what I'm into {May}

what I'm reading:
+ Baby Catcher, a well-written story of one woman's journey as a midwife
+ Birthing from Within, yet another childbirth book. I just can't help myself.
Maybe I should clarify, by "reading" I mean I'm carrying them around and reading a chapter here and there...anyone else have this problem when it comes to reading?

TV show worth watching:
We started Call the Midwife and have been very slowly working our way through the six episodes on Netflix.

preparing for life as a working mom

I've been working full-time for nearly eight years. Prior to that, I was a full-time graduate student juggling a 30+ hour/week job. I've been focused on creating a career path and integrating myself into that vocation for a decade.

I am very blessed to have found a job I love and find fulfillment in. However, even before I was married, I wrestled with the idea of being a career mom. I was raised by a stay-at-home mom who volunteered in my elementary school classrooms and with my Girl Scout troop. She was always around and involved in my school and extra curricular life.

Three years into my marriage and currently 34 weeks pregnant with my first child, I find myself trying to picture what my motherhood journey will look like. All kinds of questions flood my head.

spring mantle

I haven't been one for decorating or redecorating much lately. I'm excited to put the baby's room together, so I guess I've been conserving my creativity for that.

Sometime in April, I finally took down the winter mantle decor and gave it a little update. The colors are pretty neutral, but I kind of like the absence of color and sticking with greens, whites and browns.

a 3 day weekend

I was so grateful to have three days off. May is like the end of the marathon in my work life. In the first week, we're almost done with the semester, but there is still so much to do: end of year celebrations, awards ceremonies, etc.

Commencement last weekend was bittersweet. I had to say goodbye to several amazing students I've known for the past four to five years.

This past week, we officially got into summer mode at the office. When the students are not on campus, it's kind of a ghost town. The building I work in is undergoing some renovations, so it was eerily quiet all week. Somehow, my schedule was packed with training sessions, meetings and our office move.

So, I tried to not make many plans for Memorial day weekend. The mister had to work Saturday and Monday evening, so I had a good amount of down time. I also got to spend some time with friends and even met one of my former roommate's three month old daughter.

On Friday night, we found a rocking chair for the baby's room.

on not knowing...

if it's a boy or girl.

A few weeks ago, I was with a friend who asked in a very matter-of-fact way how was feeling about not knowing if we're having a boy or girl. I loved her non-judgmental and loving way of asking.

So many people look at me like I'm crazy when they ask if it's a boy or girl and I say "I don't know." It is refreshing when someone praises the decision or genuinely inquires.

Our due date is six weeks from today and I have certainly thought it would be so much easier to know if I'll be looking for headbands (for a girl) or caps (for a boy). But I am grateful we made the decision to wait to find out when we meet the little one face-to-face.

Sure, it's hard and as the date gets closer I find it somewhat more challenging. I did buy two newborn outfits and will wash both of them and pack them in my hospital bag. I am not against dressing a girl in pink (though I think my girly taste is pretty tame) or anything like that.

wear at 33 weeks

The weeks are passing more quickly and I find myself making more and more lists (be it just in my head, via google docs or with pen and paper). We are getting closer and closer to meeting this little one and (albeit slowly) we are getting more and more prepared.

Last week, I got my first comment (which I had been warned would come) about how I looked like I was due "any day." She went on to tell me I was going to have a big baby and rub my belly. Thankfully, God gave me the grace to nod and smile, rather than get offended, as I certainly would have just thinking about it pre-pregnancy.

a lasagna story

Last week, I decided to cook a lasagna we could eat throughout the week. The week's schedule only allowed us one evening at home together and I knew making lasagna would feed the two of us for several meals, whether lunches or dinners.

Being a bit too confident, I neglected to look up a recipe specifically for vegetable lasagna. Instead, I decided to follow the recipe on the box (as I often do when making lasagna) and simply substitute vegetables for meat in the layering process.

StitchFix: The second time around

Over six months ago, I tried out StitchFix for the first time (for more on my 1st fix). It's a fun and innovative concept. Complete a profile sharing what kind of clothes you like to wear, choose a date you want to receive 5 items (clothing and accessories) and then await your package.

Once the box arrives, you have three business days to try on the clothes and decide what you want to keep. A $25 styling fee is applied to your order and you get 25% off if you keep all five pieces.

