Hello Third Trimester.

Week 28-

The end is quickly (VERY quickly approaching) as I head into my third and FINAL trimester!  I can't quite believe that I am at this point in my pregnancy.  Time has flown by most weeks but others seemed to have just dragged on.  Here's a comparison to when I began my second trimester to when I ended it!

Quite the difference!  It's hard to believe that during this trimester she will more than triple her weight.  She still has plenty of baking (er...fattening up :-) to do!

How Big is Autumn?

Finally another vegetable reference, she's the size of a head of Chinese cabbage!

Every week when I see the references to how big she is I still have a hard time believing that that actually fits inside my belly.  I don't know what it is.  Just part of still coming to terms with reality I suppose (which has been a weekly theme for me!)  Rocking in at about 15 inches now she's continuing to grow those neurons like crazy building up her little brain to be super, super smart!   She's plumping up more, and at this point in time (as crazy as it sounds) could actually be born.  She has a LOT of plumping up to do, lots of baby fat to gain so I hope she sticks around as long as she can to prepare herself for the real world.

Feelings this week.....

Continuing to feel a bit more tired, especially if it was a long day at work, combined with trying to get as much exercise in as possible.   I continue to try to begin winding down early in the evening with Chris and getting to bed earlier than I am used to.  Being such a nightowl that I am (but still an early riser) has been a challenge for me to actually get to bed by 9 or 10 but they say a baby will mimic a mothers sleep patterns and we don't want an all-nighter on our hands so I am doing my best to clock in early, read and then lights out by 10:30.


The gym felt great this week and I got in two solid workouts, one with Chris right by my side.  Continuing to focus on total body in the weightroom, plenty of squats and lunges to prepare for labor and of course upper body to be sure that I can tote her around as babywearing will be huge for Chris and I when she arrives.  We really want to establish that bond in that way, as well as avoid lugging around extra bulky carriers when we can attach her to us with ease and go wherever!

Third Trimester Expectations.

I know deep down that this trimester will hold the most changes for me physically and emotionally.  I will be gaining the most weight (as will Autumn!) and making the 'official' preparations for this life-changing event that will affect both Chris and I's lives forever in the most positive and amazing of ways.  I am feeling more prepared as I take on these next 12 weeks.  I'm backed with more knowledge and confidence that although we won't be perfect parents, we will give all the love, TLC and parenting that we possibly can.  It's amazing how something so small can have such a dramatic impact.  We can't wait to meet our little bundle and we look forward to what comes at the end of this trimester- A BABY!

Odds and Ends:

• Registries completed (almost): 2! I never knew how much time it would take to research every item and figure out exactly what we will need! 
• Miles run/walked: 13
• Items to be completed before her arrival: infinate!!
• Weight gained: 20 lbs (and the scale just keeps on climbing...)
• K-State BEATS.....BAYLOR!!!  Heading into a big game against Mizzou next weekend!!
  

Training for labor.

Week 27-

Both Chris and I returned this week refreshed from our trip to Duluth and bound and determined to start making more headway on our 'to-do' list that is vastly growing as the due date approaches.  Needless to say, life happens and the list didn't see many check boxes this week.  He had quite a hectic week at work, I worked plus had AbFab duties that needed to be taken care of but one thing that we did get to do this week was start our birthing class and that was definitely a big deal for us.  I have had an anxious feeling in regards to starting the class for some time, mainly because I knew that it was going to really force us to hit the reality button and feel more prepared when the big day arrives.  

The Bradley Method

Dr. Bradley best sums up the method of his class structure when he says that labor is like an 'athletic event' where the husbands are the 'coaches'.   Being as into health and fitness as I am, I knew that this was going to be the right method for us to be a part of a 'team' rather than have a typical scenario of the woman shouting and screaming at the husband and him holding her hand with a helpless look on his face.  Plus, what guy doesn't like the idea of being a coach?  Equating labor to a 'sporting event' had to have helped Dr. Bradley real in husbands/sports fans near and far to wanting to know more about how to make labor feel like you're coaching your favorite team to win the National Championship!  

