As we were boarding our flight to San Francisco the flight attendant asked the question, “When are you do?”  My baby bump was definitely accentuated by my maternity tank top but I was still caught a little off guard.  Not because I don’t think I look pregnant, or because I was offended but because she’s the first stranger to ask.  I guess my baby bump is starting to pop out at 23 weeks.

We are in San Francisco for a little vacation with Josh’s family.  Josh and I arrived a day early and took a drive to Napa Valley.  I know what you are thinking, who wants to go to Napa when pregnant??  Well I must say, it would have been wonderful to enjoy the wine but mama and baby just took in the beautiful views and maybe a sip or too.  It was still amazing.  Josh promises to take me back when I can participate.

Cakebread Winery at 23 weeks

BEFORE

I took apart the table to make it easier to paint

My light sanding job. I am so glad Josh bought an electric sander, made the project much more time efficient

The basic steps I followed (I’m no expert but I was very impressed with the results and the paint is holding up great so far!):

1.  Sand- Lightly sand the entire surface to remove the shiny finish and rough up the surface so the primer will stick.

2.  After sanding, clean the surface well to remove all dust.  Tack cloth works great but a clean dry cloth or rag will do the trick too.

3.  Prime- Once the surface is clean and dry, the primer can be applied.  From my research, Kilz water-based primer seems to be the best for blocking stain and creating a good surface to paint.  Kilz can be found at most home improvement stores.  I used the spray.  Spray seemed easy to put on but be mindful of the spray, it can get everywhere!  Make sure to put down a large drop cloth and spray outside if possible.

4.  Let the primer dry as the directions specify, and then sand down any drips or rough areas with fine sandpaper.

5.  Before painting I wiped the surface with a clean dry rag.  I used a semi-gloss paint recommended by the friendly man behind the paint counter.  He said it should hold up well, even for the top of a table (we shall see).

6.  Paint- I used a 6 inch smooth finish roller (meant for cabinets and doors) to paint most of the table.  I was amazed at how smooth a finish the roller created.  I  allowed the table to dry 24 hours and then applied a second coat.

AFTER

COOKIE DOUGH ENERGY BITES

• ⅔ cup raw almonds
• ⅔ cup walnuts
• 1 ⅓ cups old fashion oats (quick oats work just fine too)
• 3 tablespoons ground flax
• ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
• ⅛ teaspoon salt
• 3 tablespoons peanut butter
• ¼ cup agave nectar
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 3 tablespoons mini chocolate chips

1.  In a food processor, process the almonds, walnuts, oats, flax, cinnamon and salt until finely chopped.

2.  Add the peanut butter, agave nectar, honey, vanilla and chocolate chips and process until well mixed.

3.  Roll the cookie dough into balls (about 1 tbsp each).  If the dough is too sticky add a little oats and process again, and if the balls won’t form add a bit more agave.  Place them on a cookie sheet or plate (can line with parchment paper but not needed) and put in the freezer for about an hour to firm up.  Store balls in a tightly sealed container in the refridgerator or freezer and enjoy! (*makes about 2 dozen)

More recipes here

STRAWBERRY MANGO SALAD (with edamame and sunflower seeds) Link to the recipe here

I made the dressing too but cut the oil in half and added a little water (just to make it healthier).  I left out the coriander seeds because it was one ingredient that I didn’t have.

HONEY LIME DRESSING (from The Cafe Sucre Farine)
¼ cup fresh lime juice
2 tablespoons white balsamic vinegar
⅓ cup honey
1 teaspoon crushed coriander
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 clove garlic, minced
¼ teaspoon sea salt
freshly ground black pepper, to taste
¾ cup extra virgin olive oil (I used about 6 tablespoons oil plus 2 tablespoons water)

Place all salad dressing ingredients in a medium size glass jar and shake well. Store in refrigerator. Keeps for several weeks.

Link to more of my favorite recipes here

Growing-  I am growing for sure as the bump is becoming a little more noticeable….

Movement-  Our little man is growing too and since just before my birthday I started to feel him move.  At first I wasn’t sure if what I was feeling was him, but in the past week he’s given me some stronger kicks (or headers, or elbows, or punches) that leave me without a doubt.  He even said hello to daddy the other night when we were laying on the couch.  I started to feel him move around, so I told Josh if he held his hand on my stomach long enough he was sure to feel him!  It is quite an amazing feeling.

For lunch we packed a picnic and headed to the neighborhood park.  Our sweet nieces (and Josh’s sister and brother-in-law) joined us.  Of course I didn’t get a picture of Josh but he took this one of us.

They are all happily enjoying their popsicles

In the afternoon we did some things around the house, watched baseball and relaxed before heading out to dinner.   We dined at a place in uptown Charlotte called Soul Gastrolounge, a trendy spot with a diverse atmosphere and yummy food. To end the night we stopped to have drinks with some friends.

I flew to Chicago for an extended Easter break and got to spend time at home with the fam on my birthday and Easter.

Sunday was a beautiful day!  Josh made pancakes for breakfast, we watched Seacoast Church on-line (our Charleston church) and Liz, Josh and I even took a run before family arrived to celebrate Easter.  Yes, 20 weeks pregnant and I’m feeling good enough to run.  I’ve slowed a bit and my distances are shorter, but I feel great and plan to keep it up as long as possible!

Easter wouldn’t be complete without Easter baskets filled by the Easter bunny (aka, my mother) and our baby is being spoiled already.  The Easter bunny brought him a basket…

His first bunny and one of the many outfits he's received already. The book was in my easter basket. I can start reading up on how to make this little guy the happiest!

My mom played it off like she didn’t know I was going to be 30.   I was sure she wasn’t serious… she of course wouldn’t forget her oldest daughter’s age, would she?!   I guess she just hadn’t done the math but was graciously reminded by some family friends weeks ago that I was in fact turning 3-0.  So of course, she had something up her sleeve.  She credited Aunt Bobbi for coming up with the cleaver idea to send me on an Easter egg hunt in the yard for 29 eggs.  The 30th “golden egg” was hidden inside.  My mom, Grandma Lura, Nana, Emily and Liz each stuffed five eggs with gifts… most of them baby gifts but a couple were just for mama.

Here's me and all the Easter eggs before I cracked them open

Inside the 30th egg was a gift from my parents and Josh, a new Petunia Pickle Bottom diaper bag was being delivered to my house!  Every mama needs a good diaper bag and this one is quite fancy!

Everything about my birthday was perfect.  I was so happy to spend time with the people I love and everything else was a bonus.