THURSDAY'S THOUGHTS

Baby Fine's room currently consists of this print, a gift from my sister, and this crib, a gift from my parents. This child is already so very loved.

THANKFUL FOR: It's official. We've got a crib in our crib, and we're elated! My parents surprised us with the gift, and we couldn't be more grateful. Things are starting to feel a little more real, and I can finally say that I'm genuinely excited. I know that probably sounds bad, but feelings of utter joy finally outweigh the fear that's clouded my mind these past 17 weeks. Setting up the nursery and finding out the baby's gender later this month give us something to look forward to. Eek, it's really happening!!

READING: I don't read many blogs regularly. I find that it stunts my creativity and leaves me comparing my blog to others, which kind of defies the whole point of blogging for yourself. Am I right?! That being said, I've read A Cup of Jo religiously for the past five years. She always manages to share the best snippets of wisdom, with product reviews, and anecdotes, along with more random posts that make me giggle or ponder. She recently shared The Best No-Brainer Advice, which was taken from B.J. Novak's book. Since reading about the girl who gave great advice, I gave it a shot this week, and it works. Read about it here and then try it. 

FEELING: Last week, I found myself unabashedly boogying in a way that resembles Taylor Swift at an awards show. Um, awkward!?! In a state of panic, I text messaged my mom and sister with this confession. It was SO bad. I don't know what came over me, but I'm really glad I caught myself. I now know that I should never make fun of T. Swift's dance moves ever again, or it will come back to haunt me. On the bright side, I think that means I'll be more than ready for mom dancing one day. Trouble, trouble, trouble...   

EATING: On Saturday, we're San Antonio bound for the day. Hooray! Somehow we managed to put over 10,000 miles on The Rig since we bought it in October, so it's time to get the oil changed. It's kind of a great reason to bust outta Swell Rio for a hot second. Since Flyboy made the appointment last week, I've been thinking about all the things I want to eat while we're in the big city. Of course, I'd love to devour my beloved Chicken Sandwich from Chick-Fil-A, but is that really what I want to eat as a celebratory meal when there are a gazillion options? What about Chipotle or Maggiano's? Oh, the decisions... One thing's for sure, I will be stopping at a Starbucks for my Iced Caramel Macchiato. I realize caffeine is only recommended in small doses while you're pregnant, but my favorite coffee beverage is under the suggested 250 milligrams a day, so we're in the clear. I just can't wait!!

WATCHING: I'm going to be really honest. I fell for the show Chrisley Knows Best. I mean, I fell really hard. Since the series finale a few weeks ago, my life just hasn't been the same. Todd Chrisley is one of those characters who's irreplaceable—he's breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and dessert twice a week. I haven't snorted or slapped the cushions of our couch in his absence, and I kinda miss the fact that my sides don't hurt every Tuesday night from laughter. I know this guilty pleasure is just a notch above Honey Boo Boo (that's disputable), but I'm seriously hooked. I can't wait for another season. Please tell me you've seen it!

LISTENING TO: With Flyboy's new schedule, the pups and I have a better sense of what our daily routine looks like while he's away. Each day at 5 pm, we hear the National Anthem blare across the base, which signifies the end of the official duty day and the lowering of the American flag. I typically feed Tripp and Beesly shortly after retreat, and I think that Tripp has caught on to his new feeding time. As soon as we hear the base-wide bugle recording, he gets up, starts shaking his body wildly, and prances around the living room area. It's quite comical, because in most cases you wouldn't know that he even exists—he's usually being antisocial and snuggled up in some corner snoring. I can't say I blame him! These days, I look forward to retreat at 5 pm because it means I get to stop whatever I'm doing and watch him act like a sprite puppy. He's just so full of life, and I find it incredibly adorable. When we lived here three years ago (Swell Rio Chapter One), I would have never envisioned this dog would come so far. 

LOVING: I can't say enough great things about Blanqi. I bought their Maternity Signature Bodystyler and it arrived on Monday. Hallelujah! I've been wearing it for a few days and it's a total game changer. When you're growing, but not quite big enough for maternity clothes just yet, this is what you need. I heard rave reviews on various blogs, but I was hesitant to try it at first because of the $68 price tag. Who really wants to spend their fun money on body shapewear?! After initially purchasing a generic belly band, I grew frustrated with the way it wouldn't remain situated. It was too stretchy, shimmied up my waist, and refused to stay put. What's a girl to do? I'm so glad I finally gave in and bought a Blanqi. It not only supports my back, but also smooths out the unruly lumps and bumps that come with pregnancy. I feel so much better when I have it on. Suddenly, my midsection doesn't look so thick and I'm left with a pregnant-looking silhouette. Imagine that?! Oh, and it also allows me to continue to wear my regular pants, which I really appreciate. I'm sure those days are numbered, but I'll take the small victories whenever I can get them.

Enough about me. How are you feeling today? What are you up to? Thanks for stopping by!!