Chris and I have both been extremely happy so far with how the class has progressed.  We leave each class with a list of to-do's and that definitely helps us in learning to practice relaxation techniques together.  Some of it has been review, such as the exercises and nutrition portion but with SO much information out there, it can be overwhelming.  It's been nice to get things in a more condensed format and of course I'm a firm believer that you never stop learning so I have definitely been able to take away some nutrition advice that I wasn't aware of before (like in the 8th month eat 2 eggs daily to boost your DHA and Omegas, assisting with the brain development of the baby)  

We'll take classes most Sundays up until the beginning of November which is perfect timing I feel.  I won't be too big at that point and it will give us plenty of time to go over everything and absorb it before little Autumn makes her arrival.

How Big is Autumn?

Weighing in at a little over 2 lbs and about the size of a head of cauliflower! She is measuring at little over 14 inches long (still hard to believe there is over a foot of baby inside me!) and is getting to be more active than ever!  Her little lungs are still continuing to rapidly develop and she is officially showing signs of brain activity.  The third trimester is the time where they say to really focus on getting your brain foods (omega 3 and 6's and plenty of DHA) in order to feed her growing mind! 

How am I feeling?

Still pretty energetic but definitely noticing the need to get more sleep.  I have never been a napper ( and for all things considered never feel like I have the time!) So getting between 9-11 hours of sleep at night has been my focus lately to keep me from winding down during the day.  Considering I can't load myself up with caffeine anymore it definitely makes me focus on rest vs. compensating in the morning for lack there of by throwing back a triple shot of espresso!  

I still feel the constant need for movement, only really about to sit still for no more than an hour.  I am thankful for this internal alarm clock because I am hoping the increase in movement is just my body's way of preventing swelling and circulation issues associated with not getting enough movement throughout the day. 

My blood volume level must also be hitting another spike because I have cut back on how I gage my runs.  I'm at about .5-.75 run, 3 minutes walk. Repeat for 3-5 miles.  My pace is still fairly the same, anywhere from 10-11:15 min/mile, which for all relative purposes I don't even pay much attention to because I'm so focused on keeping my heartrate in range and when it spikes, I slow it down to a fast walk.  I would have to say ultimately this trimester will be about really tuning into my body and cutting back even more as she is preparing to grow the most during this phase of her gestation and I prepare to take on a spike in weight gain quicker than I have in the first 2 trimesters.  All worth it in the end of course!

The Weekend

We decked ourselves out in our purple and went to Buffalo Wild Wings to brave the Miami fans that we figured would be swarming.  We were surprised to not see to many and actually saw a bigger swarm of Ohio fans than anyone else.  We pulled out another win (although it was a nailbiter!) but a win none the less.

Before the game we ventured to Three Dogs and a Chick, our local dog bakery in Fort Walton.  Lola has been missing her collar for over a month and we were debating on what would be our next purchase for her.  Her previous one was made of 550 cord (military cording) and she still managed to loose it!  I say that she's no girly-girl and is tough on her 'jewelry' like her mama.  We found an awesome one that is made of military grade straps and buckles and has a Velcro name tag on it (which we have put one of Chris's 'Premo' badges on for now until we can get her a special one made).  She really likes it though we think!

We also found her a short leash that Chris is anxious to use for when he runs with her and wants to let her off when he's on the back roads and carry something that's not bulky and awkward.  It's made of climbing rope and is incredibly durable.  We also had to buy Jack a new bed.  In my opinion, he got jealous and decided that he wanted a Molly Mutt bed like Lola and Toga so one day he took to devouring his bed.  We came home to what looked like a cotton machine had exploded in our living room.  So we bought a Molly Mutt bed for him, one we thought Andy would approve of, and he's totally content.  I really like the beds for their durability (they're made of canvas) as well as the ability to switch out the stuffing with ease (they come with stuff sacks that you can put anything from old socks to old bedding in to make it as comfortable for them as you want).  

Sunday's first outing was to Maggie Mitchell's b-day party! Alaina, being the awesome dog mama that she is, made a cake, brought hats and made goodie bags for all the pups (and humans!) and every pooch had an absolute blast hanging with one another, even if the temps were a bit warmer than we were hoping for!  Anytime all the pups can get together is a good time and we all had a blast watching them interact and devour the meatloaf/mashed potato cake that was made especially for them!

