Hey!

Currently I am sitting here with a 13 oz tiny human in my tummy. Cool. I just had my 20 week appointment and it was so sweet to see the little creature move around. Every time I see it, it looks more like a person. Sam and I decided we want to do a little gender reveal so we have the gender sealed away in an envelope (SO tough not to open) so stay tuned to Friday for an update on this.

Since the last post, my sister and I ran a trail 10 mile race. It was a blast and a half. It was a lovely 60 degree morning and we did the whole thing together which was super great. Our final time was 2:07. The fun thing about trail races is you can pretty much walk whenever you want and not feel bad about yourself like a normal road race. Together, we walked all the hills (and there were a lot of them) but pretty much ran the rest of the time. Our reward for the race…a super cool hat! The most fun swag ever. Can’t wait to do it again next year!

I’ve also gained about 12 pounds since getting knocked up so while running is still great, I’ve really been into hiking, biking, and walking. Ruthie loves to go for hikes at the same park we did the run at and I love it too because it tires her out for about 2 days. On Saturday, we did the 6 mile route with my parents. It is so beautiful at the State Park and I could probably hike out there every day.

Sam and I also took Ruth to the Long Lake Park nearby and let her go in the water for a little bit (until she came upon a dead floaty fish, GROSS). She was pooped yesterday and even more today after playing at dog daycare all day.

The weather here has been pretty glorious lately…70’s and nice. I’ve been getting to the gym about 3-4 times a week now. I used to go every day at 4:20 AM but now that I’m a little more sleepy, 3 times is enough. On my non-gym days I’ve been running about 3 miles in the AM or taking the dog for a short walk before work.

I’ve also been trying to get in some outdoor workouts. I have this cool weight from the gym I used to work at and have been using that but it’s getting a little heavy so I might invest in some lower weight dumbbells. Getting a workout in in the sun is so much better than being stuck inside!

I haven’t had any odd dreams lately except my sister’s dog getting a retainer. That was actually pretty odd now that I think about it. I also woke up one night petting Sam’s face…must have thought he was the dog.

Cravings lately haven’t really been much-besides the ball park hotdog I was craving today. Like the thick footlong kind with all the toppings…onions included. I also have been craving berries and peaches. Things that don’t sound good are coffee (the smell makes me want to puke), and buffalo chicken dip (this has been since day 1). I did make some stuffed peppers last week with a side of corn bread (thanks to Trader Joes), and those lovely berries. It was sooooooo good.

Last week I ate out like 5 times and felt like a lug so this week I’m hoping to do more cooking at home. If you have any fave healthy recipes/blogs, toss em my way.

One thing that this pregnancy has made me do is read. I had forgot how much I love to read. Last week I picked up “Big Little Lies” from the library and am almost finished with it. It’s the perfect book for summer and I can’t put it down. I think I currently have 5 books on my hold list at the library. The library might be my second fave place right now…behind the ice cream shop (can’t wait to try the new summer berry blizzard from Dairy Queen).

This coming weekend I’m really hoping to start a garden. I’ve never really gardened before (Sam always brings up how I couldn’t even keep green beans alive in a pot) but how hard can it be. I think I’m going to do a raised bed and start small with carrots, potatoes, peppers, and some herbs. I’m also really hoping to plant some blueberry and raspberry bushes. How fun would it be to just go out back with a bucket for some fresh picked produce. Super fun.

A chocolate muffin is calling my name right now. Have a lovely night.

XO

-Hales