Terrific Tuesday!

It's a Terrific Tuesday Blog Post!

Woke up around 4:40 this morning to baby kicking away. He's a morning person, just like his momma! So I popped out of bed, poured a cup of coffee and moved to the recliner with my lab top.

A few seconds later it was a party-- Both pups jumped up and curled in right between my legs!

My party of ONE, turned into a party of three with no room for movement. I take advantage, they are so cute ;)

Once the sun started to rise, I ran outside to catch a pic of the beautiful sunrise. I love sunrises, they are refreshing, they represent a new start and a beginning. New day's bring new opportunities and blessings!

Also, my morning was made special by a fabulous package from my beautiful friend Lisa at {Making messes, making memories}. 

She send me a BUMP shirt and a cute card. She's always been SUCH a thoughtful person, always sending cards, sweet texts and love to me. We've known each other for a whopping 19 years! Blessed to have her as one of my best friends! <3

I LOVE the shirt, Lisa!

I'm officially 21 weeks tomorrow! {The countdown begins}. I'm feeling great, getting bigger and focusing on exercise/eating clean to stay active and health these last 4-ish months.

Well, It's only 7:20am so it's off to start my day! 

First, a couple hours at the Physical Therapy office. Then, ALL the company leads fell into my Body FX back office yesterday, so MANY E-mails will be sent out as well as tons of phone calls to make. Having a home biz is one of the funnest things. It teaches you so much, you can help others, you can make money, work in your yoga pants, meet new people, feel accomplished, find motivation all while in the comfort of your own home! Feeling super blessed with my jobs, YAY!

Have a fab day!

XO,

Hannah

Getting Rid of the "Debbie-Downer" Mentality!

HELLO!!! This is a confession/learning situation post... 

This morning I was totally struggling with being content, or the lack of... Uugghh! Most of the time I look to the positive things in life and live “glass half full”, but for some reason I let the small {insignificant} things take over my mind. Negativity is like a poison to me, some people can live their whole lives being a Debbie-Downer and letting life get the best of them. Not I! I thrive on positivity and endorphins!

I woke up and was super irritated with the smallest little issues, some say to blame it on pregnancy hormones—But I take full responsibility for my negativity in this instance. I was just letting these issues become an elephant when it was really only the size of an ant.

After Dave left for work {He was eager to leave me to my issues, I’m sure!} I knew I needed to do something to get out of this funk! I sat on the porch as he drove away and started writing down all of the things that were bothering me. I read them over and over and it suddenly occurred to me; I was creating this victim attitude towards these small issues that, in the BIG picture, mean NOTHING! I was bringing down my husband, totally ignoring the pups, causing a fuss over absolutely nothing… I felt like a total loser.  So, I laced up my shoes, grabbed my water bottle and headed out for a walk –FRESH AIR- exactly what the Doctor orders in these situations. After my walk, I came home and turned on a prenatal yoga video {STRETCH}, sat and took deep breaths. Thinking about that list and cancelling out all of the situations I wrote down, with positive thoughts instead of negative. I know this sounds all new-age-y and spiritual, but it really wasn’t.

I needed solitude, where I could be alone with my thoughts, focus on the blessings that will come out of these situations that seem “bigger & badder than life” and MOVE THE HECK ON! Sometimes you have to give up the good to get to the great!

Thank you Lord for helping me see!!

What I learned: We are all dealt certain situations in life that totally suck! Some worse than others—WE are the ONLY ones who can either look at the positive through these situations or focus on how horrible they are. There is no one who will do it for us.

Dwell on the negative or positive? It’s totally your decision, but when I took a few deep breaths and got rid of those negative situations, I felt like a MILLION BUCKS. The hubby cam home to a HUGE apology, clean house and dinner. The pups got their pettins, and I got my “happy” back.

Have you ever been in this situation?? Do you let the "debbie-downers" take you down??

XO,

Hannah

Definitely look a happier than I was, LOL-- Sweat out your issues! It works!

It's a BOY!

It's a Boy!!!

Not only are we having a baby boy, but he is HEALTHY!!! 

My alarm clock went off at 3:30 am on Wednesday, I got out of bed, made some coffee, got dressed and started my long day of traveling...  Not many people have to catch a flight to have their ultrasound done, but yet, another JOY of living in Maui... The best doctors are an island away! 