 ~Lola-bean!~

~Alaina did this awesome side-by-side comparison of Lola when she was only 4 months old at Rambo's b-day party in Kansas! To now, 1 year and 8 months old! ~

 ~Simple Jack!~

 ~Toga-toe!~

 ~The birthday girl herself, Maggie!~

After the dog park Chris and I decided to take to the trails before our birthing class at 3, so we had the bikes all packed and camelbacks ready to go when we got home, dropped off the pups and then headed out.  It was refreshing to be back out there with him and we took it easy of course on Speed Demon and Leaner trails, all easy trails that I would feel more than comfortable on.  Being almost 7 months pregnant I'm not going to take any risk on being on a single track trail that requires a lot of maneuvering or skill~easy riding was my mantra and it felt amazing just to be out there breaking a sweat with Chris.  I can't wait to get back in the groove of our longer rides and prepare for our next adventure race (post baby of course)!  We've yet to put one on the calendar but have several on our radar! 

 ~Since my rides have slowed down Chris was still able to get a workout in by stopping at every trail intersection and cranking out pushups!

 ~the creek bed that looked super inviting after a hot ride!~

Odds and Ends:

• K-State Wins: 3!! We knocked out University of Miami this week and prepare for the Baylor game next weekend!
• Dinners cooked together this week: 2!  I think that's a record for us as each week tends to be hectic in some way or the other.  Monday night we enjoyed dinner on the patio as the fall breezes began to roll in!
•  Baby Books read: 5-the knowledge that I feel we have to gain is never-ending but we keep hearing to not over-read and over analyze parenting, so much of it will come with instinct!

Oh the changes Autumn brings.

Week 26-

Chris's favorite quote lately has made it's appearance as a title finally.  With the weather acting a little more fall like, I found it pretty appropriate.  Such double meaning it has for us though for sure!

I took a few moments this week to reflect on not only the changing of the seasons but also what is soon to be a complete change in our lives.  I’m getting more excited, antsy almost, and so is Chris.  It’s a very positive thing for the both of us seeing as how we have struggled to really set into the reality of having a little one in our lives.  ‘Florida fall’ felt refreshing this week even though we can feel the on slot of the heat about to come at us again.  My hopes are that the week of Autumn’s welcoming party there will at least be enough chill in the air to have a fire, roast some marshmallows and for maybe, just maybe the ability to wear long sleeves without sweating.  I have high hopes but we’ll see. 

I was able to relish in a pumpkin spice latte this week and that just made me a.) Jones for fall b.) miss Kansas because around this time the leaves would be changing and I would be getting ready to bust out the fall sweaters and running gear.  =*sigh*. But every time this happens I try to focus on all the good that Florida has brought us and that brings me back down from the clouds.  I have also tried to remember that even though it is Florida I can still celebrate all that is fall~spices, fall scented candles, baking, and of course hikes on our local trails to enjoy what few trees we will see change their colors.  Every place has its beauty and the Emerald Coast is no exception.

How big is Autumn?

She’s rocking in at about the size of a large eggplant (still)!  This week her new accomplishment: she grew eyelashes!  Quite a feat right?! She’s busy soaking up my antibodies to prepare her immune system for the outside world ~I have no doubt she’ll have be a tough cookie in that department!  She’s also continuing to take ‘practice’ breaths of amniotic fluid getting ready to take that first breath of real air when she makes her grand entrance!

We had the opportunity to have another ultrasound to get what is called an ‘accessory’ to the placenta double checked.  It’s no worries to either myself or Autumn, just an extra lobe in the placenta that they have to make sure they get out when I deliver the placenta.   So darn, we had to see the little one again and wow was she moving!  I suppose since now she’s more responsive to light and can actually see better, she really wasn’t digging the ultrasound probe but it was so cute to watch her suck her thumb, then look alarmed when she took it out, then stuck it right back in her mouth!  We could make her out so much more clearly on the monitor as well and got several keepsake pics to show her off.

They confirmed the accessory to the placenta and all it will do is go in my file so that the doctor that delivers can be sure the entire placenta is removed.  Again, I’m not concerned at all, Autumn is growing like a weed and we can’t wait to see those cute little cheeks and button nose in the flesh!

~Growing, growing. The both of us!~

How I’m feeling.

