Tired but with a Glow

I've been feeling awesome and have no complaints with this pregnancy except the occasional back pain but I really just need to be happy things are going so smoothly. I hope it stays that way and I'm very grateful for how it's been so far. When I think about women who are sick for nine months or have other issues, I am lucky. I simply wouldn't know how to manage given I have a 1.5 toddler to take care of. It would be so tough if I was sick and or had nausea half the time. How do women do it?! Maia wants to be carried a lot these days, and I'm not sure if its my growing belly that she likes as a cushion or if it's just her age lol. It sure is keeping my arms in shape but sometimes I wonder how much I can do it the more pregnant I get. It's especially hard on my walks with Lucky, the stroller and Maia. Maia hates being in her stroller once we get to the park, but then half way through she wants to be carried and refuses to go back in the stroller. So there I am, carrying Maia, hold lucky on the leash and pushing a stroller…not to mention the big bowling ball of a belly I carry around. Phew, it's tiring. I can definitely tell that at the end of the day I am more tired than usual. My days are so busy from the minute I get up and then once I get to cooking dinner I am pooped. I've definitely been planning easier meals that don't require me to stay in the kitchen for too long. Sometimes I prep in the afternoon or I cook so I have leftovers for at least one night during the week where I don't have to cook.

Maia just over another teething phase that was quite painful. Now she's back to her cute self and just so much fun. She makes us laugh every day with the things she does it's just too cute. The girl loves to be outside. She is so outdoorsy it's great. She will roll around in the grass/dirt, pick up stones, berries, and just be totally content exploring nature, it warms my heart. I think there is nothing better for kids to be outside as much as possible. To be in touch with nature. We simply don't encourage that enough in our society. She loves her hello kitty crocs and it's hilarious to watch her form her own opinions now. She is such a girl. She already tells me what shoes she does or doesn't want to wear. Most of the time, it's only one pair she wants to wear…her hello kitty crocs, go figure. Most of her words end or begin with a "sh" which is so funny and cute to listen to. Papish is a big favorite. I think it's because in swiss german so many words are pronounced with a "sh" that she is practicing …a lot LOL.
She is becoming more and more interested in potty training. Although we haven't started yet I am thinking once she turns 19 months we will give it a try. My sisters believe in the once you start, you never go back method. Meaning, diapers are taken away all at once and never used again (only at nights). So, it begins with the weekend training of going basically naked all the time, showing them the potty a lot, especially at the times they usually go. And so on, until they get it. It's not going to be easy but I want to do it before baby boy gets here. It would be so nice to have at least one child out of diapers :)

My final defense is just around the corner! So excited to get it done and move on with my life! I so excited to relax the month of december and just enjoy the holidays. I have all kinds of plans to garden, xmas shop, bake, cook, and just have some me time.

Today, I bought Maia an outdoor slide, and a water/fountain play toy with all kinds of sea animals that go in it. I'm so excited for her to see it, I think she's going to love them both. I also got her 3 new pairs of shoes. I can't believe how expensive kids shoes are, and you constantly need new ones! They grow so fast! They are soooo cute though, it's hard not to buy more than you really need.

Ok, I'm going to call it a night or at least head to bed to watch some tv. I'm computer'ed out!

ps: oh with the title of this post I meant…I am more tired with each week of pregnancy but I do feel like I have a glow with this pregnancy that I didn't have before. Must be the boy. My skin is also so good and my belly seems rounder and pointier than it did with Maia. I guess what they say about having boys is somewhat true…