Good morning and happy Monday! I’ve been sitting on the porch while writing these recaps for the past few Mondays, but today we’re getting dark and rainy weather, so I’m writing from the comfort of my couch. I’m not upset about it, though, because it’s helping me stay inside and get all my work done today. I get the worse FOMO when it’s sunny and warm outside. I always feel like I need to be out there walking, gardening, or playing with the dogs. My plants also appreciate the rain, and they are thriving this year (minus the stupid aphids!)
I only have a few weeks left (maybe even less!) before the baby arrives. I’ve never felt more ready for anything! I’m all packed, the house is organized and clean, and I’m super uncomfortable. I feel like I’m going to pop! Later in this blog, I’ll chat about being in the ninth month of pregnancy. These next two weeks are going to feel like the slowest! The crazy part is thinking that the baby can come at any minute now. I’m so ready when they are!
Last week, I mentioned the newest progress we made with Tux. He can officially go up and down the stairs! He has been sleeping with us in our room every night, and he wants to be up there anytime we are! The problem is that he loves it so much that he only wants to hang out up there. We keep it blocked off most of the day that way, he gets interaction downstairs with Leo and us. He gets so excited and runs up and down the hallway. I’ll make sure to film it because it’s so cute. When he wants us to get up in the morning, he licks our feet and sticks his face in ours (almost like a cat!) I am so proud of him because I feel he’s wanted to go upstairs for months and finally got the courage to do it. It took a few times for him to learn how to go down the stairs. He jumped from the sixth step and slid right into his water bowl the first time. Kyle took him up and down multiple times with a leash until he learned how to navigate the steps. He’s a pro now!
After my Monday morning recap, I took Leo for his mile walk around the block. I’ve still managed to walk him up until nine months. The walks are slow now because of the pressure, but he does so well with my pace. He likes it more because he has more time to sniff things out.
Breakfast lately has been Cheerios, almond milk, Quaker Oats granola, and coffee. I used to LOVE black coffee and probably will go back to it one day, but pregnancy has done crazy things to my coffee cravings. I went to hating everything about coffee and couldn’t even look at it. When Kyle made it, I would get super nauseous. I started to crave it again, but it had to be filled with almond milk. Now, I can drink it a little stronger but still need creamer. I usually have one cup a day, and then if I’m out and about, I’ll do an iced decaf with oat milk from Starbucks.
I spent the rest of Monday out on the patio working on a few blogs while the dogs hung out with me. I also did a thorough watering job on the plants! This usually takes about an hour. I feel so good now that most of the plants are done and ready for the summer. I was so nervous during the early stages of pregnancy that I wouldn’t be able to do any gardening before the baby arrived. Even though it’s a lot tougher and more painful, I managed to get it all done! Of course, there are still things left to plant, but all things I can do after the baby, or may even this weekend.
I did not feel like cooking on Monday night, so I ordered chicken and vegetable pad thai from Spice. It was either peanut butter and jelly sandwich for dinner or takeout this entire week. Both wer equally delicious.
We started The Dropout on Hulu this week and watched a few episodes each night. We finally finished, and it was so good. It’s crazy to think that it all happened in real life.
We had 80-degree weather on Tuesday!
I took Leo out for his mile walk, and we were both hot and burning up by the time we got back. I’m so excited to hopefully fit into some shorts here in a few weeks because right now, nothing fits other than my pregnancy leggings and oversized t-shirts. I feel so tight and big! And wearing my regular athleisure shorts feels awkward because I don’t know where to put the band. I’ve tried several maternity shorts and have disliked all of them. I’m so glad I’m not going to be pregnant during the summertime. Although, floating in the pool during the third trimester would have been amazing. I’ve been craving the swimming pool for the past few weeks. All I want to do is float. I know it’ll take me a while to get back into my pre-pregnancy shorts, but feeling uncomfortable is all the motivation I need.
I had my weekly doctor’s appointment on Tuesday. Everything was measuring fine, and the doctor decided to do the first cervical check. I appreciate no one warning me how uncomfortable (and painful for me) those would feel. WOW! Like, can I get an epidural before that next time? 😆 I read that it’s something you can opt-out of, and I plan to skip out on that next time until I feel it necessary. There was no dilation, the cervix began to soften, lower, and the baby was head down, ready to go. I have another appointment tomorrow, so I hope for more good news!
