Three Steps to an Awesome Date Night In

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Hunter and I live away from most of our family and both grandmas. We have lots of friends here, but asking a friend to watch your child can be hard. Especially if they have kids too! We never want to inconvenience anyone and when someone other than family is watching Oaks I get super paranoid. We really try to go on a date once a week because it is so important for us to get away and remember what life was like before becoming parents, but it can definitely be difficult to find a babysitter at a convenient time. We've been really lucky to have Hunter's sister close by to watch Oaks when she's available, but occasionally a date night in is what we do to give ourselves a special night, just the two of us. I know several people think of date night in as not a fun date, but it can be super fun! So, I'm including three tips in this post to make an awesome date night in.

Step 1) Plan out a great meal

Hunter and I are total foodies. We love a good date night meal and love to taste each other's meal. We are fans of bold flavors and meals that look good. Appearance is totally huge for us ;) With the holidays here, we are trying to implement healthier dishes into our meals. When planning a date night in recently, I came across MorningStar Farms® Veggie Bowls and loved all the different flavor options. While I'm a huge fan of making my own meals and testing out new recipes, I think date night should be fun and relaxing. Veggie bowls are a convenient and a delicious "as-is" meal solution. MorningStar Farms Veggie Bowls are not only for vegetarians—they are for everyone. My husband even loved them! Veggie Bowls are made with Chik’n Strips, Steak Strips and Veggie Sausage Crumbles™. The Chik’n Strips are 100% vegan chik’n strips, lightly seasoned, and have 23g of protein with just 150 calories. Steak Strips are 100% vegan steak strips, lightly seasoned, and also offer 23g of protein at 150 calories. While Veggie bowls are perfect for a date night in, they are also good for all ages, demographics, and lifestyles. They taste good, are good for you, and are good for the world. Choose whatever meal you and your significant other really love, but I highly recommend MorningStar Farms® Veggie Bowls! We tried Chik’n Tikka Masala and Japanese Soba Noodles and they both had a really yummy flavor.

Step 2) Give yourself time to get "date night ready"

Just because you and your love aren't going out on the town, doesn't mean you can't get all dressed up! Spend a little extra time on your hair and makeup and be in one of your best dresses when he gets home. Have a vase of flowers on the table with dinner already made and you have yourself the perfect date night. Make sure you give yourself enough time to get ready for your date because if there's one thing I've learned in marriage, it's that men don't like waiting ;) Have fun with the ambiance and light some candles, turn on some music, and maybe even dim the lights if you can. Giving yourself time to get all of this ready will ensure you both have a wonderful experience dating inside your own home. Also, give yourself time to be ready to give your fully devoted attention to your loved one. I didn't think this was hard to do until I started having deadlines for my blog, a child to think about, numerous house chores, and other errands that need to be run. Make sure you get everything you need to do done ahead of time so you can be fully involved on your date. 

Step 3) Have a fun activity planned

There are actually so any fun activities out there you can do within your own home. No wasting gas, no sitting at stop lights, no loud crowds or busy restaurants... just the two of you in your house. You could set up blankets and pillows on the ground in front of the tv to make a cozy little spot that is perfect for snuggling to watch a movie. Pick out a movie you both haven't seen before and make a fun treat! You could also eat your MorningStar Farms® Veggie Bowls during this part of the date if you want! You can also do a little spa night in! Give each other massages and facials. Light some candles and give a foot rub! Have a relaxing night in. Have a game night! Buy some good 'ol board games that were your favorite growing up and play them all. You could also play video games, play 20 questions, or make one up! We also love going through old photos and reminiscing on the fun times we've had. Doing that with family videos is a blast too. One last idea is to have a workout date! Come up with some fun workouts together or find one online and get your sweat on together!

So now I want to know, what are your best date night in ideas??

All my love,

Aleigh Joy

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I Get to Love You

photo by Kiely Ro

I get to love you, it’s the best thing that I’ll ever do. I get to love you, it’s a promise I’m making to you. Whatever may come; your heart I will choose. Forever I’m yours, forever I do. 

(I get to love you by Ruelle)

It was a few days before Hunter left for his two year church mission and we were sitting outside in hammocks out in his parents backyard.

I knew I was going to wait for him, but we never really talked about what that really meant.

It was a conversation we had never addressed even though we had both thought about it over and over secretly in our minds full of marriage dreams.