A few weeks ago we found out I'd have to head over to Oahu to see a specialist and have an extensive ultrasound done to confirm baby's skeletal structure was normal. My hubby was born with Craniocynastosis- a condition where the baby's fontanelle's (soft spots) close too early, causing a plethera of issues to a newborn, including a smaller chance of survival {Something NO pregnant woman wants to hear}. Miraculously, Dave was healed from this genetic disorder, but we didn't know that there was a huge chance of it being passed down to our little one. So, my doctor here on Maui sent us over to see a specialist at Kapiolani Fetal and Maternal Medicine Institute in Honolulu to have this ultrasound to make sure everything was doing what it was suppose to. There have been a lot of medical advances in the past 27 years {Since the hubby was born} Therefore, if they see any abnormalities they could do some pre-birth treatments to help baby's bones :)

When we heard I'd have to travel over to Oahu to have this done and Dave couldn't go with me, my friend, Megan, didn't hesitate to buy a plane ticket, put her kiddo's in daycare, get up at the crack of dawn and come with me. TRUE friendship right there. Not many people would sacrifice their time, and money just to make sure you felt comfortable and had a partner just in case something was wrong! I felt overwhelmingly blessed by her presence! 

So, we turned it into a "girl's day" and made the best! One quick plane ride there, about 30 minutes in the air, a taxi ride to the hospital, and it began. They took us back right away, yay for no wait, and the US began. It took over an hour. The Ultrasound Tech counted every bone fragment {Since not every bone is fused yet}, measured all sorts of things, measured blood flow, monitored the heart, took tons of pics, etc. Once she left, the specialist came in and did another ultrasound, talked about different things he saw, chatted with me and confirmed that everything looked normal. He was so reassuring and happy, which made me happy! After this, we headed back to chat with another specialist who was just as kind. She looked over some things and also gave baby the clear. Overall, GREAT news! Baby was healthy- I was not longer classified as a "high risk" pregnancy, we can deliver in Maui and all of that news made my MONTH! :) Oh, also, during this US, Megan was by my side the whole time-- Every step of the way. She even got to see what the baby was. I didn't want to know what it was until I was with my hubby so she kept it a secret ALL day and when I got home that evening, Dave and I opened the little picture album they gave us to see a PENIS! YAY :) We were both sure it was a girl, so we were totally caught off guard, but so stinking excited! 

After all of the doctors appts were done, Megan and I walked to downtown Honolulu and spent a few hours at Ala Moana shopping center <--- OMG an actual mall, with a Nordstrom! {Something you don't find on Maui}. We ate at the Macaroni Grill {Super YUM!}, window shopped at the high end stores and then headed back to the airport for the flight home. 

It was a FABULOUS day with my friend!

When I met this girl 2 years ago, I had no idea the impact she'd make on my life. So blessed by her friendship! She can turn a day full of stress in to a fun girls day on the town!

Anywho, just thought I'd share a little of my week! Now it's the weekend and I'm spending it with my hubby-- YAY!

XO,

Hannah

{Rainy, Lazy, Happy Day}

Well GOOD afternoon & Happy Saturday J

FINALLY!!  Last night marked the END of spring semester for me! As Alice Cooper sings, "School's out for Summer" WOOOHOOO! This means I have three months of happiness ahead of me, with no assignments/tests/homework.  Needless to say, after I clicked submit on my last project at 9:40pm last night, I crawled in bed and slept like a baby.

This morning I woke up to rain clouds. Normally I would be sad, but after the crazy heat-no wind-hotness we’ve been experiencing here on the North Shore, it was a nice change.

I popped right out of bed feeling, "free form school", and made pancakes & coffee for the hubby and I. We still ate outside on our lanai, even though it was pouring! {I refuse to eat inside in the summertime- no matter the weather conditions – We live in Hawaii for goodness sake!}  Sorry, I munched up the pancakes without taking a picture for ya—next time?

Our Lanai {On a sunny day}! Can't complain...

I sent Dave off to work with a warning stating: If I’m in the same position when you come home {Laying in our recliner with my Macbook perched on my lap}, don’t judge! Good news though, I got up a few times… Once to head to the bed to take a MUCH NEEDED & DESERVED nap, another time to find my bright pink nail polish and a couple times here and there for snacks, potty breaks, stretch sessions… Do I feel guilt? Nope!

I did paint my nails—BRIGHT PINK! {of course} Nothing says summertime like bright colors and pink happens to be my fav! Plus, the turquoise I had on my nails was barely hanging on, only by a few chips on every other nail! So sad and totally unacceptable... Don't these look better?

All in all, it was a great day! 

I did do some “goal setting”, for some that’s work, for me it’s excitement! Looking into what the future holds gives me joy and happiness. The life I live has been amazing so far and I know it’s not going to get worse. Sure, everyone has their ups and downs and if you know me personally—you know I’ve had both.

Life is only as good as you make it. You can let your past creep in and steal your current joy or you can learn from it, move on and be free! Writing out goals, to me, is a freeing experience— I can look through the past goals I’ve set for myself and see what I’ve accomplished, it’s amazing, empowering and motivating! It keeps me pushing towards my dreams.

I encourage EVERYONE to have a Goal writing sesh every week! Set goals, accomplish them and feel amazing!

Do you write out goals?