I finally ran out of the Belly Oil by Hatch Mama last week. I had to purchase a new bottle because this stuff is magical immediately. I’ve managed to get no new stretch marks (some of my older ones came out a bit on my sides), and I feel like this belly oil has played a significant role. As soon as I get out of the shower, I rub it all over my belly, lower back, top of the legs, and sides. I do another coat on my stomach before bed. I love that it doesn’t make my clothes oily, and it dries with a matte finish. It’s a bit pricy compared to other belly oils, but if you only have to purchase it twice in nine months, it’s so so so so worth it!
After my appointment, I picked up a grande decaf oat milk iced latte for the drive home, and then I laid on the couch with Leo for a bit. I needed a power nap after that appointment 😂
For lunch, I had a random salad bowl with a side of cotton candy grapes. I’m so happy cotton candy grape season is back! For dinner, I ordered chicken parm and meatballs from a local Italian restaurant, Fratellis, and that’s what Kyle and I split for dinner. I had been craving Italian for weeks and finally pulled the trigger on ordering. The food was delicious, and I’ll have to order from there again.
Another gorgeous day on Friday! Kyle and I did some house cleaning, organizing, and errands. We also painted our garage! We are going to do a fresh coat of paint on the back porch this weekend. We have to do it each spring because of the dirt from the winter.
And if you follow me on Instagram, you know the chocolate babka journey I went on. It was finally done and ready to try after almost thirty hours on Friday. I made the NYT Cooking chocolate babka recipe, which turned out so good! Next time, the only thing I would do differently is to leave out the nutmeg. The process was worth the outcome.
On Saturday morning, I did an intense power clean of the downstairs. I had the urge to scrub all the windows and window ceils, wash all the blankets, pillow covers, cabinets, and more. The house was sparkling before 8 am even hit.
We planned to do the mulching on Sunday morning, so I dug up the bulbs and started the drying out and storing process. I’ll blog about this in my tulip gardening post! I can’t decide if I want to put flowers by the tree or cover it with mulch. Let me know what you think.
After gardening, Kyle and I took Leo on a walk and then grabbed breakfast at First Watch before heading to the grocery store. I had their veggie and cheese omelet with a side of bacon! It was delicious.
When I got home, I started on the carrot cake! I wanted to make it the day before Easter that way, it could chill in the fridge overnight. The cake is always better the next day, especially a spiced cake.
While Kyle worked on getting the second coat of the garage painted, I took Leo to get a pup cup at Starbucks. I brought myself a matcha tea and another pup cup for Tux!
The flowers I put in the pots a few weeks back have started to fill in! They are looking so good.
On Easter morning, we started mulching all of the front and sides of the house after walking Leo and Tux. I’ll remove all of the mulch, add new topsoil, and mulch it again every two years. I cannot wait to see all of my roses bloom in the next few weeks! Those giant green shrubs everywhere are drift roses and knockout roses. I have pink, white, peach, yellow, red, and orange. After gardening, I was covered in dirt. I decided to cool off by setting up Leo’s pool and played with him for a few hours that morning. He is OBSESSED with his pool and the hose. I throw his toys into the pool, and he dives in and fishes them out. He went nonstop for an hour, running back and forth into the pool. He slept like a rock last night because of how tired he was.
This pool has been the best investment. Tux was scared of it, but I think he’ll come around eventually. I may even set the pool up when we get 90-degree weather and float around with Leo at the end of the week 😂. I wrote a blog about 10 Summer Items Your Dog Needs last year and some of those things we’ve purchased repeatedly. I love making sure the dogs get stimulated and entertained. They deserve more than just sleeping on the couch. Leo used to play in the pool with Grumples, and they’d chase the bubbles and pop them in the pool. I also bought Leo a splash pad! I may set both up this week and make him a mini waterpark day.
My parents came over for Easter dinner later in the day. We had ham, cheesy potatoes, rolls, deviled eggs, and roasted vegetables. The food was so tasty and put us all in food comas. We tried the non-alcoholic Fre sparkling brut with dinner, and I was surprised. It tasted just like champagne. Most of the on-alcoholic champagnes taste like apple cider juice, but this would have fooled anyone. I’d give it a 10/10. Now, I want to try the red Fre wine. I love the taste of champagne but don’t care too much about the alcohol aspect, so I plan to treat myself to this Fre in the summer.
After dinner, we played cornhole for about an hour while making some room for dessert! It was carrot cake time 😋 I made Sally’s Baking Addiction carrot cake but changed the frosting and didn’t add raisins, walnuts, pecans, and extra spices.
