May flowers

I have to admit the camera doesn't come out as much as I would like it to. Part of it is because when we go out, I really badly don't want to lug a giant SLR with me wherever we go. Also because we need a new lens (and have for a couple of years), as our camera often doesn't behave on the automatic setting. I enjoy using the manual setting, but when it's aimed at a 2 yr old who has no concept of staying still, it is not always so effective. Lately I've been taking a few more though, and thought I'd share on or two moments over the past month.

It feels like May has really flown by. Here's a little of what we've been up to:

Near the beginning of the month I did a 10 Days of Real Food challenge. Here is the link -  http://www.100daysofrealfood.com/take-the-10-day-pledge/ . I follow the 100 Days of Real Food blog off and on, and after reading (and loving) In Defense of Food by Michael Pollan (the principles of which are followed by the 100 Days family) a couple of months ago, thought I could use a kick start back into eating healthier. It wasn't a major undertaking because for several years now I've followed many of the same principles (basically whole foods, locally and properly raised meat, no processed garbage food, etc.), but every now and then wane a little. With being pregnant, I admittedly have been too lenient with giving in to cravings of the salty variety, or going for "easy foods", which has lead to alot of extra GI discomfort, and other issues that I do not need to be heaping on to all the regular ones that come with pregnancy! Anyway - I really really enjoyed my ten days of getting back on track! I was surprised once again with how much better I function when I am eating properly; pants fit better, I have increased energy, the spare tire around my abdomen...remains :).

This is for Nadia - please disregard.

Note: food photography is not something I find enjoyable, so excuse the somewhat poor pictures. Just wanted to give you a few examples of my meals! This one was quinoa with cannelini beans, corn, avocadoes and feta.

Whole wheat linguine with spaghetti sauce (including grass fed ground beef) and fresh parmesan. Also note: I am undecided on the whole "whole wheat" thing. I also read Wheat Belly recently too and have some new thoughts on the wheat industry. For the most part I stick with sprouted grain bread, but we love to make pizza around here, so we do have wheat products here and there throughout the week. Moderation is a major factor though.

Me and Devs went to Trader Joes that week and I found quite a bit of great stuff for great prices! I wish we had easier access to this kind of stuff in Canada!! Also - does the label make you laugh? See next pic.

 

What else? Oh, summer came briefly!! I spent a fair amount of time in skirts and no sleeves and the boy was excited beyond belief to get all sunscreened up and dump water in a bucket in our backyard. It has been 7 years since I have experienced the season change between winter and spring, and though it still rains a fair amount, I feel an unbelievable amount of relief now that the sun is out more. I forgot about things like the blooming of cherry blossom trees, and everything looking so full and green and new. I hate that I have to be SO affected by the weather, and will try to be prepared better for next winter. This one was the roughest I've had to get through...ever, I think!

Hudson LOVES bugs. Any opportunity he has to find a bug, befriend it, carry it around for awhile, and then squish it to death he'll take.

Drawing letters while watching Super Why (a kids show that focuses on words and letters).
 

Between Mother's Day, and the May long weekend, we've been seeing more of friends and family, which has been great, especially for our super social son.

Mother's Day kisses! Also - Hudson surprised me with the happiest flower ever in the morning, and continued to tell me all day, "Happy Mother's Day!" or "Happy birthday, mommy!"

We had friends over on the May long weekend, and they have a daughter just a little younger than Hudson. These two are little mischief makers BUT get along really well and are both very huggy/kissy/energetic kids! At one point they were dancing around the kitchen and busted into singing the ABCs without any prompting.

Mother's Day also fell on May 12th, which always brings the usual sadness (so does April 13th and Father's Day for that matter - yes, all one after another), but for once I was with my siblings, and not having to find ways to distract myself all day.

I had about a week in between all of this where I had such bothersome cramping that I didn't leave the house much. It wasn't Braxton Hicks - those I've had since about 14 weeks, and only now are they getting to be pretty uncomfortable. This was different, and had me worried for a bit. I increased my water consumption and lay on my side when they got to be too bad, and all of a sudden they were gone! Probably just growing pains due to the baby getting all locked and loaded (at least that's what I hope!). I am to the point where I can start things like drinking raspberry leaf tea (three cups a day - thank goodness it's yummy), and really getting things ready around here. Baby clothes have long been washed and put into drawers, but I have a list of things I want to make yet. Yesterday I finished my diaper bag and a minky blanket, but I have about three blankets, a nursing cover, wipes case and possible chair recovering to go!

This past Saturday was also my 10 year grad reunion. I debated about going - but finally bought tickets, and am so glad I did! It was lots of fun; had some great catch up time, did a little dancing, and had my belly rubbed a dozen times. And I didn't suffer the next day for it, like most others (yep, it was very much a typical grad class experience!).

And now we are starting June, and I am excited! I love June, AND I can officially say I am due next month! Now comes the time of serious preparation before I simply get too tired to get all of my projects in (both baby and regular life-related). This is also my last month where I am available to pick up shifts at work, and then we'll play it by ear when I feel ready to go back. This month registration opens for the course in perioperative nursing that I am considering taking, and I thought my decision would be more clear by now - but as it turns out, I still have some more thinking to do.

So...happy June 1st!!!