Nashville Babymoon 2012....

1. We're home from our Babymoon, and it was so much fun.  More than anything, it was so nice to spend time together without the usual distractions.  I cannot tell you how much we needed that.

2. The drive through St. Louis on the way there was STRESSFUL!  I'm just glad Jon was driving!  {in fact, he drove the entire vacation.  Yeah, I'm spoiled!}

3. We had to stop at Whitehaven in Paducah, KY.  My family used to go there often when I was a kid.  My great aunt lived in Paducah.  It's funny how places you went as a kid look so different as an adult.  It also made me miss my Aunt Andree.

4/5. Our first stop in Nashville was the Parthenon.  It was pretty impressive.  Plus, we were super pumped about the cooler weather!  {it's been HOT here in KS}

6.  Next we headed to Broadway, A.K.A. Music Row.  Jon bought a cowboy hat, and we came across these little dogs just hanging out on a motorcycle accepting tips.  Totally hilarious!

7. That night we tried Jeni's Ice Cream.  Don't kill us, but we didn't really see what all the fuss was about....

8. Sunday, we headed to the Zoo.  Lots of walking....I'm definitely out of shape.  We fell in love with this little goat, and think they need one on the farm.  ;)

9/10. Monday we explored J. Percy Lake.  We would have loved to have gone to the water park, but being preggo and all, we thought we better not.  That evening we headed back downtown for some bbq and live music.  That's where our 22 showed up!  Hi Grandpa!

11.  Tuesday was quite possibly the most exciting day of all.  We met Dave Ramsey!!!!  I was so nervous, but it ended up being totally fun!  It's not everyday that you get to meet a celebrity, much less one that has impacted your life in such amazing ways.

12/13/14.  Wednesday was perfect.  We started the day with breakfast buffet, then spent some time at the pool...so relaxing!  {we vowed to spend more time at our neighborhood pool for the rest of summer} Then, we headed to the Gaylord Opryland Hotel.  If you go to Nashville, this is a must see!  It's absolutely amazing. {We did get suckered into parking in the $20 parking lot though, don't do that....park at the mall and walk over!}  We had some dinner and wandered the conservatories.  Then we walked over to the Grand Ole Opry where we took in the show, including Rascal Flatts.  At first, I thought I might have a panic attack.  Our seats were literally at the very top of the nosebleed section, and I had to crawl over some people to get to them, which had me a little nervous, since my balance isn't what it used to be.  Luckily, I made it through the show without having to pee, and ended up having a great time!  We learned who Lauren Alaina is, and we loved her!  She was a total doll face.

All in all, great trip!  We're excited to be home and to get ready for this little baby that is kicking non-stop now!  Lots to do, and only 14 weeks to go!  Eeeeek!  :)

Snap, Crackle, Pop.....

 
About three years ago, right after we moved into our house, we had some friends over one evening.  The guys were all watching UFC fights, and one of the girls and I sat outside and talked for a long time.  I remember it being cool, which is weird, cause it was most definitely July.  Not anything like this year, obviously.  Anyway, however I was sitting in our patio chair did some serious damage to my lower back.  Maybe that's not the end-all cause, but that was the "breaking" point.  I remember standing up and suddenly being overwhelmed with lower back pain.  It was all I could do to keep a smile on my face til everyone left.  Then, I promptly put a heating pad on it and fell asleep on the couch.  Yeah.  That was probably the worst thing I could have done.  The next morning, I could not stand up!  Literally.  I spent the rest of the day lying down, because standing was excruciating.  Absolute, hands down worst pain I've ever felt.  {Well, perhaps tied with the time the dentist zapped me with the drill without numbing me enough first.  But that was short lived, this was ALL DAY.}

All that to say, my back hasn't been the same since.  I'm not in constant pain, but it comes and goes.  Usually getting worse when I'm on my feet alot, or try to run half marathons and stuff.  It has always felt like the vertebrae in my very lower back is out....but of course, I'm stubborn and scared, so I've never gone to a chiropractor or anything.  ;)

Throughout my pregnancy, I was amazed at how good it felt.  I chalked it up to that fun stuff that loosens all your ligaments.  After long days on my feet for Girls Weekend, it's been hurting again.  And now, I have this giant belly to leverage, which has made it interesting.

Last night it happened.  I moved in such a way that something popped near my tailbone.  It sent a pain shooting through my spine, and at first I thought it was going to be really bad.  But then.......my back felt different.  Better.  NORMAL.  Something I don't think I've felt in a loooong time.  Perhaps 3 years?