Anxious.    The final stretch, the last few months where all final preparations will take place.  Chris and I have been busy making our to-do lists and figuring out when we will squeeze everything in, especially before we have guests arriving for the shower in a few short weeks!   I’m dead set on the nursery being pretty much completed by that time so I know we have quite a bit of work to do in there, but really, that’s the fun room!  It’s all the other organizing that somehow put off for months that is finally getting to me.  My energy continues to be up and I feel really good!  I still run 3 times a week, walk the pups on the trails, do yoga and make it to the gym when I can.  I have a feeling once the running starts to die down in the next few months as the pressure on my abdomen becomes to much that I will find refuge in the gym once again.  I’m definitely not complaining as I know I can always work on building up my arm/back strength for carrying sweet Autumn around every day!

Duluth or Bust.

We had a fantastic trip up to Chris’s hometown of Duluth, MN and the cool fall air was a welcome change from our Florida fall.   It was wonderful to see his parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins and of course our nephew and nieces!  The occasion was Zach (Chris’s younger brother) and Lindsey’s (our new sister-in-law) marriage and it was an absolutely beautiful ceremony and reception.  Lindsey’s dress was just stunning and she was glowing especially bright that day.  Chris got to spend a little one on one time with his brother which was nice and overall we just really enjoyed our time with everyone as short lived as it was (flew in on Thursday, flew out Sunday).  We are looking to seeing his family make a visit down to our neck of the woods once we have little Autumn and hopefully at a time when the Florida heat isn’t too oppressive! 

We had the opportunity to take several walks/trail runs to ourselves while we were there and it was absolutely stellar.  Words can’t describe the beauty of the scenery, flora and fauna in Duluth.  I’ll leave you with several pics we took on our last trail run/trek as well as several that we took a couple of years ago that really depict just how beautiful it really is.

 ~Pollywog Trail right by Chris's parents house, he put a lot of miles on this getting ready for basic training!~

~A little tired but enjoying a morning run/trek together in amazingly cool weather~

And some oldies but goodies from past trips to Duluth.......

 ~The view of Lake Superior~

~The trails in that town are endless and just gorgeous!~

Odds and Ends:  

• Upcoming events: 2; our birthing class begins next week as well as our Welcome Autumn party in October 
• Baby purchases: 2; her awesome decal for her nursery and a diaper organizer (1/2 price at TJ Maxx of course!)
• Days Until I get to see several of my FAVES: 3 weeks and 5 days!
• Weight gain so far: 19 lbs.!

Let the nesting begin.

Week 25- (playing catch up still! :-)

I'll admit I haven't been myself lately.  In the sense that I am actually taking on new projects AND completing them before I allow months to pass!  It's a whole new feeling and one that I attribute to the 'nesting' bug that has hit me full fledged lately.  Perhaps it came in with the (brief) fall breezes we had, or perhaps it is because the date is approaching more quickly than ever and I am getting my butt in gear to make sure everything is as ready as possible for when our little bundle makes her appearance.  Projects that I have completed/close to completing:

-Fall front door containers planted: I have been wanting pots with real, live plants by our front door since we moved in!  I finally got inspired with all the fall foliage that I was beginning to see show up on inspiration sites that I look at almost weekly and when I stopped into Lowe's for some wasp spray the other day I happened upon a fantastic sale.  Sod, pots and plants all for under $50!  I couldn't pass up the opportunity to take another stab at having a green thumb.  I figured some of the fall plants that I am using will be a bit hearty enough to withstand cooler weather and can therefore withstand my 'black' thumb (I am working on it!)

-Curtains for living room/bedroom: 75% complete- The living room curtains need a solid hemming and then they are up, they are my main focus and I can't wait to see the way they will brighten up our living room! Our bedroom ones will be finished soon, hopefully by next week.  My hopes are high but I am working on my completion factor since my typical pattern is to start 50 projects and then take a year or more to finish them all.

-Painting the nursery: Paint is purchased! Step one complete.  It is a vibrant celery green and I am in love.  I can't wait to see the green against the white baseboards and espresso floors and crib.  It's going to be fun for a little one but at the same time very clean and modern.  Pics to follow when we begin painting this weekend!

How Big is little Autumn?

