Being Preggers.

Little Bean at 20 weeks.

I try not to let being pregnant be the centre of my life.  Don't get me wrong, I'm excited to be pregnant and to become a mother but right now, I'm enjoying just being me.  It can be tough not to focus on it constantly, though, when not only is it all people seem to talk to me about but I get to experience a myriad of pregnancy stuff, some good, some bad, constantly.

The absolute best part is now that I'm halfway through, I can feel the Bean moving around.  It's the weirdest sensation; I've heard some people describe it as a fluttering at first but for me, it felt like little bubbles that were desperately trying to break free.  Now that Bean is getting bigger and stronger, sometimes the kicks and nudges are so hard it's like being assaulted from the inside!  I can only imagine what it's going to be like from now on!

The not-so-awesome part is all the aches and pains that come with my body changing to accommodate a little person.  I've suffered with a bad back off and on for a few years and even at this stage of my pregnancy, I can feel my back muscles taking the strain.  Rolling over in bed is done with military precision else I get shooting pains in my leg and god forbid I get up from the sofa too quickly or I feel like I've pulled all the muscles in my stomach.  Fun fun!

Right now, I'm making the most of being Kate as opposed to being Mum and that means not focussing too much about those little niggles and taking it easy.  I'm staying in bed an extra half hour, having cuddles with Pearl.  I'm spending a bit longer in the shower and taking time to pamper my skin properly.  I'm sneaking in the occasional afternoon nap.  While it's a thrilling thought that in a few months, we'll have our own little one to take care of, it's also awesome that being on this journey has encouraged me to make the most of every moment I have to myself, whether that's with my nose in a book or doodling or just sitting outside and soaking up the sunshine.  I'm looking forward to being a Mum and right now, I'm loving being just me.

The Bump.

I hope you're having a lovely, relaxing weekend.  I'm looking forward to the holiday celebrations that will be happening at the end of this week and making preparations for S' birthday (can you believe it's almost July already?!) so I should be keeping busy!  What does the coming week have in store for you?

Love, K.

Easy Does It.

At just over 5 months pregnant, I've noticed that some things tire me out so much more than they used to.  I know that's to be expected, but I didn't realise quite how knackered I'd be after activities like doing laundry, going grocery shopping or just taking a walk.  I cleaned the kitchen the other day and had to take a nap afterwards!  I hope that I'll get a much-needed energy boost in the next few weeks but if not, I'm rather enjoying taking it easy.

Since Sunday was such a gorgeous day, we decided to take Pearl to Liberty State Park for a nice long walk.  It was so lovely, strolling by the water and soaking up the sunshine.  We've driven past the park so many times, I didn't realise how huge it was until we finally got there.  It was awesome to see the Statue of Liberty (even though she had her back to us!) and it brought back memories of visiting her with S on holiday a few years ago.

I read an article recently about how important it is to get out and experience nature, how good it is for your health and wellbeing.  It really is so nice to just surround yourself with greenery, breathe in some fresh air and get away from all the traffic and buildings, even if it's just escaping to the park for a few hours.  I really did feel better, more energised, after our little trip out, like I'd boosted my reserves.

I also slept really, really well last night.  Sleeping has been a little tricky for me, since I normally like to lay on my back for a while before I sleep and move around a lot while I'm snoozing.  With the warm nights adding to my discomfort, I found myself waking up still feeling tired a few mornings a week because I was finding it tough to get properly comfortable.  After waking up this morning and taking a shower, I felt ready to power through the day and do lots of creative, productive things!

Then I remembered that Steam was having a game sale and I ended up buying one I'd wanted for ages.  So I might just spend this afternoon playing and drinking lots of tea!  I'll be productive tomorrow, promise.

How did you spend your weekend?  I hope that you've got an awesome week ahead of you, whether you're a busy bee or taking it easy, like me!

Love, K.

Recipe #4 - Baked Oat Cookies.

