Celebrating little victories

I went on walks this week, so it was pretty much a productive week.  I've been trying to stay active and healthy during this pregnancy, and I'd say I've been fairly successful (the "fairly" included because I still make decadent desserts like eclair cake).  This week felt like the week of practicing better habits and trying to better ourselves.  A lot of let's not get coffee today, we'll save it for this weekend, a lot of trying to get up earlier, getting outside even for only 15 minutes, consciously making an effort to fight anxiety.

On the last note, this week I went out alone with Ella for the first time -- for more than just a walk. (Please hold gasps.  Yes, my daughter is over a year old).  Any time I had been out before, it was to meet a friend or go to the grocery store or to the doctor.  Tim had always stayed with Ella.  Since my anxiety has peaked in the last year or so, and made its full presence while out and driving, I never took Ella out with me in fear of not being able to "show up" for her if I needed to.  But my anxiety has lessened a bit since we moved.  I'm not sure why.  Maybe cooler temps, maybe a more relaxed lifestyle overall.  Things like anxiety are fickle and weird.  But this week I worked up whatever I needed to and made the trek to our local Target.  On foot, yes, with Ella in the stroller, but off we went to pick up a few things we had run out of.  And, while out, I didn't think much of it, and that's huge.  My head would have normally been cluttered with "what if's", but it wasn't.  And I can't tell you what a relief that was and how human that made me feel.  Now on to the bigger, scarier challenges like putting her in the car seat, getting in the car, and facing the road, just her and I.  We'll get there.

But here's to the small victories of our week.  I'm sure going into the weekend celebrating the wins, most especially the little ones.

We tried to capture a shot or two of Ella holding the little blue heart for my gender reveal post.  This was our best attempt.

This post-walk smoothie made my Tuesday brighter.  Tasty, but healthy.  Mmm.  Also, that's SoDelicious coconut milk cool whip on top.  They're angels.

Broke out the baby storage to see what we already have for our little guy.  I can't believe that by Christmas we're going to have a baby that will fit into this tiny clothing!

A highlight for the whole family.  See below.  (Recipe coming next week!)

As to why she likes eating in the Bumbo in the middle of the floor, we do not know.  Her preference. 

This romper was a bit of an impulse buy.  I saw it was on clearance for 10 bucks at TJ Maxx, grabbed it off the rack, and didn't question it.  Because, babies in rompers.