Happy Monday, friends. Thanks for letting me take a bit of a hiatus on Friday. I was putting out some end-of-year fires at work. Speaking of…..my job can typically be fairly easygoing the last two weeks of December. It’s largely due to the fact that many patients don’t want to travel for treatments during the holidays (I work in health care), and many of our docs schedule their time off. That said, the flow of work for everyone, such as myself (since much of what I do can rely on our doctors/faculty/donors), can tend to slow down. It has not been the case for last year – or this year. Part of the reason for that is because my team in particular is short staffed at the moment. I was interviewing candidates last week – so we will see! All that to say, I obviously didn’t get around to one of my last Friday favorites for the year. Don’t worry – I’ve got a couple more Friday favorites up my sleeve over the next couple of weeks.
Holiday joy
I love December. The holiday season puts me in a good mood, and Aaron and I try to honor little traditions that we’ve started as a family when we can (If we can’t make it happen one year – no big deal). And honestly, this December has been all about enjoying this last Christmas as just the two of us (well, four of us if you count Tex and Cali). Because next year, you better believe that I’m going all out for baby boy, and we can’t wait. Speaking of, sharing a photo from our most recent ultrasound. Isn’t baby boy Gomez precious?
Unused gifts
As I was sitting in church yesterday, the sermon was about how God grants everyone gifts, but we don’t always use them. One of His greatest gifts is that He is for each and every one of us – always interceding on our behalf – even when we might not realize it or understand it. I also acknowledge that right now, I’m in a season of life that I am especially grateful for, but that doesn’t mean a season of enduring could be right around the corner for me. It was a special reminder this holiday season that God is with us – always – no matter what season. He wants good for each and every one of you – even if you are in a season that might be especially difficult at the moment. That was on my heart to share. If you are in the need of a Christmas Day sermon – our church will be streaming one online on Christmas Day. You can find all the information here, and I hope you’ll watch.
Christmas baking
I am still working on my Christmas baking, even though I got through most of it yesterday. I turned on my Christmas music and took advantage of a good burst of energy to tackle most of it. Sharing all the recipes on Wednesday. Of course, I did several batches of my Christmas Crack. I’m also trying out two new recipes this year – and possibly a third if I have time. I’m doing a chocolate peppermint fudge, which is chilling in my fridge as we speak, and a slow cooker no-bake cookie recipe that sounds almost like a peanut butter rice crispy treat that I’m really excited about. I haven’t really had any major cravings, but my sweet tooth sure has been kicking in lately :).
Christmas Claus
I was a bit late in getting my Christmas cards together this year. That was my project this last rainy and cold Friday night. Christmas cards mixed with some White Lotus is one of the best ways you can spend a Friday night in your mid-thirties and don’t let anyone else tell you otherwise. Look, I did the whole bar scene for more of my 20s than I care to admit. And, while I still enjoy a good adult beverage (and obviously not while I’m pregnant), I don’t feel the need to go hang out at bars until 2 a.m. every weekend. Progress, people.
Saturday morning I needed to wrap and box the gifts I needed to mail. I always put together a Christmas package for my godchildren in St. Louis – and because it’s a Texas Christmas with my in-laws this year, I mailed off a Christmas package for my parents. Remember the hat I had made in Cabo for my god daughter? I can’t wait for her to get it for Christmas. It’s a keepsake item that she can hang onto forever.
And, as soon as I was done wrapping, I made the rounds to the post office and UPS to get to mailing. I honestly didn’t have a long wait at either one, so I was grateful for that.
Life Lately
This was my running around outfit this weekend. I can still fit into my pre-pregnancy jeans, but barely. And, I’m not saying they are super comfortable. I need to sit down and order some so I can pick a couple that fit – and that I can use over the next couple of months.
Since I’m 5 and half months pregnant now, I am starting to need to more support when I run. So, Aaron and I headed over to Lululemon to grab some Align leggings. Several of my girlfriends have told me that they are great for pregnancy – and nice and supportive for a growing belly. I’m so glad I made the switch – not only are they more supportive, but they are just overall more comfortable. I didn’t grab the shirt, but it’s on my list once I start showing more. It’s the Love crewneck, and it had a super flattering cut and will be great once I have a better idea of my size when I start showing more.
Finally, I didn’t have time to go to the grocery store last week. Mainly due to being out of town for the wedding – and we had a bunch of leftovers that I needed to get creative with anyways. So, my breakfasts consisted of all the liquids. I had coffee, water and a protein shake.
I’ll leave you with a picture of my work-from-home buddy this morning. Could Tex be any cuter? He really is one of the most handsome guys. Reminder: I’ll be back this Wednesday with a post sharing my holiday bakes (any other Great British Baking Show fans here?)! So for now, enjoy the start of your week!