theunstuffedpepper

[theunstuffedpepper]

I’m so deeply tired. Everyone in my house is sick. We rarely, rarely ALL get sick at the same time. Usually it’s staggered and somehow I typically manage to escape getting whatever cold or virus is going around. Not this time. Thankfully none of us are super sick — it’s just a sore throat/congested/snotty cold — but damn. Poor Derrick is waking up more because he feels crappy, and I’m happy to be his comfort and help him fall back asleep when he needs, but also.. I feel crappy too dude. Moms shouldn’t be allowed to get sick.

Silver linings: we had a great weather day here and got to sit outside and have some low key play time. These boys are everything. A random turkey even came wandering through the yard despite us being right there. I also got to see a European starling for the first time. Pretty cool.

#momblr #spring has sprung #please let this be a very quick cold! #04162024

[theunstuffedpepper]

Fun filled weekend with my brother and sister in law! We did a touch-a-truck event in the rain, ate lunch at a great brewery, and I got some 1:1 time to catch up with my SIL. After they left Sunday morning, Holden and I played in the sandbox while Derrick napped, and I did some bird watching while we played too. Can’t help myself. Then the four of us hit our favorite lunch spot.

Last week was incredibly exhausting with a hectic work schedule and I’m feeling run down from it. Debating whether I’m getting sick—fingers crossed I’m not. Derrick had a good night of sleep last night, so I’m hoping for one more tonight and to feel more rested tomorrow.

The weather here today was nothing short of perfection. Having all the windows open is good for the soul. I’m getting so stoked for this spring season.

I’m trying to read Empire of Pain by Patrick Radden Keefe.. it’s about the Sackler dynasty and their involvement in the opioid crisis. It’s slow going.

Just finishing up bedtime with my littlest dude, then it’s a shower and a hot cup of tea for this girl. Happy tax day y’all 😆

#momblr #reading #family time #04152024

[theunstuffedpepper]

Same girl. Same.

Do not recommend being on the 80-something-th floor of a skyscraper during an earthquake. 0/10.

I did not have an earthquake on my bingo card for today.

cc: @theunstuffedpepper

#😑😑😑

[theunstuffedpepper]

What I’ve been reading.. February/March 📚

I’ve been reading significantly less since returning to work full time. I’ve been tending to listen to podcasts on my train commute and that’s really the only block of time I have to listen to books (or anything else) aside from getting up at night to nurse the baby back to sleep (which thankfully has been less and less lately).

Jell-o Girls: I tend to disagree with reviews stating it was a “gorgeous” memoir. I wanted to love it, but I also think I wanted it to be more about the Jell-o corporation and the corruption within it, and less about the author and her personal family dynamics.

Pretty Girls was good. Not fantastic, but good. Maybe a bit predictable? Worth the read though.

The two bird-related books were fabulous, especially How to Know the Birds. I know no one here will want to read it and I’m totally good with that, but I loved it so much. Super dry and chock full of great info. 🤓

American Predator was the best true crime I’ve read in a long time. I’m still thinking about that book and I read it weeks ago. It was haunting. It felt like you got more of a peek behind the investigative curtain than you typically would in a true crime book. Incredibly well done.

Currently reading The Mystery Guest which is just as enjoyable as the first book in the series (The Maid). Really fun and quirky.

#reading #my reads #04032024

[theunstuffedpepper]

The bird obsession continues 🤷🏻‍♀️ 🐦‍⬛

#home office #gallery wall #momblr #birdblr #04022024

[theunstuffedpepper]

It’s been a month since I posted anything here?! I feel like I’m not that busy and yet I guess I am.

Easter was a blast — egg hunts, Easter baskets, all the yummy food. We hosted my family and I cooked my ass off. Highlights include cheesy scalloped potatoes, a chopped asparagus salad, and an overnight blueberry french toast casserole. Freaking dreamy. My MIL was a no show — trying to just be ok with her doing whatever she’s gonna do. My family showed up and it was lovely.

Holden is an absolute love bug with me these days and I’m loving it so hard. He’s always telling me he loves me or giving hugs and kisses, and now he often thanks me for cooking him delicious food (his words!). Sweet, sweet boy.

We’re trying to get all the outdoors time in but have been rained out most days lately. Just glad our egg hunt didn’t get rained out. I cannot waaaaaait for warmer weather, y’all.