XO,

Hannah

19 Weeks Along!

The last few months have been insane! The wife of a nursing student, pregnant for the first time, taking classes myself, homework, studying, sleeping and managing everything… Whew! It’s been tiring.

The day after tomorrow this semester will be O.V.E.R! Yay! {Can you tell, I’m ready?} It will be so nice to just focus on my pregnancy, preparing for Baby S, spending time with my hubby, NOT thinking about projects/homework/studying. There are SO many other things that I’ll inevitably get wrapped up in—That’s just me!

What have I done these last three months??

I became a founding coach of an amazing online fitness/health company called Body FX, I’m uber excited to jump in and get started. It’s still in the pre-launch phase {Thank goodness} because I’ve just been so busy to add another thing to my plate. BUT this opportunity is amazing. It lines up with my passions and goals: Helping others get fit/healthy, making money from home, and enjoying amazing “clean” products.

I got another step closer to my bachelor’s degree in Business! So proud of myself. This semester was difficult for me, but I stayed focused and kept on keeping on. My last final is on Friday and then I will not have to think about school until August. A three month, MUCH needed break!

I’ve been making a baby! Baby S is 19 weeks {the size of a mango} <- How fitting is that, being that I live in Hawaii! 

The past 19 weeks have definitely had their ups and downs, WAY more ups than downs. This pregnancy is so easy compared to some other ladies horror stories. 

The first trimester I was SO exhausted, my morning coffee was what got me through {I’m aware some of you may disagree with caffeine and pregnancy, BUT this is my pregnancy and I am deciding what I am/am not going to consume}. Though I am proud to say, I did not have one ounce of morning sickness which makes me so happy. I did eat WAY more than I should have, but hey, can’t go back… The second trimester has been a breeze. Gaining weight isn’t my favorite part but I’m really just accepting it and getting totally excited for the “post baby shred”, my boobs are absolutely huge {Perk for the hubby} I went from a full A cup to a “I’m too big for a C cup, but not quite a D” and they are suppose to get bigger?? I have no clue how that is going to work out. We shall wait and see! ;) I’m eating every 2-3 hours, totally trying to snack on healthies, but OMG—I just crave junk! LOL! Self control, Hannah, Self-control!

I find out 5/15 if it’s a boy or girl, but right now I’m just enjoying the occasional flutter/popcorn popping feeling in my tummy and trying to create a happy environment for Baby S to grow in <3

My birthday was a few weeks ago and my BFF, Ruth, from Oregon {who now lives in Arkansas} flew here to TOTALLY surprise me! It was the week of a lifetime. I could write a whole blog post about it’s epic-ness, but honestly, it was just one of those “you had to have been Ruth or Hannah to enjoy it” type of trips! Words to describe the feeling the trip gave me: Happy-Crazy-Emotional-Blessed-Thankful-Honored-Funny-Memorable.

That’s about it! Sorry for the HUGE delay between posts—This momma has been BUSY!

XOXO

Hannah

We're Pregnant

Say What?? Yep!! It’s true! 

                                         We're Pregnant!

After 7 blissful years of marriage my hubby and I are expecting our first child. Baby S is due in October!

Let the Shock Sink in...

We found out on January 28th, 2013 and I can be honest-- We were surprised! Telling our family and friends, we noticed, everyone around us was more excited than we were... I felt bad, like I am the worst female ever! Aren’t you suppose to be excited, joyful, happy about such a blessing?? Where are my maternal instincts and when do they kick in?? Well, it took a few weeks.. Actually, a little over a month for the idea of “being pregnant” or the thought “we’re gonna have a baby” to sink in. It was a bummer, I wanted to shake all the negative thoughts, but they clung to me like a static-y dryer sheet!

Here are a few thoughts that went through our minds during the few weeks of “shock” after we found out... 

-We have NO family here, how are we going to get help?! 

-We still have TWO years of school here in Hawaii!

-Maybe the tests were false positives? Should we get another?

-Are you sure that's a REAL baby on the ultrasound screen?

-How are we going to afford this (on a student budget)?! 

-We live in a studio with JUST enough room for us and our two dogs, we’re gonna have to move!

-What will the dogs think? 

-How’s Grizzly going to handle the change? 

Dave: What about our trip to Europe next summer?

Me: OMG- I’m gonna be HUGE (Super selfish thought, I’m aware)! 

Dave: Did we even want to have kids? 

Me: NO! I didn't think so?! 

Dave: How did this happen? 

Me: Well-- When a boy and a girl like eachother...

Both of us: Oh My GOSH, we are having a baby!

These were just a few of the life altering thoughts frantically running through our over-stressed minds. 

