Officially official~ 2nd trimester!

So after a loooooong 10 weeks of feeling like I've had the swine flu, I finally feel like I can rejoin the human race.

Yes- today is the first day of the rest of my life, er uh, the first day of the rest of my pregnancy. I didn't feel the need to run to the bathroom every hour on the hour, I kept all my food down and even had a smidgen of an appetite. If this is 2nd trimester, then come on in! Mama's ready for a break! I am officially 13 weeks and 3 days today and am counting my blessings we've made it this far!

Keep on stickin Lil P!

Baby Sage is almost here!

My dear friend Lisa is in the home stretch with her pregnancy (due June 10th) and I am so excited for her!

On Saturday, we all gathered for a baby shower for her and baby Sage. It was cool to see all the new gadgets (a thermometer in a pacifier- who knew?!) and so sweet to hear everyone's words of advice and well-wishes for Lisa. There was even an 11-day old baby boy in attendance so I did get in some practice!

Congrats Lisa and we can't wait to meet baby Sage!

Why rubber bands were invented

So I know it was bound to happen...and sure enough, I wasn't lucky enough to miss this one.

Picture me sitting at my desk at work, all is quiet except for the sound of typing on a keyboard, I'm vigilantly working on my 5th breakfast item of the day and all of a sudden I hear a soft *pop* and you guessed it! The top button of my pants popped open!

I now know the true purpose why rubber bands were invented...I guess it's time to transition to comfort!

That's how we roll...

My friend Staci sent me this- and. I. LOVE. it.

Get your laugh on! Thanks Staci!

12 weeks, 3 days and counting...

That's right! We are well on our way to 2nd trimester...just met with the nurse today and everything looks right on track!

I am now sporting a baby the size of a peach (even though I already look like I could deliver a watermelon) and I'll just leave you with this one thought that has been haunting me for the past 12 weeks and 3 days...

We can put a man on the moon, but we can't CURE morning sickness?!

Ah... 2nd trimester sounds glorious!

Perfect for a rainy day...

I'll admit it. I have an addiction. It's been ongoing for several years now and I just can't get enough...and it's time to confess that my addiction is the Pillsbury product line!

I swear, anything Pillsbury sells, makes it to my mouth in 30 seconds flat. The cookie dough, the cookie bars, the turnovers, the croissant rolls...and now this. Funfetti cake mix and frosting.

But instead of making an actual cake, the secret is to make the 'cookie' recipe on the side of the box. I promise you- you will not be disappointed. And then you can blame me for your very own Pillsbury addiction.

Perfect for a rainy day! As a wise person once said, "A cookie a day, keeps the doctor away" or something to that affect... enjoy!

Kick up your heels and..well...wince

Last night I threw on some heels (insert *wince* here) fluffed up the hair and headed out for a night on the town to celebrate Nettie's birthday! We held the festivities at Blue Moon Dueling Piano bar, which was great fun!

With an impressive menu we enjoyed appetizers and pizza. I, of course, was on water duty but the martini's ordered by the other girls looked scrumptious! And no party is complete without a cake from "Let Them Eat Cake!"

After a few hours, my feet were screaming and I reluctantly called it a night- I'm not used to wearing out so fast! But it was so much fun to get together with my group of girls for a fun night singing along to 80's tunes and diving into birthday cake!!

Happy birthday Nettie!! xo

Cheers!

Yum!!

Easy lemonade pie

The sun is shining, it's a warm 60 degrees and what better to snack on than 'Easy lemonade pie!' I first got this recipe from my boss and tried it out at Easter- it was a hit! And cheap on the 'ol wallet too.

You will need:
1 small can frozen lemonade concentrate

1 medium container of cool whip

1 can sweetened condensed milk

1 graham cracker pie crust

Mix all ingredients, add to pie crust, let sit in fridge for 2-3 hours. Serve with extra cool whip on top if preferred. Enjoy!

I think my mom's trying to tell me something...

The other day I went out to the mailbox to grab the mail, only to find this cute onsie waiting for me! I think my mom is trying to prepare me: grandma's always have the upper hand!