It was delicious! 😋 If you need a good carrot cake recipe, this one is it.
I decorated the cake with little frosting carrots inspired by Pinterest.
Food baby on top of a real baby! SO READY TO POP! 😂 I usually wear leggings and a t-shirt every day, so wearing a dress felt weird. I felt like a giant Easter egg. Some women look glamorous pregnant, but I’m just hanging in there. I didn’t want to do photos since I had no energy to do makeup or my hair, but these may be the last photos I had before the baby, so I did them anyway. I’m trying not to be so negative about my appearance, but it’s a transition to get used to. I know it’s all temporary, and being a mom will be so worth it!
Questions for you!
- Did you have a good Easter?
- What is one thing you love doing to keep your pets entertained?
- Are you team carrot cake or coconut cake for Easter?
MR says
What a beautiful week! Hang in there, baby will arrive soon… and what a wonderful time to be born! I´m not a mom but I think that if I decide to have kids I would try to aim for a spring child as well. The food looks delicious. I also bake the Sally´s baking addiction carrot cake, it is indeed the best!
Take care of yourself and your family, sending lots of light and good thoughts for the wonderful miracle of life.
Taralynn says
Thank you! 😊
I’m a winter baby, kyle is a late summer baby, so it’ll be fun to see what a Taurus spring baby brings to our household! Plus, not being pregnant in the hot hot summer sounds good to me.
I am absolutely obsessed with all of her recipes. I have made so many of her cakes!
Thanks for the sweet comment! xo
Kelsey says
I want that carrot cake! Especially because you changed the icing! Hope you stay cozy these next few weeks, exciting times 🙂
Taralynn says
Thank you so much, Kelsey!!
Maureen says
1. Yes! It was our baby’s first Easter.
2. I don’t have pets but I always love a walk with a pet.
3. Carrot cake!
You look beautiful! Love the dress & the cute bump. It’s great that you took pics anyway, because it does go fast (even though the last month of pregnancy lasts approximately 3 years). After my son was born I realized I don’t have a single photo of me & my husband together while I was pregnant, so your attitude is perfect. It’s wild how quickly you readjust to your body and forget how everything was during month 9. So excited for you & your family!
Taralynn says
Hi, Maureen!
Thank you for the sweet message. I soooo agree with you on that! It has felt like 3 years the past few weeks lol People say “It goes fast” but it has not felt that way!
xo xo
Lauren says
I completely agree with you – it is so painful when the Dr checks to see if you are dilated. I couldn’t believe no one told me that but I guess it makes sense because I would have been scared (with good reason) lol. Contractions are definitely painful but I would take contractions over cervix checks anyday 😂
Taralynn says
Yes! 😆 I’ve dealt with period cramps that have caused me to throw up, and I would almost prefer those…
I’m totally saying no to the cervical check today! lol
Nora says
Ugh yes, cervical exams are not fun. For my second birth, the midwife checked ALL THE TIME. I was begging her to stop. My third birth was a lot better, because I insisted on cervical exams only when absolutely medically necessary, and they actually respected my wishes.
You look so happy and so gorgeous! I felt huge at the end of my pregnancies as well (a lot of it is bloating and water retention, especially in the face!), but in hindsight I wish I would have taken more candid photos of those days. No matter what my hair looked like, because it was usually a hot mess 😂 I’ve come to appreciate these stages of my body so much, and what it can do all by itself! It’s pretty amazing. Your body knows exactly what’s coming and how to prepare for it, that’s all it is doing 💗
If there is one bit of unsolicited advice I wish I would have gotten myself… I never bothered to have a few cute pieces of clothing to actually leave the house in for the first few months after my spring birth. Like shorts for hot temps, that fit you now. It made me feel so bad about myself when I tried to fit into pre-pregnancy shorts 2 months after giving birth. I have a similar backstory as you do with eating, and it was such a huge trigger while I was trying to be patient with myself and let my body heal in its own time. Post-partum is the most vulnerable stage and it’s so important to look after yourself in the kindest way 💗
As far as how our Easter is going… let’s not talk about it 😂 one kid started having a high-grade fever and throwing up a week ago, and we’ve been in sickness mode ever since. I promised them to celebrate Easter whenever we’re all better again. This has also paused my railing planter project, but… that’s parenthood with young kids. There are plenty of good moments, but also plenty of hard ones.
