SURPRISE!!

I can blog about this now. I've told my work, I've told my family, I've told my dance children, and I've put it my social media. Now, I can blog about it.

You may have noticed that I stopped blogging around April 1st of this year. I was going strong for a few months, then nothing. Well, that's because I pee'd on a stick and it was positive.

2 clear, dark blue lines. Happy April Fools Day, you're pregnant! I remember seeing a lot of posts online saying a positive pregnancy test is a cruel April Fools Day joke because so many people deal with infertility and pregnancy loss. It's insensitive. Then, here I am, with an actual positive test. Of course, I couldn't post about it on that day. I didn't know it yet, but I was only 4 weeks along.

Since I've been so irregular, and since my last period was at the end of January, the doctor said I could be as far as 9 weeks! But, after my first ultrasound, and only seeing a yolk sack (not a fetus!), they deemed me 5 weeks. So, the fact that Peter and I were able to get pregnant was a miracle. We had absolutely no idea when I was ovulating, and everyone was right. When you stop worrying about it, it'll happen. We tried when we were feeling frisky, not out of obligation. And it worked! I had another ultrasound the next week, and they found a little blip in my body. That blip was baby. At this point, Blip Baby even had a heartbeat! It's amazing, hearing a heat beat at 6 weeks, when baby is nothing but a head and a tail... It's awesome!

Once we had a heartbeat, we went ahead and told our family. Peter's mom, step dad, and sisters. Peter's dad and step mom. And my parents and brother. I, of course, had to tell someone right away, so I spilled the beans to my sister-in-law, Sabrina, and Lizzie; 2 of which were also pregnant at the time.

Time goes by. I get nauseous, but only actually throw up 3 times. I tell you, feeling nauseous, but never actually throwing up, is almost worse than actually throwing up...

I download 2 pregnancy apps. Ovia, which tells me the size of my baby in either strange-but-cute animals, toys & games, Parisian bakery items, or fruit & vegetables. I also download the What to Expect app, because it's too cliche to not download!

During the first 3 months, I stop going to the gym and live on bagels and toast. I feel miserable at work (which made it painfully obvious to my boss that I was pregnant), and snapped at some of my students at dance. My pants still fit, and things were looking good!

My 3 month ultrasound was magical!! I went with Jessie, my sister-in-law, as she was staying with us for the week. Baby was no longer a Blip Baby. Baby had arms, Baby had legs, and Baby was moving and shaking and kicking and waving at us! Baby was twisting and turning, and actually looked like a human. It was wild. It was amazing, and it's so AWESOME knowing that something like that is growing inside of me! Awesome, and a little freaky. The first and second ultrasound photos are only 6 weeks apart. It's amazing how Baby goes from tiny blip to actual fetus in less than 2 months. I can't believe it.

We had a big pregnancy reveal at my nephew's 3rd birthday party. I made him a shirt that said, "For my birthday, Aimee & Peter..." (on the front) "...are making me a COUSIN! Baby Marx Est. 12-2016" (on the back). It took people a little bit to figure out, because we call my cousin's baby, "baby cousin," so in actuality, Chevy (my nephew) already has, like, 4 cousins. But once they figured it out, they were all very happy for us, and congratulating us.

 

At the library (at at the dance studio), I announce my pregnancy a little different.

I bought a box of donuts and put a sign in the box that said something like, "Eat up, Aimee can't be the only one with a belly!" One of my coworkers at the library is also pregnant. She's 10 weeks more pregnant than I am. I think that worries some of my other coworkers (especially since my department is only 3 people, and 2 of them are pregnant....), but I think we'll be okay.

The dance recital was last night, June 4th. At the end of the show, my boss made a video commemorating the graduating seniors. She also had a bit talking about the growing ASA ("A Step Above;" the studio's name) family. She mentioned how she's getting married next summer and included a picture of her and her fiance. Directly after, she put up a picture of my 12 week ultrasound, and everyone in the audience gasped! They all through she was pregnant!! Hilarious! But soon after it said, "Baby Marx, coming December 2016. Congratulations Miss Aimee!" So now EVERYONE knows.

