Post Baby Nights...

I spent a few hours perusing baby blogs today and I have learned that no matter how awesome and precious your little one is you cannot stay inside your house all day/every day. I am sure Pippa will be the coolest little one around, but I also need to put plans in place to make sure that my marriage, my house, and my workouts don't fall apart once she arrives.

I know I will be very much at the mercy of Pip's schedule, but I also hope to lead a semi-normal life at the same time. (By putting this in writing I fear I sound like those clueless girls on 16 & pregnant!)

Anyway, here are a few goals I hope to meet in the areas of errands, working out, and getting out of my house every once in a while.

I know I won't be doing all three of these things every day, but I would love to accomplish one task from any of the three catergories daily.

Wish me luck!

And if this blog goes crazy after Pip shows up and you see my falling into the trap of 24 hour yoga pants and dilly bars, please remind me of this post and slap me OUT OF IT!

Thanks!

Getting OUT!

Sunday: Long run, Church, outlets/towncenter/beach/pool

Monday: Long walk around Viscaya Lake

Tuesday: Beach walk (sunset) OR pool (after 6 weeks)

Wednesday: Music by the sea OR small group

Thursday: Music Thursday downtown

Friday: Redbox and appetizers/fondue Friday

Saturday: Steppin' Out Saturday (use pre-made dates)

Errands!

Sunday: None

Monday: Walmart

Tuesday: Target

Wednesday: Marshalls

Thursday: Hobby Lobby

Friday: Bed Bath & Beyond, Michaels, Pier 1

Saturday: None

Workout!

Sunday: ARC & arm/ab

Monday: 5 mile walk & leg/ab

Tuesday: ARC & arm/ab

Wednesday: 5 mile walk & leg/ab

Thursday: ARC & arm/ab

Friday: 5 mile walk & leg/ab

Saturday: ARC & arm/ab

*** ARC stands for the ARC trainer

New Years Blogging Resolutions!

Going on my theme from last year...

This blog pledges (or solemly swears):

• to have at least 4 posts a week
• to have a picture in every post (bring it project 365!)
• to have monthly goals about the big stuff (marriage, money, and running/fitness)

I also want to incorporate three new blog posts.

1. Steppin' Out Saturday (photos of date nights with Senor Republican)

2. Teacher Style Files (making the most of my wardrobe, pregnant or not)

3. Meatless Meals (introducing one veggie friendly 30 minute meal once per week!)

What do you think?

I ordered this stencil over a year ago and fear has kept me from taking the leap and marking up my walls. I took the plunge today and here is half of my wall. I am not 100% sold on our new pattern, but Mr. R really likes the clean look of the stencil and the white on navy look.

Opinions?

Nesting/Making Progress:

We have three rooms to finish before May 21st, which we call Pippa's d-day around here. And I decided to start making progress this weekend. Enter our TV/media room.

We painted this room last December and it has remained in its navy blue glory ever since.

Here's the plan:

1. Stencil the walls

2. Remove vertical blinds and hang navy curtains

3. Remove mini blinds and hang bamboo shades

4. Purchase and hang West Elm Ikat Curtains

5. Paint end tables

6. Purchase lamps for end tables

7. Purchase pillows for the chaise and chairs

8. Wash all couch/chair covers

9. Hang London pictures and old posters

10. Replace ceiling fan

It's a girl!

"I believe in manicures. I believe in overdressing. I believe in primping at leisure and wearing lipstick. I believe in pink. I believe that loving is the best calorie burner. I believe in kissing. I believe that happy girls are the prettiest girls. I believe that tomorrow is another day and I believe in miracles."

-Audrey Hepburn

And hopefully she, like her mom, won't mind a little primping, overdressing in the form of tutus, and wearing LOTS and LOTS of pink!

Piper Jayne Martin will be making her appearance in May 2011

But you may call her Pippa!

Dear Baby: Week 21/40

Dear Baby,

I am posting this a day early because I can't seem to get you out of my head this afternoon. Your Mimi (that's my mom) and I were shopping today and she kept mentioning your name and talking about what life would be like next Christmas when you are actually here. I didn't think your Mimi had any desire to be a grandmother and yet she like so many other friends and family is so excited for your Dad and I. I think it's funny how so many people thought we would never have a child. For a long time we weren't ready, mentally or financially, but this summer we felt a little lost, as though we were missing a part of our family and then God blessed us with you.

We still don't know what your gender is yet. I have been praying that you reveal yourself tomorrow. The family has bets going on and so far its almost a 50/50 tie. I know both of your grandmothers are crossing their fingers for a girl, but they will love you just as much if not more if you are a boy.

I mentioned last week that you had decided to make your presence known and this week I can defiantly see you (or rather your bump) in my profile. You are sitting really low, in fact your favorite spot is right below my fish tattoo. Perhaps you will be a little fish and love water as much as me. I hope so! I cannot wait for days and the beach and swim lessons at the YMCA.