It is possible that there is a baby inside of me the size of an eggplant? Apparently!  It's still shocking to see the vegetable and fruit comparisons on weekly basis. And to think before this is all over she will be the size of a watermelon is mind-blowing.  She's weighing in at about 1.5-2 lbs this week and now has her sense of equilibrium in tact! Meaning that when she is busy somersaulting and flipping in there she is aware more aware of where she's at. Pretty phenomenal I feel.   She's beginning to get more hair on that little head of hers and continuing to fatten up.  She has definitely had me waking up even more in the middle of the night to not only empty the bladder she is pushing on but also to switch sides about ever 3 hrs at least!  It's exhausting at times because I was so used to sleeping through the night but I know it is but a minor preparation for what is to come!
 

Celebrate the Night!

Saturday we had the pleasure of being at Alaina's 30th 'Surprise' birthday party thrown by her hubby and it was nothing short of an awesome night!  Good food at Beach Monkey and then to top it off, a delicious and very thoughtful cake that was designed specifically by Stephen to represent their time in Florida thus far and all that they have seen and done.  We had a wonderful time seeing and talking with everyone and seeing Alaina be as happy as a clam celebrating 30 years young!  I think 30 really is the new 20 and I am doing nothing but looking forward to the wisdom that that benchmark in life will bring!
 
Cloth Diapering 101:
Chris is such a trooper.  He really is.  Saturday morning after the party we dragged ourselves out of bed early to attend a cloth diapering class in Niceville taught by one of my yoga students and consultant of Growing Green Bums, Marissa.  It is an awesome cloth diapering, organic store that has been nothing but a labor of love for all those involved in building it over the years.  We were incredibly surprised to find out all of our options that we have in diapering little Autumn's behind and came home with a folder of all of the information that we had gained.  With so many systems and types our heads were spinning at first but when we sat down to discuss our wants and needs in diapering, what is easiest, but still cost effective we have decided on going with mostly Fuzzi Bunz- a two-part, pocket system (crazy that practically acts like a disposable diaper.  It has a pocket in the liner which you stuff with cloth lingo, right?) absorbant pads and and then voila!  A cloth diaper that is ready to be snapped on her behind and grows with her until she is a whopping 35 lbs!  It has adjustable waist and leg snaps and the fleece barrier gives the same effect of a disposable diaper in that it wicks away moisture from her skin.  Overall, even if it's pricey to set up our system, we'll be saving over $2000 in using cloth diapers! (not to mention not tossing hundreds upon hundreds of disposables into the landfills!)  It's something both Chris and I feel passionate about so we're willing to go the extra mile to make sure they work for her and for us as well. (10-12 diapers on average we will be changing a day-just wow! We'll be seasoned pros before we know it.)

Odds and Ends:

• Autumn purchases: 2- an adorable mobile that coordinates with her room and a diaper caddy~amazing the little things I continue to find
• Miles run/walked this week: 17.5- Still on a run 1 mile, walk about 3 min. basis and I can honestly say it is taking me about 1.75-2 miles just to feel warmed up!  Amazing how the increase in blood volume and increase in heartrate make me feel inadequate at times but I know that it comes with the territory and I am completely listening to my body (and my heartrate monitor) and taking it easy whenever I need to.  Thanks to Chris for going on 2- 5 milers this week!  His patience is incredible.
• Weeks until Duluth: 1! So pumped
• Weeks until next ultrasound: 1! Can't wait to see her pretty little face again...

Purple Pride!

Week 24-

6 months down, 3 to go.  It feels like another milestone to be at even though I have so many more to go.  One of the next on my list? Hitting my 'thirties', as in week 30+, I hear the time really starts to either fly by or go extremely slow!  Either way, I'm taking the second trimester in stride still and really can't complain about the energy I have had not to mention really no pregnancy induced issues (besides the continual need to stay up and moving to keep my circulation going, but again, no complaints about that!)

How Big is little Autumn?

Little Autumn has hit yet another milestone in the form of being about the size of an ear of corn!  Growin' like a weed she is and I can definitely feel her kicks and twists more prominently now.  As far as appearance goes, she is getting more opaque, pink skin and is looking even more and more like a, well, baby, as the weeks go by!  Bye-bye see-through skin and hello to that beautiful glowing skin that every baby is born with.  You know, the kind that just makes you want to rub your cheek against theirs?!

