a BIG update

Phew. Last week was a roller coaster. I went from super excited, to straight up achey and grumpy to be so pregnant, to super productive this weekend. My moods were all over the place. I even went to a work happy hour on Wednesday (not something I do often), and had a blast. It was completely random. My poor husband bears the brunt of this crazy emotional roller coaster, which duh he should, because this pregnancy thing is a serious business. Men owe us a lot for carrying their children. I definitely stand by this statement as I'm winding down in this crazy pregnancy journey. 

So straight up ketch-up style, here's what's been causing all the roller coaster-ness in Tessy world. 

-last Monday we had our last big ultrasound, and we found out the baby is big! She was clocking in at 6.5 lbs and in the 88th percentile with 5 weeks to go. We were ecstatic. I have no issues with my whale status because I know there is a big ol' healthy baby in there! I was 8lbs 13 oz. so I am not really surprised. And she was head down & practicing her breathing. For 34 weeks that was a really, really good sign! Proof of this big baby: 

- of course this news set the stage for what could happen in terms of delivery. I kind of took a step back from the 'what shelves do I want for her room' type questions and really started to focus on labor and delivery. I started researching effacement, dilation, stripping of membranes and inducement options like a crazy woman. I'm trying to be as informed as possible so I don't get pushed into a c-section at 40 weeks because the "baby is so big." I have nothing against c-sections. If there is a medical reason for it,then it is what it is. But just because she is big? I'm ready to be proactive to prevent that scenario from happening. Again, all this news really brought everything into perspective. A baby is about to come out of me, the shelves can wait.

-I realized at some point last week that my hips are doing some serious adjusting my friends. They ache all night while I sleep on my side, and I even have a few new stretch marks to prove it. It hurts like a biatch, but any signs that we are getting closer gets me pumped.

-another gripey symptom: my feet feel like they've been running marathons. Every morning they ache for a solid hour. Just a general point of advice: just say 'hanging in there!' when strangers ask you how you are doing. Strangers ask a lot of questions (which I have no issue with, I'll talk to anyone about baby cook that will listen :)), but I'm sure they don't actually want to hear, "well my feet feel like bricks and my hips are spreading." Just a thought.

-I've been a stressed out mama about maternity pictures. Why didn't I book these sooner?! Our session is finally all planned out, and I can't wait to check this off the list tomorrow. I'm so ready to be done with tasks like this. I've debated canceling but everyone says you'll want the pictures later. Puffy face and all. 

-we had our family baby shower this weekend! We are feeling ultra prepared in the baby stuff department. After said maternity pics, we can pack our bag and then set up as much as our time allows. I Love this painting we got from our sister in law, and the diaper cake from my sister. No other pictures because of said puffy face.

A lot has happened in a week. Emotionally and physically. I'm so ready to meet our baby.  I have my first labor and delivery exam (TMI perhaps, but this is my blog) on Thursday. I can't wait to know even more about how this journey will end! And that's all she wrote. Which was a lot. If you are still reading drop me a line and I'll send you a cookie.

Lates. 

When your husband goes out of town..

You call your mom and have a weekend long sleepover! Omgah, hanging with your mom who will take care of you when you are uber pregs= heaven. She drove me around to run all my errands, stopped at the donut shop for me, not once, but twice. Chaffeuring at this stage of pregnancy is highly appreciated.

You make it through buy buy baby and babies r' us trips to return items and check out new items. Sidenote: I can't get my pinks to match and its driving me bananas. End sidenote.

You have a successful trip to ikea, even if only for few nursery knick knacks. EVEN despite the masses of people. One look at this line and my husband would have said: "I'm out. Buy this crap online." 

You also get to eat healthy. With the exception of the donuts, I was in serious eat high protein, low fat and lots of veggies mode. Somewhere in my third trimester, I turned into a junk food monster - at the delight of my husband. I was ready to get a hold of myself, and my mommy helped me with just that. Especially since she's all gluten - free and stuff! 

And you make it to the pool for a bare bump tan with some great support! No picture here. #notbraveenough 

And my favorite part of the weekend? I erased my Instagram app and hardly touched my phone to look at social media. Now that, is a cleanse my friends! Try it. You won't regret it. 

Happy Monday peeps.  

Brain dump

My brain is still a mess. So I'm giving ya a good old fashioned brain dump. Bear with me, it's truly all over the place. 