#easter #momblr #04012024

[theunstuffedpepper]

Home office views vs in-office views — not sure which ones I like better 😏

My home office has been decked out with some beautiful plants and a new accent rug. I just have to order & frame some photos for the wall above the couch and I think it’s about done. I’m loving this little space at home that’s just mine. Too, having the treadmill in my work space has transformed my daily habits. I’ve been working out a lot more than usual and eating much better as a result. If the scale could just budge a bit more, that’d be great.

This week I commuted into the office twice and it wasn’t as tough as I expected. I’m actually enjoying getting out of the house, having some quiet time to myself on the train, and interacting with my colleagues in person. Twice a week seems doable for now. It’s also nice wearing something other than leggings and a nursing tee. I really need to find some good bras though.

I’ve managed to wean my supply so that I don’t need to pump during the day but I still have plenty of milk for the baby at bedtime, overnight if needed, and in the morning. I didn’t think I would be able to accomplish that — when I was exclusively breastfeeding, it seemed crazy to think I could go all day without nursing/pumping and still have a supply at night — but here we are. The further along I get in my bf journey this time around, the more proud of myself I am.

Work has asked if I can travel internationally over the next few months and my gut instinct was to say yes, although I’m rethinking the breastfeeding aspect of that. I’m lucky that my boss is flexible and she wants me to do what’s best for me. So, I’m still mulling it over. We’ll see.

The kids are adjusting to me being away twice a week pretty well, better than anticipated. My MIL has been helping out whenever she’s not working — in the mornings Monday through Thursday and then Friday all day. No more big bumps in the road as far as she’s concerned. Fingers crossed it’s smoother sailing here on out. I’m still working on mending our somewhat strained relationship. It’ll take time.

The bird obsession continues to ramp up. Spring migration is almost upon us y’all, and I’m PUMPED. I was out back doing a happy dance while watching a flock of common grackles and red winged blackbirds in the yard the other morning. I guess this is life now? 🐦‍⬛🐦‍⬛😅

#momblr #birdblr #working mom #03012024

[theunstuffedpepper]

Major home office upgrade 💪🏻

I survived my first day back at (remote) work yesterday! There have been SO many changes since I last was at work in July. Makes sense. 7 months is a long ass time. I had some good chats with my boss though and we agreed on a (slightly) reduced in-office commuting schedule for me — 2 days a week compared to the 3 days a week that’s considered the norm for most people. 2 days a week was what I was thinking before we talked, so I’m happy all things considered. It’s definitely a “super commute”, but I can manage 2 days a week at least for a while.

Since I’ll be working remotely 3 days a week, I decided to make a major investment in my home office space and bought a sit/stand desk along with a walking pad to go underneath. I’ve been really loving it so far today. It’s 3pm and I’ve walked over 3 miles so far, spread out between 3 different sessions. It’s nice being able to walk while I’m working independently and then quickly switch to sitting for calls or meetings. Who is this girl??

I’m using my apple watch to track workouts and I re-downloaded the mfp app in case I want to do food tracking. (My health app, linked to my watch, is like WHOA - you’re walking and burning way more calories than you usually do by this point in the day. Thanks, apple.) I don’t think I’ll track my food most days, but who knows. The goal for now is just to eat more wholesome and nourishing foods generally and move more.

Look at me gooooo 👏🏻

#momblr #back to work #home office #02232024

[theunstuffedpepper]

Current favorite 3-year-old misspoken words:

Mystery Machine (from scooby doo) is “washing machine”.

Multiple sips from his water bottle are “sipses”.

Mechanic is “kenanic”.

There have been so many good ones over the years. “Packpack” for backpack, “peep” for pink, “boops” for boots. So cute.

#misheard lyrics #toddler edition #momblr #02192023

[theunstuffedpepper]

I find myself having lots of little moments of gratitude today. I’m now a week away from returning to work after just about 7 months off. What!!? The looming transition has me rethinking my lifestyle and the habits I’ve fallen into while navigating the postpartum experience this time around. I’m making some positive changes for myself and my health and I can feel the changes slowly giving me more energy and optimism.