I buy bananas with the best intention, every time we go food shopping.  Usually they get eaten for breakfasts or chopped up into ice cream or just as a snack.  But sometimes they sit on the counter, getting browner every day and especially since it's been so warm the last few days, I found myself with four very sad-looking bananas.

I'd normally go in for banana bread but it's stifling in my kitchen and I wanted something really quick and easy.  Not that banana bread isn't quick and easy, but did I mention I was also feeling a smidge lazy and wanted to sit in the air conditioned living room?

These are the easiest treats I've ever baked.  Ever.  I preheated the oven to 350°F, mashed together three medium-sized bananas and added about 2 cups of instant honey nut oatmeal (that's just what I had sat in the cupboard) and about half a cup of chocolate chips.

Thank goodness for toaster ovens and the little trays they come with!  Yes, I still haven't got a flat baking tray (I know, I know) but this worked just fine.  I have two and my mixture made 12 solid cookies.  I baked them for about 15 minutes, until the tops were a little springy and no longer sticky.

First off, they smell divine.  Taking them out of the oven and getting a fabulous waft of bananas and oats and yummy sweetness was worth standing in the blast of heat.  Secondly, while they taste scrumptious (you can't go wrong with bananas, oats and chocolate really), the texture was a little unusual; these cookies are very soft and a little chewy, which isn't unpleasant but not quite what I was expecting.  I imagine if they were to be baked for longer they would firm up a little more, but I rather like that they are squishy and a bit weird.

I will absolutely be making these again because they are super quick, a fantastic way to use rapidly ageing bananas and they taste smashing!  I think S will enjoy tucking into one or two of these when he gets home from work today, they'll go great with a cold glass of juice and a sit down in front of the fan!

Have you been cooking up anything new?  What's the easiest recipe you've ever made?  I hope you're keeping cool (or toasty warm, if it's cold where you are!) and that you're having an awesome week so far.

Love, K.

Life Lately.

The tree in our back garden, completely green and gorgeous.

Things have been quiet here lately.  No surprises there, I suppose!  We're in a sort of transition, looking for somewhere bigger to move to and planning the arrival of our little one.  Nothing feels permanent just now, but like we're heading into the next stage of our lives and while I'm sure that doesn't sound too peaceful, it really has been.  I've no doubt that when we're in the midst of packing and moving and adjusting to being three instead of two, it will be far from peaceful.  I'm enjoying the quiet while I have the chance to.

I'm taking a little inspiration from the 'Currently' posts over on Sometimes Sweet to fill you guys in on what I've been up to.

Watching - Better Off Ted.  Have you seen this show?  It never fails to make me laugh, all of the characters are so perfectly cast and each episode is a little off the wall.  It's a real shame it got cancelled so early in its run.  I'm also thrilled that season 3 of Sherlock is up on Netflix and that Orange Is The New Black is back!

Doing - Attempting to de-clutter the apartment.  With an impending move in the near future, it's the perfect time to get rid of all of the stuff we don't need and give the place a good scrub.  I missed out on spring cleaning just a tad, but better late than never!

Reading - Absolutely nothing and it's such a shame.  I've read all of the books we have so I'm desperate for a trip to a thrift shop to pick up some new reads.  I'm also working on a birthday book list because I adore getting books for my birthday (does anyone not?).

Listening To - 80s pop music - Talking Heads, Depeche Mode, Level 42, Kate Bush, Erasure and Tears For Fears, to name a few.  I go through phases of listening to different things and I'm solidly in the 80s at the moment.

Looking Forward To - Getting everything sorted and finalised.  Like I said, we're sort of in limbo while we try to find somewhere different to live and all I want at the moment is to feel settled.  And to stop being so itchy - pregnancy eczema ftw!

Loving - Having super soft, shiny hair, finding a cheese I really love at our local supermarket, waking up to puppy kisses, going out without a jacket on and all the English goodies my parents sent us - I can't tell you how much I've missed lime-flavoured Skittles!

Do you have a fun week planned ahead?  S is working a ton so we've been taking it easy on his days off, but the start of the World Cup is fast approaching so there will be lots of cheering for both England and America!

Love, K.