Small Boned

I have been lamenting the state of my growing body. During the first trimester I wasn't able to exercise at all so the weight gain has been real people. I mean, I was in my maternity clothes before we went to the doctors to confirm I was pregnant!

There's this lady on Instagram who is two weeks ahead of me and barely showing. I have nothing against this sweet sweet lady but I may have to stop following her for the duration of this pregnancy because every post is like a gut check for me. Am I right?

Anyway, I was having a moment with my mom and I showed her this picture on Instagram. I was like, "See mom! She's two weeks ahead of me and she is just now showing." And my mom in all her fantastic, motherly comforting way said, "Oh honey, you can't compare yourself to her, she's small boned!"

-_-

A Gold Medal In My Book

Our first gymnastics class was wonderful. The entire gym was reserved for our little group and the instructor, Teacher Ryan, was a natural with the kids. 

My little girl is always clingy and timid when trying something new and meeting people so I knew the first class might be rough but she did so well. Ryan gave everyone ten minutes to explore the gym on our own before starting the class and that really helped Emerson to first adjust to the room and then adjust to the other kids.

That's when I snapped this pic.


We sang songs, did a little obstacle course, jumped on the trampoline, and swung on the rings. She didn't like trying the rings with Ryan but once the group had moved on she was all about it.

By the end she even wanted to go in the soft block pit - which is unusual for my lady who is physically cautious.

Everyone got stamps at the end of class and Emerson loved them. The rest of the day she went about saying "stamps stamps stamps" over and over again. And when I asked her if we could go again she shook her head adamantly in affirmation while saying "yes".

My girl. Holding my hand but looking ahead.

So This Is The Burbs

This past week I've been going for evening walks. Now that my back is up to it and the first trimester is behind us, Josh encouraged me to get out. They have been wonderful, especially since we are surrounded by so many beautiful walking paths. The first night I willed myself to not look at my phone and spent the 40 minutes praying for whoever and whatever came to mind. There's a good chance you made those prayers. =)

Also what was shocking were the sheer number of people out at 7pm. It was as if the area came alive! I'm never out past 6:30 because Emerson is sleeping, if not well on her way to it, so I had no idea about this evening culture. 

Kids were all over the playground. People were bbq'ing. AYSO was happening.

Groups of children/pre-teens/teens were working out together. And parents had their portable chairs out and were talking with one another.

I told Josh when I got home about this world happening all around us. (Of course, he already knew because he runs regularly.) But my brain got ticking about all the things Emerson could eventually be involved in. They weren't kidding when they said this was a great place to raise kids.

I hate to say it but the burbs may be winning me over.

Gymnastics tomorrow!

Stepping Out Of The Comfort Zone

Parenting is truly an exercise in stretching yourself.

Come to find out the city of Santa Clarita offers tons of recreational activities all throughout the city for all ages. There are some pretty neat ones for toddler's Emerson's age. Although the idea of doing something new and unknown scares me, I signed her and I up for a little gym class.

I also joined a MOPS group that starts soon. Making friends is sooo hard for me. I'm just not that good at it. But I know Emerson needs me to have mommy friends so she can have a little support group. So I took the plunge. Hoping that God is leading us towards a community.

We will see.

I have a feeling this is just the beginning of me being stretched. But really, doesn't God bless us when we take a leap of faith? Yes.

Also, the more I dig into this new city of ours, the more impressed I am. Would you believe that their website and online registration system is easy to use? Maybe where you are from this is the standard but I'm from the great ole city of LA. I texted Josh, "You are not going to believe this! The city website is AH-MAY-ZINGGGGGGG!"

We signed up for our yearly cable subscription for the duration of USC's college football schedule. Josh always hopes it's through January. The eternal optimist. 

Our Curious George always has to be in the middle of the action. Would you believe it if I told you right before the cable guy showed up this one wouldn't let me put her down? 

Here she has something significant to add to the conversation.

And then later, just hanging out with the guys.

 

Never a dull moment with this girl. Life-giver.

Happy Anniversary Dad and Mom!

My mom was cleaning out her house and we came across this goodie. My parents, older sister, Aimee, and me with my fingers in my mouth. I rarely see me in Emerson, but here I can see a peek of her in there somewhere.

Also, I hope Josh and I can give our kids a childhood as wonderful as my parents gave to me. Today they celebrate 38 years of marriage together. Happy Anniversary Dad and Mom!

Our Little Apple

Had to brush off the ole keyboard for this post.

Yup, it's true! Josh and I are expecting baby #2. We aren't as nervous as the first but certainly just as thankful. We are due early February and already know we are having a boy. Nowadays all you have to do is take a blood test after 10 weeks and they can tell you of any chromosomal abnormalities and the gender. Amazing. 

Josh and I didn't have a preference on gender but after we told our families it seemed many of them did. haha. I suppose they were happy we are having one of each.

Praise God from whom all blessings flow.