Good morning! I’m checking in with your usual Things I’m Loving Friday post a little late today because I had to stick around at the gym after I taught my barbell class to help out with a few things, but I’m home now and looking forward to chatting with you guys about what we’re all loving most this week like we usually do! It’s such a nice way to kick off the weekend and I love reading about things that make you smile every Friday. Thanks for always playing along!
And now let’s dive right in, shall we?
Things I’m Loving Friday
- Spring Flowers
Ryan brought these wonderfully fragrant flowers home the day before his ACL surgery and they are so beautiful! They brighten up our whole kitchen!
- Your Baby Registry Suggestions
When my mom, sister and aunt kindly offered to throw us a baby shower and asked where we were registered, I took that as a sign that I needed to get my butt in gear and actually create a registry. And then I felt completely overwhelmed and 100 percent clueless. Bless you guys for weighing in and sharing your favorite baby products on the PBF Facebook page last weekend when I desperately asked for your advice! I started creating our registry on Monday night and used every single one of your comments to help get me going!
I’m planning to turn your recommendations into a blog post since I’ve already had a few requests from equally overwhelmed new moms-to-be to do so, but so far the general consensus seems to be that the Rock ‘n’ Play is a little gift sent from heaven for many moms out there! And I took your advice and added the NoseFrida to our registry after gagging to myself when I read about it… You want me to do what!?! I think I’m in for a treat with that one!
- Nurse Sadie
The view I arrived home to after teaching this morning:
Whenever people ask me whether or not Sadie knows I’m pregnant I just have to laugh because I’m pretty darn positive she is 100 percent in the dark. One thing she does know, however, is that something is going on with Ryan right now. Ever since we got him all set up on the couch following his ACL surgery, she has been his little bedside nurse, cuddling with him and giving him all the love she has in her wiggly little 38-pound body. It’s adorable and warms my heart every time I see these two bonding in their ridiculous love bubble. I don’t know what’s going to happen to my heart when I see Ryan with our son…
- Teaching Group Exercise
As a group exercise instructor, sometimes my enthusiasm for teaching ebbs and flows and while I truly do always enjoy it, there are certain times when I feel like I’m absolutely loving it and I’ve been in this zone for a little while now. I feel like I have a great group of regulars for most of my classes and the feeling I get when everyone is focused and pushing themselves in one of my classes is such a great one. Perhaps the biggest shocker to me personally is how much I love teaching Spinning! I started teaching it mostly to help out my boss when she needed someone and it quickly morphed into one of my all-time favorite classes to teach.
- Suja Fuel Juice
Suja sent me a wonderful box of some of my favorite juices this week and I basically chugged this carrot orange juice right when I arrived home from the gym this morning. I typically gravitate toward their green juices, but this one was quite refreshing after a sweaty barbell class!
Question of the Day
- What is one thing you are loving this week?
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Me and my cousin are super close (we grew up as the only girls in the family). She now lives in Little Rock because her husband is Air Force and she just had a baby in December. I haven’t met baby Samuel yet, but they’re coming into town this weekend and I cannot wait to meet him (and see her)! He’s the first baby in our family so it’s an exciting time…just wish they lived closer!
aw, this is so exciting!!! have fun with little Samuel!! <3
We didn’t use a Rock ‘n Play with Hunter, but like you, I’ve heard lots of great things about them and plan on getting one for our next babe! It can definitely be overwhelming figuring out all the stuff you need vs. what is nice vs. is not necessary at all. And, knowing that every baby and mama is different makes it even more challenging. The thing that I kept telling myself is that all they REALLY need is their mama at first, so you can always go out and get something new or return something that isn’t working for you.
That photo of Sadie and Ryan is so sweet! Sadie looks like she’s in total heaven snuggling. 🙂
It’s great to hear such honesty about group ex teaching! I’m about to start my ACE cert, and while I’m sooo stoked, I also get nervous sometimes that if I’m not “balls to the wall” on fire to teach every day, that somehow it will kill my career and mean that I’ve missed my calling (I know, quarter life crisis much?). Very encouraging to hear your teaching stories 🙂
Hope Ryan recovers quickly!
oh yes!!! it’s so helpful to talk to other teachers and totally normal to have enthusiasm vary at times. it can still be something you love even if every single class isn’t the best thing everrrr. 🙂 good luck to you in your certification studies!!
Isn’t that pottery barn blanket the best?! I absolutely love mine 🙂
My boyfriend loves that juice! It’s SO DANG expensive though, haha! Hope you have a fun weekend 🙂
TGIF! The weather is breaking in west Michigan and while it was still chilly last night, the hubbs and I took our grand-doggie on a hike. On our way down the dunes the light was coming through the trees and I had to stop and take a picture. It was beautiful. I love our weeknight hikes through the woods along the lakeshore!