I had read from other bloggers that they had success ordering while pregnant, so I thought I'd give it a try. I updated my profile and made sure to note I was looking for pieces I could wear in my last months of pregnancy and postpartum also. I specifically asked for longer, loose fitting tops.

When I opened the box, I was quite pleased with what I found.

After trying on all five pieces I kept...

cheers to three years

Three years ago today we said 'I do.'

I will always remember the perfect weather.
I may not remember getting sunburned.
I will forever treasure being with our families and friends.
I hope I don't remember the leaning cake.
I am so grateful I said 'yes' to life with Brandon; I cannot imagine it without him.

a Mother's Day date in the city

We found ourselves downtown on Sunday afternoon for an impromptu Mother's Day date. I had to get a photo for my alumni association in an iconic Boston spot.  Thankfully, the rain held off and we had a delightful afternoon in the city, starting off at Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market.

The idea of eating on the patio is somewhat novel to most New Englanders this time of year, given the unpredictable weather. We settled on lunch at the Salty Dog for tasty seafood, sunshine and people watching.

The mister loves his oysters (and I do too, but had to pass since they're not on the list of pregnant-friendly foods).

approaching Mother's Day

This is the last year I approach Mother's Day before I'm a mother. Some would argue I am already a mother, but at 32 weeks pregnant, I'll say I'm not quite there yet. Having lost my mother nearly twelve years ago, Mother's Day is a bittersweet holiday for me.

I remember a mother who taught me many things, but perhaps most importantly to love being a wife and mom. I would roll my eyes at her comments like "that's not very lady like" but I still hear those words in my head when do something less graceful. I thought she was so cheesy for singing to me and now I can't wait to hold a little one, singing some of those same songs to him or her.

Even though you can't see the look on her face, I know she's doing something to make me smile!

Walking the dog

I walk my dog, Milton, almost daily (except when it's raining and he refuses to go out). It usually seems like a pretty mundane task and lately it's felt like an extra effort to get out the door with him. Even though the weather has been lovely, I've felt tired and wanted to nap instead when I get home from work.

Earlier this week, while walking the dog, I found myself getting very frustrated with him. I had had a trying day at work and was admittedly irritable. As we walked, he didn't want to stay on the sidewalk; he tramped right through a bunch of plants when I looked away. I jerked on his leash to get him back on the sidewalk.

a Boston story

Last week, I had to honor of accompanying a student mentee downtown for a ceremony where she was honored at the State House. Prior to the event, I had some time to wander across the Boston Common and Public Garden and up Beacon Hill.

The mister used to work in that part of the city. We had our engagement pictures taken nearby and I just love that part of Boston. I couldn't help but take some photos with my phone camera. It was a stunning spring day.

cinco de Mayo ensalada (recipe)

Yesterday, we hosted some friends for lunch and it was the perfect excuse (being the day before cinco de Mayo) to make enchiladas. But what goes with enchiladas as a side dish?

I wanted some kind of veggie and thought about what I could put into a salad to keep it simple (enchiladas can are delicious but time consuming to prepare). I thought about what would go with the theme (I love an excuse to pull out our Guatemalan place mats and Mexican inspired serving dishes).

The List: May

A few highlights from April:

• mustard & rosemary encrusted pork (recipe)
• We traveled to see family in Tennessee 
• I found the perfect striped tee
• We made a lot of progress on our kitchen renovation

A few personal goals for May:

• Finish a few home improvement projects we have started (and share photos on the blog)
• Take more photos with my husband's new DSL
• Start nesting...it's going to be a slow process, but I want to start preparing more for this baby
• Host friends around our new dining room table

A few blog posts + pins I've loved lately:

• This DIY tree stump side table from A Beautiful Mess
• I tried making my own Mocha Banana Shake (yum)
• I love these DIY onesie ideas from For the Love of...
• I want to make this coconut cashew granola

A few handmade items I've had my eye on:

• The real leather bow clutch, a collaboration from Rouge + Whimsy and Yellow Heart Art
• This tee benefiting the Boston One Fund from Homeland Tees
• Tacos make everything better greeting card by Row House 14
• These baby shoes from Scooter Booties

Share your list! On the first Friday of the month Erika and I will be sharing our favorite things from the past month and what we're looking forward to in the new month. It doesn't have to be fancy, it doesn't have to be long, it can just be what the link-up is: a list. So grab a button + link up your post below and be sure to check out others' lists!

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