"When we know better, we do better." --Maya Angelou

January: Nutrition and Health

February: Kindness and Generosity
March: Order and Purpose
April: Strength and Flexibility
May: Relationships
June: Adventure and Fun
July: Community and Environment
August: Knowledge and Interests
September: Sleep and Tranquility
October: Simplicity and Moderation
November: Gratitude and Positivity
December: Spirituality and Resolution

I'll go ahead and warn you, if you could care less about pregnancy, childbirth and babies, then save yourself some time and quit reading now. These topics are pretty much all I can talk or think about these days, and that probably has something to do with my moving and growing belly serving as a constant reminder. Just this summer I've read The Mayo Clinic Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy, The Joys of Pregnancy, Your Pregnancy Week by Week, Belly Laughs, What to Eat When You're Expecting, What to Expect When You're Expecting, The Complete Idiot's Guide to Natural Childbirth, The Girlfriend's Guide to Pregnancy, and Brain Rules for Baby: How to Raise a Smart and Happy Child from Zero to Five, and this doesn't include magazines, iphone apps, and email subscriptions. This also doesn't include the dozens of books about labor and nursing and sleep habits that I've saved on my kindle or borrowed to read over the next few months. I'm just halfway through my pregnancy, yet I already have a nursery, signed up for prenatal classes, have my first baby shower in the works, registered for strollers and burp cloths, and traded in my tiny car for a (much safer) SUV. I am not sure if I'm nuts or if this is what all excited moms do, but I know it can't do any harm going into this parenting business feeling educated and prepared...right?

This is really the first topic I have felt this way about. (Don't get me wrong, I'm crazy about Shakespeare and Razorback football, but not with near the same intensity.) I have never understood how my husband could happily spend all his spare time researching fishing equipment, watching fishing shows, talking about fish and fixing up old fishing boats, not out of necessity or obligation or boredom, but out of sheer interest. (Did I mention my husband suggested "Fisher" as a potential boy name? Just saying.) I think I get it now because I finally found something I am genuinely passionate about, too. Learning how to raise a healthy, happy child has become so interesting and all-consuming for me that now I'm the one spending all my spare time researching baby equipment, watching baby shows, talking about babies and fixing up the spare bedroom! When I started this blog in December, I planned for August to be about knowledge and interests, but I didn't realize at the time that I'd be 5 months pregnant and my life would be totally centered around this little baby boy. With that said, here's what I plan to do this month to pursue knowledge and interests:

• More books! Yes, maybe I can break a world record for the number of books read during a single pregnancy. If baby books were crack, then I'd be a crack addict, I admit it. A baby's development in and out of the womb is completely miraculous, and I learn something new and fascinating about it with each new book.



• Starting this week, my husband and I begin a 12 week natural childbirth class. Even though natural childbirth has been linked to shorter labors, less complications, and less side effects for mom and baby, I've had many people, including doctors, tell me I'm insane for wanting a drug-free labor and delivery. I have no problem with women choosing or needing to receive interventions and pain medicine, and for all I know I will be one of them, but I do believe childbirth is supposed to be a beautiful, empowering experience rather than a scary medical procedure (and I don't care what anybody says, epidurals and episiotomies are SCARY). While modern medicine can be very beneficial and convenient, when it comes down to it I want to feel in control of and confident in my body instead of it being numbed or immobilized. Obviously this is way easier said than done, and it will probably be the hardest thing I ever do, so I know I need to be as prepared and knowledgeable about it as I can.
  
  
• Research. There are so many options when it comes to raising a child, from types of carseats, to parenting styles, to vaccinations, to childcare...and the list goes on. Some of these decisions are simple, but others are controversial and could be life-changing! I know some of my anxiety will be alleviated by talking to other moms, researching the internet, and asking professionals their opinion.
  
  
• This month I decided to start a prenatal Yoga class, too. Not only is it a good way to stay fit and limber, it will also give me a chance to be around other pregnant women.
  