Date Night in Pensacola

While the weeks sometimes escape us, Chris and I have been making an effort lately to get on at least one date night every couple of nights.  It is something that even before Autumn was a twinkle in our eye, we wanted to make sure we made it a point to just go out, have a good conversation over a glass of wine and delicious food and just be together.  We also figure that if we can get into this routine now before the little one is born, we'll be more apt to sticking to this routine after she arrives.

So it was off to Pensacola, where we weren't sure.  We both got a bit jazzed up, I in my favorite maxi dress that Lauren is letting me borrow and Chris got to sport his new grey blazer with jeans and dress shoes.  I am seriously in LOVE with that outfit on him and I wish I had snapped a picture of him in it.  Oh well, there's always next date night! 

We decided on 600 South just as we crossed over the bridge and we were both extremely happy with the decision.  We shared the triple dip which had fresh brushetta, olive tapende, and a spinach dip.  The house salad was delicious topped with kalamata olives, peppers and 3 different types of Italian deli meats.  Our entree was shrimp diablo, you just can't go wrong with shrimp and pasta!  And to top it all off? The 'chocolate shock', a chef specialty with 4 different types of chocolate temptations ranging from torte, to a chocolate and popcorn brownie.  Heaven on a plate in other words.  We laughed, had deep conversation that we sometimes don't make the time for, and just truthfully enjoyed one anothers company.  It was an INCREDIBLE evening that was definitely the highlight of the week!

Purple Pride!
 Being an alum twice over at a school that is my absolute pride and joy is a wonderful feeling.  My mind swirls constantly with all of the amazing memories Chris and I made in little Manhappenin' and particularly those involving the fall season, football, and tailgating with some of our good friends!  Life is good in Manhappenin' in the fall.  Cool breezes, sporting the K-State hoodie while tailgating, a good Oktoberfest beer and being surrounded by some of the most down to earth fans.  While both Chris and I pine for those days, we have such good memories that we know they will sustain us.  Plus, we are anxious to introduce Autumn, to our favorite little city and during our favorite time of year there that inspired her name.  The Cats are off to a good start, beating out Eastern Kentucky 10-7.  It was barely a win but a win none the less!

~Sporting new K-State threads ( a size up to fit around the belly!)  Can't wait for Autumn to rock hers!~

Tropical Storm Lee hits with a vengeance!
While my soccer stud was in San Antonio for the weekend for a soccer tournament (yes, that would be Chris :-) , Tropical Storm Lee came lurking into the Gulf and literally just sat on top of the panhandle and rained and blew gusts of up to 50mpr for days!  It was crazy to continually wake up to dreary skies but I am weird and I absolutely love the rain, even if it sticks around for days.  That doesn't mean I want to live in London and constantly be without the suns rays, but I don't let rain or weather stop me that's for sure!  I love to run in it, the pups love to be cooled off in it and we really do honestly need the inches to catch up on the draught that we have been in for the summer.  I even made it out to the UWF trails with Lauren and two of her friends she had visiting from South Florida, Mandy and Leslie.  It was a welcome break from being inside and we somehow timed it to where we weren't being deluged on! 
The cooler weather that it brought though, that literally made me a new person!  60's in the am, 70's in the daytime? Yes, please!  Words can't describe how it made me jonsin' for fall, and so even though we are far from fall temps in Florida, I didn't miss the opportunity to buy a couple fall candle scents and delve into my fall recipes that I simply can't wait to make.  And one of the best 'little' things of the week that made me (and at least half of all Starbucks drinkers smile): Pumpkin Spice is back?  I ponder why this flavor is so loved by so many.  I think that fall really has some amazing memories for a lot of people.  It's the signaling of the changing of the seasons, the beginning of the holiday seasons, and a time where many look fondly back on school days and the changes that each year brings.  I'm guilty, I had my first indulgence of a pumpkin spice latte and enjoyed every last drop!