I’m not sure if a lot of first time parents deal with these same feelings about baby/pregnancy... I have just known so many people who’ve wanted a baby and they try and try, so when it finally happens they are overjoyed and excited. I also think of my friends who've lost their babies and how devastated they were. I almost felt guilty for just "getting pregnant" so easily. In the beginning, we clung to the phrase “The Lord’s timing is perfect” and "He never gives you more than you can handle" Because we know the Lord is good, faithful and He ALWAYS makes a way! 

This IS Happening, Let's embrace the bump!

Skip forward to just a couple weeks ago, we started really embracing the idea :) Getting amazing long-distance support from friends and family, local support of friends here on Maui and because it’s starting to SHOW in daily life --> in my growing tummy, urinary frequency, aversion to meat or anything cooked in olive oil, crazy mood swings, unsatisfiable hunger, insomnia, heartburn and sleepiness. 

Today, I’m officially 12 weeks. There are still days every now when I struggle and think, oh no, what’s happening?!? BUT, there are WAY more days where Dave and I are excited about Baby S, we talk, plan and get excited about expanding our cool little family.

Watching my tummy grow is definitely exciting!!

:) Listening to the baby's heartbeat and seeing Baby S on the ultrasound are amazing experiences. Getting maternity clothes and baby blankets, birthing books and baby advice is fun! Receiving more LOVE than I could have ever imagined on FB, twitter, texts, Emails. I've had HUNDREDS of likes, comments and love from everyone and it makes us feel SO special ;) THANK-YOU

Hannah, How Are You Staying Healthy?

The truth comes out-- YOU know I don't lie and wouldn't keep my downfalls from you, just as I don't keep my successes from you! I'm human & pregnant, so if you want to judge-- Shame on you ;)

When I found out I was pregnant, I went Cray-Zy! I got super down and depressed, anxiety was high, stress was even higher. I put all of my healthy ways on the back burner and just ATE-- I did this for almost 4 weeks! AND in those four weeks I gained 9 lbs!!! Uugghhh, I was so disappointed with myself when I stepped up on the scale-- I COULD NOT BELIEVE IT! And the thought, "Oh I can lose that in a couple weeks!".. Doesn't work when your pregnant! The good part about the first 4 weeks was that I popped my pre-natal daily, so Baby S got his/her vitamins and minerals even though mommy was being bad.

Over the last few weeks I've gotten back on track and it feels Oh-SO-Amazing! Eating my veggies and fruits, getting my work-outs in, managing my emotions the HEALTHY way! YAY for me :) 

As my first trimester comes to an end, I feel like the 2nd and 3rd trimester will be amazing. I'm aware feeling ginormous may not feel amazing, but the choices I make from here on out will be exactly what I need to get through this and ENJOY it. I'm hoping to still stay on track with my weight gain even though it was cray-cray in the beginning. I really want to be the person who embraces pregnancy, my changing body and motherhood. I strive on positivity and as you can see from the beginning of this post-- Positivity was not on my side and the negativity brought on nasty side effects. The Lord is good to me and had blessed me SO much in this life, I know He's ready to bless Dave and I again and I'm excited to see everything come to pass!

More updates will follow!!  

xo,

Hannah

Haven't Been to the Gym & It's Wednesday!

Happy Wednesday Dolls,

WOW! This week has been a really weird blur... I'm either fighting a cold, flu or just in a major funk! Super tired, dehydrated & my left eye is twitching {have no clue if that's good or bad, but it's here this week and it wasn't last week}.

This afternoon I seemed to perk up a tad-- I slept in this morning, maybe that's what my body needed to "rejuvenate". I haven't been in the gym since Friday, busy weekend
& not feeling well so far this week. Honestly, what I SHOULD BE doing is heading to the gym-- I preach the health benefits of fighting fatigue with fitness, yet am home feeling fatigued and not heading to the gym, lol... What shall I do with myself?!

Anywho, now that I've convinced myself to head to the gym tonight... I wanted to give you an update on what's happening here! Ha!

My garden is starting to show some signs of life. It's so exciting to watch the seeds turn into little sprouts. Below are the only things growing, so far. Radishes! They are so cute, I'm proud of how tall they've grown in 6 days!

Baby Radishes

Other new things-- I've started {as of today} the 30 Day Push by Chalene Johnson. She is amazing, SUCH an inspiration to me! I've done this program 5 times & every time it teaches me something new about setting priorities and goals. It's such a great way to start the year, so I'm doing it! I have the book as well and am going to do the online program alongside the book. Good stuff right here :)

Grizzly is a Chalene fan, as well :)

Another exciting thing for me is this...

A Pomegranate!

I NEVER buy these, but love the taste. My neighbor had purchased too many, so she brought me one. I love these seeds on salads and such. I may even find a new recipe to use my pomegranate in. We shall see.

Well, I hope you are feeling AMAZING and full of energy and love! I'm headed to the gym after dinner & determined to FEEL BETTER.

xo
Hannah