At 1:00 this afternoon, this was the weather in normally mild Georgia.

I know that is not near as bad as where some of you are, but its still flipping cold to me. I had nothing on my to-do list today and nowhere to be, so I managed to stay nice & cozy.

Makenzie & I hung out in sweats (or comfortable tacky outfits a 2 year old picks out) for the day.

We danced to Christmas music and snuggled with some books. Right now, she is all about “Rudolph song” and The Christmas Story book.

I sipped Sugar Cookie Sleigh Ride hot tea and ate a lemon sugar cookie with icing from the cookie exchange over the weekend.

I took a nice nap, then entertained myself with this link a friend posted. Most hilarious pregnancy photos ever. Why have I not heard of this blog before?

I whipped up a bowl of comfort in the form of one of the most delicious soups ever.

Italian Tortellini Soup (from Taste of Home – shared by my friend, Danielle)

3 Italian turkey sausage links (4 ounces each), casings removed
1 medium onion, chopped
6 garlic cloves, minced 2-3 heaping spoonfuls of pre-minced garlic
2 cans (14-1/2 ounces each) Reduced-Sodium Chicken Broth
1-3/4 cups water
1 can (14-1/2 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
1 package (9 ounces) refrigerated cheese tortellini (found whole wheat! woo!)
1 package (6 ounces) fresh baby spinach, coarsely chopped
2-1/4 teaspoons minced fresh basil or 3/4 teaspoon dried basil
1/4 teaspoon pepper
Dash Heavy sprinkling crushed red pepper flakes (I like it spicy)
Shredded Parmesan cheese, optional

Crumble sausage into a Dutch oven; add onion.

Cook and stir over medium heat until meat is no longer pink. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer. Stir in the broth, water and tomatoes. Bring to a boil.

Add tortellini; return to a boil. Cook for 7-9 minutes or until tender, stirring occasionally.

Reduce heat; add the spinach, basil, pepper and pepper flakes. Cook 2-3 minutes longer or until spinach is wilted. Serve with cheese if desired.

Make this! You know if I share a recipe it means it is tasty and amazingly easy.

Now, I think a blanket, another cup of tea, and The Biggest Loser Finale with my sister are calling my name for the remainder of the evening. Stay nice & cozy!

• How do you like to stay nice & cozy?
• What is your favorite soup?

Before I get into this morning’s post, I want to say thank you for your comments and support of my Team 4All entry post last night. If you haven’t checked it out yet, I would appreciate it. I got all excited writing it – more so for the amazing things 2011 will bring than the possible opportunity in partnering up with a nice women’s fitness gear company for the year. I love my life and myself right now, where I’m at, but still look forward to the changes and growth ahead.

Although some changes and growth do stir up some fear in my gut. I think its suddenly hitting me how soon baby B will be here. Even if he goes the full 9.5 months of pregnancy, that’s only 5 weeks away. When I finished laundering up all his little baby items yesterday I sat there thinking – I will actually have one this size again before I know it.

You may think something that can fit into such adorable little things could not possibly do much harm. Oh ho ho. Okay, harm may not describe it correctly, but that little booger can ignite some worry. Here are my five biggest fears:

A rough, rough, rough, rough labor & delivery and not knowing what to expect. I had to be induced with Makenzie. My labor lasted only 5 hours. She popped out in less than 10 minutes of pushing. The labor and delivery can’t possibly go so smoothly twice. I foresee many, many hours of pain. Although I would rather go through that and a failed epidural if it meant I didn’t need to worry over the next two. Did I just jinx myself?

Breastfeeding. I adored breastfeeding Makenzie. I had only one problem feeding her – I had the more uncommon issue of producing too much with her. She always ate well and easily. Sure, it hurt and was a big adjustment for me, but we did it rather easily. I wonder if baby B will nurse as naturally. And I sure hope all the fun signs my tatas have given me means I won’t have issues with the production again.

Sleeping. Makenzie slept well from early on as well. The first month or so exhausted me with less sleep, but then she quickly got in a routine and slept 12 hours through the night by 4-5 months old. I don’t know how well I would handle a child up all night for months and months on end. Please sleep, baby B!

Post-partum depression. Depression and anxiety run in the family. I have dealt with my own in the past. Towards the end of pregnancy, the thought of facing PPD frightens me to no end. I know the desperation, yet emptiness, of depression. I know the hatred, yet lack of caring, that accompanies it. PPD is very real and can affect anyone. Will it be me this time?

There will be two! I like my routines. Makenzie & I have formed our own little routines. How will I manage to adapt mine and hers all together with baby B’s into one? How will M react to a sudden change? How will I have enough time for all things newborn and to care for and watch over a toddler? How will I not lose myself, and more likely face some form of PPD, in the process? Just, how?

Then, I just sit back and remember this scripture:

These things may be on my mind, but I can do nothing about them until the day comes. Then, I have to take each day and each moment one at a time. With each moment I will have to try to live it with love and simply do my best. I will have to trust that in God I have the power to handle whatever. I will cover the needs of my children, no matter what. I will also make certain to do things for myself (like workout and blog) to avoid losing myself and arriving in a negative place. I will cherish my relationship with my unbelievably supporting husband. I will love it all. And with love, everything will be okay.

• What is one of your special, personal things/interests that brings you joy and helps you feel like you? (Did that make any sense? LOL)