  
• Explore other interests and topics outside of babies. Ok, so I don't know what those might be at this moment. I guess I have a new year of school coming up, so I could work on lesson plans...or maybe I could take a cooking class or read a new fiction book...nah, who am I kidding? I'll just stick to babies.
  

FYI :)

The format of my blog is going to change just a little bit. Instead of posting twice a month, I am going to post just once at the beginning of each month. Between the craziness of a new school year and my third trimester quickly approaching, I want to simplify things a little. I'll be sure to reflect on each goal and the year as a whole at the end of December!

"When we heal the earth, we heal ourselves." -David Orr

January: Nutrition and Health

February: Kindness and Generosity
March: Order and Purpose
April: Strength and Flexibility
May: Relationships
June: Adventure and Fun
July: Community and Environment
August: Knowledge and Interests
September: Sleep and Tranquility
October: Simplicity and Moderation
November: Gratitude and Positivity
December: Spirituality and Resolution

Taking care of the community and environment is very important to me, but I'm also guilty of being a walking contradiction at times. I believe in buying locally, but I definitely visit Walmart more than the farmer's market or co op. I think recycling and reducing waste is crucial to protecting the environment, but my recycling bin doesn't make it to the curb every week. I will have my moments where I'm extremely aware of turning off lights, the AC, and running water and then many more where it's the last thing on my mind. I've watched the earth-friendly documentary "No Impact Man" and had hands-on experience in college with self-sustainability, and although I already know that I will never have the discipline to live to those extremes, I can and should be doing way more to live in a way that respects and protects the Earth and my community. Most of my actions that have a negative impact are done out of sheer laziness or convenience, and that is not a good enough excuse when I am a role model, as a teacher and future parent, to a generation that will inherit the planet and carry on my habits. So here's the plan:

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

As I'm typing this, I'm looking at the remnants of my lunch from Stonemill Bread Co. The good side is that it is local and fresh; the bad side is I'm staring at a styrofoam cup and several empty containers and packages all from my one small meal. It would be unreasonable for me to say that I want to be completely waste-free, but that doesn't mean I can't cut down in many ways. Next time I get takeout, I will request less bags and try to reuse containers for leftovers and lunches. My large, reusable shopping bags will stay in my car for each grocery trip, and I'm not sure how, but I'm going to remember to bring them in with me this time!

Our current trash system has brought a whole new meaning to "out of sight, out of mind." I am sometimes astonished at how full our trashcan is each week (and with just two people in our house!), yet it is quickly forgotten when the trash is emptied and whisked away to a landfill somewhere. I went TODAY, for the first time ever, and bought some bins to separate recyclables and looked up info about my city's recycling program. I think having these bins by the trashcan will be a constant reminder to recycle every day, every week.

(And when I bought the bins, I bypassed bags for all my other purchases and just had them load everything in these. See, I'm already making less of an impact!)

Food

I went to a wedding last weekend that was on a farm. The food was unbelievably fresh and delicious, which is probably why I helped myself to two plates. The steak kabobs were from the family's cow that was alive just a couple days before and the fruits and vegetables were recently picked out of the garden by the bride's friends (green beans, potatoes, tomatoes with basil, cantaloupe, mint, and blueberries...yum!). Maybe it goes without saying, but tasting a ripe green bean that was just picked off the plant is a totally different experience, nutritionally and for the taste buds, than having a soggy green bean out of a can. Being fortunate enough to grow up with a large garden in my grandparent's backyard and now having a mother-in-law with two vegetable gardens, I have known for a long time that what most Americans call food is not really food at all. You can't taste the beauty and freshness of the earth in a Happy Meal or Snickers, and there can't be anything right about eating artificial or genetically modified foods. This is not to say that I haven't enjoyed my fair share of junk food and that chocolate cake is off the menu, but I am eating for two these days and want to raise my family to be healthy and aware of what REAL food is. This month, I plan for the majority of my meals to be fresh, preferably organic, local food and to plant a little herb garden (a vegetable garden is going in my backyard next year, I swear!).