"So you're going to write me... right?" Hunter asked.

"As often as I possibly can." I said with a smile.

"So what happens when you get home?" I asked without making eye contact.

"Well, I'll be going to school at BYU... and I mean hopefully I'll be married to you"

I smiled... "Hopefully is definitely right."

I honestly remember the day Hunter left like it was yesterday.

I cried more than I knew was possible and letting go from our last hug was harder than I can explain.

I watched the car drive away and just sat in mine, bawling, for a few minutes before even thinking straight. 

Then I saw the letter Hunter had slipped me... the first letter of many.

It was signed: "I love you Aleigh Joy. Always and Forever."

We had said "Always and Forever" often for years, but that time it hit me harder than before.

"I get to love him, for every single day, for the rest of forever." I remember thinking.

Forever is a hard word to comprehend, but I knew that was what I wanted.

The two years apart were hard, but remembering we had forever to look forward to made it just a little easier. 

When Hunter came home, everything fell right back into place.

I don't even remember it being the slightest bit awkward, it just felt so right.

We got engaged only one week later and I felt like I was floating I was so happy.

Only two months later, on March 1, 2014, we promised forever in the San Diego LDS temple. 

The next day we were on a plane to Utah to begin our life together. 

When Hunter carried me across the threshold I specifically remember thinking "this is just the beginning of forever" and feeling like the luckiest girl on earth.

Then, one week short of a year later we welcomed our baby girl into the world, a day I'll never ever forget.

I'll also never forget the Sunday after that...

I was hysterically crying in my husband's arms telling him I wasn't cut out to be a mother. 

He held me as I cried at least 30 more times as I faced a tough battle with PPD.

I saw him just minutes after he met with one of his coaches and they both decided his football career was at an end after being a star in high school.

We laughed and yelled into our pillows together at 3 in the morning when our baby had plans of staying up all night.

We sat in a tow truck after our car broke down for the third time 100 miles away from our home.

I squeezed his hand harder than I knew I had strength for during a long labor when the hospital refused to admit me.

We prayed together on our knees when our bank account showed that we probably wouldn't be buying groceries that week. 

We've fought and we've been angry, we've struggled and we've cried... 

But, somehow, I'm always reminded of the moment I became his bride and promised I would love him, forever. 

I was listening to the song, "I get to love you" the other day and was again taken back to that day, our wedding day, and literally started crying ugly tears upon hearing this line:

"They say love is a journey, I promise that I’ll never leave. When it’s too heavy to carry, remember this moment with me."

So Hunter, when the going gets tough... I promise to remember the feeling I had the moment we were married that rainy March day.

I'll remember the look you gave me after "kissing your bride."

I'll remember you whispering "you look gorgeous" in my ear during our first dance as husband and wife.

I'll remember how giddy we were as we left our reception.

And I'll always remember that I get to love you always and forever because choosing to love you through it all, is the best choice I'll ever make.

All my love,

Aleigh Joy

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Dating After Baby Comes

I think we've all heard it before... the dating doesn't end after the wedding.

You need to continue dating your spouse throughout the rest of your life together.

Hunter and I are high school sweethearts.

We met when I was 14 and he was 15 at a pool party.

For me, it was love at first sight. For him it took a little longer, but when he did come around (ha) there were some serious sparks.

We would have spent every waking moment together if we could have.

When we got married, we couldn't stand being away from each other longer than a few hours.

I know, that sounds like the typical newlyweds, but seriously we were smitten.

We loved just being together and the romance was always there.

The first year of marriage for us, was literally pure bliss.

We loved going on dates together whether it was a trip to the water park, a hike, a nice dinner, or just a picnic at the park.

A few weeks before having our sweet daughter, I noticed my mind starting to shift from being consumed in my husband to consumed in my baby.

I couldn't sleep... like ever... so I would lie awake in her nursery praying for her, making bows, adding last minute decor, and looking through all her little clothes.

There was a piece of me that was sad that this was the last little bit of time we had to spend together as just me and Hunter, but I couldn't take my mind off becoming a mother.

Once Oaklyn made her arrival, I was consumed in chores and soothing my baby and my husband quickly took the back seat.

I think this is probably quite typical in most families.

 Obviously the tiny person that just made their entrance into the world needs more attention than your fully capable husband, but it doesn't mean your husband doesn't still exist. 