I’m jealous of your spring flowers, I may have to stop and get some for our kitchen 🙂
Open windows – I LOVE fresh air! Sometimes a sunday nap in a cozy recliner by an open window is the best!
And I got a new bike this week! I’m SO excited!!!! I haven’t had a bike since Junior High and that was a hand-me-down bike from my brother that he spray-painted to look more girly. It was so ugly, but I loved it regardless. Well, I bought a new hybrid fitness bike to attack the trails and it’s super cute and sassy, and I LOVE it!
Happy Weekend, everyone!
I hope Ryan feels better soon. There is a lot of good research on turmeric with black pepper for inflammation. Maybe worth looking into.
Things I am loving right now include my husband getting a job for Colombia Sportswear! Such a blessing for us now. You should share some of your favorite products with us.
I really want to try Suja! And Sadie is too cute!! I love that she’s giving Ryan so much love during his recovery!
I’m a huge fan of coffee and I recently purchased a new brand/variety I’ve never had before and I am absolutely LOVING it! It is Millstone Coffee Decaf Hazelnut Cream! Great flavor!
This week I’m most excited about picking my wedding song with my fiancé! We’re getting married in October and decided on a song, which might be early to some people, but I’m planner that way, I needed to know what it was going to be! lol. We decided on Ronan Keating’s “This I Promise You”. Love!
I’m loving my Huff Post article and chocolate chip cookies!
Whenever the weather warms up I usually add flowers to my weekly shopping list since I love them so much. Too bad the weather has dipped back into the 40s here in Chicago, but when it ACTUALLY warms up then there will be flowers for days!
I’m interested in trying the fuel juice–looks yummy!
Hi there-
Here to offer unsolicited advice! ;0 I work for a company that treats infant plagiocephaly (flat head syndrome), and many of the parents “blamed” the rock and play for the head shape flattening. Apparently the little muffins are so comfortable, they tend to sleep in one position which causes flattening on the opposing side. Not saying to not use it~ just a friendly reminder to re-position baby. (I was never talked to about re-positioning when my babe was young!) Gooooood luck!
I was going to say the same thing about the rock and play. When we were considering purchasing it I did some research into it and came across the same information about babies getting flat spots that the parents attributed to the rock and play. We did end up purchasing one, but I made sure to reposition my baby often.
Beautiful flowers!!! YAY for spring!!!!!!!!!
We finally got a new mattress after needing one for about 2 years. It got delivered yesterday and it was heavenly sleeping on it! Best thing that happened all week.
My favorite thing this week is that my baby girl started smiling! I never really understood why smiling was such a big milestone to parents but now I totally get it! After the first several long and difficult weeks it is so good to have some confirmation that my baby actually likes me, haha!
Love the picture of Sadie. Dogs are the best nurses, they definitely know when something is wrong with their people!
Hope Ryan feels better!
And ps…your kitchen is gorgeous! I am a sucker white cabinets and islands!
Thank you!
I have Suja on my list to try! It’s so pricey though and I already have a kombucha addiction. One of these days though…have a great weekend! Glad Ryan is on the mend.
Happy Friday! I’m loving that I saw my musician friend perform last night to a packed house of wall to wall ladies drinking wine. We had a blast, along with another friend! Good girlfriends are so inspiring! Also loving the return of Inside Amy Schumer and her skit about aging in Hollywood with Tina Fey, Julie Louise-Dreyfus, and Patricia Arquette. Lastly, I’m loving that Cassey Ho video where she challenges critics and body “norms” by altering her body to showcase how there’s no such thing as a “perfect” body. Did you see that? I know you know Cassey. Brave girl.
yes!!! we showed cassey’s video to our girls on the run team on Thursday!
Very cool!!
Sadie is so cute on Ryan. I hope she hasn’t mistakenly jumped on his knee hehhe! This week, I’m LOVING the fact that the weather is gorgeous and I have been teaching to totally full group fitness studios lately! Happy Friday, Julie!
Those flowers are beautiful! It is so nice having fresh flowers in the house to brighten up the room. Sadie is seriously adorable! That is totally my dog, whoever is home sick on the couch she is right there with them playing nurse.
Hey! just a tip – Suja isn’t pasteurized so just be extra cautious when drinking it. I haven’t had any my whole pregnancy (I’ve been dying for a pressed juice!) just to be careful. Prior to pregnancy I did get VERY ill from one of the Evolution Fresh juices from Starbucks, right around the time there was a clover/sprouts recall. Would hate for you to get sick!
