This is Halloween!

I cannot believe we will have little peanut with us next Halloween!!! I am beyond excited to see this time of year and the Holidays in a whole new light next year! Jeffrey and were giddy talking about all the awesome "kiddie" stuff we are going to do with her next year! We cannot wait.

Here is a preview of our Halloween this year!

We started our weekend at our church's Trunk or Treat event. We went as Charlie Brown and the Great Pumpkin. We had a blast seeing all of my current and past students.

Roxie went as the cutest BB8 ever!!! The kids LOVED seeing her!

On Saturday, we decided last minute to dress up again for an "underwater themed" Halloween party. We spent most of our day figuring out what I would dress up as. Jeffrey already had a Mario costume so he dressed as underwater Mario. After brainstorming all day and getting totally distracted in Walmart, I decided to go as the song, "Cake by the Ocean".





















On Sunday, the Nelsons packed up the car and headed a whole 10 minutes to the beach. Seriously, how did we get so lucky? We spent the day playing and enjoying the Charleston "Fall" weather.

After our fun walk along the beach, we put on Halloween movies and carved our pumpkin and had Kelsey-Jeffrey time. I tell you what, my hubby is the best guy in the whole world. He is so much fun! While we were eating candy and laughing about our pumpkin mess, I think I literally said the words, "you're my best friend because you're so much fun to be with" to him like 100,000 times.

What did your Halloween weekend look like? 

24 week bump date!

How far along: 24 weeks- hello 6 months!!!

Total weight gain: 6 pounds total! I am praying she stays small!

Baby Size: Baby girl is the size of a cantaloupe.

Baby Facts: Baby girl is still a bit translucent and skinny, but this will be changing soon. She is also at the point where if I went into labor and she were born now, the hospitals would do everything possible to save her – babies have been born this early! However, please stay in there sweet girl! 

Movement: She is moving a lot in the morning. She loves praise and worship time at PCA. She is also very active during dinner. Sweet pea loves her food! 

Sleep: I have been using a pillow to help prop me up a bit while I sleep on my side and it has made all the difference. I am still thanking the Lord daily that I am sleeping so well! 

Cravings/Aversions: Oatmeal! I have been craving oatmeal and fruit a lot this past week. I have eaten 2-3 bowls of this oaty-goodness. 

Symptoms: I do not have my typical "energizer bunny" energy. I am dragging! Even my pilates teacher had to take it "easy" on me this week :(

Looking forward to: HALLOWEEN! Jeffrey and I are going to Trunk-or-treat at our church, carving pumpkins, making Fall treats, and watching all the kiddie "scary" movies! Yes, "Double,Double Toil and Trouble is on our list... and yes, that is a 90's Mary-Kate and Ashley movie! Don't judge!

Egg-Free, Gluten-Free, and Dairy-Free Dessert!

As most of you know, I am gluten free. With all the joys of pregnancy also comes a dairy allergy. I am now gluten free and dairy free. I was craving something sweet so I found this amazing egg free, gluten free, and dairy free dessert.

CUPCAKE:

Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup coconut flour
• 1/2 cup oat flour
• 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder
• 2 T ground flaxseed
• 1/3 cup stevia
• 3/4 cup apple sauce
• 2 T coconut oil
• 2 T maple syrup (I used Whole Foods pecan syrup)
• 1 1/4 cup almond milk

Directions:

1. Combine all dry ingredients in a large bowl. Add wet ingredients and beat until combined. Fold in sprinkles (optional).
2. Bake in a muffin tin at 350F for 17-20 minutes (I baked mine for 17 first). 
3. allow to cool, poke a hole in the middle of each cupcake using a spoon. 

COOKIE DOUGH FILLING:

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup coconut flour
• 1/2 cup gluten-free all purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons ground flaxseed
• 3/4 cup almond milk
• 1/4 cup maple syrup (I used Whole Foods pecan syrup)
• 1/2 cup organic dark (dairy free) chocolate chips (I found mine at Whole Foods)

Directions:

1. Combine all dry ingredients. Add wet ingredients and stir until a thick dough forms (I used my kitchen aid mixer). 
2. Fold in chocolate chips.
3. Form into flat like balls
4. Set these in the hole you made in the cupcakes.
5. Bake again in the oven at 350F for 5 minutes. 
6. Allow cupcakes to cool! Frost using dairy free frosting!
7. ENJOY!

Each cupcake is 102 calories with 3.5g of fat, 11g of carbs, 6g of protein, and only 4g of sugar!!

Fall Trends

I love Fall! It is my favorite time of year and makes me giddy thinking about all the fun things Fall brings. Here are a few items on my Fall "wish" list.

1. This Cavalcanti bag from TJ MAXX is so trendy. I love the studs and the price. I love my Kate Spade classic bag, but I love how trendy this bag is without breaking the bank.

2. Plaid is a Fall must have! I love that plaid dresses are coming back. How fun is this dress from Nordstrom!

3. SUGAR: Poppy. I am obsessed with the way this lip balm makes my lips feel and look. It comes in so many fun colors and moisturizes my lips. 