Think Local

I'm not one of those people that thinks big corporations are corrupting our world and shouldn't be supported. Places like Walmart have provided many of my friends and family members with a job, supported many fundraisers for my school, and once started out as the little man themselves. I would be devasted, though, if some of my favorite local diners, boutiques, and grocery stores went out of business. Even if these places are more expensive or less convenient, I'm happy knowing my money is going to hard-working people that live in my hometown, plus the service and products are usually better anyway! Between the farmer's market, fruit stands, the co op, and the family garden, I have plenty of places to get healthy food that supports the local farmers and economy. And between places like Ultra Studios and Maude, I really don't need to go shopping in the mall. We'll see how this goes, but I will try to be more mindful of choosing local businesses when I get out to run my errands.

Go Green

Although all of the above things are part of the green movement, there are other things I can do to be an advocate for the environment. Buying green cleaning supplies and beauty products is one major way, not to mention it is safer and better for your body. (The best cleaning tip I've ever taken: Put some vinegar and a full pot of water in your coffee maker and press start. Scrub baking soda in your bath/shower/sink and then pour the hot water from the coffeepot over everything. It cleans your bathroom, drains, and coffee maker squeaky clean and it is all natural and cheap!) Reducing the amount I use my car and utilities in my house will also be a huge priority this month. Turning off power strips and unplugging appliances, as well as switching to energy-efficient lightbulbs, can add up to quite a bit of savings on energy bills. It also wouldn't hurt for me to get out and plant some flowers and trees, fill our bird feeder with some seeds, and appreciate living in The Natural State!

"We all moan and groan about the loss of the quality of life through the destruction of our ecology, and yet every one of us, in our own little comfortable ways, contributes daily to that destruction. It's time now to awaken in each one of us the respect and attention our beloved Mother deserves."

-Ed Asner

"The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes but in having new eyes."--Marcel Proust

After reading my last post, I mention that the purpose of adding more fun and adventure in my life is so I don't become too sedentary and stuck in my comfort zone, but really I think the Nadine Stair quote said it best. I've learned a pretty simple lesson this month. Lately I've been so inspired by the tiny life growing inside me that it has changed my perspective on what matters and it has brought me a sense of clarity and gratefulness that I've never had before. Even more, a friend from high school tragically lost his baby boy to SMA this month, and knowing that every second of Miller's short life was special and appreciated has really moved me to change the way I live my own.

Although I will always look forward to fun and new experiences, I realize now that I'm not truly living my life every time I count down the hours until work is over, or the days until the upcoming weekend or the weeks until my next vacation. What about the large amounts of time spent in between all this "fun" stuff? Rather than planning for fun and adventurous experiences, I have spent the past few weeks finding enjoyment in each moment and each part of everyday life. Living a fulfilling life with no regrets is less about going on amazing vacations and wild adventures, but it is more about finding the beauty in everyday things, not worrying so much, and not wasting a single precious second we are given on this earth. My husband, my home, my family, my job: these things are all I need to lead a fun and happy life, and I honestly don't know if I could have said that a few months ago.

I guess it's also safe to say that what I once considered the definition of fun and adventure (partying like a rock star in Vegas comes to mind) doesn't sound all that fun (or doctor approved) anymore. These days, cuddling with my husband in a hammock and making each other laugh sounds like fun. Having friends over for a cookout and board games sounds like fun.Taking my dog on a walk and eating cookie dough ice cream sounds like fun. Reading a good book and falling asleep in bed by 10 pm actually sounds like fun. I am slowly turning into *gulp* an old person...but I think I like it.

Thank you, Miller, for teaching me that every little moment matters.

