What to do when you are...OVERDUE

Today I'm officially 41 weeks and 1 day. I am OVERDUE. 

When you find out your due date that date is forever etched in your mind. You see it as an expiration date on food at the grocery store and you get excited, you turn to that week in your planner and you can't believe it's here...then it comes and goes and you are still pregnant. I can't tell you how badly I am aching to meet Aiden, so I have had to distract myself this last week. Here are some things you can do while you wait on your baby to come: (If you are one of us mamas that has to do that!)

-Make sure all your baby's clothes, blankets, burp clothes, etc. are washed, folded and organized

-Wash bottles

-Clean your house from top to bottom or if you don't feel up to it have your Mom or Mother in law do it!

-Keep working. I have been fortunate enough to continue feeling good well into 41 weeks so I have kept working and it helps A LOT!

-If you are planning on having music on while you are in labor, why not make a delivery play list? I've been listening to mine all week.

-Go on walks. I have walked at least 2 miles every day since Aiden's due date. It helps that the weather has been amazing.

-Pack your hospital bag and load it in the car. Make sure your husband packs one too!

-Make some freezer meals. If this is something you just haven't had time for, what are you waiting for?

-Eat spicy foods! Use this as an excuse to not make dinner and go get something yummy. I'm thinking I need to go back to Bonefish Grill to try a second helping of Bang Bang Shrimp...just in case.

-Since everyone and their uncle will be calling or texting you to see where in the heck this baby is, use this time to catch up with people because you probably won't have time once baby comes

-Pick up a good book (that is unrelated to baby stuff) and read it to distract yourself! I finished the 5th Harry Potter and am now half way through the 6th. 

-If you haven't found a Pediatrician yet, use this time to do some research. They will want to know at the hospital who you have chosen. 

-Prepare for any upcoming events you might not have time for. Halloween is this Friday so we went ahead and bought all our Halloween candy, put it in bowls and put up some decorations so we wouldn't be scrambling if Aiden decides to come close to then. My husband would be thrilled if Aiden was a Halloween baby by the way.

-Take naps. At first I was annoyed with people telling me to rest up while I still can, but I know it's true. The last week has been very restful. I've taken more naps this week than I did my entire pregnancy combined. 

-Spend time praying for your baby and your upcoming delivery. I've had some really good chats with God this week. Some of them have ended in tears, but most of them have left me reassured. God's timing is perfect in every way and although I'm anxious it is much easier to trust Him. He's got this.

-Go out to eat with your husband. This is another thing that won't be happening as often for a while plus you don't have to cook.

-Plan a fun day date and make it happen. Don't just sit around waiting for baby. Trust me on this.

-Don't compare yourself with other new Moms...in the last week, 3 of my friends (all due after me), have had their babies and one is in labor right now. Your baby will come at the perfect time. Just keep telling yourself that.

I am convinced now that no theory for bringing on labor works, your baby will come when they are ready and when God is finished with them. Trust me...I've tried them ALL minus White Castle. I'm sorry, but I just could not do it. Any other suggestions from you mamas out there that had to wait on your little ones to arrive?

Pregnancy Files {The Bump Week 40!}

 {Sorry for two bump posts in a row, but I'm kind of over them and wanted to hit publish.}

So I did it. I somehow managed to take a bump picture every week. They may not have all been taken with a quality camera, the last few weeks I could only manage fuzzy iPhone pictures, but hey, it's documented. Thanks to all of you who have stuck around to read my pregnancy posts and make sweet comments along the way. I can't wait to be able to share pictures of Aiden with you, but he has yet to make his debut! I'm praying contractions start soon...like while I'm typing this post. Who prays for contractions? Haha.

Best moment this week: So many people have told me that they went into labor after eating Bang Bang shrimp at Bonefish Grill. I love Bang Bang Shrimp so didn't need any other reason than possibly bringing on labor to go and give this theory a try. Our waiter asked me when I was due and I said casually, "today." He couldn't believe it and was so incredibly sweet. He ended up treating us to dessert and comped it "due date."

Food cravings: Anything with sugar...Nutella by the spoonful has been doing it for me lately.

Movement: He has been moving around a ton. The doctor's say he is about 6 pounds 12 ounces right now and I am guessing his living quarters are getting a little cramped.

Symptoms: Definitely crampy and achy. I love fall, but putting on boots has been a real challenge. Drew has been helping me, but when he's not around it feels like every time I pull on a boot I'm going to go into labor. I would actually welcome that at this point...

Nursery: A little sneak peek above. It's all finished minus hanging a few things on the walls. I have a nursery tour post drafted in my drafts folder...someday it will make it out there.

