Where is the nest?

tank top: old navy   skirt: target    sandals:target

I apologize that I think every post this week may just be about pregnancy but at this point 99.99% of my thoughts have to do with this baby.  
I've been waiting for weeks for these nesting instincts to kick in and am still waiting.  I've organized everything in our baby's room multiple times but I don't think that counts.  I want to want to organize my kitchen cabinets, scrub my floors and sort through my closets.  But I would much rather sit on my couch, watch reality tv and take naps.  Maybe while eating a doughnut. 
I have done a few forced nesting things, like clean out two closets and it took quite a bit of self talk to do it.  With about a week left until my due date I guess I can hope that it kicks in, but sitting around still sounds much better.  

But if there are any of you nesting mamas that I read about out there want to come over, feel free! I'll reward you with watermelon, poptarts and reality tv afterwards. 

Pregnant Questions of an 8 Year Old

shirt: old navy   blazer: c/o wendybox   pants: H&M maternity   shoes: shoe carnival

I've had a few interesting conversations with my students about being pregnant, but this one definitely takes the cake for the funniest and most awkward. 
Mrs. Vale, when is that baby coming?  In about 13 weeks.  Did you get the thing you get when you're pregnant?  What thing?  You know where you vomit?  Yes. I was sick at the beginning but I feel really good now. So are you thinking about doing that whole breastfeeding thing? Cue embarrassed teacher and attempt to think quickly.   Um, yes. Most moms do that. So what. You think you'll do that for about 18 months or so.  Okay, time to get back to work. 

And within 30 seconds half my class had heard from another that he asked me about breastfeeding.  Let's just hope this wasn't a topic of conversation at multiple dinner tables that night.  

Real Community

dress: target   necklace: groopdealz   boots: dsw  

I read a lot about the blogging community and have loved others I've met and do feel like it has been and will continue to be a blessing.  BUT it cannot compare to real life community. 
I've been thinking a lot about the blessings that come from being in a community with others, as I have been feeling very blessed and encouraged lately by those who have prayed for us the last two years and are already in love with our daughter. It made me so grateful that I was in a relationship with so many others, whether my small group, my girls' night group or friends at school, throughout our whole struggle. 
There were a lot of times during those two years that I had a hard time being around others.  Each of my different social groups (church, school, friends) were all in the young kids, pregnant, baby phase and there were many times when it was a struggle to be around them, as it was a constant reminder of what I didn't have but so badly wanted.  
I remember a few times telling Chris I just wanted to move away and it just be the two of us, as that seemed easier.  For you it may not be a baby, but maybe others around you have a house you want, a job you're wishing for or a season free of life's trials.  Whatever it is, I think it's easy to want to be by yourself and distance yourself from others, as you feel like they have no idea what you are going through. Which is probably true.  But there is no way others can pray for you, encourage you and help if you don't let them in to what you are going through.  

This is not to say that I don't think it is wise and necessary to say no to things and take some breaks from things sometimes, as I did.  But I'm thankful that I had friends and family that were invested in praying for me and encouraging me, as I can't imagine going through life's struggles without real community.  And it makes going through life's joys even better!
I'm so thankful to be surrounded by real community during our struggles and to be continued to be surrounded by community during our celebrations.  

If it has vegetables it has to be kind of healthy

caridgan: target clearance ($6 this weekend)     belt: old navy    skirt: target  

Any dessert with fruit or vegetables means that I don't feel nearly as bad eating it and can justify eating extra helpings as I feel like there has to be a tiny bit of nutritional value it in. 
Which is one of the many reasons I love these Carrot Cake Cookie Sandwiches.  
Like very few of the recipes I use these days, this was found pre-pinterest and I therefore do not know where it came from.  I've changed a few things, but can not take credit one bit for this.  So thank you to whoever made this delicious dessert first. 

Ingredients:

1 cup unsalted butter

3/4 cup brown sugar

3/4 cup granulated sugar

2 large eggs 

1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats

1 1/2 cup grated carrots (I used a bag of shredded carrots and cut them up)

Line baking sheets with parchment paper.  In a mixer, beat butter and sugars on medium speed until light and fluffy.  Add eggs and vanilla and beat on medium until well combined. 

Mix together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg and ginger.  Whisk to combine.  Gradually add flower mixture to butter mixture, mix on low until just combined.  Mix in oats and carrots.  Chill dough for at least 1 hour. 

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Shape tablespoons of dough into balls and place on baking sheets.  Bake until browned and crisp around the edges, 12 to 15 minutes.  

After cookies have cooled match them up in pairs.  I used a can of cream cheese frosting for the inside.  The original recipe had a part for home made cream cheese filling, which I'm sure is better but this was way easier! 

I store mine in the refrigerator and then eat way to many of them.