Occasionally during the first few months of Oaklyn's life I would be rocking her to sleep in the middle of the night and I would glance over at Hunter sleeping in our bed. 

I longed to just snuggle up next to him and drop all of my responsibilities.

I loved my sweet baby, but I missed my spouse.

I missed just sitting on the couch and talking to him, I missed going on spur of the moment dates, and I definitely missed being spontaneous in every area of our marriage.

The first few times Hunter and I finally got the guts to take some time away and go on a date together, I was a complete wreck.

I was so excited to be with him, but I missed Oaklyn like crazy!

I couldn't just relax and be the wife I once was and I missed my old self.

It took time to get used to leaving her, but I'm so glad we decided to take time to focus on our marriage after having a baby.

So much of my time and energy is spent on Oaklyn.

I'm holding her, feeding her, talking to her, playing with her, getting her dressed, washing her clothes, cleaning up after her, changing her diapers, and so on all day everyday.

When Hunter comes home, I'm exhausted and really just want to lay on the couch and scroll through my insta feed mindlessly... and that is why dates are so important after having a baby.

When Hunter and I have a date planned, I get so excited to reconnect with him.

Going out to dinner as a family is fun, but it is usually spent trying to tame Oaklyn and find something she might actually eat.

When Hunter and I go out to eat together we are able to have a good conversation and focus on just each other. 

I love my daughter, I love her more than I can possibly say, but Hunter and I need time away from her.

We need to remember who we were before she came along.

We need to reconnect and talk about something other than sippy cups and dirty diapers.

We need the time to grow closer as a couple.

We need to remember how and why we fell in love in the first place.

We need to plan something special because our marriage is special.

We need to be able to stare into each other's eyes and say I love you without interruption. 

We need to take time for each other. 

We need to keep the fire we once had, alive.

We need to be playful with each other and take time away from responsibilities.

And, we need to miss our child so coming home feels that much more special. 

Having a baby is the best decision we have made yet as a married couple, but it has also been the hardest.

Our alone time has become limited and our minds are constantly distracted.

Hunter planned a date night this past weekend and it was just what we needed.

He made arrangements to have a babysitter and even chose the restaurant that I have been wanting to try for a while.

That is what sparked this post. It meant more to me than I can say to have him go out of his way to plan a date night with me. ( We went to Station 22 and highly recommend it.)

We love our daughter and find ourselves talking about her more often than not when we are away from her, but are learning more and more that our marriage needs to come first.

It has helped our relationship tremendously to ask family or friends to watch our little girl for a few hours while we take time to be together.

By dating your spouse on a regular basis after having a little one, your marriage will be strengthened in ways you didn't know needed to be strengthened. 

So, take some time out of your busy schedules to spend time together. 

Then, go home and snuggle your little one together ;)

All my love,

Aleigh Joy

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Year Two

As of yesterday, Hunter and I have been married for two years!

To be completely honest though... it feels like so much longer!

I mean, I've totally loved the guy since I was 14.

Everyone told us that the first year would be the hardest.

I would have to disagree in our case.

We already knew each other pretty well so the first year was spent making memories as newlyweds and loving every single moment together.

We had been dreaming about being married for years before it actually happened so when we finally tied the knot, every waking minute seemed perfect.

Year two... was a bit harder.

Now I don't mean harder as in "I wish I never got married." More like, "this little person will not stop crying and I am on my very last nerve" kind of harder.

Adding a baby to our family during our second year of marriage tested and tried us in ways we really didn't expect.

We still felt like newlyweds but had to devote almost all of our attention to the little baby that "needed us more."

Year two was spent figuring out how to balance being parents and nurturing our marriage.

It was spent comforting and calming each other down in the moments we really had no idea what else to do to help Oaklyn.

It was spent working together to figure out parenthood.

It was spent crying over watching her grown up.

It was spent celebrating in her victories,

It was spent mostly, revolving around, our daughter.

This post is not to say that I regret having Oaklyn so early on in our marriage.

It's also not to say that year two wasn't a good one, but more to say that during year two we grew together in a way we didn't know possible.

Oaklyn demanded a lot from us and at the end of the exhausting days, we had each other to turn to.

During the days that my PPD kicked into full gear and I couldn't stop crying over every little thing, Hunter showed me that he will always be there.

