One Year Ago

I can't believe that we have lived in Albuquerque for a year as of today! It seems like forever ago that we moved down here, yet the time has also moved so fast.  I remember feeling so overwhelmed, scared, and sad when we first arrived. The first few months really were just a blur.  It probably didn't help that Chris and I both started working the day after we got here.

We have come so far in just a year. I think we are really lucky. We have made many great friends, which makes Abq so much better.  We also have the support of our friends back home too. We know how to get around the city, where to shop, and where to avoid. Chris couldn't be in a better lab. I'm so happy to be at the same school this year teaching the same grade.  And we are expecting our first child in a little over a month. Things are much better. I'm so happy she will have a bilingual birth certificate.

Don't get me wrong, I still miss home, but not as horribly or regularly. It's getting easier to see the positives in ABQ. There are still days where I can't stand it here, but I get to choose my attitude and perceptive.

I think the best part about this move is that Chris and I have truly been there for each other through everything. I couldn't ask for a better friend. We talked about going out for ice cream tonight in honor of our first year here, but I didn't want to because for some reason I have horrible heartburn. Oh well. I'm excited and looking forward to celebrating our 5 year wedding anniversary on Friday (hopefully without heartburn.)

33 Weeks

I was looking at my past blog posts and I realized that I haven't given a Baby V update since early June.  So here is an update on the kiddo.

- I'm currently 33 weeks along
- I'm feeling better good. Just a little achy when I first start moving.
- I'm still swimming and doing prenatal yoga.
- My doctor appointments are really boring, which is great!  Everything is going smoothly. We feel very fortunate.
- After our next appointment, we will see the doctor weekly.
- We have an appointment to meet a possible pediatrician, which is exciting.
- I'm measuring a week further along still.
- My belly button is basically gone now. I have been reassured it will return someday.
- She is a mover! She must take after Chris because she loves to kick.
- She's very talented at hitting me under my right ribs.
- Her room is looking pretty ready.  Nesting has started!
- She has been thoroughly showered with love from our friends and family. :) Thank you!

The biggest adjustment we have coming up is the start of the school year. I go back officially on Tuesday. Of course, I will have my largest class ever this year. I'm ready for the excitement and challenges. The plan is to work up until she arrives. We're still debating how long I will take off, but luckily I have some flexibility with my school district.

She will be here before we know it! Can't wait to meet her.

I guess we should move her dresser into her room now.

End of Summer - Summer Reflection

I only have 5 more days of Summer Break! (We have the same amount of school days as MN, we just start earlier/end earlier.) I already went back to my classroom to work today! So it's time to reflect a little on my break...

It's been a very relaxing summer. It's my first summer where I haven't worked a 2nd, 3rd, or 4th job. We figured with our travel schedule and baby, it would be better to have some down time.  Here is how I have spent my summer in ABQ...

~ Pool

I have spent many days at the pool reading or with some of my finest ABQ friends. I have also been really good about swimming laps. I do one set of 10 100s - 2 free, 1  breast (repeat), which is nothing compared to what I used to do, but I figure it's better than nothing. I'm that pregnant lady swimming and lounging in my bikini proudly.

I forgot how much I enjoy swimming. I have had a love hate relationship with it for a very long time. This is the first time in about 15 years I have chosen to enter a pool and swim laps for fun. To me I feel more zen or calm swimming laps than doing yoga. It's also the only activity I do now where I can't tell I'm pregnant. Nothing hurts and I'm still somewhat fast. 

swimming flash back!

I'm the one in blue on the block.  Looks like a relay race for the Gators.

Junior year with EHS swim mates. 

~ Nesting

- Crib - check

- Changing table - check

- Car seat - check

- Stroller - check

- Bassinet - check

- Clothes 0 - 6 months washes and put away - check

- Dresser redo project - complete

- Sheets, blankets, burp clothes washed - check

- Hanging decor on walls - in progress

- Daycare - check

- Leave paper work - in progress

- Found long term sub - check

- Thank you notes - on going

- Forgetting things - all the time!

- Cleaning - on going

- Finding a pediatrician - close

Dresser Project

Before - Chris' dresser from college that his old roommate Aaron gave to him

Chris did most of the sanding by hand. I helped out, but he did a much better job.

After - I did the priming, painting, and put on the hardware.

~ Cards from Baby Showers ~

Cute, affordable, and sentimental way to add something to the walls.

I ran low on ribbon and saw an idea for this on pinterest.  These are the cards from my ABQ friends/coworkers. 

We'll share more photos of baby's room later

~ Reading 

Funny! 

Informative, but a little overwhelming

My favorite!

I keep pushing this book to the side...sorry.

~ Netflix 

~ Pinterest inspired project

Chris doesn't like clutter on the fridge door. I was spending some time on pinterest and found this.

I made this

Those are just some of the highlights from my summer break. I really need to start doing shorter posts more regularly. We'll see if that happens.