I used to be an incredible sleeper before I was pregnant. I could fall asleep at the drop of a hat, sleep in until noon, and take three hour naps like they were going out of style. No joke, if sleeping/napping were an Olympic event, I would have taken the gold hands-down. It wouldn't have even been a competition. But these days... not so much.
I swear, once I hit my third trimester of this pregnancy it was like little Baby Bogart flipped a switch that immediately made it hard to sleep at night. First, I lay in bed for hours trying to get to sleep in the first place. Then I wake up every hour or two all night long because a) I have to use the bathroom b) I'm incredibly uncomfortable or c) I am incredibly uncomfortable AND I have to use the bathroom. It's really quite unpleasant. Really though, it wouldn't be so bad if I could just sleep in.. but alas, I can't seem to do that these days either. Between the construction down our road starting between 5:30-7:00 a.m. and my tendency to rise before or with the sun it just doesn't happen anymore. And it's not like the reason I can't sleep is because I'm not tired - I'm exhausted! It's just cruel and unusual punishment I tell ya...
My mom has been trying her darnedest to convince me that it's just my body's way of preparing me for when the baby actually comes and I have to be up with him every couple of hours. Which makes sense.. I suppose... kind of... (Not really.) Wouldn't it make more sense that my body would want to rest now while it still can? Shouldn't I cherish these last two months of uninterrupted sleep while I still at least have the opportunity? I guess not.
Really though, this pregnancy has been good to me overall and I have very few reasons to complain. I never had morning sickness, I haven't started swelling too badly or retaining insane amounts of water, and both the baby and I have been healthy enough that I haven't been put on bed rest or any other type of restriction. I know that I am very blessed compared to many others out there. It's just this darn lack of sleep thing! It starts to wear you down after a while... But I just have to keep reminding myself daily about the incredible prize at the end of all this and that, although it feels like it sometimes, I won't be pregnant forever. This too shall pass.
Well, my coffee is finally done! At least I can enjoy a cup of Folgers Half Caff with a bit of delicious Pumpkin Spice Coffee Mate mixed in as I sit here and wait for the sun to come up...
TGIF!
Friday, October 14, 2011
Saturday, October 8, 2011
Christmas in... October?
For longer than I can remember I've listened to my grandma and mom complain about how "Christmas comes earlier every year!" and I never quite believed them... until yesterday. Now I've heard of Christmas in July... but Christmas in October? Hallmark, this is getting a little out of hand!
Yesterday, as Ryan and I were out running some errands, I noticed that several stores in the mall were already full-on decorated for Christmas. I know that time has been flying by and I literally have no idea where September went, but it is only the first full week of October, right? I thought so... I also thought it was sort of a "rule of thumb" that stores waited to put out their Christmas decorations until after Halloween was over? Apparently I was sadly mistaken.
Don't get me wrong - I LOVE Christmas. It is my favorite thing about winter. I love the warm cozy feeling that Christmas decorations and a Christmas tree brings, the delicious smell of freshly baked Christmas cookies that permeates through the house, the 25 Days of Christmas specials on ABC Family, and of course... the Christmas music! I love everything about the whole holiday season.
But I have sort of mixed feelings about Christmas in October. On one hand, I'm excited because it's a reminder that Baby Bogart will be here before we know it. But on the other hand, it reminded me that I really need to get my tush in gear and actually start thinking about starting my Christmas shopping before:
a) I'm too fat and tired to navigate the crowds and the stores OR
b) I've got a newborn to haul around while I navigate the crowds and stores. (That is, assuming he comes before Christmas...)
Well, it's time to get back to my cleaning! Ryan's parents are coming for a visit and I have irresistable the urge to scrub down the bathrooms... oh silly nesting!
Enjoy the weekend!
-The Bogarts
Yesterday, as Ryan and I were out running some errands, I noticed that several stores in the mall were already full-on decorated for Christmas. I know that time has been flying by and I literally have no idea where September went, but it is only the first full week of October, right? I thought so... I also thought it was sort of a "rule of thumb" that stores waited to put out their Christmas decorations until after Halloween was over? Apparently I was sadly mistaken.
