Surviving Pregnancy - 2nd Trimester Update

Surviving pregnancy. The first trimester seemed like it went by excruciatingly faster than I had expected. And I say excruciating, because I really struggled getting through the past months. But, here I am! Welcoming my now some what showing baby belly into my second trimester. I want to say I'm completely done with all the nausea, but unfortunately mornings are still pretty rough for me. I no longer can get ready for work in 10-15 minutes because otherwise I end up being on the verge of standing over the toilet wanting to throw up. Movement for me has to be slowed down when I have yet to eat anything. Constant eating also is a must (even when I'm not hungry) otherwise nausea kicks in throughout the day. 

Current cravings:

Soon Do Bu (Korean Soft Tofu Soup)

Bubble Tea

Spicy food in general

Junk Food 

Gummie Bears

Canned Corn 

On the bright side, my energy level has improved and I'm definitely less fatigued these days. I've finally been able to incorporate some fitness 2-4 times a week, my body permitting. My goal is to slowly work my way back into running/jogging, as that is something I really miss. I was able to convince Matt to run the Hot Chocolate 5k this upcoming March, so I'll be training my body for that goal. I am ready to accept that I am more likely not going to be able to run the entire time, but I'd like to at least try my best to. 

I've gained 6lbs over the first trimester. And although that doesn't seem like much, I definitely can see the changes it's made on my body. Do not get me wrong, I absolutely adore my baby bump and love this baby to death, but if I'm being honest - the body changes have definitely affected my self-esteem a little bit. I'm noticing the little things as I continue to grow and have become my own biggest critic. I guess it doesn't help when social media has other pregnant mamas in such great shape, and I'm over here stuffing my face with just about everything lol. 

With my first pregnancy, I went through a really rough time internally, trying to overcome my insecurities as I continued to grow and grow. I allowed it to consume me and stopped taking care of myself (on a fitness level) and pretty much just let myself go. When I found out I was pregnant this time around, I swore to myself no matter how much my insecurities tried to get the best of me, I would not allow it to affect me to the point where I stopped taking care of myself again. Praying for much guidance & gratitude in a God who has helped me build my identity in Him not the physical/worldy things. 

Overall, we are overjoyed with our baby and have been trying to enjoy this pregnancy as much as we can (lots of belly rubbing & kissing lol). 

Best Christmas Gift

I am overjoyed to announce that Matt & I have been blessed to be expecting our first child together, who is expected to arrive in July 2016! 

I can't even begin to explain how difficult it has been to keep this a secret for these past 2 months. The second we found out, we wanted to share it with the whole world but wanted to wait till I got through the first trimester. 

This pregnancy so far has been so different than my first with Rylan. 

During the first trimester I have been experiencing just about every pregnancy symptom a women can go through (morning sickness, fatigue, cramping, back aches, dizziness/light headed, frequent urination, grumpiness, over emotional, bizarre vivid dreams etc). Extreme fatigue and nausea took over my life the entire month of November, Gingerale and ginger chews have become my best friends. 

December has been a slightly better month, however I do have to take it one day at a time. Some mornings I forget I'm even pregnant & other mornings I can barely get up without feeling like I was going to vomit or fall over from feeling faint or dizzy. I've learned through this whole process however that aside from gingerale & ginger chews, eating all the time relieves my nauseousness - which if you ask the 2 ladies I sit next to in my office at work will vouch for how often I'm eating. 

I do have to give my utmost gratitude to my husband for being so patient with me during what probably seems like a roller coaster, as my emotions go through highs and lows. Also, for being so attentive to my needs, wants and cravings. I can only imagine how obnoxious I've been the last few months so having him beside me throughout this new journey in our lives has been beyond wonderful. 

Matt, Rylan and I really cannot wait to meet our newest addition. 

My very so talented brother took some amazing photos to help us announce our pregnancy which I've posted below. We loved so many of them, it was hard to choose just one. 

AND, as an early Christmas present, Matt bought me this rocker/ottoman which I am in love with! I cannot wait to start using it :) 

Thank you Lord for this beautiful gift of new life!

Joy in Giving

Weekends seem to be the busiest times for us. There's always something to do in the Fletcher household and never enough time in the day. 