4. Bomber Jackets are all the rage this season. I am in love with this classic look. Give me leggings, an over-sized white tee, sneakers, and a bomber any day!

5. Prada is my absolute favorite designer for sunglasses. I bought a pair four years ago and I still love to wear them to this day. I have been eyeing this pair since Jeffrey and I went to Vegas last year. 

What are your Fall "must haves"? 

23 Weeks!

How far along: 23 Weeks! 

Weight Gain: Back up to 5 pounds total. 

Nicknames: Nelly, Peanut, Little bit, baby girl, #AMEN

What are we most excited about next: My first baby shower!!!! 

Movement: Jeffrey felt her for the first time over the weekend. It was such a special moment for our little family. 
I also got to see her little kicks on the outside of my stomach. I ate a bit of dark chocolate for the first time since I got pregnant and she went wild; her mommy was loving it! It was the coolest thing I have ever seen/experienced

Belly button: Normal so far ;)

Size: She is one pound!  (She is about the size of a papaya or baseball mitt). 

How I’m feeling: 

• This week is Fall break so I am feeling great! 

Sickness: None this week!!! WHOOOO... this is a small victory for me! Lots of acid re-flux though... yuck!

Cravings: 

• Water!!!!!
• I feel "full" all the time. 

Aversions: 

• Lettuce
• Fish
• Dairy besides the dark chocolate I ate :)

Physical changes: Similar to last week. I am doing great! My skin is the clearest it has ever been, my nails and hair are so thick. I wish I could look like this post-pregnancy (minus the bump of course). 

Fun Update: We scheduled our birthing class this past weekend! Jeffrey was so cute while he talked to the nurse. We are So thrilled about this stage in our life. I didn't think Jeffrey and I could grow any closer, but over the past five months, we have fallen even more in love. He is such a great daddy already! 

Workout: I went to pilates twice this week and did a barre class. I also took Roxie on a few 3 mile walks!

Nursery:  Her room is at a stand still until we have our first shower. I have this inner desire to have it all done NOW, so I am trying to calm my perfectionist self down because we still have 3 1/2 months before she arrives. 

OMG, we have 3 1/2 months to go until we meet our little princess! EEEEEEkkkkkk. 

Fall To Do List

I cannot believe it is already half way through October and almost November. I also can't believe that I will be 24 weeks (6 months) pregnant next week! WHOA! Here are a few "things" I want to do before it is already Christmas.

1. Visit a Pumpkin Patch and take lots of cute family pictures.

2. Carve a pumpkin.

3. Get lost in a corn maze.

4. Watch Hocus Pocus and eat a caramel apple.

5. Visit the SC fair and "people watch" all night long!

What is on your Fall "to do" list?

22 weeks!

How far along: 22 Weeks! 4 months until we meet our little girl!!!!

Update: Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all the prayers, calls, texts, and messages about our sweet baby. You have NO IDEA what that means to Jeffrey and I. Please continue to pray for her healthy growth. Our ultrasound is scheduled for the end of November. Praying everything resolves itself. 

Weight Gain: Down one pound, so technically only 4 at this point. 

Nicknames: Nelly, Peanut, Little bit 

What are we most excited about next: Fall! I squeal every time I realize this time next year little bit will be with us for all the Fall fun! I can't wait to take photos with her at the pumpkin patch. 

Movement: I am feeling her a little everyday and I LOVE it!!!

Belly button: Normal so far ;)

Size: 1 inch long and almost 1 pound (She is about the size of a spaghetti squash). 

How I’m feeling: 

• Tired of getting sick. I never know what foods will trigger my nausea  or when it will hit me. I am ALWAYS full, but all of the sudden I am starving beyond control. It is the strangest thing.
• Sad because I miss my mom and friends from back home. Since we were evacuated for five days in Atlanta I was able to see my mom and friends from back home. I didn't realize how much I missed everyone. 

• I have some energy back which is really nice.

Sickness: I got sick twice last week and it is not fun! 

Cravings: 

• Bacon 
• Steak
• Peanutbutter
• not altogether of course! 

Aversions: 

• I can't really think of any right now. 

Physical changes: Other then my little bump, I do not notice a lot of changes. My skin is really clear and my nails have gotten stronger!

Fun Update: We ordered her sweet little coming home from the hospital outfit. We are beginning to schedule birthing classes and prepare things for her arrival. 

Workout: With the hurricane and evacuating last minute, I have not been able to work out like I would have liked. I plan to get back once things settle down. 

Nursery:  Her rug was delivered yesterday!!! We got her this round, pink one from Target and I love it. 

"Hurication" 2016

As most of you know, Charleston was hit by Hurricane Matthew that left destruction in his path along the southeast last week. We were so very lucky and blessed. On Tuesday, Jeffrey, Roxie, two of our close friends and I frantically packed our bags and headed for Atlanta. After prayer and watching the news on the edge of our seats, we decided to make the most of our "hurication". I firmly believe Melissa and Mike were the BEST people to have a Hurication with; we had a blast.

HOW TO HAVE A "HURICATOIN" IN ATLANTA 

Go to the College Football Hall of Fame.

Ride Sky-view and admire the gorgeous city.

