Alright, friends…it is back to regularly schedule programming over here. Monday Musings – Vol 25 is going to set up a fun week of THREE POSTS. I know, who am I!? In fact, we could actually sprinkle in a 4th over the weekend. You will just have to wait and see! I am feeling all sorts of positive energy & optimism to kick-off a new week. It would be fantastic if that carried on throughout the week! Something about a super productive weekend makes me feel so good. We cleaned and organized ALL the things. I set up all of our patio pieces {see more below}. We grilled. I had one beverage. Oh and we test drove 2 more cars! Both were unimpressive. Currently feeling unimpressed with all things car-related. Obviously a busy, but low key weekend is just what I needed.

A little IVF update…

My cycle started on Friday and after a callback from the clinic, I’m officially in FET prep. Seems like just a few days ago I posted THIS and everything began. I started on Estradiol Saturday. Dr. Oakes has me on 2 pills/day for 3 days, 3 pills/day for 3 days. And then it’s 4 pills/day until further notice. I am scheduled for an ultrasound to check my uterine lining next Monday. Then, assuming things look good, we will schedule the transfer at that appointment. There is a goal date and 2 back-up options we’ve chosen. I’ve gone back & forth on how much to share in terms of the transfer. And I still don’t know quite yet. Please bear with me.

And some uncertainty…

I have been so open up to this point that part of me says keep that up. And having people able to pray at exact times, for exact purposes has been amazing. I have appreciated that more than you’ll ever know. Consequently, I’m really starting to feel anxious and overwhelmed. We’ve suffered one miscarriage, mostly in private. And I am not sure I’m prepared to possibly experience one so publicly. IVF is a thief. It steals the most precious moments of surprise from you. At the same time it plants constant seeds of doubt and tentativeness in your mind. What if this transfer doesn’t work? I’m not sure I’ll be able to handle it. I also don’t want to go dark on everyone who is supporting us and cheering for us. So TBD…

What is in my Target Cart…

Because it wouldn’t be a good Monday Musings – Vol 25 without a little retail therapy. And online shopping soothes me. For example, when I hit ‘order’ I smile. Maybe not the best thing. But hey…I’m only human. Besides the fact that Target is awesome, they’ve got 20% off lots of clothes + shoes. In fact, 2 of my most recent purchases are included! And your girl just can’t say no to a good deal. Finally time to shop for Spring/transitional pieces. See what I’m loving below! Also, everything is clickable to make things easy!

This Week’s Meal Plan…

• Meatless Monday – Grilled Veggie Bowls (peppers, tomatoes, spinach, street corn, squash over brown rice)
• Tuesday – Hawaiian Burgers w/ homemade Macaroni Salad
• Wednesday – Breakfast-for-dinner! Protein Waffle Sandwiches + Fruit
• Thursday – Chicken Sausage + Stuffed Gnocchi w/ Spinach + Side Salads
• Friday – whatever Kyle’s mom wants to make us 🙂
• Saturday – Take-out

Random Ramblings…

• Suns out, sunscreen is out! And I’ve finally become religious with putting on sunscreen daily over the last few years. About time! I’m extremely picky though. My three favorite SPFs all have 3 things in common: no weird smell, strong protection & they’re not sticky. First – Tula’s SPF30 {use AMIDWESTERNMIX for 15% off}. Second – Supergoops’ SPF40. Third – Coola’s SPF30. I know they’re pricey, but I’m not just putting some random stuff on my face. Because I can’t mess around at 32 years old, LOL!

• I learned yesterday on IG stories that some of y’all need to wash your bedding more! 😉 Did you know that every night your body sheds ~ 15 million skill cells? That’s 105 million / week. Just let that sink in. And then pretty please, wash your sheets regularly! Also, THESE inexpensive sheets are some of our favorites.

• My Saturday day was super productive so by evening I was ready to crash. I finished Behind Her Eyes on Netflix and UGHHH. Hated it. I’m mad I wasted 6+ hours of my time on it. The ending was so far-fetched that it left me annoyed. I scrolled to find my ‘next’ show: The Assassination of Gianni Versace was my choice! I’m liking it SO much more. As a fashion lover, I’ve always found Versace’s creations so fascinating. It’s pretty graphic and quite sad. Definitely not kid-friendly.
• PATIO SEASON! She’s *almost* here. We can’t trust a 7 day forecast in the Midwest. But a few days in a row of 60*+ was enough for me to pull out everything! My 3-piece bistro set is on MAJOR sale – regularly $350. Also so excited that once again our full outdoor furniture set is back this year!

• I have a MAJOR itch to travel. Like so badly. First I want to get to the beach. Also I’d like to go to the mountains too. We basically are on travel restrictions with IVF, which sucks. I know it’s worth it, but it doesn’t really make it suck any less. This coming weekend I’m having a ‘girl’s day’ with my MIL + SIL. Even if it’s just to my old college town, I’m not complaining. I’m having an espresso martini. We may shop a little. I don’t care. Because a change of scenery is needed. And I’m going to enjoy it!

· xox, Kristin ·