“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do...Explore. Dream. Discover." -Mark Twain

January: Nutrition and Health
February: Kindness and Generosity
March: Order and Purpose
April: Strength and Flexibility
May: Relationships
June: Adventure and Fun
July: Community and Environment
August: Knowledge and Interests
September: Sleep and Tranquility
October: Simplicity and Moderation
November: Gratitude and Positivity
December: Spirituality and Resolution

Most pregnant women aren't the epitomy of fun and adventure, and I understand why. All I can think about these days is eating and sleeping, not to mention, I feel prohibited from doing so many things: no caffeine, no alcohol, no hot tubs, no sushi, no strenuous activity, no rollercoasters, no bike riding, no buttoning skinny jeans...

Regardless of my condition, I already knew that this was an area I needed to work on. I love being outdoors, traveling and meeting new people, and I enjoy change, from my hair color to my car to my job. At the same time, I can get stuck in my comfort zone. There have been many beautiful, sunny weekends that I have opted to stay in bed all day with the curtains drawn and movies playing. Although I enjoy this immensely, there is always a sense of guilt that I should be out living life a little more. My husband will have these spontaneous ideas of things to go do, from just going on a drive with no destination to going catfishing in the middle of the night. Nah, I say. Sounds like it will cost money or be too much work or be boring. I am also a planner, so I like to know when we're leaving, where we're going, what the agenda is, and when we're coming back...in advance. This doesn't leave a ton of room for adventure or spontaneity.

So this bring me to June, which I have dedicated to fun and adventure. Although I have a few necessary restrictions, this month I will be enthusiastic and open to try new things. If an opportunity or exciting idea presents itself, I will say yes! We are leaving to go to Florida with friends in about a week and though I cannot do what I originally planned, which is to spend the week sipping Pina Coladas on the beach and staying out dancing all night long, I am going to be the most fun pregnant lady my friends have ever seen! Outside of this vacation time, I want to spend the month taking advantage of my time off work. It's easy for me to get lazy during the summer, and I've even had my days where I've never changed out of my pajamas or walked outside the door. I plan to get up and do something interesting or new each day, whether it's picking up a new hobby, checking out a museum or zoo or farmer's market, going to the river with my husband, or just trying a meal I've never had before (you mean they serve something other than cheese ravioli at Olive Garden?). I think this habit is important for my well-being because, unfortunately, it's normal to become more sedentary and less adventurous as we get older. I don't want my children to grow up where the majority of our time is spent watching TV, playing video games, and sleeping. I want us to be active, outdoorsy, curious and fun!

I want to live life so that I have no regrets, and I want to be a FUN person to be around. The following quote was said by an 85 year old, Nadine Stair, when she was asked what she would do differently if she could live life over again. I think I have a few things to learn...

"I'd make more mistakes next time. I'd relax. I would limber up. I would be sillier than I have been on this trip. I would take fewer things seriously. I would take more chances. I would climb more mountains and swim more rivers. I would eat more ice cream and less beans. I would perhaps have more actual troubles, but I'd have fewer imaginary ones.

"You see, I'm one of those people who live sensibly and sanely hour after hour, day after day. Oh, I've had my moments, and if I had to do it over again, I'd have more of them. In fact, I'd try to have nothing else. Just moments, one after another, instead of living so many years ahead of each day. I've been one of those persons who never goes anywhere without a thermometer, a hot water bottle, and a raincoat. If I had to do it over again, I would travel lighter than I have.

"If I had my life to live over, I would start barefoot earlier in the spring and stay that way later in the fall. I would go to more dances. I would ride more merry-go-rounds and I would pick more daisies."

"Live so that when your children think of fairness, caring, and integrity, they think of you."

January: Nutrition and Health
February: Kindness and Generosity
March: Order and Purpose
April: Strength and Flexibility
May: Relationships
June: Adventure and Fun
July: Community and Environment
August: Knowledge and Interests
September: Sleep and Tranquility
October: Simplicity and Moderation
November: Gratitude and Positivity
December: Spirituality and Resolution

On April 22, I found out I was pregnant for the first time. Even though the digital home pregnancy test plainly read "PREGNANT," it might as well have been written in Japanese. I reread the word at least a dozen times before it finally sunk in...I'm going to be a mom. Okay, it didn't even sink in at that point. I had never been so overwhelmed with emotions, from fear to excitement to disbelief to nervousness to love. I always knew I wanted to have kids, but I had planned that for the future, for a time when I would be financially and mentally prepared to start a family, and I kept bumping back the perfect age or year when that would happen. I guess life has a beautiful way of letting us know we can't always call the shots.

