It’s a little later as I sit down to type up a post tonight, and honestly, I probably should just go to bed. But for whatever reason, I’m just in the mood to write, even though I’m coming on here not really knowing what in the world I feel like chatting about.
So hey there, happy Wednesday to you!
Yesterday was a good day, for it being a Tuesday and all (my least favorite work day of the week). Work was good, we had some fantastic tacos for dinner, and then we even started going through some of Lucas’s baby clothes bins last night in an effort to start feeling a little bit more ready for his little brother on the way.
Boy, I’ll tell ya…it’s a good thing we’re having another boy because we are SET in the clothing department. Like, for real. So many clothes!
And I’ll be honest, I’ve been feeling so much better this past week or so in terms of the crazy emotions and sadness. Much more like myself, and definitely not as unstable as I was feeling a couple of weeks ago. I’ve been making more of an effort to talk with Lucas about the baby and get him excited…and seeing him start to get excited for his little “bruvver” and ask if the baby is kicking mommy just makes me more excited to finally have our growing family all together.
Some days, I legit worry that I’ll never be able to come up with a name that I love for little brother, however. Boy names are hard! We have our short list of top picks (even though my favorite and Jay’s favorite aren’t the same), but I need to remind myself that we also didn’t have Lucas’s name fully picked until he was born either.
Umm, have I mentioned before that I have a little issue with being a tid bit indecisive? No? Well, now ya know.
Let’s see…what else. Well, I’m about to dive face first into this box of donuts that my MIL brought home for us today (I’m lookin at you, Boston Cream!). I swear, I’m going to turn into a freakin’ donut before this pregnancy is over.
But I can tell you that I’ll totally continue to enjoy them for these next 8 weeks. Because what better excuse do you have other than saying, “it’s what the baby wants!” right?
I was also thinking randomly the other day about how I’ve changed since starting this little ol’ blog six years ago now (this still blows my mind…AND I missed my blogiversary…which was Monday!). For whatever reason, I’ve been lucky enough to have so many of you reading for a good majority of this time, so maybe you’ve noticed some of these and maybe you haven’t. But just for fun…
How I’ve Changed (and the Blog Has Changed) Since Starting This Blog 6 Years Ago
- I’m no longer a teacher (former elementary school teacher, for those who may not know), and while I have no regrets about no longer being in the profession, I do still miss the aspects of helping kids and hope to some day incorporate that into my day to day life somehow.
- I’ve become a mom. Obviously.
- I’ve slowly learned my own writing style (as opposed to how I wrote in the beginning, which was very much a replica of whatever other blogs I was reading at that time) and I love it. It truly makes me enjoy what I do here in my little corner of the blog world.
- I’ve become much more comfortable as a woman, even though I still have days where I question the “real” me and or who I truly want to be. Does that sound weird? It’s likely a topic too deep for me to dive into today.
- I’m about 20-25 pounds heavier (when I’m not pregnant) these days and I’m 100% happier.
- I no longer fear food. I enjoy it. Thoroughly. And I don’t overanalyze every single thing that goes into my mouth.
- I eat a lot more sugar (and donuts) now, and that’s okay.
- I no longer eat the same exact, boring lunch every single day.
- I workout because I love how it makes me feel, not so I can burn “x” amount of calories.
- I make many more appearances in public without makeup or washed hair; back in the day, this neverrrrr would have happened. I’ll blame #momlife.
- My need to impress others isn’t nearly what it used to be, but I still struggle with being a people pleaser.
- I’ve gained amazing friends who live both near and far, and have become closer with them than I could have imagined (Hayyyy Chelsey!).
throwback to our incredible glamping trip!
- I’ve also had friendships fizzle, which were both unexpected and disappointing in the moment, but sometimes for the best.
- I’d like to think I could say I’ve gotten a lot better with money management, but some months are better than others.
- I am now addicted to my smartphone, which I didn’t even own back in the day.
- I spend WAY more time on social media/in front of a computer screen than I used to. Which, when I think about it, is a little concerning…yet I can’t step away from it all.
I’m sure there are more I could add to this list, but I decided to write it up last minute and am totally getting ready to hit the sack.
So how about we turn the tables a bit?! How have YOU changed in the last 6 years? Is there anything else you’d still like to change?
Brynn says
This is too funny, I was just telling my friend yesterday about your glamping trip. I feel you on so many of these changes- age certainly makes you wiser and my priorities have shifted. Now I’m with my son, not running an extra mile and I would never change it.