When our little girl in the room across the hall would wake up in the middle of the night and I couldn't bare one more sleepless night, Hunter managed to gather the strength to take the shift. so I didn't have to.
When nothing around the house seemed to get done and I still hadn't gotten dressed at 4 pm, Hunter still let me know I was the greatest mother and wife.

What I am trying to say is that after reflecting on year two, it was just as amazing, if not more, than year one.

It was different. It was physically demanding and mentally exhausting.

But, it taught us how to love when we didn't think we had anything left to give.

So Hunter, Thank you for the two best years of my existence.

I'm so excited to grow up and grow old with you.

I couldn't have dreamed up a better fairy tale.

I can't believe that I get to live this life with you by my side.

I remember that summer of '08 so clearly. 

You dove into the water and somehow I just knew.

I knew you were the one I wanted, and I'm so glad you saw it too.

You are my best dream come true. Sometimes I can't believe it really is a reality.

The past two years of marriage have brought ups and downs, highs and lows, but more than anything, they have brought me more happiness than I knew one person could have.

Thank you for being there for me when I need you and for loving me through it all.

Thank you for being my Prince Charming and for continuing to "date" me.

And thank you, so much, for making me a mother and being the amazing hands-on and involved father you are.

I watched you win football games, I watched you graduate high school, I watched you head off to college, I watched you leave for and return from serving your LDS mission, I watched you get down on one knee, I watched you say "yes" across the alter, I watched you when you saw that positive pregnancy test, and I watched you become a father. 

I can't wait to see the other milestones we will hit together in life.

This love is ours Hunter, and it is a love that only comes once in a lifetime.

I loved you then, love you still, always have and always will.

Last anniversary Oaklyn was a week old.

We both agree it may have been the lamest anniversary ever haha.

We also think it's pretty funny that Oaklyn will be around for every one of our anniversaries! Ha!

This year we had a wonderful anniversary together.

 I really don't know how we'll top it!

I woke up to a sweet text from Hunter followed by a sweet note on our dry erase board.

When I got in the car, there was even a love note on the front seat!

Later, I took my time getting ready for our night out.

Hunter took me to Bombay House in Provo and it was SO good!

We then went to Cold Stone and took our ice cream to go.

We went to this park that has special meaning to us and walked around hand in hand laughing and reminiscing.

We got home and spent some time with Oaks before putting her to bed.

Hunter then handed me the first clue to my scavenger hunt!

I couldn't believe he planned a little scavenger hunt for me!

The clues we adorable and so poetic!

Each place had a gift waiting for me and I teared up because I was so happy.

I decorated a wall in our house with some garlands and balloons and wrote him a special card.

I also made chocolate covered strawberries and we sipped martinellis.

It really was the perfect day!

All my love,

Aleigh Joy

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The Moores in Real Life: Why Me?

My Monday last week was comedic.

Like, something straight out of a movie that you can't stop laughing at because man, that character has some bad luck!

Only this time I was the character, and I was not laughing.

Most of my posts I try ot keep on the happier side but guys, there was nothing happy about this! 

Ha, enjoy my ridiculous Monday ;)

I had possibly the hardest time falling asleep the night before.

 I think I may have fallen asleep sometime around 2:30am after plotting ways to terrorize our insane upstairs neighbor that can't seem to get a clue that we can hear her every move. 

Even at 2am.

After getting SO close to standing on our bed and banging on the ceiling to let her know that I was at this point, furious, there was finally silence.

Ahhh sweet silence.

Around 5am Oaklyn started screaming.

Of course.

I fed her, unwillingly, but I fed her.

I crawled back in bed and fell asleep so fast only to be woken up by our neighbor. Again. At 6:30 am.

LADY! YOU GOT 4 HOURS OF SLEEP!

What on earth are you doing?

She continued to stomp around for about an hour.

I fall back asleep.

I hear Oaklyn screaming.

Look at phone, it's 8am.

Here we go, happy Monday!

I bring Oaklyn in bed with me in hopes that maybe, just maybe she'll actually snuggle.

HA! Just the opposite. She starts scratching my face, crawling all over me, trying to fly off the bed, etc...

Okay fine let's go eat breakfast.

Oaklyn grabs her bowl of oatmeal while I had walked over to the fridge and dumps the whole bowl on herself. Perfect.

I grab my baby caked in Oatmeal and grab a bottle from the fridge. I close the door and it snags my big toe.

It hurt SO bad I fell to the floor crying, with Oaklyn in my arms.