-I seriously am in growth spurt mode. I look so prego these days! 

-I just met baby Stella and she is so cute. I'm still a little bit scared to hold someone else's baby before they can hold their head up. Gonna need to work on that. And swaddling?! It's looking a little tough at the moment lol. She opened her eyes pretty wide at the end, and we joked that she recognized the voice of who her "mom yaps with all the time." and probably thought she was in for some Menchie's lol. #teamfroyo

-we went to rockport, tx this weekend and it was gorgeous. I definitely got the tan I was looking for. I even burnt on my shoulders, Which is rather odd for someone like me. Too bad the water was too cold to swim. Boooo on this super long spring, us Texans are ready for the heat! 

- as nice as Rockport and Austin have been, I have to admit I'm so glad to be done with road trip palooza. This girl is ready to be home and nest. Two weekends away just exhausted me. 

-speaking of nesting and being home, we are thinking we might nix the Babymoon all together. The whole trip just sounds like a waste of money since I'm not in the mood for bathing suits, can't have a drink/ go on excursions/ would truly rather be home. I just want to spend the money on the house and baby. I think my priorities have completely shifted in the past couple of weeks. Some crazy maternal instinct or something. 

-leading me to my next topic! I went to buy buy baby for the first time! So looking forward to registering there! It's a million times better than babies r us ... In my humble opinion. 

-I am in desperate need of a new Hana blow dryer. My flat hair is just not doing it for me. I miss blowouts and volume. Or need to learn how to tease hair ASAP. 

- maternity pillows are everything. That is all. 

-I need to work on a closet overhaul. Things that don't fit need to be put away so I can easily see what is possible to wear. Feeling frumpy is no fun, and fighting with my clothes every morning is frustrating. I want to get some good pieces for work and play; add some accessories and belts to feel prepared. I know everyone says only buy a little. But I plan on being pregnant one or two more times, and Texas pretty much has one season, So ya.  Just load me on up! And what's more fun than loaning them out to your friends? 

Ok that's it for now. Brain officially feels empty now. Success! 

Holiday Schedules

Splitting holiday time as a married couple can be tough. This is Matt and I's second holiday season as a married couple, and as I get older, I feel less inclined to run around like a chicken with my head cut off.  Yet I hate to feel that I'm 'missing' something. It's a catch 22, and since my parents are divorced things can get even more complicated, but we managed to get it all in. I even got Matthew inside a shopping mall on Black Friday, riddle me that!  We didn't get enough friend time in, which was totally lame, but hopefully the holiday party season will fix that! Here are some pics from the long holiday, and a vow to start rotating holidays with families in the future! Does anyone else do that?? 

 Happy Monday (groan). 

Life lately - silly and serious

Life lately - silly and serious. Silly First.

Lately, I've been obsessed with all the plants around my house. This one below in particular. I kept wondering why my favorite plant looked so sad. Errvvday. Just watering and watering and wondering, what the heck is happening to this plant. 

Then, I took a closer look. And, this!!!!

Hashtag amateurgardenerproblemzzzzz!!!!

Not only did he (she?) eat my whole plant, he/she then politely peppered my plant with a million eggs. Yuck! 

But now, to kill or to not kill the catapillar - that is the question my friends.  I can't off a future butterfly is what I told myself. But after a long week of deliberation, and a lot of staring wistfully at my sad plant, I caved and bought some organic pesticide. If I want to up my game in the gardening , I must use pesticides.

Then, this showed up on my doorstep right after I got home from our vacation in the rain forest. (Which I've already talked about way too much, but you can read about it here, and here. And oh here too.) Ohh West Elm. How you always read my mind.  

Can I get a green master bedroom makeover please!?! Heck to the yea. 

This might take a while, I wouldn't hold your breath on this one. 

On a more serious note, how about my Fall goals. Oh wow, does Tessybear even know what a goal is anymore! Psh, those are only for New Year's, whatcha talking bout Willis!

But really.  In all seriousness, this year has been a great travel year for me. Which is good, because I got bit by the travel bug hard. But with no scheduled trips for the rest of the year, work, personal or otherwise, I'm trying to buckle down and focus again. I want to learn Español, of course attempt to lose 10 lbs. (When is losing weight not a goal?), and try to finish the house. Our third floor is practically untouched in the décor department, and I really want to tackle the master bedroom.

