THURSDAY'S THOUGHTS

ART RESIDES IN THE QUALITY OF DOING, PROCESS IS NOT MAGIC. — CHARLES EAMES
image via cast + crew

THANKFUL FOR: When we initially started acquiring odds and ends for the nursery, I ordered a whimsical cloud mobile to hang in Max's room. I've had it for a few months, and up until this past week, I'd yet to hang it. I guess I was afraid I'd choose the wrong spot or something—as though its place was permanent. Isn't that just silly?! Anywho, in an effort to feel like I was being somewhat productive, I got it out of the closet and chose a random spot on the ceiling. It took maybe two minutes to complete this tiny to-do, but it was SOMETHING I could cross off my list. For some reason or another, it made me feel just a teensy more prepared for this motherhood gig. Ha! Hours after accomplishing this task, I found myself putting away laundry. I came out of our bedroom and looked across the hall and into the nursery to find Beesly seated by the crib and mesmerized by the faint movement of the cloud mobile. In that moment, I wanted to rush and grab my phone to snap a quick pic. Afraid I'd disrupt her, I opted to stand there and just enjoy this sweet little moment. I wish I knew what she was thinking as she stared upward. I just know the whole scenario left me a little misty-eyed. Damn you, hormones! As we get closer to October, I find myself wasting so much time worrying about how things will change and if I'm prepared, but peaceful instances like this one remind me that every little thing is going to be all right.  

EATING: Last week, I tried two new recipes, and I wouldn't mind incorporating them into our monthly meal plan on a regular basis. If you're looking to mix things up or clueless as to what to cook next week, I highly recommend Skinny Taste's Sausage Stuffed Zucchini Boats and these Spicy Fish Tacos with Cabbage Slaw and Lime Crema from The Foodess.

WATCHING: If you want to make your day instantly better, then do us all a favor and take a moment to watch Broin' Out with Brad Goreski. Bedecked in his finest specs, our favorite television darling, celeb stylist, and bow-tie pioneer learns how throw a pigskin and dress like a dude. It's seriously as a-mazing as it sounds, so get ready for 3 minutes of adorable hilarity.

FEELING: If you've been hanging around m' blog for the past few years, it's no secret I abhor dental appointments. Every six months I work myself into a tizzy as I make my way to get the ol' pearly whites cleaned and inspected. I always have, and I always will. In fact, I think I fear routine dental check-ups more than I fear going into labor—but I'll have to get back to you on that one! Anywho, on Wednesday I went in for a cleaning and I'm so relieved it's over. From what I've heard, pregnancy hates teeth, and I DO NOT need to be plagued with any more cavities or fillings. Thankfully, this appointment was just a simple cleaning, so I didn't have to deal with x-rays, drills, and sealants (AKA reality). Phew! In fact, I won't have to worry about it again until next February. Victory is mine!

THINKING ABOUT: Awhile back, I divulged a nugget of squeal-inducing info. I believe it was this Love List post where I mentioned Swell Rio was getting a Starbucks in the fall—just in time for Baby Fine's arrival. Huzzah! We salute you, coffee gods! Well, every time I drive into town, I'm taunted by the soon-to-be SBUX. I can't help but be wooed by the snazzy signage and drive-thru. I get it, just open already! In most cases you could Google that sorta thing, but that would make too much sense around here. In a moment of desperation, I parked The Rig and decided to just walk up to the building and see if there was a sign or something. Once I approached the building, contractors and landscapers started to appear out of nowhere. As I awkwardly made eye contact with one of them, I pretended to pick up a piece of rubbish, turned around, and headed back to my car. Epic fail. Days later, I found myself getting my hair colored and it hit me, "Just ask the hairstylist. They always know the scuttlebutt." Sure enough, she whipped out the magic date: September 8th. So if any of the Swell Rio SBUX staff is reading this (chuckle)... I'll take an Iced Grande Caramel Macchiato.

LISTENING TO: There are few things I love more than being on the phone with my mom as she places an online order. It's not that this happens a lot, but when it does, it's proof that her multitasking skills are magical. I can't help but giggle because I can hear her keystrokes. As she types, she mouths the information she enters. All of this takes place while engaging in a FULL conversation with me on the other end. Skills like that are to be envied, m' dears! I'm taking copious notes.  

READING: This week, I read several really great posts that resonated with me, and I'd be remiss not to share them with you...

Blogging, Now by Design for Mankind

A Letter to My Pre-Mom Self by Coffee + Crumbs

When Love Feels Heavy by Coffee + Crumbs

People Who Need Help Sometimes Look a Lot Like People Who Don't Need Help by Momastery

LOVING: The more pregnant I become, the more complicated it is to get a good night's sleep. When I'm not frequenting the loo, I'm usually experiencing some sort of discomfort (back pain, acid reflux, etc.). It's not pretty, my friends! So last week, I took the plunge and ordered a body pillow. I originally thought it was a bit gimmicky and believed I didn't need one, but boy was I wrong? I ended up getting a pregnancy pillow from Bump Nest, and it's made such a difference. I only wish I would have bought it sooner.

Enough about me. How are you feeling today? What are you up to? Thanks for stopping by!!