I started last month off with a post on some random things learned over the course of April. It was a fun post to write, so I have decided to continue my “Lessons of a Mommy Blogger” monthly post. May included lots of lessons – both big and small. It was a great month!

1. Running Shorts are Awesome!

I know I’m not a runner, but that doesn’t change the fact that running shorts are extremely comfortable for working out in. I bought a few pairs at the beginning of the month because it started getting warmer and my old workout shorts were kind of really old. From not having underwear riding up on you thanks to the built in undergarment to how flattering they are, I fell in love immediately. Maybe one day I will actually use them for a run.

2. Friendships change.

I’ve learned that as we age and pursue different things in life, friendships will naturally alter as we do. That’s not to say they are any less worthy, simply that they are different. I also learned that friendships with those whom we have more in common are very fulfilling and that new friendships can grow fast. Em and I are already becoming great friends ever since learning we lived less than 30 minutes from each other. I had tons of fun today Em!!

3. Writing more seriously is TOUGH! I haven’t disclosed this yet, but I got contacted a few weeks ago about writing a freelance article for the June/July issue of the online magazine Faith & Fitness. I was given a lot of support and learned quite a few things. I look forward to continuing to grow in my writing and hope to continue writing in places other than the blog. We’ll see where it goes. And I will be sure to link to the article I wrote once it is available. 😀

4. No A/C isn’t as bad as it sounds…until bedtime.

We have been without A/C since last September. It was cool enough then for it to not be a problem, but the past month things have started to warm up a lot (hello 90 degrees outside). I was worried it would be a sauna in our house. Thanks to an attic fan, fans in every room of the house, and little carpet it hasn’t been uncomfortable at all. Well, except for a few random nights where it’s pretty muggy. I like to sleep with it cool and it has been hard sleeping in warmer temps. We’re trying to decide what to do about the A/C….there are lots of things to consider with our current unit.

5. Pregnancy symptoms hit FAST!

One day I was fine, the next I was not. I should have been more aware of this since I’ve been there before, but it still hits as a shock. Another good lesson that comes from this…you really learn to go with the flow. I have learned to fit in workouts where and how I can and that it’s okay if I can’t stomach vegetables all the time. Things will be balanced out soon.

6. Going along with #5…when pregnant, I can choose not so healthy meals over and over and over. And not get sick of it like I would before…or care because it’s the only thing that sounds good.

I showed you before how meals like the above were a common part of my weekend, but I was still able to go out to lunch today and order some heavier stuff again. Em & I met up at a really neat restaurant called The Flying Biscuit. I ordered the black bean & corn cakes with feta, sour cream, & tomatillo sauce and had some of their famous grits on the side.

Odd combo, I know. It was good though. The cakes were a teensy bit dry, but had good flavor. I did scrape all the feta off too. I don’t like it and it’s a no-no during pregnancy. The grits and biscuit were amazing. I’m glad I listened to her and got them. It was a wonderful lunch and we had lots to talk about as usual. I already can’t wait to see her again.

7. Peter rocks! The man knows me well. He got me the new camera AND surprised me with a 90 minute massage in May. I am still loving the camera and can’t wait to continue learning how to use it better. I also really can’t wait to cash in the massage sometime soon.

8. Many of us have body image issues from time to time.

Thanks to all the comments on my post about body dysmorphia it became very apparent that we can relate to each other on not feeling our best physically on occasion. I love the support we can give each other through the blogging world. I have come a long way, but it helps to know that when I do face it there are other gorgeous ladies who can understand and help. I can only hope that those types of issues are reduced in the future.

9. I don’t get as upset about judgmental comments as I expected I would. I had my first judgmental comment this past month (it related to Makenzie and my parenting). I thought I would get more offended by such a comment, but I didn’t. I believe it is because I trust I am a good mother and do not allow others’ opinions of me to determine my own self worth. I feel confident in who I am as a person.

10. Trust God.

‘Nough said. 😉

• What is something you learned during the month of May?
• Do negative comments affect you at all? How do you respond to them? I actually intended to respond to the one I mentioned, but then time got away. I don’t think I need to defend myself on my blog, but I do kind of regret not responding (in a calm, appropriate manner) to the comment.
• What do you love to workout in?

...give me a break. Break me off a piece of that Kit Kat Bar! Now I want one!

Although not really because while it sounds good I don't feel like seeing it twice (aka a before and after eating scenario).  Today is ROUGH. I still haven't gotten sick yet, but I sure do feel like I could at any second. I planned on writing a post about how I approach vacation so I don’t stress over food, working out, body image, etc but I hate to say it just isn’t going to happen. All I’m going to do is curl up on the couch during Makenzie’s nap and hopefully find the strength to do some packing before we leave this afternoon. I hope you all have great weekends! I do have some posts already written and scheduled to go up over the weekend, so you can look forward to those (Why I Love My Body and Intuitive Eating Part 8). If you want some reading today, I would love to hear your thoughts on my post about Body Dysmorphia that I did last night. And I guess I’ll save my vacation post for before my other travels.

I’ll close this with a different form of Flashback Friday. Here are some pictures of my progression through my last pregnancy. Enjoy the pictures that are both a flashback but also a flashforward to the types of changes you will be seeing my body make this time around. It’s like the Twilight Zone!

8 Weeks –> 12 Weeks –> 16 Weeks

19 Weeks –> 22 Weeks –> 24 Weeks

26 Weeks –> 30 Weeks –> 32 Weeks

34 Weeks –> 36 Weeks –> 37.5 Weeks Front (about 5 days before M was born)

I noticed a few things looking at those pictures…

1. I show FAST compared to other people, even if I don’t get as big as some other people by the end.

2. When your belly grows bigger, your butt/arms/legs/etc look smaller and smaller by comparison. Me likey!

3. Even starting at the same size, at week 6 of the current pregnancy I am already somewhere between the size I was at week 8 and week 12 during my pregnancy with M. And no, that is not body dysmorphia. It is apparently true that you get bigger much quicker with the second pregnancy. Too bad I couldn’t just bypass the awkward bloated and chubby phase that of course has to hit while I’m at the beach. Oh, God’s irony. I sure do love you Big Guy.

• What are your weekend plans?
• What’s something ironic to you? I got one. The other day there were two women walking out of the gym the same time as I was and were parked next to me. While I was loading M in her car seat they both pulled out some cigarettes and started smoking while they continued their conversation. Huh? Even more ironic, they were badmouthing a friend for her how inconsiderate she was while blowing smoke TOWARDS MY BABY!