Matt & I had the most amazing opportunity to volunteer a few hours of our time on Saturday at our church for their Toy Shop event. Having been at North Shore for almost a year now, we were able to be a part of this yearly event where our church partners with local school districts to identity families who need a little extra help during the holiday season. These families are then able to come to our church where we have set up an chance for them to "shop" for their children. 

It was definitely one of the most rewarding things we've done this year, & so great to have done something so great along side our entire church family. We met some amazing parents & felt so humbled and grateful to have been able to dedicate our time to help these families and even pray over them. This is something we definitely want to continue being a part of. 

 What a cute set up! 

 We were able to meet our goal of donating over 3,000 toys. God is so great! 

We love Steve & Kay and our fellow small group couples. Blessed to have these individuals in our lives as we go through marriage and continue strengthening our relationship with Christ. 

Wrapping Presents

I've finally had some time to wrap a few presents and place them under the tree. I'm not sure if it's my OCDness (is that even a word?) or what but I'm very particular about what kind of wrapping paper I like to use and how I wrap my presents. Honestly, I blame it on my mom, I watched her every Christmas growing up intricately wrap presents and like any normal little girl, tried to replicate everything she did. 

Anyway, this year I wanted to do something a little different and I found a few people on pinterest do this with their presents. I absolutely love it because first, it's so simple yet creative and two it's incredibly cheaper than buying all these different wrapping paper, ribbons and bows. 

How are you guys wrapping presents this year? 

Real is Better

Prior to the holidays Matt and I have had small discussions about how we wanted to decorate our new home together for the holidays. Whether to get a real tree or not. We bought a fake tree last year & automatically assumed we would just go ahead and use that to save us some money. After putting up and decorating that tree however, I started regretting not getting a real one. There's nothing better than the smell of a real Christmas tree, it just makes such a difference. 

So, what did we do? This weekend we made a short trip to Country Farms & picked up our tree! I also added some more holiday decorations and I am so happy with how cozy & warm our place feels now. Saying Christmas is my favorite holiday is an understatement. 

 Even Michonne loves the holiday season! (:

Updated some of our photos to add some wedding ones, need to add some more up! 

There's Always Something to be Thankful For

It's that time of year that always warms my heart. A time that I've always grown up to know as the merriest times, spent with family & close friends.

When I was younger, a big group of my immediate & extended family would get together to celebrate the holidays and I remember having so much fun even if we really didn't have much to do but hang out with each other. Sadly as I've gotten older, those family gatherings have slimmed down to just immediate family with occasional additions here and there. I've grown up being surrounded by my big family so as much as I do still love this time of year, I also am always reminded how much I miss all my family getting together. 

Despite all of that, I am still grateful. I may not have the big family gatherings, but I am very fortunate to still have my family around to spend it with plus the last couple of years have been exciting as Rylan and I became part of a new family. It makes me very excited for Matt and I to add new additions to our families. 

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Holidays, usually mean going from one family to the other. We started off having lunch with Matt's mom and brother and then made the trek down to Kent to end our Thanksgiving with my family. All filled with lots of delicious food, laughter and love. I can't wait for Christmas! (: 

 Oh, Brutus. I love this big guy so much!

I normally am in charge of desserts for our family gatherings. Usually I make regular rice krispy treats. This year my sis-in-law texted me a picture of a rice krispy treat turkey, so I figured I'd give the challenge a go, and I have to say I'm pretty proud of my creation. lol 

 This isn't all the food, but it was all delicious 

a rice krispy drumstick lol

I hope you all have a fantastic Thanksgiving! 

'Tis the season

Days are all seem to be meshing together the last few weeks. With the holiday season quickly approaching, there just doesn't seem to be enough time to do everything I need to have done. 

Sickness and exhaustion has still taken over me, so any free time I seem to get I spend napping (which, let's be honest it's too horrible lol). Good news is, I was finally able to dedicate a few hours to spend cleaning the apartment, start the huge load of laundry that's built up the last week and a half AND start putting up our Christmas decorations. Yes, I know Thanksgiving hasn't even arrived yet - but I couldn't help it. I was in the mood and with it being my favorite holiday, I just had to. And besides, I had a little helper who was just as excited about putting up the decorations. 

I mean, I can't be sorry about having our Christmas tree up early, because it just completes the coziness that the holidays bring. Whenever I get some more free time, I can't wait to decorate some more! Has anyone else started putting up their trees? I love seeing other pictures of family's holiday filled homes. 