 Since 2013 is practically over, I'm trying to keep it simple and only pick a few goals. its only acceptable to have 15 goals in January :)

Ok ok. That was all silly. What is everyone else up to lately? Really, do tell. I'm sure it's more exciting than catapillars ;) 

Back to reality today...

So, we are most definitely back from THE MOST (no, seriously) amazing. vacation. EVER.

 

I am just trying to ease back into regular ol' life. We had such a good time being off, but it came to an end today. I came back to work, and Matthew started his first day at his new job. Well, his job isn't scary new, because he is going to work for the family business. But nonetheless, it's a huge change for us!

 

If you haven't read here lately, we went to Costa Rica on vacation. It was above and beyond our expectations. Truly. If you like nature and adventure, this vacation is truly for you.

 

When we got back to Texas, we got right back on the road and headed to Austin, TX to see Mrs. Jessie get hitched. Then it was all about Football in the Cook Casa!

SIGH. I'll be back to reminisce later!!!

 

 

Inspiration where art thou

I’ve been thinking a lot lately. I’ve been thinking in a broader sense, what the heck am I supposed to do with my life.

Ok really, Tess? You’re 27, your quarter life crisis should really be over by now.

But apparently it’s not. I’m not running around like a chicken with head cut off, or partying my life away. Or worried that I am getting older. No thoughts of moving across the country with no plan and zero dollars. Been there done that. None of those irrational quarter life crisis moments. Those seem to be behind me. Just a simple, what is my purpose here? Where am I supposed to be going. And moreso, how do I get there? And I have to be completely honest here, while I can’t wait to one day become and mom and start a family, I don’t believe or want that to be my only purpose in life.

Unless I can get my kid on dance moms. In that case, I am fully willing to revolve my life around my child!  

 

 

Kidding asise, there is a 50% chance I just over thinking it all. I have a tendency to do that. But as I cruise around blog world I find other girls have the same questions. Shoot, other boys too.

Maybe I just need to shake things up. Who knows. I am in fact quite busy at the moment, but I guess I am not busy enough. Or busy with the right things. Anyhow.

 

 

I took to Pinterest to see if I could shake this little brain of mine, and find some inspiration. Shall we discuss?

This is where it became confusing. Quote #1.

 

So… aspire to nothing and accept everything as is. Hm.. basically stop thinking. I mean someone has it planned out anyway right? so why think? 

Notsofast crazypants. The complete opposite. DECIDE then go.

 

 

NOW Sir Winston Churchill says.. try to be perfect. I’m gonna have to say this one is definitely at odds with the two above. Most Definitely.

This was my definite favorite. Just throw some glitter and make it all ok!!!!!! Feeling down? Throw a glitter bomb. Feeling confused, again, Throw glitter. It’s all very Mariah Carey.

 

 

And then finally. A sign. Very supernatural of this photoshop designer.

 

And my favorite. Just jump off a cliff. Into a body of water of course. I mean why not?

 

Anybody else have these thoughts? that’s my crazy brain for the day. Happy weekend!!!

Tessy

I'm going back to Cali, Cali

It's official, Our flights are booked, and we're headed to California! I'm off for a work trip and Matthew will meet me in San Fransciscooo for the weekend. And since I am traveling to CA, I finally have an excuse to tell you allll about my California Adventures.

You see, I lived in California Once. I've kinda got a soft spot for the crazy place.

My dad drove me all the way there, and Emily came too. This was my "we're finally here picture!"

I was also 20 lbs lighter. Kidding, kidding haha.
Not reallyy, but moving on.

My dad took off about as soon as I could say Cowabunga. And Emily? She stuck around for a few days like a good friend should. And then it was just me out in the big scary world. Okayyy, Okayy, not really. I actually went for a school program called UTLA, met some rad people and friends I still talk to occasionally.
Now why did I Move to LA? Oh just a Texas girl with big dreams. I wanted to be an entertainment publicist. I listened to a lot of Feist.. I saw a handful of celebrities. Like Heidi Montag at the DMV!
They’re really just like US! Lololol

 

 I even couch crashed lived with this girl for 6 weeks. And now she's famous. Doesn't even remember me I bet!]

I also got this weird haircut, you know, to fit in better.
It only looked good in a ponytail. I sighed a lot.