The registry is overwhelming but it’s so great to crowd source suggestions. 1 thing I didn’t see mentioned was an infant tub. Our girl has loved nightly baths as part of her routine since day 5. We LOVED the Puj tub. It is soft foam and collapsible to hang on the back of the bathroom door. We used it in the sink until she absolutely grew out of it at 5 months. So great. On the bath theme, we were given SO many bath towels, wash cloths, etc. we loved Mustela products, especially the physiobebe cleaner to wipe under her neck for spitup between baths. Very refreshing and smells amazing. As for Lisa’s comment above, we added a Boppy Noggin Nest in the RNP and then used that in the crib also (which I think made her transition easier at 5 weeks). Our pediatrician was happy about that and even asked us for the product name to recommend to other parents.
Kay, I am LOVING your kitchen! The perfectly white cabinets are beautiful!
I’ve never tried spinning. I hate biking so I’ve never brought myself to try. But you never know, right?
I am loving the insights into baby registries and “must-haves”. We are hoping to expand our little family soon and know I will be very overwhelmed when the time comes. I enjoyed a carrot-beet-ginger juice this morning after Pure Barre and sucked it dry as well. It truly was very refreshing! Looking forward to getting outside on the local green-way with our pup Charlie trails since the weather is so nice in NC!!
If you haven’t already – check out the registry list at Lucie’s List (and subscribe) it’s a lifesaver.
I received a few recommendations to check out this blog following my Facebook post and it really is SO helpful! Thanks!
suja juices are so delicious! I’m craving one now!!
I am loving the planning that I am doing with my best friend for our other best friend’s birthday! It’s always fun to plan something for someone you know will truly appreciate the effort 🙂 Sadie is adorable, btw!
Sadie is too cute! My dog does the same thing when someone in my house is sick. I love Suja juices– my favorite is Mango Magic! I’ll have to try the fuel varieties! Have a great weekend! 🙂
My husband was just offered a multi-year position outside of Tampa, FL after over a year and a half of searching and anxiety! We are over the moon and can’t ait to move–I’ll have to read some of your FL posts for inspiration! We are from PA and everything will be brand new for us.
Yes, rock n play is a must have!
Sweet Sadie! I think our dog Truckee is the same way. I think she can sense that I don’t feel good, but I think her world is going to be turned upside down when every night doesn’t include cuddle time with HER! Poor thing, she’ll be a great big sis though! Those flowers are beautiful! There’s nothing like bright and cheerful flowers to brighten up a kitchen! Love it!
I completely missed the post where you were asking for registry recommendations, but I have a couple…
-Aden and anais swaddle blankets. They are a little pricey but I got a couple for a gift and loved them. They are so much easier for swaddli NH then regular receivi NH blankets and they are so soft. I used them as a nursing cover and car seat cover too. Also they are light and breathable so it is less scarey swaddli NH a newborn with them!
Also i wish I would have bought a double breast pump instead of a single. I didn’t have the fastest milk flow and it would have helped so much. Again it’s quite the splurge but in my opinion it would have been so worth it! Just don’t open the box until you are sure you cam breastfeed because once it’s open you can’t take it back!
Wow sorry for all the typos!
Most insurance now covers the double electric pump, be sure to check first!! I have the Medela, works great!
I love hearing about your group exercise classes! I just got my NASM certification and started working at a gym down the street from where I live, and the owner of the gym is pretty eager to get me up an running at a group exercise class teacher. I’m a little bit freaked out and nervous that no one will show up and that I won’t know what to have everyone do, but at the same time, I’m excited and hopeful that the circuit workouts I’ve planned for myself over the years has been good practice for putting together a full class circuit! Phew, sorry for the long-winded way of saying that I love hearing about your fitness journey. It’s inspiring 🙂
I’m loving Quest Bars, and girls night at my CrossFit box. We’re going to workout together and then socialize with food after. Got a lot of friends trying it out for their first time. Such a great wsy to start the weekend!
Is the SUJA juice pasteurized? I am really missing fresh juices, but it is not worth the risk to me. I’d love to try this brand if it is considered safe!
NoseFrida is the best! My husband does such a great job using it, haha. I told him I don’t have enough strength in me to suck that hard and so he always does it when needed! I always tell him what a great job he does so that I don’t have to do it!
Also super helpful was our sound machine which plays white noise. On nights when Bryce was super fussy I would swaddled him tight and sway him in front of the white noise and it calmed him to sleep most of the time! He still sleeps with it on which is great since it drowns out any noise in the house. (i.e accidentally dropping a pan in the kitchen or the dog barking!)