I've been having fun thinking about the future, how to decorate the baby's room, and what to paint for the baby. I just ordered maternity clothing from Old Navy. The pants I ordered in 3 different sizes, since I have no idea what will fit... So I totally have the intention of exchanging. Unfortunately, Old Navy stores near by carry maternity clothing... so I can't try on right away. But I also got dresses and a shirt.

Adieu Chubbs

This past weekend my mom and I took my pug to the Canadian border. I gave him up to Julien, my ex-fiance, because right before he left to go back to Montreal, I told him, "If at any point you are able to afford and accommodate the Chubby, I will give him back to you." And I had to keep that promise. But do not be sad. I posted a status on facebook that I think covers my thoughts and feelings about giving up Chubbs.

This post is going to be picture heavy. I wanted to document all the last fun times I had with Chubbs. So, here goes! 

Mom and I left early on Saturday morning and started to head east. We stopped at the Warren Dunes in Sawyer, Michigan so Chubbs could experience the beach before he became a city dog. He definitely did not run into the water naturally, but I did manage to get his belly wet, and ultimately I think he liked it. It cooled him off for sure. 

 After the beach, we needed to kill time before our room was available at the Red Roof Inn (which, by the way, was one of those hotels where drug deals went down. At least, it looked like those hotels, but dogs stayed for no extra charge, so it was good deal), so we went to the BBQ place in Benton Harbor called Charlie's Piggin' and Grinnin'. The wait-staff was SO impressed with Chubbs ("He does look like the dog from Men in Black!!") that we received the best customer service. They brought all our food outside (no dogs allowed inside), our drinks outside, and even poured water into Chubby's dish. Most of them were too afraid to actually pet Chubbs, but every one of the staff made sure to say bye to him when we left. OH, and the food was pretty excellent too.

Then we went to get gelato at this cool glass art studio/gelato place. They were having a sidewalk sale outside where you could get really awesome, one-of-a-kind glass pieces for like $5. The inside was totally hipster, crazy textured walls and funky glass magnets for sale. But I liked it, always nice to see people support the local art scene.

The rest of the night was spent watching murder shows on tv, napping, finding a drive thru Little Caesars  and watching a Discovery Channel special about Nik Wallenda.

The following morning, the morning of the drop off day, we took our time getting ready, got some crappy breakfast from a steak 'n shake, and started traveling across the state of Michigan. The most exciting moment was when we saw a highway sign advertising a Tim Hortons. Now, you American's probably do not understand the magic that is Tim Hortons, but I know all you Canadians know what I'm talking about. So we had to stop. I bought my mother and I a medium Ice Capp. I savored it, it was pure bliss.

Our drop off location was right across the border in Ontario, in the parking lot of a casino. My mom and I had gotten there an hour early, so we took the Chubbs next to the water, and of course took a few last pictures.

Julien arrived, and thankfully it only took Chubbs 2 seconds to go from who are you?! to OMG I KNOW YOU! He barked, but soon wagged his tail like crazy and jumped right up to him. I was so nervous that Chubbs would be hesitant and clingy to me, but it was the complete opposite. While Julien and I were exchanging items we had brought for each other, Julien's co-piolet took Chubby under a tree, when he proceeded to lay down and cool off. The overall meeting wasn't as awkward as I thought it would be. That's why I like being an adult. Both of us were very mature about everything, and that's all I could have asked for. Chubbs jumped right into Julien's car, even before we were done exchanging goods. As you can see to the right, he was ready to go, and clearly excited to experience new adventures (and air conditioning). I couldn't have been happier with the exchange, and I know Chubbs is in good hands. I haven't cried about losing him, because I do not fear for his well-being or safety. No need to cry :)

Our drive back to Illinois was long... but we started it with a surprising amazing meal at Applebees, which lasted us the rest of the trip. I didn't pull into the apartments until about 11 pm, in which I got attacked by Nutella and Peter. I ate a bowl of cereal, and the rest is history. 

Happy Friday!

Today was a loooong day. It started with applying for a job in Carol Stream. It was about a 30 minute drive, which really isn't bad considering the job pays $20 an hour. Worth it! It's still a part time job, but it's a library job, which is better than a retail job.