Prayer for Baby:
Dear Aiden,
There have been a few perks to you not being born on your actual due date. 1.) Your Dad and I have gotten a few extra date nights in. One included free dessert, 2.) I'm now on page 700 of the 5th Harry Potter book, 3.) I feel especially loved because someone is constantly calling or texting to check on me and see if you have entered the world yet. While it is nice to still feel you moving around inside me I really, really want to see your little face. Please come soon. Tonight would be nice.
Love,
Your Mama

Dear Lord,
This week has been tough on me. More than I thought it would be. I've been super emotional in our chats together, but know you have this all under control. I know you know how badly I want to meet Aiden, but I also trust you completely. Thank you for allowing songs to come on that you know I need to hear at just the right moment. My song of the moment..."I surrender all." I surrender to you my anxiousness, I surrender to you my body and little Aiden. Thank you for taking care of us and meeting me where I am. Amen.

Psalm 37:7
"Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him."

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Pregnancy Files {The Bump Week 39}

 {Posting a week behind as most of you know since my due date was the 19th!}

Best moment this week: The weather this week has been gorgeous so I've gotten quite a few nice walks in at the park by our house. I want the leaves to hang on just a little longer. This season has gone by way too fast.

Food cravings: Still Chipotle. I thought yesterday was going to be my last Chipotle run before Aiden, but I will probably have it again today. Just being honest. Haha.

Movement: I have the alien belly. He is constantly morphing around in there. When I set anything on my stomach he makes sure to kick it off immediately. 

Symptoms: My back hurts. A LOT.

Nursery: Working on my nursery tour post...hopefully I'll post it next week.

Prayer for Baby:
Dear Aiden,
This week has been hard for me because all I want to do is meet you. I've had to distract myself with things like laundry, fall baking and episode upon episode of Gilmore Girls on Netflix. I know everyone says rest up and enjoy this time and I've heard you can't stay pregnant forever multiple times, but I just want to hold you. Are you helping me practice patience? I'm trying very hard to be patient.
Love,
Your Mama

Dear Lord,
You know my heart. You know what I'm feeling before I even speak it. Calm my heart and help prepare my body and my mind for giving birth to this precious boy. Amen.

Psalm 40:8 "I desire to do your will, my God; your law is within my heart."

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Apple Fritter Cake {Recipe}

You guys...this is truly the best fall dessert I have made to date. If you like apple fritters you will love this!

Ingredients:
For the filling-
2 heaping cups of sliced apples (I used Gala apples and it turned out amazing!)
1/3 cup sugar
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
small pinch Nutmeg
2 Tablespoons cornstarch
2 teaspoons water

Plus-
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

For the cake-
1/3 cup butter
3/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup Applesauce
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 eggs
2 and 1/4 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 cup sour cream

For the glaze-
2 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
6 Tablespoons Milk


Instructions:
For the filling-
Combine apples, water, sugar, cinnamon and corn starch in a small sauce pan. Cook on low for 5-7 minutes stirring constantly until the apples are soft. Set aside to cool. While the filling is cooling, get a small bowl and combine the "plus ingredients" brown sugar and cinammon

For the cake-
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour a 9x13 baking dish. Set aside. 
Cream softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add applesauce and vanilla then the eggs one at a time. Then add the dry ingredients slowly: flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon and sour cream. Beat together until just combined.

Pour half the batter evenly onto the bottom of the greased and floured 9x13 baking dish. Then carefully spoon the cooled filling on top of the batter. Now sprinkle 2/3 of the brown sugar/cinnamon mixture on top of the filling. Cover with the remaining half of the batter. Sprinkle the top with the rest of the brown sugar/cinnamon mixture.

Bake for 45-55 minutes. Your kitchen should start to smell amazing and you will probably start drooling.

While your cake is baking, make the glaze.

For the glaze-
Mix the powdered sugar, vanilla and milk together. When the cake comes out, pour the glaze mixture over the warm cake. Spread evenly and allow to harden on top of the cake as it cools.

Now grab a fork and enjoy the best fall dessert of your life. I ate this for dessert then again for breakfast. It goes well with coffee.

Original recipe found here.

Thoughts from a pregnant gal on her due date...

October 19th, 2014...a day I have been looking forward to for 9 months now. The last few mornings I've woken up wondering is today the day?! Well it is 7:00 pm and nothing has happened...yet. I'm still hopeful he will come today, but I'm sure the statistics of babies being born on their actual due dates is pretty small. Either way I can't wait to meet my guy. He did let us get through a wedding, Drew's entire football season, conferences at school and another busy weekend of work for me, so he's been a thoughtful little guy so far.

But now that my work day is over, that my coworkers and volunteers have laid hands on me and prayed, that I've taken a nice long walk, that the car seat is installed and our hospital bags are loaded in the car, that I've eaten Bang Bang shrimp and had a foot massage targeting my pressure points I think it's time to come. So Aiden, please don't make me wait another week...your Dad and I would really like to meet you tonight. Can you please make that happen?