 

Did I ever find my dream job? Nope.  Should I have tried harder to find elusive dream job? Maybe. Did I find Britney Spears, BIG FAT negative!! Was it worth it? Hell yes.  I wouldn't change the humbling experience for the world. And as I head back, I might get a little nostalgic.

Cause I'm going back to Cali, Cali.  I'm back to Cali. Bom bom bom.

Los Angeles and San Fransisco, here we come!!

Toodles ya'll.

 

Birthday Stories + my love for 27

Yesterday was my day of birth, AKA the best day to open your Facebook notifications. I gotta say it was one for the books. I'm sad for it to end really, which technically I still have two more birthday outings so its not over just yet right???  But really, I want to soak in this birthday as much as  I can.  I always get anxious around birthdays, and while this year was filled with its usual pre-birthday jitters (is this normal?), I can honestly say everything was super amazing. I spent the day with great friends near and far. 

My heart truly is content and my mind is at ease.

I partially attribute these feelings to really loving 27. I've got a new comfort in own skin that seems to have evolved the past couple of days. I got to thinking about why this birthday was so different than my last. The night before my 26th I bawled my eyes out.  I realized -  my mid-twenties were actually quite volatile - jam packed with crazy ups and downs squished in with a few dramatic life changes. A long distance relationship, moving cities, a new job, Getting engaged!! Wedding planning my brains out, getting hitched, then building our first home. The transition of marriage... All rewarding things,  but of course coming with their own challenges. A labor of love if you will.  All of these events in our life led up to this moment of feeling more settled. The next couple of years we get to JUST BE. And I am so grateful for that.

So I thought it only fitting to write "Bon voyage mid-twenties" on my cake - you know to really soak in this new comfort and quiet. It's gonna be a great year.

Here are some pictures of the day. Cheers to birthdays and loving life :)

 This girl knows the way to my heart, showing up with decorations! 

 My honey. Grilling up a storm for me.

Love all these girls to pieces.

Got lots of flowers this birthday :) including some from my Austin crew. Love those people.

 Jenn and Baby Molly!

 

Mrs.  Marci

I made a good wish! Over and out.

A Debbie Dump

 

I wish I had a fun post for you today.

But I do not. Womp womp.

Truth is, I am tired as hell.

I woke up today and actually wished I would get sick, so I could just stay home and get out of all my obligations. You’re probably thinking, just play hooky dummy.

But because I am a terrible liar, I usually have to actually be sick to call in sick.  And I rarely get sick.

So back to my wishing I was sick thoughts,  Does anyone else do this? Um please say yes!

 (over lunch I just confirmed, that I am in fact, not alone lol)

My friend Lynette said I needed to carve out some time to relax, you know, un-busy myself. And I realized, I really make myself this busy. I don’t like to stop. I don’t like to relax. I mean, I like to relax for a couple of hours. But how does one carve out time to relax? Like - really, really relax. Unwind. I just can’t stop.

I really shouldn’t complain about having plans with friends and family, or dump my debbiness all over you. Even tho I just did both of those things. Whoops. But in good news, I do get one day next week to be off. And that would be my day of birth folks. Holla holla, big 2-7 here.  And see my dad on Friday, and if you knew my dad, you’d know he’s one goofy dude.

And because I *swear* I'm not throwing a pity party, & just keeping it real I've disabled comments.

 Peace and chicken grease, ya’ll. Tomorrow is a new day.

Gloomy

Kind of a pointless post, but I just wanted to check in. I'm procrastinating on posting my resolutions.. eeekkk and in super homebody mode. Probably because the past two days straight have been super gloomy and dark in Houston. As a Houston Girl, you really become accustomed to constant sunshine.. & I have to admit, gloominess can make me quite sullen. I've made a mental note to buy some vitamin d, because it supposedly helps with the winter blues... But yesterday I decided to get my butt off the couch and snap out of it. Take control of my own emotions. and Today, the sun came back! This girl was jamming B spears on the way to work, back to my usual self :)

Anywhoo..Here are some pictures I took this weekend playing with my zoom lens, but off I go to tackle a HUGE event for work. And buy Yeast-free ingredients for next week, and wedding presents for my Emilia and Casey! Tata lovers !! Told you it was a pointless post!

Fresh flowers

Birdies playing in the trees next door..

Finally caught the little feller