Before heading into work tonight, I went for a run outside. Using this website, I tracked how long my run was. Ultimately it was a little over 2 miles. I didn't run the whole time because it was kinda hot, and also because I just didn't want to. Official training for the 10K doesn't start until July 1st, so I'm definitely going to take it easy until then. No use injuring myself before training even begins!

I wanted to say something about my running fashion... but then I realized no one was home to take my picture (and also that I'm so not into fashion), so you're stuck with a MySpace-esque picture of me in my little shorts. I made the shirt in Craft Club my Junior year of college. The shorts are Old Navy, the shoes are New Balance, and the bra is sports. I know, real classy.

Take note of the pile of Converses and of the Chubby butt.

Healthy and Safe Travels

I'm currently at Burlington International Airport in Vermont. By 8 o'clock tonight (hopefully), I'll be in Chicago, visiting for a week. I'm excited to see friends and family, but, honestly, I miss my puppies children and future husband like crazy. Cray-cray.

Anyway, I knew there would be nothing healthy at the airport, so I decided to pack a few apples for the trip. I know, I'm sooo healthy. And, even though it probably wasn't a smart idea, I bought a 1 liter sized bottle of water, ironically called Smart Water. Four seats away from me sat a trendy looking, very pretty woman, drinking the same water. For some reason, it gave me a confidence boost.

I also bought a magazine and read an article about Miranda Lambert. There was a quote I loved in particular:

Everybody needs a partner like Blake Shelton. 

Top 100

Maxim's top 100 hottest ladies is out. I imagine people expect me to say:

Maxim is so sexist! Every lady on this list is a skinny supermodel. Why aren't there any plus size ladies?! Blah blah beauty standards blah!

BUT, I'm not going to say that. Body shaming is body shaming is body shaming. We expect these kinds of ladies to come out of the Maxim world, I'm not going to complain.

Being that I'm a lady who finds other ladies to be beautiful, but not personally sexually appealing, I want to give my list of the top 5 ladies who are most beautiful (in no particular order).

(Explanation: While I think a naked female body is more aesthetically pleasing than a naked male body, I am not sexually driven to females. I am all for, though, ladies who dig other ladies. I don't hate! Get your love on, guuurls!)

 Kate Winslet is beautiful. She's curvy, she's cute, and she was all like, "Put your hands on me Jack..."  I loved her character in Eternal Sunshine. I love her quirkyness, and her voluptuous body. Total package.

Sarah Wayne Callies is beautiful. You may recognize her from The Walking Dead, as the terrible mother who keeps on losing her son in a Zombie apocolypse. Or from Prison Break, as the terrible doctor who lets 8 prisoners escape from her office. I find her to be old fashioned, simple, down to earth. Not super extravagant, just someone you'd like to watch a movie with, or knit.

 Emma Watson is beautiful. Do I really need an explanation? Talent, brains, beauty. Plus she's English, people dig accents!

 Liv Tyler is beautiful. When I was younger, I would print out pictures of her and put them on my assignment notebooks. Her eyes are icey, and it compliments her dark hair, I just love everything about her.

Last, but not least, Katilette is beautiful. You may know her as the wife of video blogger Shay Carl. She had her own YouTube account, and I recently posted a video of her singing with her sister and father. She's a gorgeous, talented, crazy-wacky mother of 4 beautiful children. Anyway, whoever can pop out 4 kids and still look this fresh and amazing deserves an award!

Talent

One of the YouTubers I follow tweeted this out yesterday. Chris Thompson is a guy from Chicago (represent!), who now lives in LA, but he has an amazing voice. Sadly, though, he often gets criticized for his weight, and if often called, a fat Ricky Martin.

Fat?! Are you serious?! If he's fat, I'm a whale. But seriously, he has amazing talents, and the fact that people can't see that and have to put him down for something so trivial is heartbreaking.

I look up to him because he tries his best to look through those hate comments and he seems like a generally wonderful guy. I haven't had the pleasure of running into him at O'hare airport yet, but I know I will one day (creepy?).

Here is a link to his Headphones Recommended playlist on his main channel. He made Coldplay bearable for me, which is a major feat. As did this man.

