Well ALOT has been happening in my world - none of which involve running or fashion, sadly.

I've developed new cravings: french toast & strawberries.
The cream cheese craving is still holding strong!

I'm not a food blogger, so that's all I'll write about concerning food....except to say that I tried out this recipe I found on Pinterest the other night. YUMMO!!!! Anything with cream cheese & extra cheese is decadent.

And in true "Nicole" fashion, I was missing a few ingredients, so I had to fudge a bit on the recipe. (Like instead of using RITZ crackers, I smashed up croutons.)

Sooooo the Man Behind the Bump & I did our maternity pictures this past weekend. A friend of ours just started a photography business, and was looking to expand her portfolio. You can read about the session here if you're interested. Don't want to bore you with maternity details....

One of this bigger hurdles I had during this pregnancy was trying to find pre-natal workouts. Since no longer running, and now eating ridiculous foods....I could totally "hear myself getting fatter". You know you love Tommy Boy!

So I stumbled upon this:

I've really been enjoying it. Surprisingly!!! I didn't have high hopes for it - mainly because I felt like it would be "too easy" and that I wouldn't get a good workout. Regardless, the dvd has five 10 minute segments to choose from, all incorporating Pilates moves. You can do all of them for a full body, 50 minute workout - or break them down based on your needs for the day.

If you're in the market for a prenatal workout - or even post - it's a keeper. I have yet to get annoyed with the instructor - the cueing is great, but keep in mind since you're only working in 10 minute segments be prepared to quickly go from one exercise to another. Be sure to have all the gear you need in close proximity as there is like zero time for set up. (You'll need 2 pillows, a mat, and a light set of weights.)

The workouts definitely get my heart rate up & on the buns workout, I can feel the burn :)
Love that feeling!

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As a side note, I've taken such a hiatus from my love of fashion.

It's become so unbearably depressing to shop. I'm now having to clothe such a larger body and having to cope with swelling appendages. Who knew that "foot overhang" existed?

The swelling is so bad in my feet that TMBTB (the man behind the bump) had to CUT OFF MY TOE RING!!

I'm 31 weeks, and today sporting a pair of my non-maternity True Religion jeans. It may sound silly, but I find solace in being able to still fit in them. Granted they are not buttoned - but eh, potato / potahtoh.

You know the scene....the one where the alien pops out of the guy's belly in the diner & begins to sing "Hello my baby, hello my darling..." - - that is what I think of every time I feel the baby kick / punch / backflip in my belly.


I'm 25 weeks as of this week. I haven't officially moved into total maternity attire - but I'm beginning to sport a few pieces. I'm still able to wear my regular skinny jeans...they sit so darn low! (Thanks True Religion!) I picked up some maternity tops at Target...although most my tops I'm still able to wear since most are of the "flowy" style.

taken at Christmas - I was 22 weeks & Matteo was, well, full from eating (top from Nordstrom, jeans are True Religion)

We decided on the name Beau for our little boy. It's funny (at times) to see people's response to the name. Some people immediately ask "as in B - O?" For which I adamently state "NO!".
Some people just go "oh cute"...making me wonder what they really think....unless they put that certain vocal undertone of excitement, you really just don't know.
And then there's been 1 who told me he just did not like the name. That's fine, everyone is entitled to their own opinion - but sometimes maybe it's best just kept to yourself?

I did a little blip on the baby's site about his name & the meanings behind them....around the 22 week mark.

My cravings have finally got a little more normal lately....and I'm actually craving predominantly healthy things: salads & veggies. Fruit is a hit or miss with me....although there was a week there that I was wanting an apple all day, every day. I said predominantly healthy....but I can not get enough french toast!!! LOVE IT! We hit up good ole Cracker Barrell this weekend...portions are large & money spent is small....needless to say, I was a happy preggo lady.

After Cracker we went to Babies R Us to register for some furniture we need for the nursery, along with looking at strollers, car seats, play yards, & high chairs. HOLY EXHAUSTING! We literally spent over 2 hours there. Insane. I left Matteo with the scanner for a little bit, since Beau had been using my bladder as a trampoline I had to find the potty in that ginormous store - - -anyways, I came back to find the man behind the bump in the diaper aisle getting all trigger happy with the scanner. Needless to say we are registered for an assortment of diapers & wipe styles. Ha :) Can't say he didn't contribute!

Matteo also found his next love: the glider rocker. I had made it a point to tell him awhile back that I thought one would be great for the nursery or somewhere in our house. Naturally he poo-poo'ed the idea....but then he finally sat in one while we were at Babies R Us & now wants one. In fact, he'd be happy if the only thing we got for the baby were the glider.

Men.

We'll see what the next few weeks hold!!!
Crazy times ahead, I'm sure!