We love it! Thanks mom! xo

Happy Birthday Nettie!!

One of my nearest and dearest girls, Nettie, is celebrating her birthday today!!

Reason 1,345,987,473,229,583,999 why we love Nettie:

~She can ALWAYS put a smile on your face!
~She will be your biggest cheerleader, even when you don't think you need one!
~She will always listen with an open mind and open heart!
~She encompasses joy in all that does!
~She makes you want to be a better friend!
~She literally has a heart of gold (pure gold!)!
~She doesn't know a stranger and has an amazing gift of compassion for all!
~She is one of my besties and I am so blessed to have her in my life!

Thanks girl, for ALL that you do for me. Here's to celebrating 29 years! Love you! xo

Not yet summer but already itchin for fall!

*gasp* I know you're probably asking yourself, 'How can I wish away America's favorite season? Especially when you're from Iowa?!' Easy!

I've got two words for you: LAKE OKOBOJI!!

It's official- our 2009 family vacation has been set: signed, sealed, and delivered! (literally- just got the confirmation in the mail today). So now I can see those head's shaking, thinking, 'Now Mrs. W, how can you afford such a vacation in these times?'

Well I'll tell ya- lots of planning, sacrifice and good 'ol throw-caution-to-the-wind-last-trip-before-the-baby-arrives decision! When I first met Andy's family in 2002, they not only welcomed me with open arms, but also welcomed me on their annual family vacation to the lake.

From the moment I first arrived in Lake Okoboji, it was love at first sight. How could you not love the sound of the lake lapping against the shoreline? The sunny warm days and cool nights perfect for that 20 year old sweatshirt? 'Twitchy' the squirrel making his daily appearance? The hot tub, the pool, the VIEW! Andy and I decided right then and there that no matter what, no matter how many sacrifices, Lake Okoboji would be our annual family vacation destination.

Now- I'll admit I had my reservations this year. But- we definitely planned ahead. Saving little by little out of every paycheck we're only going to pay cash and the best part! This year, we're going to share the condo with Andy's parents! We're also are going on a budget- I don't care if I have to eat Ramen for a week while I'm there, the view is worth it! Plus I'll be 36 weeks pregnant this year and won't be spending 3 months worth of salary on wine. (okay, kidding maybe not 3 months...but at least 2!).

So while I tide myself over until September, enjoy these pics from season's past!

See ya on the lake! xo

New BFF

I know, I know...a pregnant woman craving pickles. It's such a cliche!

But I can't help it! I'm going through a jar a day- there's my daily stock tip for you!

No celebrity sightings...

But I did experience the best darn piece of key lime pie known to man. Mmmm....having lots of citrus cravings lately, better yet when paired with sweet pie crust and cool whip!

I was able to drive down to the riverfront in Savannah and am always amazed by the moss hanging from the trees. I always feel like I'm in a movie- this is a pic of Lafayette Square- very serene.
All in all, a great trip, even without a celebrity sighting!

Adventures in flying...when you're 9 and a 1/2 weeks pregnant

The good:

*Seeing complete strangers helping each other, whether it be a single mom flying with kids and trying to get her stroller on the plane, to an elderly couple trying to get their suitcases in the overhead storage. I witnessed people helping people. And yes, I may have teared up- so what, I'm hormonal!
*My pilots all had the 'experienced' look- over the age of 50, gray hair, not visibly drunk.
*Being able to run to catch my connecting flight, purse swinging and all.

The Bad:

*Having to run to catch my connecting flight, purse swinging and all.
*3 out of my 4 flights were delayed (IE you're screwed for catching connecting flights!)
*Getting sneezed/coughed on directly by no less than 7 people. Uh hello- use your hand for coverage, people!

The Ugly:

*The take-offs and the landings when you're 9 and 1/2 weeks pregnant. Lord have mercy.
*Not being able to find a 'barf bag' in any seat in my row. Aren't they supposed to keep those stocked?!
*Every bathroom on each of my flights was 'conveniently' out of order. Go figure.

~I'm officially taking a hiatus from flying- for at least the next 10 years. Who's ready for a road trip?