And one last thing..my husband loves the Baby 411 book. It has everything from soup to nuts in it about babies and he always goes to it when we aren’t sure of something (i.e. how many naps should baby have, etc) I myself just use google, haha
I have a 6 month old daughter, and I loved the Rock’n’play and Nose Frida!! We only used the rock in play as a “crib” for the first couple weeks next to our bed, and then we put our daughter in her crib fairly early on. But we still used the Rock’n’play for out in the family room for naps or for travel since it is so portable. The Nose Frida is the best thing ever! My daughter had her first cold at 3 months, and a squirt of saline and the Nose Frida was the best thing ever! It does sound gross, but it’s actually not that bad since there is a filter separating the boogers LOL
Probably my absolute favorite baby product to date is the Baby Merlin Magic Sleep Suit. It looks like a big giant snow suit, and it honestly reminds me of the brother on Christmas Story when he is on the ground and can’t get up from his clothes haha You should really look into it because it absolutely worked for us! It is designed to be weighted to muffle the startle reflex (that feeling of falling when you first start to fall asleep). My daughter would constantly wake herself up because of this, and literally the first night in the Merlin she slept from 9pm to 6 am. It was magic! The smallest size they make is 3-6 months, but we started using it at 2.5 months since my daughter fit it ok. I just stopped using it last night, and every night since the first she has slept 9 to 10 hours. Sorry for the long-winded answer, but this product is just amazing. I know it might not work for every baby, but it certainly did for us, and with being only $40, it is worth it!
This is kind of a silly one.. but I ordered a dress a few days ago, and it came in the mail yesterday. I tried it on, and it was a tad too small. I went online last night, and the next size up was sold out. I was bummed! But I went back on this morning, and they had more! So I quickly called and asked them to send me one. Small victory, but I’ll take it haha! It was a great start to my Friday.
I hope you have a great weekend! Two years ago I had to have surgery on my ACL, LCL and MCL. It’s the pits! Tell Ryan I hope he feels better, and Ben & Jerry’s Phish Food was definitely feel-better fuel for me! 🙂
Mmm, I love carrot orange juice! Happy Friday.
The doctor teaching out childbirth class mentioned to steer clear of most of the nasal gizmos for baby- she said the fine hairs in their nose can break and then they have no ‘filter’. We have bought/made saline solution for our newborn and a drop or two in each nostril seems to do the trick. (not trying to preach or say what’s right…I am a brand new mom and have no idea what I’m doing!! Just passing along some info we were told)
I am really loving spinning right now too. I never really got into it before but I have been going to one class a week recently and its a nice change.
I am loving some yoga and BODYFLOW this week! Seriously, our Ergo is the one baby accessory I could not live without!!
I didn’t discover it until this past year, but Suja has a wassail flavor for the holidays and it is SO good! I wish they sold it year round haha
ughhh stop making me want a dog 🙂
That is so sweet Sadie ‘takes care of’ Ryan. Awww! Your <3 just might explode in August, just sayin' 😉
Burp clothes are a must! I didn't even think to put them on the registry, so luckily people gave us some. Also, don't buy too much newborn clothes or diapers bc many babies are right out of them super quick–I'd go for more of the 0-3 month clothes & size 1 diapers. Plus the hospital gives you a bunch of newborn diapers. Lastly, a good breast pump is always great if you're planning on breastfeeding! <—most insurances get you one for free
I am staying with my boyfriend’s family this weekend, and they have an awesome mini-viszla. Reminds me a lot of Sadie!
a mini-vizsla!?!? I need to see this!!
Isn’t it amazing the difference fresh cut flowers make? I love having them in the house. Sounds corny, but they really do brighten up my day and make me smile. By the way, I love the wooden countertops on your kitchen island!
Hoping Ryan gets feeling better soon! Enjoy your weekend!!
That picture of Ryan and Sadie is funny…her paws look like they are in a weird position:) I don’t know about Sadie, but my cat always sleeps in the cutest positions. Yes, I am that person with a ton of cute sleeping photos on her phone:)
I got the Rock ‘n’ Play for my brother and his wife last summer when they were expecting, and they love it!! I have two friends expecting this summer, and I think they will likely get one as a present:) The other thing my sister in law swears by is the Twilight Turtle – it’s a light and sound machine for sleeping. We went on a family vacation to Florida in January and even I enjoyed falling asleep to it! haha
I didn’t think I’d ever use a snot sucker either. The baby’s first sickness you will get over that and just want to do anything for him to feel better (and get sleep!!). I never had the nose Frida but was told this other one was better and cheaper. I got it and love it. No filters to replace, just uses a tissue and is easy to clean.
https://www.babycomfycare.com/product/baby-comfy-nose-nasal-aspirator/?gclid=CjwKEAjw0-epBRDOp7f7lOG0zl4SJABxJg9qVnIiaNzIAtwDQpAgL_KAy3QjA4HwGl6igibqe_3KVhoCXqDw_wcB