Go shopping at Lenox Mall and order the best ATM cupcakes from Sprinkles.

Get your nails done.

Have coffee and lunch and talk for hours.

Go to the Atlanta Beer Fest.

Visit with old friends and laugh for hours.

Overall, we had a blast minus the news updates, and 24/7 phone updates we would check on our phones. All of us made it back safely after a great Hurrication and had zero damage to our homes or cars. We are SO blessed. Since we favored so well, we decided to clean out our closets and homes and gather items to donate to those who did not favor so well from the storm.

I am excited not only to clean out my home, but to help those in need as well. If you would like to donate anything or help, contact me! Or, if you know of anyone affected by the storm who needs help, let me know I would be glad to help in anyway I can.

Prayers to all affected!!

What to get the New Mom that is also Fun!

I have been researching, registering, and reading everything you "need" for baby. While looking through the internet I found these adorable non-necessary items that are just plain FUN for new moms or moms to be!!

THIS TOTE!!!! I am not really rocking a bump yet, so why not rock a fun tote that lets everyone know how excited and proud I am to be a new mom!!!

I would love this bar necklace with our precious little girls name on it. How amazing would this look for any new mom?

I NEED this tee!!! You can find different styles here and here!

It is always nice to feel valued and special and who better to tell you then a nice cup of coffee? This mug would be perfect as a fun mom-to-be gift!

What fun mom items do you love? Post them below, I would love to see what fun gifts are out there!!!

21 Week Bump Date

Some have said baby girl looks like me in this image. <3 td="">

How far along: 21 Weeks!

Update: We had baby girls 20 week anatomy scan and we are "watching" a few things. We will know more at our next ultrasound at 28 weeks. Praying everything resolves itself and that baby Nelly is 100% healthy and happy. Prayers are VERY much appreciated for our sweet baby girl and her development.

Weight Gain: 5 pounds still. 

Name: I think we have her sweet name picked out, but we are waiting to share until she arrives! "Nelly" is not her name-- it is a sweet little nickname my coworkers and friends have given her! 

I can't wait to hold this little hand!

What are we most excited about next: We are beginning to decorate her nursery. We have decided to go with a gold and white theme with blush pink accents. I feel like an interior decorator looking on the internet for all chic and classic baby things. We have completed our registry so that has been a breath of fresh air. We are registered at Babies-R-Us and Amazon. Go check them out! AND... if you feel generous send baby girl a little something! 

Movement: I am starting to feel her little movements and kicks! I am loving every second that I feel her! I still cannot believe how amazing our bodies are! 

Belly button: normal so far ;)

Size: She is the size of a large banana!

I think she looks like her daddy in this picture. 

How I’m feeling: 

• Little nervous-- As stated above, We had baby girls 20 week anatomy scan and we are "watching" a few things. We will know more at our next ultrasound at 28 weeks. Praying everything resolves itself and that baby Nelly is 100% healthy and happy. Prayers are VERY much appreciated for our sweet baby girl and her development. 
• Lots of painful heartburn.
• Lower back nerve pain.
• I have less energy and get tired much easier.

Sickness: Not much! Occasional nausea, but so much better than it was.

Cravings: 

• I’m honestly not craving a WHOLE lot. 
• All I want is water!!!!

Aversions: 

• EVERYTHING! Eating has been a challenge for me during my pregnancy. 

21 weeks!

Physical changes: 

• My bump has grown a little. She is still very tiny. My pants are getting tighter, but I can still wear all of my normal clothes. 
• My lower abdomen is solid as a rock. Bending over is getting harder everyday because she is sitting right in the way. 
• Baby Nelly is sitting on the right side most days so I have a cute little hard bulge on my right. 

Workout: I’ve still been continuing to work out every day! I am walking 3 miles, doing Pilates, and taking barre classes. 

Nursery:  We are beginning to clear out space in our condo and move things around to prepare for her arrival! We have her bedding picked out and have registered for what she/we need. We are going for a chic gold and white theme with blush pink accents. We want a sweet, classic "girly" room for our princess.

Pregnancy Workout

I love working out. I am one of "those people" who really enjoy running and pushing myself. If I feel cranky or stressed, going for a run always makes me feel like me again!

Since I have become pregnant, workout has become more difficult. Since I crave a good workout, I have been trying to stay as active as I can. Some weeks are better than others, but that is okay.

My Pregnancy Workout Schedule:

Monday: REST! -Sometimes I get a little 1-2 mile walk to fit into my schedule.

Tuesday: Pilates for an hour

Wednesday:Pilates for an hour

Thursday: Barre class

Friday: 3 mile walk/run

Saturday: REST

Sunday: 1-2 mile walk/run -some weights for arms and legs. 

Let me also say, it is SO important to know your body while you're working out and pregnant. If it doesn't feel right, STOP!!!!! Pregnancy is not the time to set goals and push yourself to new limits. Listen to your body and do what you can personally handle. If you have never worked out before, I would suggest walking. If you're like me and have been taking pilates and running 6 miles for over a year, then it is okay to continue since our bodies are used to it. 

Calling all mom's out there!!!! Moms or soon to be moms what is your workout routine? Are there any workouts I should try?