I am feeling your little kicks and I am pretty sure your favorite place to sit is my bladder. I have gained 3 pounds with you so far and I can still fit into most of my regular clothes. You are making some of my pants and skirts pretty uncomfortable. Those maternity pant waistbands are looking mighty comfortable. The baby book says you can hear now and that your intestines are working. It also said that you can have hiccups at 5 months. This makes me laugh so much because both your Dad and I are prone to hiccups and I am sure you have had your fair share already!

Yesterday I ran 5 miles with you along for the ride and I think it was two of the best runs I have had in a long time. I felt so strong, kind of like super mama. Your Grandmom and Grandpop Martin gave you a jogging stroller for Christmas. We have picked out a shiny red Joovy stroller that comes highly recommended and I hope you will love being along for the ride. We have many many miles to conquer together :)

A very Tyler Florence Dinner

My grandmother didn't feel up to cooking this Christmas so I took my turn at the stove. I knew she wanted prime rib, potatoes, and vegetables, but the recipes and shopping were up to me. My source for all cooking knowledge comes from two places, foodnetwork.com and allrecipes.com. After a little google research I discovered Tyler Florence is your goto guy for Prime Rib and potatoes. Allrecipes.com makes awesome carrots. And if you plan to eat Brussel sprouts you must roast them.

Dinner was AWESOME!

My mom and I ended up cooking together which was a lot of fun. And somehow after all this amazing food we saved room for dessert.

Thank goodness pregnancy gives me a reason to eat an extra 300 calories a day.

Standing Rib Roast

Horseradish Mashed Potatoes

Balsamic Carrots

Roasted Brussel Sprouts

Our current bedtime reading

There was a time when I used to read scientific journals before bed. Then I switched the journals for trashy beach reads and chick-lit. Then I started teaching middle school and would read teen novels during the school year and chick lit in the summer. My current authors for teens are Ally Carter and Roland Smith. But now...

We read these.

I feel like there is so much information to cram and so little time.

5 months, 5 miles

I love the week in between Christmas and New Years. The holiday rush is over, but I am still off, my mom is still here, and the holiday decorations and merry feeling are still very much present. I didn't have much of an agenda for today other than to go to the gym and use a few gift cards.

I went to the gym by myself this morning to run a quick three miles and do some leg work. After, I picked up my mom to run errands (Target, Bed Bath & Beyond, & Pier 1). We also ended up making a stop at the outlets for after Christmas sales.

J. Crew had fantastic sales the Jackie cardigans were on sale for $20 and all the jewelry is 50% off. We left Crew and headed to Gap where my mom scored sweaters for $10! Our last stop was Banana Republic. Banana is really Mr. R's store, but I found some great deals today. A dress for $16 and cute tees for 50% off.

I am looking forward to some warmer weather where I can show off more of my outfit than just my coat :)

After a short nap Mr. R wanted to hit the gym so I went back and ran another 2 miles. My grand total for the day is 5 miles! I know it wasn't consecutive, but it feels pretty awesome to be 5 months pregnant and knock out 5 miles.

Also have you seen these adorable mugs from Pier 1. I love that they are multicolored and stackable!

Christmas Eve: Family Photos and Presents :)

Our Christmas Eve Tradition for the past few years has been dinner with my Grandparents, (where my Mom's crab bisque MUST be eaten with lots of bread and fresh black pepper), followed by Christmas Eve service, dessert, and present opening back here at the house.

Another free picture slideshow by Smilebox

Christmas Morning Photos

I love the pictures people take on Christmas morning.

The sheer joy on make-up less faces and tired eyes that show curiosity and excitement.

I love that we still wear pjs in our house when presents are opened.

I love that this is the one time per year that I wear my glasses and take pictures with pride.

Mr. R and I opened presents from his family this Christmas morning and we loved everything!

Thank you so much Mom and Pop Republican!

By the way, Simon has not stopped begging for snausages.

He is snubbing all other treats in hopes another one will come his way.

Chelsey introduced me to a new blog that sends you on a photo scavenger hunt each Sunday. I was intrigued and pretty soon I was hooked. This week's theme was Holiday. The only rules are to find pictures from the week that fit the titles below and link up.

Done & Done.

1. Family: Mom & Jeff on Christmas

2. Motion Blur: The pups love to open presents!

Thanks Grandmom & Grandpop for our Snausages!

3. Packages: Mailed to family & friends far away

4. Glow: I love our tree. I wish it could stay up all year!

5. Sparkle: I got some bling for Christmas!

The hubs did good!

Date of the Month Club (Year 2)

Mr. R. and I had a blast on our monthly dates last year. It was the Christmas present that kept on giving. Each month we would look forward to a surprise night out that was almost preplanned. No more "what are we going to do tonight?" questions.

This year I tried to add dates that we hadn't done before and include a few of Mr. R's favorite things. Also, I wanted to squeeze in a few mini vacations before Baby Repub makes his/her appearance.