Abby says
I’m a 20 year old college student who’s been reading your blog since I was 16. I’ve had my own walk down the “disordered eating-trail” and am happy to have gotten through that bout of my life. To be honest, I always worried that my past would reflect in my adult-life, my life as a parent (which is wayyyy down the road ;) ) and wife (also far off), friend, career-woman… I could go on. I don’t read your blog for the recipes or workouts or fashion ideas- although you’re rocking it in that department too. I read your blog because it inspires me and reminds me to go easy on myself, to live my life, to gently laugh at my once disordered tendencies. It helps me to remember that shameless, yummy cookies with my boyfriend is so much bigger and better than a false sense of satisfaction that comes with a “perfect eating day” <— Ick!
It reminds me that one day, I will be a woman and mom who is warm and strong and kind without a calorie number weighing her down. Just as I've learned to be a college student who goes out on a Thursday night and pounds the burrito at 2 am.
Healthy living blogs can be so toxic. Too many of them label foods, shame themselves, pride themselves, post pictures that all too easy for young girls to compare themselves to. Yours is the opposite for me in that reading it everyday was a gentle reminder to live life OUTSIDE of the world that pushes clean eating, calories and progress pictures down every woman's throat.
Wow, that was way longer than intended. Not going to lie, I feel a little creepy right now ;) It needed to be said. Have a great day :)
Courtney says
This is one of the sweetest comments, Abby. Wow. Thank you! I appreciate it more than you know!
Nicole says
Hi! I love and read your blog often. Both of my parents have passed and when I had my daughter, I wanted to incorporate my moms name so I made it her middle name. You could always name him after your father in law or at least his middle name :).
Courtney says
I’m so, so sorry to hear about the passing of your parents, Nicole. My sincere condolences.
We actually do have that agreed on, and we know that his middle name will absolutely be Thomas, after my father-in-law. We just need to come up with a first name :)
Lauren says
I’ve been reading your blog since almost the beginning (I think I found it six months or so after you started it??) and I’ve enjoyed following along with your life and all the changes. I will just say that as someone looking in, I think you have stayed at your core very much the same person through everything, which is a GOOD thing :) You seem like a truly kind, level-headed and fun person who makes it a point to be honest even when you are scared of how people might perceive you. I just want to commend you on that because it’s so hard to not create a ‘fake life’ to impress people these days. I feel like I am actually friends with you and your little family :) I will be reading your blog as long as you continue to write it!!
And while I don’t have kids yet, my husband and I do have potential names (LOL) and we’re the opposite…for a boy, we both agree on both a first and middle name but girl is nearly impossible. I wish you luck but I’m sure the minute you meet him you will know what fits!
Courtney says
Wow, that’s incredible. THANK YOU!! I can’t believe you’ve been reading for so long. That is just so awesome to know! Have a great day, Lauren :)
Melissa says
Everything Lauren said above … I also have been reading almost since the beginning and I feel the same way!
I also have to say, I am so with you on figuring out the “real” me and who I am as a person–you are not alone on that. I’m 36, never been married, on my second career (former teacher here, too!), and don’t have any children. My life is so different than what I envisioned, but I’m also happy. I have grown so much into myself and feel so much more comfortable with who I am than I did 5-6 years ago, too. So even though I’m still getting there (wherever that may be), I’m making progress. I know that when I do get married someday and (maybe) have a child, I’ll be a better wife and mama for it.
Thanks for keeping up your blog — I enjoy reading along and even though our lives are so different, I can really relate and connect to you and definitely feel like you are a friend! XO
Taylor says
What a great post! I have changed so much in the last 6 years too. I have become a wife, I now have a career, my husband and I have moved a lot, and so much more. I can totally relate to coming into your own, but still feeling like you aren’t sure who the “real” you is. I think I will always feel that way to some extent. Sometimes it is hard not to compare ourselves to others and wish we had more of this characteristic or that characteristic, but I think as long as we keep growing and striving to be the best version of ourselves, it is the best we can do!! Absolutely love reading your blog and I love your writing style, you are so genuine and that is what makes your blog so amazing.
Anna L. says
Sounds crazy but when I first started reading your blog 4 years ago, I had just graduated from high school. Now I’m in my last week of college. When I found this blog I similarly feared food and counted calories religiously. Worked out too often and for the wrong reasons. Seeing you and this blog transform to have a healthy view on weight, food and exercise helped me in my own journey and I now am 10 pounds heavier and love what I’ve become way more than I did four years ago! Thanks for always keeping the blog honest and open. You never know who you’re reaching and how you’re affecting them!
Kim@fitsique says
You’ve done some incredible things in the last six years, and whether you are here writing for the next six or not, we will be here watching you grow for the time! Lucas is going to make a fantastic big brother!
