Superhero

My hero. Swoon.

29-30 Weeks // Homestretch

29 Weeks

30 Weeks

I'm knocking on the door of 31 weeks at this point (giving me a little over 8 weeks to go), and after a weird/terrible week of yet another sickness capped off by a visit from some sort of stomach bug, I'm feeling good again! Although I feel like a whale, this time around random people have been so complimentary and nice to me in the comment department.

Deconstructed Stuffed Peppers

Source: food.com via Ashley on Pinterest

{Inspired By}

I tried a new recipe last night that I was really impressed with! Not only was it easy and fast to make, but it was delicious. This is also a kid-friendly recipe. I modified some from the above recipe. 

Deconstructed Stuffed Peppers

2 c chicken broth

2 c quick cooking brown rice

1 lb ground turkey (could use chicken or beef)

1 medium onion, chopped

2 medium bell peppers, seeded and chopped

1 can tomato sauce

1 c shredded cheddar cheese

Bring chicken broth to a boil and cook rice in it according to directions on package. Once cooked, spread on the bottom of a 9x14 pan. Brown turkey meat with onion, bell pepper, garlic, salt, pepper, and chili powder. Drain and add tomato sauce. Mix well and pour over rice. Top with cheese and bake for 45 minutes at 350. Enjoy!

28 Weeks // Hello, Third Trimester!

28 Weeks, and in the home stretch now!

I have finally entered the third trimester, and I'm still feeling pretty good. I wake up in the mornings feeling fine and barely pregnant, but by 7:00 or 7:30 in the evenings, I am exhausted and feel like my stomach weighs 1,000 lbs. This is probably the result of not being able to rest much during the day due to keeping up with a super active toddler and our day-to-day activities. I have been falling asleep super early (ie: 8:00-8:30) the past few nights. We are constantly on the go, and I'm hoping we won't have to slow down too much in the upcoming weeks for B's sake if nothing else. I haven't felt too bad this go round, and I'm crediting that to an active lifestyle. 

Weight Gain: 15ish pounds

Maternity clothes? Yes, some! Wearing all maternity pants and some maternity tops mixed in with my regular sweaters, loose cut tops, leggings, and workout clothes. Thanks again to those who have lent or given me maternity clothes!!!

Sleep: OK, not great. I swear, I wake up every time I need to roll over. I go right back to sleep, though.

Best moments lately: Picking nursery fabrics with Lauren, getting some matching outfits for L & B, lots of movement from L.

Food cravings: Fruit, spinach salad, bagels, tuna melts, iced tea, lemonade, cooked sushi, Girl Scout cookies, Mini Cadbury Eggs.

Food aversions: Sometimes meat.

Pregnancy symptoms: Lower back pain, sciatic nerve pain, frequent bathroom trips.

Exercise: Still working out! Doing a mixture that varies weekly of my MOMS class, Total Strength, Cardio Dance, and my prenatal pilates DVD. I am working out 3-4 days a week.

What I miss: Champagne, red wine, raw sushi, medium rare filets, my waistline, buying cute non-maternity clothes, my regular Spring/Summer wardrobe already.

Matching Outfits

I doubt I will be able to get away with this for as long as I would like to, but I am loving the idea matching outfits for Branner and Leighton right now! These are my first two coordinating purchases. Precious!

Accessorizing

I think we all know I love a great necklace, and that my philosophy when it comes to accessorizing is, "More is more." Branner agrees.

For Sale: Women's Dresses

I am cleaning out my closet! Everything is in excellent condition. I accept PayPal, and shipping is included in price listed under the item. Please email me at ashleykirby81@gmail.com if you are interested in purchasing. Prices are firm.

BCBG Navy Printed Jersey Dress
Size M
$55 shipped
Worn once

Floreat (From Anthropologie) Navy Strapless Dress with Embroidered Yellow Polka Dots
Size 6
$30 shipped
Worn twice

Rachel Pally Charcoal Gray Peplum Dress with Ruffle Back
Size M
$60 shipped
Worn twice

Back of Rachel Pally Dress

Susana Monaco Orance Cut Out Open Back Dress
Size S
$55 shipped
Never worn

Back of Susana Monaco Dress

26-27 Weeks

27 weeks, 2 days

I am really feeling pregnant these days. Leighton should weigh about 2.5 pounds at this point, and I can definitely tell. My sciatic nerve pain is back constantly along with some lower back pain that doesn't ever really go away. Unfortunately, I have also been super sick. I am fighting off an upper respiratory infection, and I have not felt great or slept great due to coughing all week. As of today, I feel like I am finally on the mend. I know it sounds like it's been a really rough couple of weeks, but I'm still feeling relatively good!

Weight Gain: 15ish pounds

Maternity clothes? These days, my wardrobe consists of maternity pants, some maternity tops, regular sweaters, loose cut tops, leggings, and workout clothes. Shout out to everyone who has lent me or given me maternity clothes!!!

Sleep: As I mentioned above, not great. This is due to night time coughing and not pregnancy.

Best moments lately: Tons of movement from L, getting her car seat and bedding, really starting serious work on the nursery, finding out that two of my sweet friends have planned me a sprinkle in April!

Food cravings: Fruit, spinach salad, bagels, tuna melts, iced tea, lemonade, cooked sushi, Girl Scout cookies.

Food aversions: Sometimes meat.

Pregnancy symptoms: Lower back pain, sciatic nerve pain, frequent bathroom trips.

Exercise: Still at it in the gym! Doing a mixture that varies weekly of my MOMS class, Total Strength, Cardio Dance, and my prenatal pilates DVD. I am working out 3-4 days a week.

What I miss: Champagne, red wine, raw sushi, medium rare filets, my waistline, buying cute non-maternity clothes.