And people really make coconut cake for Easter???? Nooooo, carrot all the way. It’s one of my all-time favorite cakes!
Have a good week! You are so close now, you got this 🙌🏻
Taralynn says
Hi, Nora!
Oh gosh! Yes, I wish I would have read that it wasn’t necessary before she did it. I would have said no. Now I know, and I’ll just wait until I’m in labor or if it’s absolutely necessary!
You’re so right about that. I’ve always been a bit hard on myself, and the past few months all of the water retention and bloating has me seeing a completely different person. Kyle has been taking so many videos/photos throughout the pregnancy. He keeps them in a folder in his phone to document everything but I don’t have to see them until I’m ready. I know that may seem silly, but it’s a good way to document and not get upset with how I look lol
Yes, you’re definitely right. I do not plan to fit back into my pre-pregnancy shorts asap, and I’ll be graceful with myself. I know that is not my body type.
I hope your Easter got a little better!!!
Kristina says
I totally agree with you on cervical checks. Holy moly. I was expecting some discomfort but it was painful in my opinion. I plan on refusing them this time until if and when it’s necessary.
Taralynn says
Yes! I knew it wasn’t going to be comfortable, but it literally made me lightheaded after!!
Lindsey says
You look so cute pregnant , and the carrot cake looked delicious! I love your recap posts!
Taralynn says
Ahh thank you, Lindsey!!!
Hannah says
Hey Taralynn! I was just wondering – I heard you are not supposed to garden when pregnant? I recently became pregnant and this was told to me to be a big “no” 🙁 . Is this something that you’ve just weighed the risks on yourself and decided to do anyways (absolutely 0 judgement here – just curious!).
Taralynn says
Hi, Hannah!
There are so many “big nos” you get told when you’re pregnant. Just make sure those “big nos” come from your doctor. When I got pregnant, I asked my doctor immediately about gardening. She said I’m completely safe gardening as long as I’m careful with which chemicals i’m using (i try not to use any!), how much I’m lifting, make sure to wear gloves and wash hands, and drink plenty of water and sunscreen.
Hannah says
Good to know! Thank you for the clarification on this 🙂 Best wishes to you and Kyle as you are waiting for your little babe to enter this world!
Kaylin says
Ok, the photos of Leo in the pool are too cute! I enjoyed reading about your week/Easter. I have two littles so Easter mostly included creating fun for them, but I wouldn’t change that for anything. 💕
Hope you have a good week! 🤞Baby will come before it gets much hotter lol.
Taralynn says
Thank you, Kaylin! ♥️ He absolutely loves his pool!
I bet your Easter was so magical for your kids! Such fun memories.
♥️ xo xo xo
Lorri says
I’m just astounded that you’re still doing major gardening in your ninth month!
And cooking a big Easter dinner!
How?
Taralynn says
Hi, Lorri!
I try to get most of the strenuous activities done in the morning when I have the most energy. Around noon, my entire body starts to hurt and all I want to do is sit on the couch. Even when I’m in pain, I can’t turn down cooking or gardening 😂
Shelby says
My dog would spend all day in my room if I allowed him to! Dogs are the best. Good luck with your last few weeks – I hope they go fast! I was just wondering if you’re planning on sharing what you’re doing to feel comfortable with your appearance post-pregnancy. I’ve always appreciated your approach to health/fitness/nutrition, especially when extreme diets/fitness seem to be so common!
Taralynn says
Thank you, Shelby!
Ahhh I’m hoping they do go by fast lol I’m so so so ready to meet this baby!
I will definitely be open about postpartum appearance and the approach back into eating healthier and working out. Right now, I plan to do what I was doing before and that was simply going on really long morning walks, hot yoga, and drinking lots of water! It’ll be an entire new territory for me so I’ll share it as I go ♥️
Shelby says
You inspire me a lot so I look forward to those posts (I actually often go back to read your fitness/health mindset posts!) Have the week Taralynn
Mackenzie says
Ah, you’re so close!! Looks like the most wonderful Easter! That carrot cake looks divine! I am team carrot cake all the way 😋
I started the dropout last night, and it gripped me immediately. Can’t wait to watch more!
I haven’t had a cervical check yet, not looking forward to it- but we do have a positional ultrasound later today I’m excited about since we haven’t seen our girl since January!
Taralynn says
Thank you, Mackenzie!
Ohhh you’re so lucky to be watching it for the first time. It’s so good!