My first 5K

Today was the big day! My first ever official 5K race around the Gilles-Villeneuve Circuit! (It's a Formula 1 thing).


I couldn't sleep last night, knowing we had to be up and out the door by 7:15 am. The drive there was nerve wracking, as I was nervous for some reason. It's just running, what's to be nervous about? It was pretty cold this morning, about 34 degrees fahrenheit, and all I had was my stupid sweatshirt to keep me warm. It's alright though, once we got  moving, I definitely warmed up.

The run itself wasn't terrible. It's definitely different than running on the treadmill at the gym. I wish I trained more outside, so I'd be ready for wind, sun, and a varying temperature, but I survived nonetheless. I got passed up pretty often, but I tried not to let it get me down. Because I wasn't completely ready for the outside conditions, I couldn't run the entire race. I think I stopped 4 or 5 times, but never for longer than 1/2 a song. I tried though, really I did.

At some point, a blind lady passed me with her guide.

I'm not sure of my super official time, but as I passed the thing it said 35-something. So I guess my time is somewhere between 34 and 36 minutes, which is pretty damn good in my opinion. That averages about 7 minutes per kilometer and about 11 1/2 minutes per mile. I can't complain :)

Julien said the first guy who passed the finish line was at about 15 minutes. I cant imagine, that's SO fast!

So it's done. I can't feel my legs. And for some odd reason I signed up for another one next Sunday, May 6th.

Legit, yo

I got a number, I'm like a prisoner. 

Prison Break.

FGFOF: gym edition

Feel-Good: I felt confidant yesterday (and especially today) working out at the gym in my little shorts. I even noticed some definition in my thighs! I tried taking a subtle mirror picture with my iPod, I'm not sure if you can see anything, but it's definitely there in real life! Ignore my grumpy-face, I was in the middle of doing abs. 

Freak-Out: Thigh burn. I now understand why runners want that "thigh gap." It hurts A LOT when you're running and those babies are rubbing together. Note to self: don't wear shorts during the actual 5K.

Speaking of, I'd like to thank the 3 people who have sponsored me thus far! My dad, Alia, and Jennie. You guys rock! I'm so glad I have support for my friends and family. Donations aside, I really am thankful for everyone in my life :)

To end this Feel-Good, Freak-Out Friday, I'd like to share with you a tweet from Miss Kelley Osbourne. 

Not today

Due to many factors beyond my control (kinda), I am going to stop counting calories as of 4 o'clock. I started the day off badly by eating 3 timbits, and I have also been working (slowly) on my research article evaluation that is due tomorrow. (It's a research article about how librarians do not do research. Oh the irony!) Anyway, that means no gym for me today and we're going out for sushi later, so there is no hope for me. I'll still watch what I eat, but I won't have actual numbers to show for it.


To compensate for my lack a daily food entry later on, here are two tweets my friends posted. I like them, and I find them inspiring and often-times hilarious.

I'm not sorry I ate you, little bunny. But I am sorry to say that you were quite delicious.

Dolphin WOW.

A dolphin came with my breakfast this morning.

There is not a movie I love more than I love Forrest Gump. I think everyone can take a page out of his book.

My friends are the best. Surround yourself with positivity today!

My friend posted this on Facebook. I liked the message, except when he came to the last sentence. By saying, "why live?" it's like he's allowing a way out, and I don't think suicide is ever a feasible answer. Not sure if he meant that, but after rereading it a few times, I just wanted to say I don't condone that kind of behaviour. I believe there are a million reasons to live, and everyone just needs to identify with the ones they love the most.

Week 10

Since I've been actively seeking images and phrases that promote self love, they've definitely had an affect on me. Like the image on the left, which I live by. And I'm definitely happier, and physically feel better since I've been working out and eating better. I suggest you try it :)

It's been 2 weeks since my last vlog.

Week 7: online.

Week 8: reading week.

Week 9: first week back at school.

Week 10: today!

Since it's Sunday, that usually means homework and overall lazing around. I have midterm and a presentation tomorrow, so after I publish this it's time to study and prepare. Only break for the gym around 1. GO!