I look down and there was already a pool of blood on the floor.

Oaklyn is now crying and smells like poop.

I go change her and get ready to put her down for a nap with a bloody toe that is killing me.

I put her in her crib after she had practically rubbed her eyes off.

"Oh good, she must be exhausted!"

I walk out the door. Cue screams.

She finally falls asleep and I just lay on my bed.

"It's only 11am. Is the day over yet?"

I get ready for the day and try to fit in some blogging work.

Oaklyn wakes up at 11:45...

"You have got to be kidding me!"

She wouldn't stop crying so I go in to see if she's still hungry only to hear stomping from above.

Of course, our neighbor woke her up.

She wouldn't go back down so I gave up and take her to the kitchen.

She was fussing over EVERYTHING and I just wanted to curl up and sleep.

I set Oaklyn near some toys and text my mom, "Sometimes I really wish we lived closer to you."

She of course let me know she would've taken Oaks in a heartbeat and I just wanted to buy a plane ticket right then and there.

The rest of the day was filled with me tripping over the stroller in the grocery store parking lot, a whole lot of crying from Oaklyn, a swollen toe, a bloody nose for Oaklyn, a big stain of baby food on my white shirt, and a HUGE sigh of relief when Hunter came home.

Days like last Monday make me want to wish these young married, young parenting, condo living days away.

Thank goodness the rest of the week was much better and I was able to remember that this life I'm living is in fact much more joyful than that one Monday was.

Some days are the worst, some days aren't anything to remember, but most days I really do feel so blessed to be alive.

So even though this post was not my happiest, let's all get a laugh out of my "real life" Monday.

All my love,

Aleigh Joy

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The First Month

Being that Oaklyn's two month birthday is coming quite quickly, I think it's about time to finish up this post and publish it...
(side note: this was mostly written when she actually turned a month old so just jump back in time...)

So... I've kept a baby alive for one whole month!

3 weeks ago, I truly didn't think I was going to survive ha.

But, I did. 

And I can say now that those first few weeks really are worth it.

Oaklyn slept from 10:45pm-5am last night without waking up. she then fell back asleep around 6 and slept til 8:45. 

I feel like a new woman today!

So here I am, not napping while she does but catching up on her first month of life.

On Tuesday February 24th we were released from the hospital.

I took my sweet time getting ready to leave because I was beyond nervous to take her home with us. 

I knew my mom was coming that night, but babies don't come with an instruction manual and I suddenly felt like I had no idea what I was doing.

Nursing was still super difficult and frustrating, she screamed every time we changed her diaper, and I was so sleep deprived I almost fell asleep every time I blinked.

We had everything packed, Oaklyn was in her going home outfit I had picked out forever ago, and we took our first family picture.

We put her in the car seat, said goodbye to the nurse, and the next thing I knew we were a family of three driving home for the first time.

We opened the front door and stuck her car seat on the counter and just looked at her...

"What do we do now?"

She was still sleeping when we took her out of the car seat so we stuck her in the crib and Hunter took a shower singing every sappy father daughter song he could think of.

Suddenly, I burst into tears. And I couldn't quite figure out why, but the only reason I could think of was that things were now different, much different and I don't do very well with change. 

I was tired and overwhelmed and I missed having my husband all to myself. 

Then Oaklyn started crying and it hit me, hard. 

Nothing would ever be the same. 

I had quite a few more emotional breakdowns that first week, my hormones were crazy!

Thank goodness my mom was there to take her from me when I needed a break, cook dinner, and help me still see daylight ha.
After baby hormones are insane.

The next week got a little easier. 

This time Hunter's parents were there and Oaklyn was getting a little more used to life. 

We did a whole lot of nothing but watch her sleep, which was exactly what I needed. 

When it came time for hunt's parents to leave the breakdowns started happening again. 

I had no idea what I was doing, and I was still SO tired. 

Oaklyn's little face warmed my heart but I have never had to rely so much on The Lord. 

I must have prayed every 10 minutes of every day for patience and strength to be able to give this baby the love and care she needs. 

Her constant need to be held made it impossible to get anything done.

I have never been more grateful for Hunter than I am now.
He has helped SO much. 

There were days that Oaklyn would be crying and I had no idea why but it was so heartbreaking to see her little face turn red and her eyes well with tears so I would just cry with her until she fell asleep in my arms. 

