24 weeks = 6 months!

Can you beleive it?... 6 months already! Only a few weeks away from entering the 3rd trimester!
I can honestly say that the 2nd trimester flew by... when I felt like the 1st trimester was a long wait.



I am still feeling great... going to the gym on a regular basis and watching what I eat (a little!). I desire sweets a little more often and sometimes (okay... most of the time) give in to the temptation. But I figure... if I am balancing it out with a some-what healthy diet and exercise, I should be ok, right?!

Baby BOG has definitely made him/her-self known! Some friends and family have been able to feel the movement... some not as lucky as others. Music and reading to the baby are becoming a regular evening activity for us already. Baby BOG likes the Beyonce Pandora mix, Boston, and Aerosmith! I grew on country music but I haven't received a lot of sparks from any of my favorites.

Can you tell we are excited? Half my blog is just about Baby!!

Other news in the Sims' household:
A few weekends ago I met up with some high school friends for lunch (minus one favorite!). We have tried to get together before, but it didn't work out... so it was a year since our last visit. Thinking back on that visit... it is amazing how much has changed since high school... and that one-year visit! But I love those ladies and it is awesome to see how we have all grown into wonderful and proud women!

Last weekend I got the chance to support my best friend (and running buddy), Missy, at a local 10K race. Last spring we started running together and participating in local 5K, 8K, 10K races and even ended the year with a half-marathon. This year... well... I am on the sidelines cheering Missy on with my full support! She has been training for, not just one, but TWO half-marathons!



I have envied her this year because I can't train and participate with her... but then going to support her at the race this past weekend... UGH!... that made me miss running and getting that "accomplished" feeling at the end! Missy did an awesome job... she came in at 1 hour, 3 minutes... somewhere around 7 - 9 minutes better than last year! I can't wait to cheer her on at her half-marathons... I know she will knock them out!


(About a month ago... out with friends for dinner!)

This week... Frank is in Atlanta for a work training program. In the past I haven't really noticed when he goes out of town for these things because I am always pretty busy or it's just quiet and I get to enjoy it... but this time it's different! Don't ask me why... sometimes we just need a break for ourselves! But I am definitely not liking being alone... so I am keeping myself busy after work.

Monday: had to travel the world to go pick up Frank's vehicle at his work
Tuesday: had a hair appointment (that usually takes a few hours!)
Wednesday: gym, drop-off Goodwill bags, and errands to prep for going out of town this weekend
Thursday: gym and laundry, pack for trip
Friday: possibly dinner with Missy and picking up Frank

YES... this weekend is another trip to New Jersey! This will be our last until next year sometime. And even then we are still not sure when that will be...
This trip isn't just a last-minute venture... we are going for a friends wedding (Mark and Jennifer). So we will definitely be a little busy but looking forward to escaping Charlotte for a few days!

Love and hugs to you all!

Nursery and Movements!

Here we are at week 22... and it has definitely been an exciting past couple of weeks! Since week 20... I have spent some much needed time with my best friends, visited a few of Frank's baseball games, worked (and finished) the nursery, finished a book, started a new book, definitely went shopping for baby necessities and got a manicure!

Here are a few photos of the nursery, that I am SO excited to finally share!

BEFORE PHOTOS:




AFTER PHOTOS:






Revisions to the room:
- painted the walls and furniture ($75)
- upgraded hardware on furniture ($80)
- added a fan with a dimmer switch ($100)
- added the curtain rod ($20)... curtains were from the living room!
- added a shelf in the closet ($25)
- miscellaneous decor items added to the room ($45)
- TOTAL COST... $345! Not too bad considering what I have seen and heard from others!

PS... I did not include the crib/mattress in the cost because it was a gift to us from Frank's father and step-mother!!

I am so in love with this room and enjoyed putting everything in it's place. We are hoping to still get a rocker from a friend... it's just a matter of getting to their home for a visit!

OTHER EXCITING NEWS... Baby BOG gave me a good punch/kick on Friday evening while we were at home relaxing! I was definitely hoping for a repeat moment... but it hasn't happened yet; however, Baby BOG is very active in the morning and for most of the day and pretty calm at night. I have been playing music at night to see if that helps get some activity, it has a few times but there is no consistency. But it has been fun trying!

On a personal note... I am feeling great these days! Going to the gym 3 - 4 days a week. Sleep is still an issue sometimes and middle of the night snacks are getting better. I am amazed at how "pregnant" I look already and still have four-months to go! At our last doctor's visit, I had gained a total of 11 lbs, which "they" say is just enough. SO... I will definitely be curious to see how much I gained this past month... we will see on Thursday!