We only had an ultrasound at 20 weeks and wont get anymore 😢 i wish they did them third trimester too!!
Lauren says
That carrot cake is impressive! I made your lemon olive oil cake this past weekend and it was a hit with my family, especially my grandma.
Taralynn says
Aww! Yay 😊
Olivia Gussert says
Just popping in to say I’m so excited for you and your husband on your first baby! Been a long time follower and I think it’s funny that I’m pretty much due around the same time you are (I’m almost 38 weeks)! This will be my second but I just know the first one is so excited, life changing and just so special! You got this girl! Can’t wait to see some sweet baby photos!
Taralynn says
Aw, thank you, Olivia!
Congrats on baby #2! 😊
Anaïs says
Hi Taralynn ! I’ve been reading your blog for years now (since 2015 ? 2016 ?) but never left a comment because I’m French and sometimes it’s hard to overcome the language/cultural barrier (expressing myself correctly and of course understanding your posts at times). But I’ve read you since then because I really like your energy and I admire your journey to finding a happy and healthy life !
Anyway, my question has nothing to do with Easter but I dare to post it, as I’ve been wondering for a year or so : even before you got pregnant, you didn’t talk about working out for quite some time. I think you explained in a post that now you prefer long walks. So I was wondering : before you got pregnant, what was your routine, how did you find your balance for exercising ?
Thank you for sharing so much with us, thank you for all your great recipes. I wish you all the best, you’ll be a fantastic mother and I can’t wait to read all about it !
Doraly Jacobo says
I think you look so cute in your pink dress!! I didn’t take many pictures of myself when I was pregnant because I didn’t like the way I looked and now I look at the few pictures I did take and smile! Looking back, I think I felt the most beautiful I have ever felt in my life when I was pregnant! Take all the pregnancy pictures you can! You will look back and even miss having your little bump!
Taralynn says
Thank you ♥️
Sarah says
You look beautiful! Pregnancy is a marathon at the end (despite my OB saying it’s a sprint to the end). Everyday is a test of stamina lol
We had a fantastic Easter! My 2 yr old was in a terrible mood all day but we still had a great day! It was her first egg hunt in our yard which was a blast!
For Easter I’ve never had either cake but since reading this post on Monday I’ve been craving carrot cake. Never been a carrot cake fan before but I’m 9 months pregnant too so probably making a carrot cake to fill that craving.
PS a bit of unsolicited advice, I know, I know, you are probably getting way too much of it, I’m sorry!!!! But seriously, look into putting “laboring down” on your birth plan. I had not heard of it when my labor nurse used it on me. My OB said not every nurse naturally does it but it saved me hours of pushing. It’s now a must on my plan this second time. With an epidural you might not feel the urge to push anyway. Seriously, look into it! 😉
Holly says
I just wanted to echo what someone above said. After my second, I bought myself a pair of Madewell jeans that fit me at the time. It did wonders to help me feel more like myself. I had also never had fancy athleisure so I splurged on a nice pair of leggings and a few tops, too. I didn’t bounce back with my kids and knew better the second time around to give myself time and grace.
Lorri says
BTW, if you intend to garden after the baby is here, look into “baby wearing”.
I just watched a video of a mom who had her fourth baby last year. He was the first of her babies she tried “baby wearing” with and she said it was life changing.
She used to fret that she couldn’t get anything done when her first three babies were little. They would cry for her attention and she’d rock them and not be able to do anything else. With the fourth, she’s been wearing him and it soothes him so much he falls asleep while she’s doing stuff.
She said it’s been the easiest first six months of having a new baby she ever had. Now that he’s going onto seven months, she’s training him to fall asleep in his bed.
Ashley says
I’m so glad you’ve been able to take care of your gardening and still do things you love, even though I’m so sorry it’s made it more difficult lately. <3 I've been wanting to watch The Dropout after watching some documentaries on Elizabeth Holmes, I will definitely watch it soon since you thought it was good! Leo looks like he was having such a blast with the pool, and I'm so glad Tux is conquering the stairs. You all are amazing, I have no doubt how grateful he is to have you both working with him and just loving him so much. <3 Your Easter look so nice and food looks delicious! You are absolutely beautiful, friend, and these will be wonderful pictures to have for memories before you precious baby arrives!
Make Life Marvelous
Taralynn says
Yes, definitely watch it!
Thank you for such a sweet comment and making my day! xo