Around the fourth week of her life she began to have more regular sleep patterns and decided daytime naps are necessary.
Thank goodness.
I was able to get a few peaceful showers in and even ventured out of the house alone a few times.
Thankfully her umbilical cord finally came off and we were able to give her, her first real bath which she completely loved!
She began smiling SO much and developed an obsession with ceiling fans.
She started to become WAY more active and incredibly strong, even though she's not the biggest fan of tummy time.
She's a motion girl. She sleeps pretty good at night as long as she's swaddled up nice and tight, but during the day she HAS to be bounced, rocked, in the swing, in the stroller, wrapped on me as I'm walking, or moving in the car.
Nursing... oh nursing.
I was so adamant about doing everything in my power to nurse my baby. Well, she had other plans. So after several tries and failed attempts, I pump and bottle feed her breast milk because that is the only way she actually gets fed. I hate pumping, but I'm so glad I have the option.
It's crazy how much your life changes when you have a baby.
You can be so sleep deprived and your back can hurt so bad from rocking a baby all day, and yet their tiny everything's make you wish  you could go back to the first time you held them and do it all over.
I'm able to be home with Oaklyn all day every day and experience every new sound and facial expression she makes.
I'm there for every milestone and meltdown.
It can easily get pretty lonely, but I'm so glad I'm able to be her mother and watch her grow daily.
Hunter couldn't be any more proud or happy to be a father.
I love watching him with our daughter and I'm SO thankful for all of his help!
We may be a bit biased but we truly believe she is the prettiest little girl alive.
Hunter may be in for it during her teen years ;)
He hair grows longer daily and her eyes are getting bluer as well!
Her little features are adorable, and I'm so excited to watch her grow :)

I rambled quite a bit in this post.
But my mind is anything but organized these days.
So, here's to her one month post in efforts to remembering it all :)

All my love,
Aleigh Joy

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Valentine's Day 2015

Hunter and I are going on 7 years of knowing each other.

Of those 7 years, this is the first Valentine's Day that we have spent together.

In high school there was either a basketball game we had to be at or it was on a school night and just not that big of a deal.

Then he served his mission and that's two more years apart.

Last year we were engaged but I was in San Diego and he was in Utah.

So, it was sooo much fun to finally be able to spend this day of love together :)

We really didn't plan much being that our little one is due any day now, but it was still the most perfect day.

Hunter woke up early, as always, but let me sleep in a little longer.

He did homework, unloaded the dishwasher, and went to go help someone move.

When I woke up I saw a white board with a little message from my Valentine and it made me giggle and smile because he's such a sweetie.

I then found a rose and some reeses! He knows the way to my heart ;)

It was the fist time I have ever gotten a flower on Valentine's Day and I felt so giddy.

I made a huge brunch for Hunter because food is his favorite gift and wrote him a sappy card.

We then went for a nice long walk and snuggled.

Around 5 we decided to head out to grab something to eat.

A yummy pizza place in the mall was doing a Valentine's buy one get one free special. 

It was delish and cheap ;)

We then walked around the mall and every single store we went in, was for children.

Ha! But, it was so much fun looking at the little clothes and Hunter admitted that little girl clothes are so much more fun and cute than boy clothes haha

Dessert was coldstone ice cream, and we finished the night by watching the notebook in comfy clothes with a big bowl of popcorn and my mascara dripping down my face because seriously... I forgot how sad that movie is at the end!

It was a low key day and so perfect and special to both of us.

We love celebrating holidays and really enjoyed our first Valentine's Day together :)

And to my Valentine this year and every year after:

I love you Moore than anything in the world and I could not have chosen anyone better to spend eternity with. You are my better half and my very best friend. I'll love you always and forever :)

All my love,

Aleigh Joy

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A Thought or Two

It's an interesting thing that the second you look at that pregnancy test and see two pink lines, every thought, chore, dream, errand, and action, changes. 

Your world isn't just "your world" anymore.

Your heart grows a size bigger and suddenly, without even realizing it, you're learning to think about someone other than yourself all the time.

It doesn't matter what store I walk into, I always end up in the baby section.

My routine seems to be the same everywhere I go.

Survey the baby gear wondering what else is necessary, feel for the softest blankets, picture a sweet baby playing with all the colorful toys, and ALWAYS end in the clothes section picturing my princess in every dreamy dress and pair of sparkly shoes.