Lauren @ The Bikini Experiment says
I think it is so important to feel comfortable in your own skin and not hold yourself to some silly standard you “think” you should be. I have changed considerably as well in the last 6 years. I moved from the East coast to Austin, left the corporate world and started my blog. I have totally embraced a healthy lifestyle and feel good about my choices. xo Lauren
Jennifer says
Been loving your weekly menu plans! They’re actually like realistic food that the whole family will eat :) do you have breakfast and lunch suggestions? And snacks? Would love to see that added- always find those hardest to plan!
Courtney says
Thanks Jennifer! This is something I’ve had on my “to-do” list for a while now and definitely something I want to try and incorporate more of. I just need to find some extra time, haha. Hopefully soon!! :)
Mallory says
I’ve been reading your blog for years. While you were just as sincere, likable, and relatable back then as you are now, it’s clear you are also happier, more secure, and more confident than ever. I’ve really enjoyed watching you evolve over the years and as the reader above mentioned, I will continue to read as long as you continue to write!
Courtney says
Thank you SO MUCH, Mallory!!
Ellen @ My Uncommon Everyday says
I think I’ve been reading for four or five years, and yours was one of the first “healthy living blogs” I discovered. At the time, I think I wanted to be too much like the stereotypical “healthy living blogger” and I definitely changed my diet a little and started exercising more. Not in an unhealthy way, really, but also maybe not in a way that works for me. I don’t know how to explain that, but it didn’t last that long. I do the workouts that feel good and eat the foods I adore and cook (and bake) a lot because it’s fun, and I feel like I can see myself living a life similar to yours, if that makes sense. So while I think you’ve shifted from the stereotypical “healthy living blogger”, I think you live a much healthier life now and it’s one that I definitely look up to.
Courtney says
It sounds like you’ve really got an awesome perspective on what “healthy” living is, Ellen! Thanks so much for sharing (and for reading for so long!!) :)
Court says
Love this post, Court!
I think I’ve been reading since your beginning (or close to it?) and I’ve very much enjoyed seeing you grow into your own.
You guys are good people and it makes my heart happy to see you happy.
As for me? I can’t even begin to count the ways I’m different, but yet the same in some ways. I’ll have to think about it.
Marielle says
Love this list, I always enjoy looking back and spending time thinking about what is different about me! I think being a mom changes you a lot, I know I’m different than just a year ago- like you said more comfortable going out and about without makeup on etc. I’m definitely more comfortable being myself and not trying to fit a certain mold or try to be someone else!
Annie says
I really enjoyed this post! I can relate to so many of these things (especially food/weight obsession of early and mid twenties) and I think we can all relate to the “who am I/What am I doing” feeling. I know I can at least :) Thanks for sharing!
Annie
http://www.lushbreak.com
Julia @ Lord Still Loves Me says
I never knew you were an elementary teacher! I could totally see you in that profession and you were probably such a joy to those children. Also, so much of those changes brings me such great joy. You deserve the world Courtney, and I’m glad you are finding worth in yourself as a human being.
Lauren @ Oh Hey! I Like That! says
That’s so funny because 6 years ago, I was a teacher, too! I taught middle school English, and while I miss it, if I hadn’t started at the company where I am now, I wouldn’t have met my amazing boyfriend!
Melissa says
I think you’ve grown and your blog has grown. I still love it! So excited for your family to grow also. On a side note, I do miss Chelsey’s blog too. Her girls have to be getting so big!
ErikaMC says
I would hope that I have changed in the last six years – all of us :) There are the obvious changes but a lot of personal changes too that I can feel. And there are most definitely some days I have no idea who the ‘real’ me though I also hope to continue to change and grow and experience new things yet.
BTW – I miss Chelsey blogging :(
Melissa says
Happy late blogiversary! I always miss mine too because it’s right in the middle of the summer. I really loved this post! I think it’s hard to maintain a blog because our lives and things we think are important naturally change over time. Becoming a mom this past year (a year ago Friday omg) has been the biggest change for me and it’s definitely been reflected in my blog.
I didn’t know you were a teacher! I also think how you look now is perfect for you. Annnnd don’t worry – you won’t turn into a donut. I ate DD like daily for 8 weeks and I didn’t turn into one :P But I know the feeling!
Sarah @ Sweet Miles says
These past 6 years have been crazy! I think my list would be a mile long. But, I guess when you’re in your mid twenties, that’s just what happens – major life changes are inevitable! I loved reading how you’ve changed! I can’t wait to hear what you name your next son. Whatever it is, it will be so perfect :)
Leah says
I’ve been reading for a few years. Found your blog through Chelsey’s. Wish she was still blogging! I love reading your adventures. I didn’t know you were a teacher and about how you viewed healthy years ago. I became a mom of my second child 2 years ago. Seeing them together is the best ever. The love they have for each other is amazing. Sure they fight but seeing them snuggle and read books together at night is the best. Adding another one to th family is the biggest blessing for the entire family.