But I have sort of mixed feelings about Christmas in October. On one hand, I'm excited because it's a reminder that Baby Bogart will be here before we know it. But on the other hand, it reminded me that I really need to get my tush in gear and actually start thinking about starting my Christmas shopping before:
a) I'm too fat and tired to navigate the crowds and the stores OR
b) I've got a newborn to haul around while I navigate the crowds and stores. (That is, assuming he comes before Christmas...)
Well, it's time to get back to my cleaning! Ryan's parents are coming for a visit and I have irresistable the urge to scrub down the bathrooms... oh silly nesting!
Enjoy the weekend!
-The Bogarts
Friday, October 7, 2011
Strike a pose
Yesterday was another absolutely gorgeous fall day up here in the Duluth/Superior area. To celebrate the perfect weather and our growing family, Ryan & I took a drive just outside of Superior to Pattison Park with our friends Al & Kati Reich and took some maternity pictures. Now, if you're like me, you probably didn't even know that this particular Wisconsin State Park even existed... but it does. And let me tell you, it's stunning. Especially with all the fall colors this time of year. As Mr. Al Reich so eloquently phrased it, "Wisconsin is filled with hidden gems". So true.
Anyways, the whole point of this post is to give you all a little peek into the phenomenal work of Kati Reich (not ramble on about the hidden beauty of the cheese state haha). So! Here is a link to her blog post with some of the great shots she captured yesterday:
I LOVE them! She did such a fantastic job! And would you believe that this was her first time doing a maternity shoot? Don't worry, me either. She's just so good at what she does. I'm so thankful to have such talented friends...
On a side note, I am exactly 30 weeks pregnant today and that means that our little boy will hopefully be coming out to play in only 10 weeks. Although, according to my mother, it will be more like 11 weeks... she's convinced that I am going to spend Christmas Eve and Christmas Day in the hospital delivering him. I sure do hope she's wrong. Not only would I have to miss out on all the great food and Christmas cookies, but then his birthday would be overshadowed by all the Christmas festivities more than it already will be. Not that sharing a birthday with Jesus Christ isn't totally awesome.. I just think he might regret his choice to come late as he gets older. Oh well, I'll just have to explain it to him when he grows up and remind him that it's his own darn fault for not being born when he was due... haha!
Enjoy the pictures and the rest of your weekend all! TGIF!
-The Bogarts
Thursday, October 6, 2011
Shhhh! Don't tell the weatherman!
Has anyone else noticed how unbelievably nice the weather has been this week? Have you also noticed that it is now October? Nice weather in northern Minnesota in October... it's almost like an oxymoron! The sun has been shining, the temperature has been in the not-too-hot-but-not-too-cold range, and it hasn't even been too windy (which, in itself, is a small miracle in Duluth,MN).
The highs all week have been in the mid 70's and the lows at night have stayed in the 50's. That is far better than the average highs we normally see in the low 50's and the lows of mid 30's. Ryan and I actually have only had to turn our heat on a couple times so far this fall, and only at night.
I love it. This is the way fall should be. This is the perfect weather to accompany the perfect fall colors. This is the fall I missed out on last year when Ryan and I were in Sweden. As a matter of fact, I have a post from October 14th of last year that documented the first real snowfall in Lulea... and the snow never melted until long after we left. Ugh, it makes me cringe all over again just thinking about it.
I guess I probably shouldn't even say anything to jinx it because I know that it might very well be snowing here in Duluth by October 14th. But maybe... just maybe... this nice weather will hold out if you all promise not to remind the weatherman that it's fall. I won't if you won't, deal? Deal!
All our best from sunny, beautiful Duluth,
The Bogarts
The highs all week have been in the mid 70's and the lows at night have stayed in the 50's. That is far better than the average highs we normally see in the low 50's and the lows of mid 30's. Ryan and I actually have only had to turn our heat on a couple times so far this fall, and only at night.
I love it. This is the way fall should be. This is the perfect weather to accompany the perfect fall colors. This is the fall I missed out on last year when Ryan and I were in Sweden. As a matter of fact, I have a post from October 14th of last year that documented the first real snowfall in Lulea... and the snow never melted until long after we left. Ugh, it makes me cringe all over again just thinking about it.
