Reflecting a Little On Mediocrity

"It's all about having fun." "It's not about whether you win or lose but about having fun." I often wonder why so many of us settle with mediocrity, but with mantras like these, it's no wonder.

I wasn't a kid too long ago, but it seems like things have already changed quite a bit. When I played sports and did extracurricular activities, it was always about doing my best and working hard. The fun came with success, winning a game, tournament, or showcase. Then, it was back to practice, discipline, and focus for the next time. I do realize that many children don't have the self-esteem for a variety of reasons to receive higher levels of discipline, and that's a tragedy.

When I think about my baby, I don't want her to grow up thinking that life is always about fun. I want to build her self-esteem early, so that we can focus on all the facets of discipline that will help her reach her fullest potential in life.

Mediocrity itself isn't a bad thing. It's staying there that is. That's been one of my worst faults, not investing the time or ceasing opportunities when I had them. Others I am glad I passed on. I'm good at a lot of things, can't really say I'm great at any of them really, jack-of-all-trades, master of none, but for the first time, I can say that I am fully invested in being a great mom, not a good one, a mediocre one, a GREAT one, because I wish to instill in her that's she's worth the opportunity God gave her and to take hold of it. Now, I have to take a look at these other areas and apply that same drive, and here lies the challenge.

Isabella Marie

Soooo behind on the blogging, but I figured I'd update if nothing else for myself. Isabella made her debut into this world on March 12 at 4:02pm after 30 hours of labor. She has brought inexplicable joy to our world and is growing so quickly, almost 8 months.

Happy Birthday @ 31 Weeks!

It was a happy one and a little sad too with so many changes already and many more to come, some happy, some sad. Yesterday was fun. We found a place to eat decent Mexican food which I am relieved about.

Today, I'm feeling a little overwhelmed and sleeping less although I feel tired already. Both of us spent the day organizing and getting ready for the year ahead. I try to take one day at a time, but with having to prepare ahead of time, this is not easy.

On a different note, I have some slight cravings kickin in mostly bananas and peanut butter or together on a toasted muffin, Butterfinger Ice Cream, and yogurt. I usually like these foods anyway, but right now, I've been eating them every day.

As I type, I am getting sleepy which I hope means that I'll fall right asleep and that the above makes sense. Goodnight!

New Recipe I Love

The other day, I decided to try to make stuffed chicken breast with apples. YUM! I went to town adding a little of this and a little of that, and by the time it was done, our whole place smelled amazing!

Apple Stuffed Chicken Breast

Butterflied chicken breasts
1 apple
1 slice dried toasted bread, shredded
2 tsp rosemary, thyme, and oregano combined
1 tsp or 2 brown sugar
pinch of salt
1/2-1 Tbsp butter
1 Tbsp white wine
a cup of milk, cream, or stock depending on desired texture and what is available
Whatever seasoning sounds good in the pantry(I like Lemon Herb and a little curry)

Stuff the chicken. Brown it in the pan. Bake about 15 minutes at 350.

Holidays/ 28 weeks

Well, Christmas day and New Year have passed already, quickly as I knew they would. It was so nice to be home and enjoy family and the warm weather. The food was good too. It had been months since I had good Mexican food and good ol' In N Out. I would go out in the freezing cold and the snow right now to have a strawberry milkshake.

I have now reached the third and final trimester as of last week. Al and I get a kick out of watching the baby wobble all around in my belly from one side to the other. The nursery is slowly but surely coming along. That's the fun part. The unpleasant part is waking up with aches and pains and not having quite the energy I have had these past ten weeks.

As for her name, I think we have decided on Isabella. I wasn't too sure about this name as it is so common right now, but no other name seemed suitable for our little princess.

Cravings: Today, for the first time, I can say that I wish I had a strawberry milkshake.

Weight Gain: +16lbs- I thought I was doing good, but the doctor didn't think so at my last appt:(

Movement: Around the clock, especially after meals and when I wake up or go to sleep.

Maternity Clothes: Okay, I think it's about time that I either buy maternity or bigger sizes. I saw a nice dress, but it's difficult to find stuff.

Snow, 25/26 Weeks, and Life at the Moment

Eight+ horrible inches of snow, that is how much was bestowed upon us last Tuesday, and it still hasn't melted a week later. The worst part is is that the snow-turned-ice is so dangerous. People are falling, and cars are sliding around. While it does look pretty, hopefully, we will not be getting this amount any more. It's still freezing outside with temperatures from about

-10 to 18 degrees.

This pregnancy sure is flying by, 26 weeks already. Lord help me. Little by little, we are getting things ready. I try not to overwhelm myself by thinking too much about the baby's arrival, Al's deployment, and all that comes along with each of those. Military life has its challenges, but I'm not sure I would trade it for another life. It's impossible to know for sure how much what Al does is making a difference, but I see some of the fruit of his labor already, and it seems we are exactly where we are supposed to be. On a positive not, I have been enjoying the strong bonds retreats the last several weekends. Those are the military's way of strengthening soldiers and their families and hoping that they are ready for deployments when it's time. Even though Al is so busy right now with those, it's nice when there is a little down time that the two of us can just enjoy. The retreats have given us a few hours during the weekend to spend together:)

As for the baby, things look great. I went through a growth spurt last month and gained a whoppin six pounds which puts my weight gain at 15lbs. The doctor told me not to gain that much next time. How am I going to manage that? I can watch what I eat and excersize moderately, but when my body and baby's wants to cling to every calorie it seems, what more am I supposed to do? Not eat? The holidays don't help much either*sigh*

Today, I went to the lab for a glucose test. YUCK! Drinking an overly sugary drink is awful. Thankfully, the doctor gave me the tip of bringing a cup of ice to make it easier to drink. Oh the joys of pregnancy! There's no hurry though as I am nervous about her arrival.

24 Weeks/ Update

I know it's cliche, but really, where does time go? At six months, I figured I better get the ball rollin' just a tad. We took advantage of the long weekend and painted the nursery. Even though it's pink, very bright pink, I thought that maybe the black and white will give it a touch of sophistication. I think it looks fab, especially since we did it ourselves.

We had a nice Thanksgiving with some friends and enjoyed eating leftovers
for several days. Three and a half more weeks till Christmas, and it can't get here soon enough. I so look foward to seeing ocean, eating great food, and most important, family. It will be nice to leave Kansas for a few days.

Next month is crazy for us. We have no less than four events a week. Anticipating going home will make it all worth the while.

I am starting to have a little belly going on. Fortunately, most of my clothes still fit, because maternity clothes are a drag. I will probably just buy regular stuff in bigger sizes as I haven't found maternity wear that is going to fit me properly. Come on- just because my belly is growing, I don't need pant legs big enough on each leg to fit both legs into either side, but designers of maternity don't seem to get this. Oh well, that's less money I have to spend on that fashionless garb:)