind lately.

After a week of that, plus my lady time being late (which it never is), we decided to test, and it said yes.

We had a blood test yesterday that confirmed it, 

so here we are...newlyweds...with a baby on the way.

Guys, we're excited. We really are...I promise.

That said, however, I'm still a little in shock, and having to give up margaritas and coffee cold turkey

has been less than a treat.

I'm not that far along, but I have my first real appointment today to set up with an OB.

Seriously...talk about a wakeup call!

So far, I've lost 11 pounds, I still hate the idea of food, and I'm absolutely exhausted all the time.

The nurses yesterday told me it will get worse before it gets better.

I didn't even know what to say to that.

So, yeah...baby Moore is on the way...

and he/she is due just a few weeks before we PCS, of course.

Surprise? 

#thepilldoesnotalwayswork