Pregnancy Files {The Bump Week 38}

A blurry doctor's office selfie because I was too tired to manage anything else this week plus I blame the rain.

Best moment this week: Having only been at my new job for 4 months I don't qualify for the Family Medical leave act and I don't have a ton of paid time to take off for my maternity leave, which I wasn't too worried about because I love my job so much, but obviously it was something Drew and I had to consider since we are adding more costs with a baby. Well some of my co-workers went in and donated some of their own personal time for me out of the kindness of their hearts. I now have 2 more paid weeks of time off and couldn't be more thankful. It honestly makes me tear up thinking about the generosity of people I've known for such a short time.

Food cravings: Thanks to Anne I've been craving chocolate milkshakes. :)

Movement: He's been moving around and whenever my stomach gets tight I think...am I going to start contracting now? Is he coming soon? I hope so! Never in my life have I been more excited to endure pain. Is that weird that I'm not nervous about labor?

Symptoms: My back still hurts and my belly button can't decide if it wants to stay in or pop out. It's a little late in the game for it to be popping out right?

Nursery: I finally took some pictures of the nursery now I just have to make time to upload them and actually do a  blog post.

Prayer for Baby:
Dear Aiden,
I am so anxious for you to get here I can't even stand it. Your car seat is installed, inspected by the fire department and waiting for you. I so badly want to hold you and just look at you. Your Dad and I can't wait to meet you!!!! Please come soon.
Love,
Your Mama

Dear Lord,
I have never anticipated something so much in my life. Everyday I wake up and think, is today the day I get to meet my son? I know you know when he is coming and it's already planned perfectly so help me to soak up these last few hours/days/weeks of having Aiden kicking around inside me. Amen

Ecclesiastes 3:1
"There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens."

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4 Fall Recipes You Need to Try!

I get so excited when the season starts to change over to Fall. It is definitely my favorite season to cook and bake. Cool temperatures, crisp air and so many fun flavors! I have made and loved all 4 of these fall recipes so I thought I'd share them with you.

Lentil Chili: This chili has become my husband's favorite. There is no meat in it, which I thought we would miss because we both love a good hardy chili, but we don't miss it at all. Just trust me when I say you need to make this! I always make it with a side of beer bread and use a pumpkin flavored beer.

Rachel Ray's Pumpkin Pasta: When I first read about using pumpkin flavoring in a pasta I was almost disgusted, but then the first day of fall rolled around and I decided now or never and made it. You guys, this is surprisingly delicious. I love the flavors of the pumpkin, sausage, sage and garlic together. Please don't miss out on the amazingness of pumpkin in your pasta!

Chef in Training's Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Pudding Cookies: These cookies have just the right amount of pumpkin in them. They are soft because of the instant pudding and are delicious! If you can't find the pumpkin pie spice instant pudding no worries...use plain vanilla instant pudding and add about a teaspoon of regular pumpkin pie spice. Problem solved!

Pioneer Woman's Apple Dumplings: This has to be my favorite fall dessert. I've made these too many times to count and everytime people ask me for the recipe. This recipe has a secret ingredient that I did NOT expect...Mountain Dew. Make these then thank me later!

What are your favorite fall recipes?

Carly + Josh's wedding day

Friday night my sister in law and now brother in law tied the knot by the light of a fall moon. It was such a beautiful day! Our day started with a bridesmaid's breakfast at First Watch then getting our hair done at the salon.

The forecast for the day was storms and rain, but the weather cleared up for pictures and in time to have the outdoor ceremony as planned. Just look at this family I'm a part of...they are all gorgeous.

My favorite detail from their wedding was this cute coffee truck that was parked just outside where they had the ceremony. The drinks were delicious and it was a fun backdrop for pictures.

My sweet husband officiated the wedding ceremony and did an amazing job and I was just excited that 1.) I didn't go into labor and 2.) That I fit in my bridesmaid's dress at 9 months pregnant.

The reception decor was perfect for fall. Pumpkins, gold and burlap touches and a fire in the fireplace.

I got this picture from someone's Instagram. I know it's fuzzy, but I just love it. So much warmth and happiness.

To top it off the day, Drew's Uncle and cousins created this moon backdrop to mirror a picture taken way back when of Drew's grandparents from a high school dance sitting under the moon together.

I was too busy stuffing my face with cupcakes and dancing to "Wobble, Baby" to take many more pictures, but it was a perfect night with so many sweet details.

Towards the end of the night Drew and I went outside and just stared up at the stars. We held hands and shed a few tears over Terry not being there in person with us, but I know my father in law was smiling down on us all and was proud that his family celebrated love in such a big way. I'm so thankful to be part of such an amazing family.