Wordless Wednesday.

The most beautiful thing I've ever seen...amazing little heartbeat as well.

Why do they call it morning sickness if it lasts all day?

I know the term "morning sickness" is a misnomer. In fact, I knew that before I ever became pregnant. What I didn't realize is that (for me anyways), it's not like in the movies. That is, I'm not fine most of the day and then randomly struck by nausea. Instead I go through the day with a constant sick feeling. Yay. Have you ever pondered what to eat for dinner, only to realize that absolutely nothing sounds appetizing? By the way, this just struck me this weekend. I could kick myself for all the times I said, "No, I haven't been sick yet!" Guess I didn't knock on wood hard enough!

So...has anyone tried any of the homeopathic remedies out there? I've heard of some people having success with Preggie Pops, but I'm curious as to whether anyone else has any luck with other treatments as well. I have a feeling that my inability to eat much of anything is only contributing to the tiredness I feel. All suggestions are appreciated :-)

Oh, and I (finally) get to go see the midwife on Wednesday. I can't wait for the first glimpse of Baby Nolan! 

Wordless Wednesday.

Savannah and Chuck at Myrtle Beach over New Year's. 

5k and other super-exciting results!

So I am going to count the 5k a success in my book. It's not that I finished in an awesome time (although I did finish ahead of plenty of people, and still under 30:00), or that I survived well-below-freezing temperatures. The fact is that I finished it 7 weeks pregnant!

Okay, so I know it's still kinda early. But Brett and I decided that (God forbid) something happen, we'd rather have people know so they could support us. And besides, it was getting hard to keep it a secret. And also, the midwife doesn't even want to see me until 9 weeks! (Can you tell I am rationalizing here?)

Anyways, I am allowed to run, as long as I don't push myself too hard and pay close attention to how I'm feeling.  I intend to do it! Since I have not (knock on wood here) been sick yet, I have been able to keep with it. I am currently running about 12 miles a week, but at a low intensity (like 9-10 minute miles). It's sort of frustrating to me to run slow, but I know that's the best choice. I am also excited because I found out that my other favorite pastime (swimming!) is a great choice. So I will likely be balancing a mix of both. I know it sounds weird but exercise is such stress relief for me, and I like knowing that I don't have to get completely out of shape. 

So that's all the exciting news for this week! I will try and post photos from the race as soon as they come in. I probably looked ridiculous, as bundled up as I was. 

I may be a popsicle at this time tomorrow...

So, I signed up for the Museum of Aviation 5k, and was really pumped for tomorrow.  I have been doing really well with keeping up with my running, running at least 3 miles at least 3 days a week. I have sooo been looking foward to racing- and then this stupid weather moved in. I thought I was living in central Georgia, people! I moved out of the north for a reason- specifically to avoid this kind of weather. 

Anyways, I should probably hit the sack soon so I have energy in the morning. But really- I'm hoping I wake up more ambitious than I feel now. There's nothing worse (in regards to running) than having to run in a million layers, hat, and gloves. 

Brett's Graduation

I am so proud of my husband- he managed to finish his Master's degree in two years, and now he's started on his PhD at UGA. The PhD process will likely take 3-4 years, so we're looking into buying a house in Monticello, GA, which is a beautiful little town halfway between Athens and Warner Robins. If we are able to sell the house we have currently, we will actually be able to live together full-time. Hooray! Of course, the economy is a major factor here, but we are lucky in that a. our current home is relatively small, so it's within the reach of more buyers, b. we live very close to the base, and there are always people moving in and out regardless of the economic situation, and c. it's a buyer's market right now, making the new house much more affordable. 

Here is a pic from Brett's graduation. Just being there made me a little emotional, not only because it's been a long road to get this far, but also because my crazy love for Clemson makes me irrationally emotional at University events, especially when the Alma Mater is played and President Barker speaks about his love for CU! 

Cheesemaking Success!

This is an update to a post I first wrote a while back. For several months now, I have been dying to make homemade cheese, but had issues with the milk I was using. Finally- after finding raw milk at a farm in Seneca, SC- I was successful! The mozzarella was sooo delicious, and everyone at the wine and cheese party seemed to really enjoy it. Out of the same batch of milk I also made some fromage blanc. It was even easy than making mozz, and extremely yummy as well. 

While visiting my parents' home over the holidays, I took advantage of the opportunity to make cheese using milk from their cows. Because my dad has several Jersey and Brown Swiss cows (whose milk is higher in butterfat and protein than Holsteins, aka the black and white cows you see), I was able to produce more cheese from a gallon of milk, and the cheese I made was even richer and more delicious. Pictures below show several steps in the cheese process, including the "stretching" of the mozz. 

More updates to come...

Between traveling to PA for Christmas, hitting up Clemson and Myrtle Beach, SC for a few days following, working back in Warner Robins for a few, and driving to Jacksonville, FL for the Gator Bowl, things have been REALLY SUPER CRAZY around here lately. I will make a concerted effort to thoroughly update this thing when I get home. But for now, here's a reminder of why I don't live in PA anymore.  Keep in mind that:

A: This kind of weather is normal, therefore

B: These kind of conditions are normal on a WELL-TRAVELED, CITY ROAD, therefore

C: PA drivers don't slow down for this.