I went to my first yoga class in a LONG time last weekend! It was humbling, uplifting, enjoyable. I’m so stiff, y’all. I’ve been realizing the connection between emotional/mental and physical health in a personal way — seeing connections throughout my life — and that was another fine example of it. My lower back is absolutely killing me these last few days and I’ve gotta keep working my way back to better back health. Yoga will be a part of that, whether it’s in the fitness studio or at home.

Feeling grateful for little things like hot showers, cups of tea, under eye masks, an organized pantry, a family walk in the snow this morning (despite very whiny children in tow), and the energy to do the annoying cleaning tasks today that I don’t normally do. (Like, do you guys wipe the front of your cabinets often, or only when you’re repulsed and shocked by them, like me??)

Here’s to caring for ourselves a bit more gently sometimes.

#momblr #self care #gratitude #02172023

[theunstuffedpepper]

Getting outside more lately has been good for the soul. We’ve been getting out to the playgrounds when the weather allows and I’ve even managed to steal a few quiet moments for myself to start checking out the birds that come to our yard. My new binoculars arrived and they are awesome. This morning, I was able to sound-ID half a dozen birds but didn’t see any. I feel like I need to also get a good look at them for them to “count”. Birding while also spending time with a toddler — a non starter. Though, something cool: I did learn that a song that I’ve always attributed to an owl is actually that of a mourning dove.

I’m starting to get a little concerned about Holden’s behavior. He hasn’t had a ton of opportunity to socialize having been home with us from birth, so I’m hoping enrolling him in a local nature school will help. We’re going for a tour on Tuesday. I’m noticing a lot of refusal to share or take turns, and just generally not nice behavior toward other kids — yelling, “my turn!” when someone else is doing something he wants to do, etc. Embarrassing. Sad. Disappointing. Today his TV privileges have been revoked because last night he took off his pants and diaper and did a full pee all over his bed. I just can’t, guys. I’m tired.

Parenting is a trip. They told me 3 is a tough age. I’m starting to agree.

Gonna try and get outside by myself while the kids are napping, eyes to the sky, and see what I can ID. Really leaning into this new hobby. 🐦‍⬛

#momblr #birdblr? lol #02102023

[theunstuffedpepper]

January reads 📚

A Killer by Design was great, but it wasn’t available in audio format, so I read the text version. This was such a strong reminder of how much better audio books are as a format for me. It took me like 5x as long to read this book, though in my defense, who wants to read on a phone in the dark in the middle of the night when you could listen instead??

I’m currently out of my true crime reading phase and into a much weirder one: books about birds. 😂

Also, what an interesting book — True Crime Addict by James Renner. It’s on his obsession with the Maura Murray case, which was also coincidentally covered (again) by Ashley Flowers over on her Crime Junkie podcast recently. So weird how people can just.. disappear.

#reading #my reads #true crime

[theunstuffedpepper]

Time flies, I guess? I can’t believe it’s been a month since I’ve posted something here.

January was chock full of snow days for us, which is always fun, though the sun making a reappearance during this last week or so has truly been so welcome. Dare I say I’m ready for spring?

We celebrated Holden turning 3 — had a big party for him with lots of friends and family and naturally, everything was monster truck themed. He loved it. Seeing him grow and learn continues to be so amazing. I was just saying to B last night that during his 3-year well visit with the pediatrician they asked if he can put together 3- or 4-word sentences. Seems like lately he’s not just putting sentences together, but he’s telling us full fledged stories all the time. I love how much he’s able to express himself now. I work with him often on identifying and expressing his feelings, finding healthy ways to cope with some tough feelings, and for a 3 year old he does pretty well with it. I’m constantly in awe (except during the toddler tantrums, which are very, very real). Big highs, big lows!

Things with MIL continue to be a struggle but we’re working through it. B and I have mostly been able to stay on the same team and support each other which is what’s important at the end of the day. I’ve recently found my voice within some tough conversations and it feels really, really good. Speaking what’s on my heart has been kind of a revelation for me.

I’m now entering something of a rediscovering-myself period. After having three kids in three years, coping with intense loss and grief, relocating, enduring some big shifts in family dynamic, I’ve been left feeling like.. who even am I now? I’ve been operating in survival mode for some time and it’s left me feeling like a shell of myself. I’m beginning to slowly find things that I like to do just for me. (Who knew that would also help me harbor way less resentment and be a better partner and friend?) I’m gonna go try a yoga class tomorrow for the first time in a long time and I’ve been reading books on — wait for it — birding, of all things. I’m getting into birds, guys. 😅

Here’s to making more frequent updates again. I miss this space. Looking forward to catching up with you, friends.

