Up Close and Personal

Things have been so fast paced this month. I remember October always being busy, but not this busy. I prefer things slow...but I have this problem where I don't want to miss out on anything, so it kinda makes for a difficult situation.

I've joined a MOPS group. It's great!! MOPS (Mother's Of Preschoolers) is a world wide organization dedicated to keeping moms sane and in touch with other like-minded mamas. I decided to join with Kristen and it's been really fun so far. We have meetings twice a month which include potluck brunch, a speaker or craft, focus and discussion on a particular topic (such as teaching our children philanthropy), and we talk about our book we're reading. But the groups are encouraged to get together outside of our meetings and my group has really been getting out there! A number of play dates and moms night outs have happened and although I've had a great time, it's more to juggle on the calender. Joseph really seems to enjoy being busy though, and running around in this incredible weather can REALLY do a body good!

I also started Stroller Strides to get in SHAPE for this bun in the oven. I had a lot of anxiety concerning labor and not having enough "umph" to push with Joseph, and it's still on my mind with my second baby. I finally decided to start a prenatal fitness regimen instead of dwelling on being out of shape! I can tell you right now that I need to tone it down until I get more in shape or get more used to working out while pregnant....cause these workouts are wiping me OUT, sister. I've been giving it my all thinking...hoping....that I'll start to see some toned arms, less flab, more endurance, but I think the little parasite in my belly might think differently. It says moderation is the key to this mama's fitness program. So the deal with Stroller Strides is that it's designed around having your children with you. It's absolutely fabulous. We meet outside somewhere scenic and Joseph gets pushed along in the stroller while we walk, do our resistance band stations, and stretch. Our first time, at the end of class I took off his seat belt for him to get out while we warmed down and he told me he wanted to keep exercising! He loved it! Now that is some sweet motivation right there!

Off to the Dr. tomorrow. Should be getting blood work done, family history taken, and meet with the insurance specialist. We'll get a sono too....and after months of wanting to know the sex, I'm double guessing myself!! I don't know for sure if they'll even be willing to guess at this appt (almost 16 weeks) but I think if the baby is turned right they will be able to tell. I don't know what to do!! It was SO fun and gave me a feeling that words can't describe when Dr. Ryder delivered Joseph and held him up to Josh and said "What is it, Dad?!?!" It goes beyond just wanting to know so I can decorate and shop. I almost feel like I am cheating nature or something and am not supposed to know yet. Who knows?! I'm sure I'll change my mind a million times before my sono. I'll certainly keep everyone posted! ;)

Been feeling so much better than the first trimester but have been pretty tired more and more lately. I read that the baby will grow more and faster in the next month than any other time in it's development. This totally corresponds with me being way more hungry and tired than normal. I need a darn sandwich as we speak. Food and sleep...the life of a pregnant woman. Ha.

Shout out to Alicia welcoming baby Jenna Reese yesterday!
Shout out to Peter and Kacey who are due any day now!! (Anything yet??)
Shout out to Casey who is 4 weeks behind me...BFFs having babies together!!

Love you all! Signing off to go raid the fridge.

so hungry...