7:11 am | Up and at ’em a little earlier than normal today. Knocked a few things out before I started my day and it felt so good. These windows are still my favorite feature of this house.
7:54 am | My shadow on my walk to work. Bump – check. Backpack – check.
6:06 pm x 2| Kevin had dinner ready for me when I got home – extra thankful after a busy day. We had chicken, green beans, and potatoes and it was one of the best Hello Fresh meals I’ve had yet.
7:43 pm | I mentioned on Tuesday that I’m studying for a real estate test, so that continued this evening. Lucky to have some cuddle bugs helping me out with the material.
9:21 pm | After a walk and phone call with my mom, I sat outside on the porch to cool down. It was a beautiful evening to just chill out.
8:05 am | Mornings around here. Even though Chloe has lived here longer, Willow definitely rules the roost. The end of the couch is her favorite spot so she can rest her head and look out the window. She will absolutely squeeze between Chloe and the armrest or completely push Chloe out of the way to get to her spot if she needs to.
12:41 pm | Balloons at work! We had a little event going on at work and these guys were bouncing around above my computer screen. I don’t post a lot about work here, but I’m glad to be a tiny part of helping Veterans buy homes.
5:21 pm | The pups are always waiting at the door when I get home and sometimes we have to go outside to burn off the energy that gets stored up while they wait for me to come in. So thankful for a space for them to run around safely.
6:32 pm | Our favorite Columbia spot – Flat Branch. A friend received some exciting news, so we met up for dinner and drinks to celebrate!
8:32 pm | I walk and talk on the phone with my mom about five nights a week. It’s an amazing time to catch up and normally the dogs walk with me. We’ve been doing this for over a year now – one good thing that came out of being at home due to the pandemic. We had a particularly beautiful sunset after a day of gorgeous weather.
9:52 pm | Wrapped up the book Radical Candor which I’m discussing with a friend at work. It was a good one and I’m thankful to spend time growing and chatting about leadership with others.
8:30 am | Today I used a half day of PTO for a doctor’s appointment that I didn’t have until mid-morning. This meant that I got to wake up slow, cuddle with the dogs, and take my time getting ready for the day. Willow is clearly hating every minute of our extra time together.
9:57 am | With having a more curated capsule wardrobe of maternity clothes, I definitely notice when there’s laundry that needs to be folded. I’m pretty routine on getting the laundry done, but I could be better about putting it away in a timely manner.
11:28 am | Kevin and I snagged a selfie in the elevator after our appointment today. Baby is doing well and we got a few questions answered. I also signed up for a few classes to prep for baby’s arrival – it gets more real every single day. These appointments are pretty quick, which allowed me to pop on over to work after grabbing a bite to eat.
5:37 pm | Heading home for the day. My kanken backpack (complete with my mama bear pin Kev gave me for Mother’s Day) is my current staple during the week. It’s so much easier to carry everything on my back, so I’m definitely leaning toward a backpack style diaper bag as well.
6:22 pm | We’ve been doing Hello Fresh off and on for the last couple months, and I have to say that we’ve set our groove for things that we enjoy – both making and eating. It’s a fun way to mix up what we’re eating and try some brand new meals/foods, too. Tonight was the “Fully Loaded Pork Taquitos” and it did not disappoint. Tomatoes have been my jam and also my downfall *queues heartburn*.
7:50 pm | Spent some time studying Missouri’s Real Estate Business Conduct and Practice for an upcoming test. I’m sure this won’t be the only time it pops up this week. Peep those sweet pups snuggling on the couch in the back ground.
7:24 am | Since being pregnant, I’ve been sleeping in a little later. Throughout the week, Kevin typically gets up to let the dogs out and then they come snuggle back in bed with me until my alarm goes off (or let’s be honest – a little after my alarm). It’s one of my favorite parts of the day. I’ve always been a hop out of bed person, but pregnancy has really opened my eyes to the perks of the snooze button.
8:02 am | I started using daily contacts this year and it’s been a game changer. I had the bad habit of sleeping in my monthlys before (don’t judge) so getting to put in fresh contacts daily really is truly a luxury – and so much better for my eyes.
8:20 am | Today I let the dogs out before I headed off to work. Of course, they got their paws all muddy thanks to the recent rain which means that they also got foot baths when we came in from outside. Thankfully they know what to do when I tell them to “get in the bath” so it only takes us about 5 minutes.