#momblr #3 year old #6 month old #self discovery #02062023

[theunstuffedpepper]

I just started this book tonight and already I’m completely obsessed. Writing style is the perfect balance of dry, lightly witty, honest, hilarious, thoughtful, and weird. Apparently I read mostly nonfiction (I wouldn’t have thought that!) and this is the first storygraph recommendation I’m getting into, but damn. Nailed it.

We got like 10” of snow here over the past day, which meant Derrick had his very first snow day. He would probably rate it 3/10, but Holden had a blast making snow angels and jumping around. It was so high he couldn’t get going with any speed and his new sled was a bit intimidating for him, but he loved it all anyway. He can’t wait to get outside tomorrow with B to make a staircase out of snow, he says.

B was away all weekend with his guy friends so it was just me and my MIL helping out. She was a nice help, though I tired of her constant self deprecation and asking the same questions a million times, seemingly out of insecurity. Then she left last night (despite me telling her to go much earlier in the day because of the impending storm) and barely got around the corner before she ran her car off the road into a ditch. She had to get a ride home from some good samaritan. Truly, truly never a dull moment.

I’m enjoying a quiet night in with B. I think this weekend trip messed up his attempt at a healthy restart and dry January, but tomorrow the real effort begins. Feels good to be refocusing on health.

Cheers, friends.

#momblr #snow day #tell me everything #storygraph #my reads #01072024

[theunstuffedpepper]

Anyone else make the switch from GoodReads to StoryGraph?

I never used GR for the social component - strictly used it for (lazily) tracking my reading. Now that I’m getting more into reading, I decided to make the switch to StoryGraph and already I like it so much more. More options for tracking — I like that you can categorize books as “did not finish” — and it’s a much, much cleaner app experience.

Anywho! If you’re on SG and wanna find me, I’m audiopepper.

#storygraph #my reading #my reads #books #audiopepper #01062024

[theunstuffedpepper]

I read a lot for December! Highlights for me: The Maid and Stay Sexy and Don’t Get Murdered. I’m not a fan of the My Favorite Murder podcast so I didn’t expect much from their book, but it really surprised me. It makes me want to try the podcast again at some point.

Most confusing/disappointing read: Apples Never Fall. Has anyone else read this one?! For an 18 hour audio book, I didn’t really expect it to go where it went. It was unexpected but in a kinda disappointing way. I still don’t know how I feel about it.

Loving reading so much lately. I just finished The Woman in Cabin 10 but didn’t include it here since I technically finished it in January. Either way, I loved it. Creepy in a great way.

#reading #my reads #books

[theunstuffedpepper]

Just getting caught up over here - we had a lovely Christmas. The kids got way too many gifts, as usual, and Holden had an absolute blast. We hosted Christmas Eve and Christmas Day for 12 people total. I made a big meal for Christmas Eve - braised beef and veggies, potatoes, lasagna, mac and cheese, green beans, green salad, plus dessert - and then we had a big leftovers feast for dinner Christmas Day. Christmas morning, I made a hash brown and egg casserole with bacon and pastries from a great local bakery. We basically just ate all day long for days.

I had my fill of sugar for the few weeks leading up to the end of the year. So many cookies. Now that it’s January and the holidays are in the rear view, I feel so ready to clean it up and focus on getting some healthy habits back in place. Most immediately I want to work some exercise-level activity into each day and eat less sugar. With time, I’m sure I’ll expand those goals and get more specific, but it’s where I’m starting.

I’m still about 5 pounds less than my pre-pregnancy weight with Derrick. That’s clearly a testament to how many calories breastfeeding burns, because I feel like I’ve been eating so much and somehow haven’t really gained in the past month or two. Time to flip it around and make the calorie burn work for me.

We started Derrick on solids! He’s had oatmeal and puréed peas so far. Peas were not a fan favorite but surprisingly he’s coming around to them. Holden is such a great eater and I really hope Derrick follows in his footsteps. This is where I feel like the fun really begins. He’ll be 5 months on Thursday already.

Here’s to kicking off the new year in a positive way. This one is gonna be a good one.

#new year vibes #fresh start #momblr #weight loss #postpartum #01022024