Now, I might be jumping the gun.  Maybe it's just a fluke.  That's my fear.  Especially after I write a long {probably boring} blog post about it.  So far though, I feel like a new woman!  I'm praying this lasts, cause it feels really, really good to feel normal!

*****

Also, we're leaving on vacation tomorrow, and I can't wait!!!  {I'm usually weird about posting such things on the internet, but I figured what the hey.  Any stalkers or burglars be warned....we have neighbors with lots of guns, and they aren't afraid to use them.  Oh, and they're not just neighbors, they're good friends...and they have our back!} 

I'm hoping to post along the way, but you all know how that goes sometimes.  One thing I do know is that I'll be on Instagram for sure!  If you're on there, look me up!  jdavissquared, as usual!  {I try to follow everyone back, cause <3 Instagram.  :)

Wondering about the random pic?  That's Jon with his melons.  I don't think I've posted that on here....forgive me if I have.  It just makes me laugh every time.  :)  

some things...

My admirers.  They must think I'm pretty special. 

I've reached that point in my pregnancy where EVERYONE is asking me when I'm due.  Which is fine, except when they respond with "You're not due til November!?!?"  or "Oh, my!  Well, good luck!".  I'm trying desperately to not let people's responses make me feel like I must look huuuge.  My doctor says everything looks perfect, and that's all that matters. {but I do feel quite large all of a sudden.}

I really wish more places  any place had decaf iced coffee on the menu. 

I'm surprised I woke up on time this morning.  I forgot to set my alarm, and miraculously woke up on time.  Yay, me! 

I'm so ready for vacation.  I can't wait for some quality time with my husband, away from our normal routine. 

I'm not at all ready for vacation.  Lots to do!

My mother-in-law bought our stroller/carseat for us and sent it home with Jon yesterday.  I seriously stared at that box forever last night, imagining what it is going to be like using it.

In my dream last night, I was running gloriously fast, and it felt awesome.  Which is weird, cause usually running in my dreams is tortuously slow.

Also in my dream was my aunt who disowned us.  {She pops into my dreamland every once in a while, and there's usually a lot of yelling.}  This time she was trying to touch my belly, and I told her she wasn't allowed, she'd hurt my feelings too bad.  I was very mature in my dream last night!  

When I get back from vacation, I have a serious to-do list to tackle.

And finally, I'm currently addicted to English Muffins with strawberry jam.  Oh, and my belly itches.


What's on your mind this morning?

flying...

I cannot believe how fast the weeks are flying by....

This past weekend was great, but oh-so-exhausting!  The biggest thing we accomplished was registering for baby gifts.  Which, was super fun, but man, did it wear me out!  Thankfully, we had the foresight to break it into a couple of days.  We got warmed up on Friday evening at Target, and then moved on to the big guns at Buy Buy Baby on Saturday.

Yeah, we pretty much had NO IDEA what we were doing!  Ha!  I'm going to need to get online and tweak some things for sure, but it feels so good to have the majority of it done. 

Sadly, I took no pictures of the registering madness.  :(

We also went to a first birthday party for a sweet little girl, I painted some of the many piggy bank orders sitting in my queue, and made dinner for some great friends who are new parents.  (we're delivering tonight and seeing new baby!)  Oh, and I pretty much spent the whole day yesterday lounging around on the couch. 

I swear, with all the things going on, time is just flying by.  I need it to slow down so I can catch my breath and get some things crossed off my list.  Nesting is going to take me down if I don't get a grip!

Luckily, we have a vacation coming up at the end of the week!  Hooray!

Any suggestions on things to do/see/places to eat in Nashville?

Also, I just bought one of these knock-off JCrew bubble necklaces from Groopdealz.com.  I couldn't help myself!   For $19.99, you can't go wrong!    {p.s. if you want one too, and use that link, I'll get a little bonus toward my next impulse buy.  Thanks!}

Girls Weekend 2012 {According to my iPhone}...

1. Straight from the airport to get pedis......well, we did make a pit stop at Noodles and Co.
2. Fro-yo #1
3. Early morning photo sesh for Lydia's senior pics
4. Baby sister striking a pose
5. Afternoon at the pool {yes, that's my puffy foot, and Amanda's pretty, thin, tan one}
6. We didn't exactly eat healthy, but we enjoyed ourselves!  {Smashburger, chick-fil-a breakfast, and Fro-yo #2
7.  Amanda helped me pick out a new camera {my bday present bought with bday money from various sources}  I LOVE IT!  So excited for the upgrade, and for all the amazing pictures that will be taken with that camera.
8. Shenanigans at Target.....a Girls Weekend MUST, am I right?

