Road trip with baby

A road trip is always an adventure. Occasionally stressful and always full of unexpected turns. Being a type A person, I packed everything I thought Tater Tot would need for the six days away from home and Daddy. 

One of my cousins is getting married in Savannah, Georgia. It is a 15 hour drive from Chicago so we needed to be prepared. DH couldn't take time off of work so, we rode in a 2 car caravan with my parents, brother, and sister-in-law. 

Because we cloth diaper at home, I had to estimate the amount of disposable diapers we would need. One bag packed was just diapers and wipes. Sorry fluff lovers, I am not taking those with on a road trip with family. With no sure way to wash them and carrying around dirties while out and about, it was too much to manage. I ended up with a a package and a half of Honest company dipes and a package of disposable inserts for the Flip covers we have. 

Other essentials included lots of sleepers and the trusty Wubbanub. Tater Tot is EBF.  Minus the 1-2 bottles she gets when I'm at grad school on Thursday nights, she also doesn't have much time on a fake nipple. The Wubbanub keeps her just satisfied enough during elevation changes to feel better because she can't get out of the car seat. 

So far, 13 of our 15 hours driving is done and Tater Tot is ok with the drive. Here we come wedding in Savannah, GA!

why yes, I am avoiding you.

As a third trimester pregnant lady, the holidays are not the best. People want to take your picture, ask you questions, and you just want to eat all the food. After trolling the internet for all the other lists, here is my list of living through holiday time while huge.

1. I don't want to talk to you. 

I have answered the same four questions so many times. Yes, it is a girl. No, we haven't finalized a name. Yes, I am carrying very low. Please do not tell me "Oh, just wait until the baby gets here."

2. Please don't take my picture.

I am the largest I have ever been. I do not think I am cute, pretty, glowing, or anything else positive.  My self-image right now is one of a truck with the WIDE LOAD sign. 

3. I am hungry

Please feed me. That holiday spread waiting for guests to share, it is mine, all mine.  

4. I have heartburn

TUMS are my best friend. That odd face I am making. It is probably reflux again. 

5. I'm tired

Just excuse me while I take a nap. 

6. If I am not liking how I feel, please don't tell me how much worse it could be.

Yes, lots of people have been through what I am going through. They are not me, until I can jump in their brains and feel their feelings I can't compare. 

7. Yes, I can smell you. You smell bad. 

It doesn't matter if you are freshly showered and brushed your teeth a minute ago.  Body odor makes me feel sick. Too much cologne or perfume makes me feel sick. 

8. Maternity coats should be free

When I surpassed squeezing in my husband's coat I started to layer light coats because I didn't want to spend over $100 for a coat that will be worn for two months. 

Changes in the list

While I have had every intention of actually completing my 30 before 30 list and completing the items on the list, changes have to be made. I will not be running a marathon or leaving the country because of a new addition to the list. Instead of those items, I will be having a baby before I turn 30. 

The half-marathon was great and I completed it just as I wanted, but also ran it 8weeks pregnant and decided that, running will have to take a back seat for now.

New workout motivator

So, I have two big (for me) races coming up. The ten miler at soldier field and the half marathon in June. I have a problem right now with the treadmill. I hate it. But, the roads are just too slippery to run on right now and I can't expect that all my neighbors will have shoveled the sidewalks. So, the treadmill at the gym it is. 

A friend from work, who is run races with, says she watches moves. She especially likes rings like space balls to distract her. 

So, I realized, kids movies, like ones form Disney or Dreamworks last about as long as I need to be running. 90 minutes.  

I guess I can purchase all those movies to put on my iPad now...

Things my students tell me

A collection of recent amazing kid quotes in my classroom. There are more but alas, my brain doesn't keep them all in by the time I get home.

"I use you tube to look up where babies come from!"

 "Someone fell in the toilet!"

"my brain is singing!"

"I don't remember how many freckles Mrs. Bush has"- Student was drawing my picture

The Marathon

Today was the Chicago marathon. I think I should be there, next year.

I have gotten more. And more comfortable with running and have signed up for several races in the last few weeks. 

My goal. 30 before 30. I have a little less than two years before my 30th birthday. Many people make a bucket list. I don't like the idea of a list. Of hugging sags before death. Life is too short to look to death daily. For me, this will be a "before I hit the big 3-0" challenge.

The list-part 1 of three

1. Run the Rock and Roll Half Marathon -already signed up

2. Run the Chicago marathon

3. Finish my masters

4. Leave the country -yes I have done this but I need to do it again

5. Make a significant donation to a charity I care about

6. Put on a recital

7. Road trip with my best friend
8. Save enough for a house down payment.
9. Volunteer
10. Buy coffee at Starbucks for the next five people behind me.  

Unsure

The constant battle in my mind.
Am I doing the right thing? Do I really understand what I am doing? I don't think I am smart enough to do this.
Forever I am unsure of who I am and what I am capable of. Always second guessing and waiting with fear that comes with being unsure.

Inner battles of letting something go and being spontaneous.
But wait, did I jump too early or speak too soon?

Hold on for a month while I think about what I might want to do, say, be.