So without further waiting and stalling.
Mr. R's most amazing present!
Date of the Month Club 2011!

Merry Christmas from Mr. R and Me

I hope you day is filled with love, family, joy, and lots of kisses (mistletoe or not!)

Baby Talk Wednesday #4

Dear Baby,

We hit 20 weeks this week. You have officially been inside of me for 5 months and you are half way to make your big debut in May. I can't believe that on the 29th, one week from today, we will know if you are a boy or a girl. That is if you choose to cooperate this time. Your dad and I joke all the time that you are just as stubborn as your Mom and the pups. You will soon learn that your fur siblings Simon & Sophie don't always like to follow the rules either.

I have been working on your nursery some (we moved all the boxes out this weekend and took measurements) and I think we have your name nailed down. Your Dad really wants you to have a strong cool name and your Mom, well I am just concerned about you being cute and making sure you won't have a nickname that people will use to tease you. Your mom teaches middle school and has learned that a good name is very important to surviving grades 6-8 unscathed.

I am feeling you move a bit more this week especially at night. I think this means you are going to be a party animal. Maybe you will become a bit more mellow after birth. I am praying that you will sleep through the night. Your mommy really likes sleep, a good 8 hours to be exact.

Today was the first day that a stranger recognized your Mom as pregnant. I guess you are deciding to make your presence known. Maybe this is the same reason your Mama's jeans are starting to get tight even after massive stretching and running 3 days a week. Let's just cross our fingers that you will give me a cute basketball baby bump. Your mom would still like to be attractive while housing you.

Your dad heard your heart beat on Friday and he keeps checking daily in hopes to hear you moving around. We wonder if you are still flipping and turning or if you have settled into a comfy spot.

It hasn't been the easiest 5 months with you little one, but we are stoked you have made it this far.

Love, Your Mama

Scary news, happy ending...

This morning I called my grandmother to see if she wanted to run errands and do lunch. She said she wasn't feeling great and was headed to the doctor, but could I pick her up a few things. The doctor said her blood pressure was spiking and referred her to a specialist at Mayo Clinic. Two hours later she is having a heart cauterization and stint is being suggested. (If you can't tell this is the scary part). The doctors say she had a mild heart attack Monday night and their is a blockage. Two hours later we get another call. NO BLOCKAGE! Happy dances ensue. She is resting comfortably at Mayo waiting for an EKG and will be monitored for the rest of the night. No stint or open heart surgery needed.

Christmas Miracle?

Yes!

Another lesson not to take our loved one for granted?

Yes!

Happy Ending?

Let's just keep praying and I'll let you know more tomorrow.

How to spend your solstice, Hilary style:

3 AM lunar eclipse viewing

Cleaning the bedroom

7 loads of laundry

Mail Christmas Packages

Mini Power Nap

Last Minute Christmas Shopping @ the Town Center

Chipotle Eating

Watch two episodes of Best Thing I Ever Ate

Now to cuddle with Mr. R under the big blue quilt.

Best Solstice Yet!

Day 2 of Christmas Break:

I woke up NEEDING grits. Who really needs grits? Anyway I made them and they were OK. I still don't think I am a grits fan, but perhaps this baby is. For the me, I busted out the Publix fruit tray and ate all the strawberries. I hope Mr. R didn't want any!

Did I tell you I bought a whole fruit tray yesterday? I wanted strawberries, pineapple, and melon. I tried to buy them all individually but I did a quick cost analysis and found it would only be a tad more expensive if I just bought the fancy medium sized fruit tray. Fruit tray it was! I think I will be buying these all the time now.

It would always look like a party was going on in the Repub. house and I would get all the fresh fruit my little hear desires. Love!

A+ in the dinner department

With time off for Christmas I am finding the need to experiment and flex my cooking muscles. (I hope you won't mind if this blog goes foodie for a few days).

My bloggy friend Taylor posted a MUST TRY sandwich last week and I thought tonight was the perfect night to try it. You take two slices of sourdough, 3 slices of brie, 1/4 a green apple, and 1/2 a pear (the fruits must be sliced VERY THIN), and 3 slices of deli turkey (or roast turkey if you have it one hand). Stack the meat, cheese, and fruit between the bread and place it in your panini press.

This sandwich is AMAZING! I think Panera actually sells it, or maybe wholefoods, but it is super easy to make and a MUST TRY for sure.

I made two sandwiches, but we shared one and I served the halves with spicy sweet potato soup.

This soup tastes like an Africa peanut soup we used to eat in DC and I cannot get enough of it. You can make it on the stove in 30 minutes or in your crock if you are going to be out for the day.

And because we love our condiments in the Republican household I decided to try Alton Brown's cranberry dipping sauce.

This sauce is meant to go over turkey and stuffing, but it tasted fabulous with our panini tonight and I hear it great with apple/cheddar grilled cheese.

So all in all tonight's dinner looked a bit like this. And was devoured in seconds!

Seasons Eatings!