10 THINGS Vol. 14

It’s time for another “ten things” post. I stole this idea from my friend Kelly– but it’s basically just an old school blog post where I share the first ten things that come to mind… Ready, set, go!

ONE // Needlepoint Camp

Maddie and I did our first “needlepoint camp” together right before the pandemic hit. We had the best time and did it again last year too. We didn’t get a chance for one this year, but we have planned one for early 2024 before the baby is due. It’ll be a last hurrah of sorts. I’m so looking forward to it and I think we’ll have a blast, as always. (I love planning trips for the winter months so there’s something to look forward to!) The plan is to keep it somewhat local and convenient since it’ll be close to my due date….

And I really tried to get an actual needlepoint camp on the books for this past summer/early fall that would have been open to the public, but it fell through due to some staffing changeovers. I’m hoping I’ll be able to make it happen eventually because I think it would be GREAT!!!

TWO // Physically Uncomfortable

Speaking of pregnancy, whew, this one is kicking my butt. People keep asking me how I’m feeling and it’s hard to answer besides the generic “tired.” I do think I’d be tired just with a toddler anyway though. I was also super sick with Jack and threw up pretty much every day right until I gave birth and my morning sickness this time around disappeared in my second trimester (hallelujah!). With that said… physically I am struggling! I don’t feel terrible, but I’m incredibly uncomfortable. I feel so much more like how I did at 38/39 weeks with Jack. Wild!!! Specifically, I have one swollen foot 🤔 I went to the doctor just to make sure it wasn’t a blood clot and it’s not, just a swollen foot. Nothing to do. And I recently went to urgent care thinking I had a horrible ear infection. Nope, just TMJ. Overall, it’s not the end of the world and I know pregnancy is temporary.

THREE // Baby Names

I think we’re getting closer to figuring out the baby’s name! We have narrowed down the list and feel pretty good about a couple. Now it’s just a matter of solidifying a final choice. It’s so weird that the first time around we knew immediately what the boy name would be even before we knew the sex of the baby. I feel like there’s more pressure this time around?! Can’t explain why though? Honestly maybe it’s just from watching too many baby name consultants on TikTok. I also love a lot of baby boy names and then find that they ultimately don’t feel “right” for this baby even without really “meeting” him yet!

FOUR // Overstimulated

Anyone else feeling overstimulated? Everything seems to be cranking up into overdrive. It’s like I’m sitting on the edge of the highway trying to find an opening to merge in and the world is just whizzing past. I’m trying so hard to balance everything and keep my priorities in check. I inevitably am fighting a guilty feeling in some department though, even if I know I’m following my priorities. It’s manifesting itself with overstimulation. With noise, with my calendar, with clutter. I’m someone who enjoys being in the quiet and it’s just harder and harder to come by. I’ve been trying to combat this by carving out specific quiet time for myself. (Last week, I was in the city for a couple of events that I knew would drain my social battery– I ended up going in early so I could be in my hotel room for a few hours in my own solitude and opting for a playlist with a chill vibe for the drive home.) It’s one reason why I’m extra grateful I got an office space outside of my house– I get my best computer work done there knowing I have zero external distractions!

FIVE // Grey’s Anatomy

I started Grey’s Anatomy for the first time in forever. I used to watch the show religiously and it’s been fun to revisit an old favorite. I can’t remember when I stopped but I think it’s been at least ten years probably. I am loving it!!! What’s crazy is that when I first started watching, I was younger than the main characters and rewatching it as a 34 year old is wild. I have a totally different perspective and take on the interpersonal relationships. Even just hearing the theme song play is bringing me back all these nostalgic memories.

SIX // Bows

Bows are everywhere. I thought the trend was peaking last year, but nope. They’re even more in now than ever. As a bow-loving person who has worn ribbons in her hair non-stop since the third grade, I am really loving it. My love for bows has not always been understood (my own mother threw them away in elementary school so I would stop wearing them!!!!) and yet, I’ve remained a steadfast lover of bows. (It also didn’t stop me.) And wouldn’t you know….. everyone is finally getting on board. 🤣 I love to see it. Also, it’s great because now there are just so many options to choose from.

SEVEN // Workouts

I need to get back on my workout grind. I always end up falling off my workout regimen towards the end of the year and it’s the worst for many reasons. One, I love working out and two, it’s when I actually need it the most! It’s darker out, work is heavier, and holidays can be stressful in general. My mental health needs the workouts, so why is it the first thing to go?! I’m trying to figure out what the best workout is for me right now in this stage of pregnancy.

EIGHT // Gift Guides

I’m already seeing gift guides popping up all over. Every year I try to hone in on the gift guide strategy. I’d love to hear from you though. Who are you actually buying gifts for? Who is the hardest recipient to shop for? What’s the budget we’re aiming for? (Honestly I find myself shopping gift guides for ideas for myself 🤭) Would love to make sure mine are tailored for what you actually need.

NINE // Boston Clogs

Oh man these Boston clogs are saving me! I don’t think I would have bought them had I not been suffering from a swollen foot (see point two) but now that I have them? I don’t know how I lived without! They’re the best shoe I have right now for the fall and they’re so, so comfortable. I have been wearing them with socks on chillier mornings and feel “cool,” yet most importantly comfortable. The perfect shoe for slipping on for preschool drop off and errands and even after the gym.

TEN // Car Washes

Very random, but one thing I didn’t realize I would appreciate so much as an adult is getting a good car wash. I love it!!! My poor car got pummeled by a walnut tree recently and the windshield and sunroof shattered from falling nuts! I got my windshield fixed immediately and my sunroof was on backorder, but it’s finally in stock so I’m getting that replaced this week. I will be celebrating with a fresh car wash and interior vacuum. I’ve been afraid to get it washed until the sunroof is fixed, so I’m counting down the hours. File this under small pleasures!