BABY BARTLEY

TOP: Preggo Leggings Black Mesh Sweatshirt BOTTOM: Ingrid + Isabel Active Pant; Nike Free Run 5.0+

WEEK + DAY: week 37 day 5 -- posting later than usual so almost at 38!

WEIGHT GAIN: 28 pounds...thanks to the holidays! eliott weighs about 6 pounds & according to my doctor, right on track.

SYMPTOMS: back pain & congestion is a little less now -- thank God! but i've noticed more heartburn & indigestion to the point where i have to sleep a little more elevated. i've had random days of nausea -- first trimester deja vu? my legs & ankles are SO swollen (can't you tell from above?!) -- within a matter of hours, my legs swell (what feels like twice the size) from the time i get up in the morning until lunch time. overall, my body just feels heavy so it's really just a matter of counting down the weeks...ha!

FOOD CRAVINGS: acai bowls. what. the. random. i know. mind you, its also around 40 degrees now in the bay area which is cold for us so i have no idea where this is coming from. but nothing sounds more appetizing than an acai bowl. i dont know. been getting my fix at nekter -- which is amazing because i can order/pay ahead online & select a pick-up time for that day. win. i've found (ok, researched) a few more places around the southbay to try. i even bought ingredients to make my own. & if you know me, i haaaate washing dishes, particularly kitchen gadgets, however am willing to bust out that blender & get my bowl on.

FOOD AVERSIONS: chicken aversion is back. honestly, just meat/poultry in general. i just want seafood! raw oysters, sashimi...almost there.

EXERCISE: being on leave has helped me stay committed to the gym more than during the holiday season. i am able to go 4-5x a week & do my 3 mile walk (3.0-3.5mph // 5.0 incline) within an hour. i'm trying to get back into light weight lifting with Clint but i just listen to my body & do it when i feel like i can. overall, feeling good but not going to lie, it's getting harder. i wonder how long i can keep this up because most days i just want to not go...eeks!

NEW DISCOVERY: as part of my 2016 goals, i want to spend daily (solo) time in the Word. i think my sister may have already shown me this, but i "rediscovered" first5. first5 is an app from proverbs 31 ministries (which i love) tailored to women to spend the first 5 minutes of their day with God. you can set an alarm (mine is set at 8AM) so its simple to keep yourself accountable & read daily. it's so easy to flip through email, facebook, instagram -- any kind of social media -- once you first wake up. this is a great way for me to break that habit & start my morning off right.

LESSONS LEARNED: i knew car seat inspections were by appointment only, but apparently they should be booked 6-8 weeks prior to your due date...oops! luckily we were able to squeeze in & get an early (ahem, 5:30AM) appointment at the CHP in San Jose this coming week. the CHP does it for free (believe it or not, some places charge) & requires you to bring your automobile manual as well as the car seat manual. book in advance, my preggo friends! check seatcheck.org for a location nearest you.

FAVORITE BABY PURCHASES: back on the etsy prowl these days & came across some adorable wood & silicon pacifier clips from louloulollipopfinery. i purchased a neutral wood & white beaded one as well as black & blue ($12, pictured below). i received a hand-me-down bare boppy (i also have a brest friend from my registry) so wanted a more modern slipcover. & wow, there are so many options on etsy, it's crazy! i finally decided on a cover from pigpigla with black & gray geometric triangles ($50, pictured below).

FAVORITE MAMA PURCHASES: i guess this is mama & baby but i loved the concept of the lalabu soothe shirt (pictured below). designed for newborns, it creates a close environment between mama & baby. it also has a built-in nursing bra & isn't too bulky which allows mom to wear as a regular tank. another plus, you have up to 30 days post baby birthdate to return the item if you are not satisfied. i really hope this comes in great use as it's a $70 tank ;)