Better Days Ahead

With the change from summer to fall/winter, our family excluding Rylan (thank goodness) has recently caught the cough/cold. That is where my lack of posting has come into play due to my intense lack of energy these days. November has just not been the month for me.

Matt, has been an incredible husband by helping me make dinners & lunches for the family the last few weeks, without even being asked. He has willingly volunteered every time and I am so thankful for him for it. Definitely also grateful for my mother-in-law for helping us during our recent wind/rain storm that left us powerless for about 8 hours. 

The good news is, I am hopeful that I am finally nearing the end of this & will soon be on the road to recovery so that I can get back to normal business. 

Before our power went out, I captured this moment of Rylan ready & eating his favorite snacks (hot cheetos with milk lol) . It makes me happy. He has been so understanding and so helpful around the house & with our dog while mommy has come down with the cold. He loves reading & it just makes me realize how quickly he's growing.

Here's to better days soon!

Foodie Group & Doughnuts

Did I ever talk about this amazing group that we're a part of? It's gotta be one of the coolest groups you could ever be a part of. Every once in awhile (when our schedules permit), we get together with a few of our good friends and our families and just eat. I mean if you love food & like to eat, who wouldn't want to be a part of our group. Hah. We normally like to try out new places, but we're always open to anything (so throw out your suggestions if you have any).

On a quick slight serious note, it really is awesome to get together with our group. They have been such a big part of our spiritual walk individually, as a couple & a family so they hold very high significance. We just adore them & are so blessed to have them in our lives.

Anyways, today we decided to try Peruvian food & by suggestion from a friend we went to San Fernando Roasted Chicken, which was absolutely delicious & authentic. After stuffing our faces there we decided to walk a few stores over and get dessert at Doughnut Factory, which was also amazing. We recommend it, so if you're ever in the Pacific Northwest Region & wanna check out Peruvian food & some delicious doughnuts, try these two places up!

I had to share food pictures. So salivate and enjoy!

And I have to share the sweetest photo I captured of Rylan & Evelyn holding hands walking over to the Doughnut Factory. I love them.

Mulligatawny Soup - Recipe

My good friend Erin shared with me this delicious recipe last year and it's by far one of my favorite soups to make especially during this time of year. Mulligatawny is pretty much just a curry soup. It's definitely a comfort food, and it's been really popular in our house hold.

I figure since it was so kindly shared with me, I'd share it with all of you! (:

The ingredients below is good for about 4 servings, normally when I cook this I double it, to accommodate my husband and I's lunches.

INGREDIENTS:

1/2 cup chopped onion 2 stalks celery, chopped 1 carrot, diced 1/4 cup butter 1 1/2 tablespoons all-purpose flour 1 1/2 teaspoons curry powder 4 cups chicken broth

1/2 apple, cored and chopped 1/4 cup white rice 1 skinless, boneless chicken breast half - cut into cubes salt to taste ground black pepper to taste 1 pinch dried thyme 1/2 cup heavy cream, heated

DIRECTIONS:

1.	Sauté onions, celery, carrot, and butter in a large soup pot. Add flour and curry, and cook 5 more minutes. Add chicken stock, mix well, and bring to a boil. Simmer about 1/2 hour.
2.	Add apple, rice, chicken, salt, pepper, and thyme. Simmer 15-20 minutes, or until rice is done.
3.	When serving, add hot cream.

This is exactly what I needed tonight for dinner, especially with how incredibly cold it's been the last couple weeks. If you try making it, let me know how yours turns out and how you like it! (:

#FletcherHoneymoon

Maui was amazing. There were so many opportunities where we were able to reflect on our new stage in life and appreciate all of God's blessings. Snorkeling was so much fun, exploring the water was just beyond any words I could describe. ATVing was so much fun and such an adrenaline rush. And parasailing, I have to say was one of my favorite things we did. I was really proud of Matt for conquering his fear of heights & water and agreeing to do it with me. And we were able to pray for each other and our marriage while we soaked in the beauty of Maui. We absolutely fell in love with the island and can't wait to plan a future trip back there. 

I also want to add that our trip really wouldn't have been the same without the amazing people we were able to experience Maui with. Matt & I are the type of people who love to have those closest to us go on our adventures with us. We love our alone time, but we also love spending time with our friends/family. It really is when we are happiest. We can't wait for future parent getaways.