I had no idea how girly I was until I started shopping for a little girl of my own.

It's funny, the circle of life is...

You go through phases, everyone does it.

Well, every girl does it.

Or at least me and my friends did it...

Anyhow, I remember being in middle school dreaming of dating the perfect guy in high school and him taking me to prom so I could get all dressed up in a pretty dress and maybe just maybe, he'd kiss me goodnight.

I got to high school and found someone that made my heart beat extra fast. 

He literally was that dream guy I had imagined in middle school.

I began to only want to watch mushy love movies and read all the Nicholas Sparks books. I craved slow music that told a story of a boy and a girl falling and staying in love.

I spent a majority of English class day dreaming of my wedding day and what the future held for Hunter and I.

He left on his mission and my world revolved around writing letters and making packages.

The thought of him coming home and finally being able to make our dream a reality consumed me.

When he came home, my mind looked like the perfect pinterest board of all things wedding.

We got married and I began feeling giddy over being a homemaker and creating a pretty home that we felt happy with calling ours. I took it upon myself to make a home cooked meal every night. My greatest accomplishment was making sure my football-playing husband's tummy was full.

Then one morning, I saw those two pink lines... and once again everything changed.

It didn't take long at all for me to spend countless hours looking for the best deals and reviews on strollers, diaper bags, clothes, car seats, bottles, and all things baby.

I probably drove Hunter nuts with the once a month breakdowns feeling inadequate to give this little girl everything she deserves in life.

I stayed awake at night planning out her nursery in my head and every moment I was awake I was making lists of things we needed to be ready.

My world had changed, because I became a mother.

I've always been pretty emotional.

I've also always hated crying in front of people.

It always makes me feel awkward and I don't like when people try to run to my rescue.

I even have a hard time crying in front of Hunter still.

So I tend to get that dry lump in my throat quite often as I try so hard to push the tears back.

But, something about motherhood changes your insides and suddenly you find a reason to cry over anything and everything.

Especially now that I'm at the very end of this pregnancy.

For example:

• Father daughter dances. It doesn't matter which song or who is dancing, you can catch me in the corner crying my eyes out and trying so hard to wipe my tears before anyone sees.
• Hearing her little heartbeat now compared to the first time. I remember that first appointment so well. It took a good 5 minutes to even find the heartbeat. Now, the second they put it on my belly I'm able to hear her happy, healthy heart beating away. At this last appointment I tried my hardest to hold back my tears when her heart started beating faster than usual after I said something to the nurse. She said "oh, she must know your voice!" and I just about lost it. She was excited. She was excited to meet us and join our family and that brought me all the happiness in the world.
• I walk into her room every morning and just pause at her empty crib. I try to picture my little girl just waking up with sleepy eyes all snuggled with her animal friends. I'll sit in the rocking chair and imagine reading her a bedtime story. I always stop by her closet and match pretty dresses with her darling bows. I fold and re-fold her onesies and leggings and pay special attention to the difference in size between newborn and 6 months. And that, is when the tears start. She's not aloud to grow up. Ever. 
• Any and every song that talks about a family really gets to me. I love my little growing family. I'm beyond excited for the three of us to do any and everything together.

I began feeling a little sad around week 36.
The reality set in of life being not just Hunter and I anymore.
I love our little one but I'll always cherish these memories of just the two of us, and I'm so grateful I've chosen my best friend to spend forever with.
I was listening to the song "Then" by Brad Paisley the other day.
It brought a flood of emotion and memories.
The first time I ever heard that song was on a bus ride over to a high school basketball game.
I was in my cheer uniform and Hunter was sitting behind me in his warm ups.
He tossed one head phone over the seat and that song was playing.
It made me cry back then, but it now has so much more meaning.
"And I can just see you, with a baby on the way..."
It truly is crazy to think about how far we have come.

And on that note, I think I've gotten everything in my mind typed out.
So I guess I'll stop here!
So I'll end by saying, I really really love this little life I'm living and I'm just getting more and more anxious to meet our little girl:)

All my love,
Aleigh Joy

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Thirty Eight. What?

Somehow, time flew by and I'm 38 weeks pregnant today.

I know, I can't believe it either!

Everyone told me that being pregnant is the slowest thing in the whole world.

I disagree, I feel like this pregnancy FLEW by!

