Husbands

As you know, I'm in a mom's group that meets every other week. This year we are focusing on "Thriving, Not Surviving." Thriving in all areas - as a mom, as a woman, and as a wife. I really enjoyed the session we had on husbands so I thought I'd share my two big takeaways.

The first thing was these questions to ponder on...

1. Are you respecting your husband?
2. Does your husband come first? (before kids, chores, tasks, sleep, etc)
3. Do you pray for your husband on a regular basis

And the second practical advice was ways to keep your husband first...

1. Ask your husband what he wants for dinner.
2. Keep date nights regular 
3. Ask your husband what's important to him (1 or 2 things) and then make sure you work to do those things.

From talking with the ladies around my table - we found that most of the time we take things too personal. And if we shut our husband down a lot then over time he will stop talking to us. We can't speak to him like he's a child. He's our partner, our teammate, and our best friend.

I hope this is an encouragement to you as well. Biggest thing to remember - our husbands were the most important before kids and they should still be the most important after we have kids. The best gift you can give your children is a Godly marriage.

Picture taken on our wedding day May 20, 2006

Picture taken on Natasha's (sister) wedding day May 7, 2011

Paleo Meal Plan : Week of 2/19-2/25

We have decided to make a change in our meals at the Walkup home. I am doing a modified version of this diet until baby arrives. But Greg is doing it all the way. The diet is called Paleo. And if you haven't heard of it - you can read more here: http://paleodietlifestyle.com/

I thought i'd start posting our weekly menu. Let me know if this is helpful to you. Ok here is next weeks menu with links to recipes... (some of the recipes aren't totally paleo but that's because I'm trying to not waste food I already had in my pantry.)


Sunday:
Leek and sweet potato soup
http://paleodietlifestyle.com/leek-and-sweet-potato-soup/

Monday:
Pork Chops with Apples and Onions served with mashed cauliflower and fruit
http://paleodietlifestyle.com/quick-paleo-meals//

Tuesday:
Paleo Pot Roast in crock pot with carrots and scalloped potatoes
http://paleodietlifestyle.com/slow-cooked-pork-roast/

Wednesday:
Curried Shrimp and Spinach
http://paleodietlifestyle.com/curried-shrimps-and-spinach/

Thursday:
Chili

Friday:
Pizza and salad

Saturday
Leftovers or out

28 weeks!

Baby's the size of: Baby is equal in weight to a Chinese cabbage -- about 2 1/4 pounds. (Length: almost 15 inches, from head to heel.)

Heartburn? I haven't had it too bad. Just every once in a while. And Tums smoothies do the trick :) However, the nausea is still hanging on. I had to take my nausea meds yesterday. But I still have more good days than bad days so for that I'm thankful!

Maternity clothes? I am in full maternity clothes. Forgot how comfy they are.

Weight gain? Based off my appt last week, I'm up 8 lbs. Not too bad for 7 months pregnant!

Swelling? None yet. I think the cooler temp is helping. I remember being 7 months pregnant with Finn and I couldn't wear my wedding ring anymore.

Cravings? Lately, I have been craving some weird things. I've wanted avocado, apples, and pickles. Random I know. I still can put down some Mexican food. A few weeks ago, I threw it up - so I've been a little weird with it. Not sure I will want cheese dip for quite some time.

Feeling movement? TONS! This baby is SO active. Actually, last night sweet baby woke me up around 3 am kicking around. I love those moments. Reminds me to pray for this life inside of me.
 
Tired?  Yes, I am tired. When I wake up tired, I know that's not a good sign. But I am really trying to soak in everything I can with Finn before the baby comes.

How many times are you up at night? Well, a few weeks ago I started waking up at night to pee. Right now, I wake up usually at 12 and 3. I know I am just getting prepared for those nighttime feedings.

Favorite pregnancy moment this month? Seeing my stomach move around because the baby is moving. It's also fun for Finn to see it. His faces just lights up. Second favorite memory is that my mom and mother in law got to feel the baby moving. Very special memories!

What are you looking forward to in the next month? I have a lot this next month! Maternity pictures, 3d/4d ultrasound, and 2 baby showers. Next month I will have LOTS to share :)

Wordless Wednesday

Quick note...

Hey readers,
I'm still here - sorry I haven't written lately. I have a lot to say - I have just been processing through a bunch the last few weeks. I will get back to writing in the next week. So stay tuned!

For now - here's a cute picture of Finn during bath time. Hope you all are having a great start to the week!

Wordless Wednesday

My sweet boy

So I have a sweet story about my boy that I just had to document. A mommy's boy already at 2 years old!

This morning I got Finn out of bed and dressed for the day. As we are walking out of his room, he looks at my feet and says "Mommy, feet cold?" I said "Well, I guess a little." To which he grabs my hand and says "Hold Finn's hand, Mommy." Then he walks me to my room and leads me right to my sock drawer. He opens it and hands me a pair of my slipper sock saying - "Here Mommy, here." So I said "Thank you, Finn" and I put them on. Then he says "Mommy, feet cold now?" I just shook my head and said, "no." And with that Finn said "You're welcome, Mommy...Mommy, Finn said you're welcome."

 I love that he was just taking care of me. He will make a good husband some day. But for now, I'm just enjoying my little mommy's boy!