Not pictured:  Magic Mike, complete with a theater full of rowdy women and waaaay too much popcorn.  The best enchiladas from Don Chilitos {I still can't believe I ate the whole thing and didn't feel full}.  Two trips to Noodles and Co. so Amanda could get her fix.  Wendy's iced coffee.  A little shopping for baby.  Lots and lots of talks, and laughing til I almost peed myself.  Don Javis {I'm not gonna explain that one, I just wanted to picture Amanda laughing when she reads it}. 

I can't express enough how much this one-on-one time with my bestie means to me.  I always come away feeling an extra zest for life, and a little more sassy than before.  There's something magical about girl time.  It also doesn't hurt that it gives our husbands {and kids} a chance to miss us, and us a chance to miss them.  Those reunions are always extra sweet.

When I dropped Amanda off at the airport on Sunday, I managed to make it to the car before the tears came.  I try really hard not to cry, but it's always a futile effort.   Every single time we say goodbye, I have a sudden, overwhelming feeling of being alone.  Like a piece of me is missing. I'm sure that sounds super cheesy, but it's true.  I always need a few good tears, and then I'm fine.

Amanda's friendship is one of the greatest blessings I've been given in this life, and for that, I'm so very grateful.

And now, back to our regularly scheduled lives.....

I'm still full....

I had the best time last night.  Jon took me down to the plaza to Fogo de Chao, and we gorged ourselves on meat.  Ugh....I'm still feeling the effects of it as we type.  But, it was so fun! 
We took the scenic route down Ward Parkway through all the mansions.  That's my favorite way to get to the plaza.  While we drove, we bantered about this and that.  Mostly giving each other a hard time, but in a really fun way.  We laughed alot. 

Dinner did not disappoint.  It always amazes me how fast those gauchos appear when you flip that little card over.  It's sort of overwhelming.  I can't help but try everything they bring my way either.  It's not long before my plate looks like this. 

Yeah, I'm not gonna show you the "after" shot, cause let's face it, it's pretty embarrassing......and it sort of makes me want to vomit looking at it right now. 

Also, I was quite impressed with their selection of caipirinha's....that I couldn't partake in!  The waitress did say they could make any of them virgin, but what's the point?  Plus, why fill up on juice when there are pounds of meat to eat?  Ha! 

I was told you're not allowed to leave without partaking in dessert when it's your birthday {twist my arm} so I chose the key lime pie.  Gosh I love key lime pie.  Especially in the summer, and especially, especially after eating 2 pounds of meat!

I got a little choked up when I made my wish while blowing out my candle, because I realized in that moment, that my wish has changed from what it has been the last few years.  That wish finally came true.  I'm so very, very blessed.  {yes, pregnant lady is tearing up typing this...gosh, hormones are crazy!}

I'm pretty sure I walked out of there looking at least 2 months further along than I am.  It was sort of liberating though, knowing that I could just let it hang out.  I am pregnant, after all! 

It was a great birthday, and an amazing date night with my husband.  I am so very blessed to live this life, and there's no doubt this 32nd year with be among my favorites.  I can't wait! 

32...

                                  Source: cheezburger.com via James on Pinterest

Today is my birthday.  It really crept up on me this year!  In fact, I didn't realize what day it was actually on until late last week.  I must be getting old.

I honestly thought I was turning 31 this year too.  Doesn't it seem like just yesterday that I was doing my 30 before 30?  Oh, ha!  I just went to find that link.  Turns out it was 31 before 31.  That would be why it felt like it was last year!  What did I tell you?  OLD.  Well, and pregnant.  I swear my brain is not working anymore!  Regardless, there was some confusion as to my current age.

I spent all weekend inside, with the air conditioner cranked.  I was not about to intentionally experience the 100+ temps that were blazing over the weekend.  I didn't quite get my house cleaned, but I did get orders up to date, and pretty much the entire season of Keeping up with the Kardasians watched.  {I know, I'm sort of disgusted with myself.  But, it just sucks you in!}


Last night, we put the crib together!  :)  It's so cute, and so happy sitting there just waiting for it's next inhabitant.

Tonight, Jon is taking me to Fogo de Chao.  I'm certain we'll both end up with the meat sweats.

One thing I do know, is that 32 is gonna be a great year.  I can't even imagine how much things will change between now and 33.  I'm positive it's going to be a year to remember.

Oh, and I almost forgot the best part of the weekend...Saturday night, the baby had hiccups, and Jon was able to feel it 3 times!!!!  Made my heart burst.


{p.s.  kitty in the funny picture above reminds me of Miles.  We miss him alot.}