I guess I probably shouldn't even say anything to jinx it because I know that it might very well be snowing here in Duluth by October 14th. But maybe... just maybe... this nice weather will hold out if you all promise not to remind the weatherman that it's fall. I won't if you won't, deal? Deal!
All our best from sunny, beautiful Duluth,
The Bogarts
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
Fall has it all
I love fall. It's by far my favorite season. I get to celebrate my birthday, witness leaves change colors, bundle up in comfy, warm sweaters, and eat as much delicious fall-like foods as I can stomach. Mmmmm caramel apples, pumpkin bread, homemade soups, apple cider, pumpkin bars, apple pie, pumpkin pie... I love me some apple and pumpkin in the fall!
On top of all that, as if fall couldn't get any better, it has one more thing that makes it the perfect season: Seasonal Coffee-mate flavors! There's just nothing better than enjoying fresh pumpkin baked goods with a hot cup of Pumpkin Spice flavored coffee. (The Peppermint Mocha and Warm Cinnamon Sugar Cookie are also to die for..)
I'll be interested to see how much weight I've gained over the last two weeks at my next doctors appointment. Oh well, you know what they say - eat, drink, and be merry... for next year I won't have pregnancy to blame!
With love and lots of pumpkin flavored things,
The Bogarts
Monday, October 3, 2011
There's a good possibility that I may turn into a bird
Nesting. What a silly word. I had heard stories from other moms about how they started "nesting" during their third trimester... cleaning and organizing everything in sight, stocking up on food, and baking all sorts of things. I've been wondering for the past few weeks since entering my third and final trimester of this pregnancy when that instinct would kick in for me. Well, I shall wonder no more! I'm officially nesting. It started slowly this weekend when I had the sudden (and very odd) urge to dust all of the blinds in our apartment, and I do believe that my nesting is in full swing on this lovely October day...
So far today I've:
So far today I've:
- Washed/folded/put away all the laundry
- Washed the dishes
- Washed, disinfected, and put away the baby toys my aunt gave to me a couple months back
- Swept both bathrooms, the entry, and kitchen floors
- Ate lunch
- Worked out
- Made an appointment to get my hair highlighted and trimmed
- Written this blog post
And it's only the middle of the afternoon! Assuming I don't take a three hour nap again today like I've gotten in the habit of doing, I could accomplish more in this one day than all of last week combined. I must say that I do enjoy having this much energy and ambition... I wish I could just turn into a bird forever.
And now it's time to scour my cook books for something delicious and entirely unhealthy to bake!
Happy Monday Everyone!
- Mama Bird
Saturday, October 1, 2011
True Life: I'm addicted to garage sales
The past two mornings I've been up at the crack of dawn like normal, but unlike my boring Monday through Thursdays... I took full advantage of the morning hours by scouring the city of Duluth's garage sales. I'll admit, I get quite a few odd looks being a mid-twenties woman garage sale-ing by myself, but I just don't care! Garage sales are where it's at people!
Where else would I have found a white down Ralph Lauren winter jacket to fit my pregnant belly for a mere $10? Or how about a brand new car seat cover for $5 that sells in stores for $25-$30? Nowhere. On top of those awesome deals, I also found some quality maternity clothes for $2-$3 a piece and some adorable Vikings baby sweatpants for only twenty-five cents. Twenty-five cents people! That's as much as it costs to get one of those crappy gumballs from a machine whose flavor only lasts about five minutes- it may as well be free!
But my best find of the whole weekend was a pair of brown Hush Puppies dress/casual shoes that look like they've barely been worn (aside from the worn-out shoelaces). Guess how much those cost me? Just guess... Nothing. That's right, they were in a "free" bin at one of the sales I stopped at. And let me just tell you - "If it's free... it's for me!"
There's just something about bargain hunting and finding a great deal that makes me down-right giddy inside. It's addicting. And as sad as I am to say this, it's probably a good thing that the garage sale season is drawing to a close soon. I need to detox before I cross that fine line of bargain hunting and hoarding...
Enjoy the weekend and the beautiful fall weather!
-The Bogarts
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