I oddly found myself sad that soon, I won't be feeling her little kicks and hiccups inside my tummy anymore. 

However, I'm so happy and excited that I get to trade those kicks felt on the inside for baby snuggles and kisses on the outside :)

Her nursery is complete, the hospital bags are packed, her name is confirmed, the car seat is in the car, everything is checked off my list, her clothes are all washed and put away, and I truly don't believe we could be more ready for her. If you ever really are "ready" ;)

So little Miss O, we're ready when you are :)

I had an appointment on Friday.

 I was dilated to a 2, her head is down, and her heartbeat was MUCH lower than usual.

The nurse brought it up with Dr. Jones and they decided a non stress test was in order.

Insert first time mom panic.

I immediately began praying that all would be well and couldn't take my hands off my tummy.

Sitting there for 30 minutes listening to her little heartbeat was music to my ears, but seeing that it wasn't accelerating at all like it should be had me, and the nurse, a little worried.

We tried numerous things to get her to move but sleepy head was not at all interested in showing off.

The nurse left the room and said we would wait a little longer before we tried the "taser" I like to call it. (a little zappy thing that makes a noise to wake up sleepy babies)

I didn't like the idea of it so I started talking to my little girl asking her to please show them that she's a healthy little one.

A few seconds later, she woke up.

And we were out of there in 5 more minutes :)

We have a special bond already ;)

I thought we were in the clear and my worrying stopped, but I got a call yesterday from a nurse telling me Dr. Jones felt it necessary for me to do another test at the hospital. 

Though I was flattered that the receptionist thought I was there to visit someone and not for myself, I was still worried. So this time, I brought her daddy.

She must have inherited some stubbornness from her mother because once again, she was doing nothing. Like at all.

After seeing almost flat lines for much too long, another nurse came in and turned me on my side.

She wasn't as comfy that way because she began wiggling away and after an hour and a half of trying to get her to move, we were able to leave.

She's already scaring me and her life hasn't even began!

But the nurses assured me there was nothing wrong.

Oh, I also really enjoyed watching my contractions that I can't seem to feel.

One more story...

Last night I had the best dream I've ever had.

I dreamed that my sweet baby girl was born.

The dream fairy was nice enough to skip the whole labor part and fast forward straight to the first time I held her.

She was a little pink bundle with lots of brown hair and big brown eyes.

I loved her instantly and thought she fit absolutely perfect on my chest.

I have never woken up happier.

Except maybe the day after our wedding, but that's different.

I cannot wait to meet her!

And to see how much truth that dream holds :)

How Far Along: 38 weeks! And feeling it...

Maternity clothes: Same as always. Maternity jeans are a lifesaver. I'm really gonna miss them.

Weight Gain: Ha! The nurse asked me what my current weight is today and I told her I hadn't looked at the scale in longer than I can remember. She smiled understandingly. 

Showing: YES! I have a baby girl baby bump!

Sleep: I wish :( I guess it's time to say bye bye to sleep for like... the rest of my life. I wake up about every 2 hours and can't fall asleep again for another hour. 

Best moment this week: Completely finishing her nursery and seeing progression at my appointments :)

Weird pregnancy moment: Crying. Like all the time.

Movement: Less and less. But tons around 2 am. She likes to move, just not when she's supposed to ha.

Food Cravings: Rubios fish tacos, Cafe Rio/Costa Vida grilled chicken salad, smoothies still, in n out with lotsss of extra special sauce, peanut butter and chocolate, and bread. yuuumm

Anything making you queasy: No! Hallelujah!

Gender: All things girl. and if they're wrong, we're gonna have a serious problem because she has a whole lot of pink.

Best advice learned: Baby Wise. 100% Thank you thank you thank you mom!

 What I'm looking forward to: My baby girl! Not delivery, I'm actually becoming more and more nervous about labor. But holding her, yeah that sounds dreamy :)

I almost wanna make this my screen saver. Weird? It just melted my heart while doing laundry the other day. Baby, mommy, daddy! A family of 3 :)

A snuggly, pretty, pink, car seat for a little baby girl :)

Seeing daddy carrying her car seat to the car may have made me a little teary eyed. He looks so good as a dad ;)

That red line, that's her heartbeat. See how flat it was at first? That blue line, that's my contractions. That can't seem to be felt...

And that's all for now!

Maybe just maybe this will be my last update until she's born! :)

All my love,

Aleigh Joy

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