5:40 pm | On my way in from work, I stopped to check on my peonies. Every year, I anticipate the blooms and never have I been disappointed. We’re getting close.
6:01 pm | We recently got the dresser all set up for the nursery. I am beyond excited about how it is all coming together and am super thankful to Kevin for taking some time to put it together.
6:30 pm | Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about slowing down and what it looks like to experience things at a speed that they were meant to be enjoyed – not rushing through, but also not going so slow that you’re wasting time. I think it’s a fine line. I spent some time hanging outside, enjoying the 60 degree weather and all the plants that are currently in bloom. There is so much gratitude for this day and this project that’s allowing me to spend time looking at my life in a way that will certainly be different in a few months.
As a side note, I’ve been doing this same project off and on for a few years. In 2018, we did Week in the Life in May and while I would say my life probably hasn’t changed much since then – I would certainly be wrong. If you feel like taking a trip down memory lane with me, check out these posts:
I’ll be sharing photos like these every day this week with Ali Edwards’ Week in the Life project. It’s not too late to get started if you feel like following along. Thanks for stopping by!
I am twenty-three weeks pregnant and feeling good. I’m currently only fitting into the maternity clothes I’ve been buying over the past couple weeks and the bump is starting to really pop out.
We are loving the Dispo App lately. Kevin and I are both working on cutting down our social media time, but both enjoy taking photos and documenting our daily lives. I love the way that this app filters photos and makes you wait for them to “develop”.
I ate the best crostinis of my life at Pappo’s.
We got our rocking chair delivered, thanks to my parents! Still a few items to move out of the room, but we’re making progress. More to come soon on the nursery!
The weather was the absolute best and we definitely enjoyed lots of time outside.
It’s hard to believe that a year ago, the world completely shut down. One night we were out to dinner for our anniversary and the next we were making plans to start working from home. What we all thought was going to be two weeks to “slow the spread” has turned into a year of unknowns with a small light that we’re all hoping and praying is the end of the tunnel and not another mirage.
It’s been a crazy year, to say the least. I don’t want to downplay the destruction and sadness and loss. In a world where that hurt is everywhere you turn, it can be hard to even look back on. For me, there has been so much growth that’s happened here. We’ve had to pivot a thousand times, try new things, think outside the box, ask for help, and have gratitude for the little things (like having toilet paper, pups who are happy to have you working from home, and curb side pick up dates with Kev).
When talking with a friend recently I mentioned that quarantine reminded me of an intense Sabbath. And as I dig into that, I know it doesn’t all line up, but the quiet, the sitting with yourself, family time, fresh air, and reliance and faith in God truly refreshed my soul in such a weird and lonely time. As we hope to emerge into the other side of this pandemic life, I’m sure it will be easy to fall back into the habits that look more like the other six days of the week, which for me always prioritize productivity and busyness. Another friend recently encouraged me to write down ways that I want to continue living out this Sabbath lifestyle post-COVID. While we’re definitely not out of the woods yet, here’s what I hope to remember:
I never want to take for granted feeding people around our table. It doesn’t matter how messy our house, how crazy the dogs, or how simple the meal. This is a place for people.
I want to continue treating my body like it’s loved for what it is, not what I want it to be. I spent a ton of time outside exercising and walking the dogs and I want to continue the rhythm of including that in my day.
I want to wear clothes that are comfy. If working from home and not seeing people without a mask on has taught us anything, it should be that we can go out in public in a groutfit.
I never want to take for granted fountain soda or eating inside of restaurants. Sorry not sorry.
I never want to take hugs for granted. Social distancing has done a number on our personal bubble. Let’s reduce it for our family and friends after COVID.
During COVID, Kevin launched FinalVibe to focus on legacy and the way we spend our lives which lead to a lot of amazing conversations about our lives and the future. I hope to continue living intentionally and numbering my days.
I want to continue pursuing my relationship with God in a way that recognizes my need for Him, and the reality of my lack of control (despite how I sometimes feel).
I never want to go a year without some kind of travel. You know the feeling when you want to do something just because you can’t? Wanderlust just hits different in 2021. I can’t wait to look up Cayman Islands flights and finally go on a vacation.
Don’t take for granted plans that aren’t cancelled. I had entire weeks and months crossed out in my planner, I hope that never happens again.
If you’re reading this, I hope you’ll take time to think a little deeper about the ways that COVID has changed you, and all the things you never want to take for granted when this is all over. I’d love to hear your thoughts if you’re up to sharing them down below. ❤️