Running for two:
I love my vibrams.  I honestly do.  As soon as Lauren got me hooked on my first pair, Chris since bought me the 'runner' version, aka the 'bikilas' and they were all I have run in since last December except my trail shoes when I'm off road!  As the weight has been creeping on, I have noticed a few aches in my legs that I didn't have before when I wasn't pregnant, namely in my shins which I know can't be good.  I have only ever had shin splints once, during 7th grade track season, and they literally knocked me off my feet.  I consulted my vibram expert, aka my sister, and she said definitely don't mess with the shins.  If it's calf, it's just muscle building but shins is not a good side affect.  So off to my local running store Run With It I go to order my second favorite shoe to run in, the Adidas DS trainer.  Chris and I first were introduced to these bad boys when we were training for our Team in Training half marathon back before Manhappenin' even had a running store and we had to drive to Topeka to Great Plains Running to get new kicks!  We loved them.  I had 3 pairs of them before my vibrams and I can't say I was disappointed to go back to them, yet a bit shocked when I saw that the new model came in HOT PINK!  Of course mom thought is was highly appropriate since we would be expecting a girl so for once, I didn't hesitate at the thought of wearing a lot of pink. 

I must say by feet, and shins, are much happier logging the miles.  I wonder if Autumn notices a difference? ;-)  Will she be a Vibram girl or a shoe girl?  Only time will tell.  And hey, they do make wee size Vibrams so we just may have to have her test a pair when she's a toddler!

Nearing 6 months!

Week 23-

~~OK, so here is the first of several catch up posts!  I don't know how I got so far behind!!~~

So, I absolutely can't believe I'm almost at 6 months!  I keep hearing that the months begin to go by slower from here on out, so I will relish in the fact that I can't believe I've reached this point already.  After coming off the high that was the reveal party, this week was quite a rush between actually being able to walk into a store and go straight to the little girl stuff, to beginning to put colors together for her room officially, and honestly, the best part?  Being able to refer to 'it' as 'her'!

How big is Autumn?

Weighing in a whopping 1.5 lbs. approx. and 11 inches long, she's about the size of a large papaya still ( not much change from last weeks fruit reference) !  Blood vessels in her lungs are beginning to become more fully developed in preparation for her to take her first breath of oxygen and her keen ears are becoming accustomed to all things that happen outside of the womb-to include the pups barking as they play and any music that we may be listening too~ Wow!


Training for Two: 

I swear she sleeps when I'm running.  And then when I finish or take a walk/water break she is wide awake twirling and kicking for more.  I have a feeling that she will need a heavy dose of rocking to get her to sleep!  They say the more active you are during pregnancy the more the baby likes movement when she comes out!  This week Chris joined me yet again on a run (seriously, can't thank him enough) while Jack and Lola tagged along.  He decided to try to get more of a workout in and took the pups a few more miles at a much more faster pace than my pregnancy jog!  It's just nice to get out there together sometimes even if we're not doing the same distance/pace and definitely more motivating. 

We also took the little rascals down to the sound one night and they had a blast swimming, playing Frisbee and soccer.  They were quite entertained and of course absolutely LOVE the water.  All of them.  We're pretty fortunate we have a 'secret' spot that we are able to take them on the beach where we've seen plenty of other pups frolicking in the water.  Besides the occasional regurgitation of salt water in the car ( they still sometimes forget they're not supposed to drink it) we so enjoy taking them out there and letting them roam.  It's important for them to have that freedom I believe!

The AbFab Team:

This weekend was one of our biggest weddings yet and being pregnant doesn't stop me from working a 16 hour day on Saturday to make sure Kristin and Luke's wedding was nothing short of perfection!  Alaina, Lauren and I seriously put our heart and soul into this wedding, and although we do the same for every single one, this one was exceptional because it was 75% us! From the arbor to the handcrafted benches, we designed, decorated, did all the flowers and rentals for this wedding and it was an absolute knock-out.  Here's the link to Kansas Pitts Photography who captured the big day~ we couldn't be more thrilled with how mesmerizing the pictures are {Sneak Peek: Kristin + Luke}.  AbFab is quickly making a name for itself on the Emerald Coast and we are stoked for what our future holds!  I just adore these girls! :-)

Odds and Ends:

• Appointments upcoming: 1. September 14th we get another ultrasound! 
• Trips Upcoming: 1. Duluth, MN bound September 15th for Chris's brothers' wedding! 
• Dresses currently fitting for the wedding: 1. Thank goodness.
• Winter jackets fitting into: 2 at least, whew.  I know Duluth weather and it will be chilly in September!
• Baby Autumn finds this week: ONE of her diaper bags ( picked out by Chris himself of course and scored at TJMaxx for $13 instead of $50 at Target!)