Yes, I'm tired, a little moody, hungry, thirsty, anxious at times, and experiencing all sorts of stomach issues, but I don't know if I've ever felt this happy and excited before! All I can think about is this baby, and she/he has already changed everything about what I eat and drink and think and do. Are we having a boy or a girl? Is she/he going to be healthy? Shy or outgoing? What books do I need to read? What stuff do I need to buy? Am I a terrible person for drinking this cup of coffee? Am I getting enough sleep? Am I eating too much or too little? Should I tell people??????? This is the hardest secret in the world to keep!

My husband and I decided to secretly tell only our closest family and friends and then to wait until after the first doctor's visit and the two month mark to tell the rest of the world. This created a problem that I am very lucky to have: I have a big family and lots of close friends. As we told each person and the various squeals, cries, and congratulations poured out, I was moved. How fortunate am I that this baby would come into the world with happily married parents who have supportive friends, excited family members, and a lot of love to give?

It seems pretty ironic to me that back in January I had devoted May to strengthening relationships and reaching out to loved ones. This month, without even thinking about the blog, I have already communicated with more friends and family members than ever before. My husband and I have grown closer over the past few weeks as we've relied on each other for support and gotten more and more excited about our future. I've called, texted, emailed, and met up with friends and family for help, ideas, and advice as I go through this experience. I feel truly blessed that I have these strong relationships, and I think the best way for me to show my appreciation is to focus on strengthening my role as a wife, friend, relative, and mother.

April and May's posts are a little different, but starting in June I will be posting like I usually do. 7 more months before we welcome a little baby into this world and 7 more months before the end of my blog and a full year of becoming a better, happier me. I couldn't have planned it better if I tried :).

"Our own physical body possesses a wisdom which we who inhabit the body lack." --Henry Miller

You would've thought I was Richard Simmons incarnate if you saw me 6 weeks ago. I started April hitting the gym almost every single day, I was pumped about getting in shape, and I kept the following log of my workouts to ensure I was meeting my weekly goal:

Monday 4/4: Body Pump Class (55 minutes)
Tuesday 4/5: Body Attack Class (55 minutes)
Wednesday 4/6: Spin Class (50 minutes)
Friday 4/8: Run/Walk (45 minutes)
Sunday 4/10: Run/Walk (45 minutes)

Wooohooo! Look at me. I'm getting fit, I feel good, I can do this! But why am I STARVING? If I'm going to look good in that bikini then I have to ignore these morning daydreams of bacon and biscuits and gravy. A banana for breakfast is fine.

Monday 4/11: Spin Class (50 minutes)
Tuesday 4/12: Body Attack Class (55 minutes)
Wednesday 4/13: Yoga (45 minutes)
Friday 4/15: Body Pump Class (55 minutes)

Ok, I'm still doing good, but why am I soooooo tired. All I can do is think of SLEEP! I slacked off an extra day this week because I was in desperate need of a nap (or two or three), but I'm going to step it up next week. The exhaustion and hunger is just a side effect of working out so much...surely.

Monday 4/18: Biking (30 minutes)
Tuesday 4/19: Body Attack Class (55 minutes)
Thursday 4/21: Piyo (30 minutes) + Spin Class (30 minutes)

I sluggishly forced myself to complete my workouts this week, but I came home Friday and that's when things changed. I didn't totally abandon my exercise goals for the month, in fact, I ended April by running a 5K, but let's just say that itty bitty bikini might not make an appearance this summer after all. My body had been telling me something all along...