Hi Friends! It feels as if life has been moving a million miles a minute recently. We’ve had a ton going on behind the scenes over here and I’m so excited to finally be sharing it all with you!
We’re having a baby!
Okay, you probably already know that but I wanted to provide a quick pregnancy update. [ICYMI, here’s my first pregnancy Q&A.] I’ll plan to do a more thorough Q&A once I’m further into the third trimester but until then, here’s a mini status report. I’ll be 26 weeks tomorrow [eeek!] and in the final week of the second trimester. I’m feeling good and trying to harness all the extra energy I have at the moment. I’m still working out 3-4x a week on the Peloton Bike or App but my belly is much bigger at this point than I was with Palmer so I’m definitely starting to slow down.
I recently ‘passed’ my glucose test which was a big relief for many reasons but also because I’m still addicted to decaf green tea + mint Oreos. As of my last appointment, my weight and fundal height are both on track and the heart rate is in the mid-130’s. I don’t have any further ultrasounds scheduled so currently living for those baby kicks and the brief snippets of heartbeat I hear during my monthly appointments.
We’re driving to Florida!
Like right now as I type this – LOL! A baby moon has definitely been on our minds but due to COVID, and a few other factors I go into below, we’ve been hesitant to book anything. Last week we realized this may be our only opportunity to get away in the next six months and so we pulled the trigger on a family vacation to Rosemary Beach.
Neither of us have been and are so excited to explore this part of Florida. Kevin is working part of the week and Palmer is with us so it won’t be a true baby moon or R&R type vacation but we’re excited for a change in scenery and some sunshine.
And in true Kara travel planning fashion, it’s all been super last minute. We found a cute cottage via Airbnb but that’s about the extent of our plans at the moment. I’ll definitely share more as we go and after we return so check back if you’re interested in ever visiting Rosemary Beach!
I accepted a job offer!
After staying home for almost two years to be with Palmer, I’ve decided to go back to work!! I’m so excited because I’m going to be working at an incredible brand, with people I know and respect in a role that I’m passionate about. It’s really a dream come true!
Don’t get me wrong, I’m so grateful for the time off I spent with Palmer. Watching her grow, being present for every first milestone and knowing her as intimately as I do has truly been a gift.
And while I never planned to be “a stay at home mom,” I wholeheartedly trust in the timing of life and have zero regrets. Of course there were days when I worried what would become of the career I worked so hard to establish but ultimately I did what I felt was in the best interest of our family and I’m glad for it because it opened my eyes to a completely different type of “career.” Being a SAHM is hard as heck, arguably harder than any desk job, and I have a ton of respect for anyone who chooses this path.
Between Palmer’s birth, our move back to Chicago from San Diego for Kevin’s career, a global pandemic, finding out about baby #2 and so much more, it’s been a wild almost two years. If I’m being honest, I didn’t think I’d have the opportunity to work until much later after baby #2 was born and I feel incredibly grateful and humbled by the people who have all supported me both professionally and personally the last couple months on this journey. I’m so excited for this next chapter and can’t wait to see where it leads!
We’re renovating our condo!
Our Chicago condo is two bedrooms/three full bathrooms + loft. We purchased it knowing we would build out a third bedroom in the loft when the time was right. With the impending arrival of baby #2, the time is now.
The plans are pretty straight forward so we’re working with a subcontractor to build out a few walls, add a closet and run electrical. What’s great is that we’ll be able to maintain part of the loft as an office or second living room. We’re still working out how exactly to reorganize all of our spaces to make this work but I’m so excited to be starting this project. In addition to the functionality it adds for us, it will hopefully increase our resale value. The work is slated to take about three weeks and starts while we’re in Florida. When we return, we’re planning to stay with my parents until construction is finished.
Those are the big updates! So many exciting things on the horizon and I can’t wait to take you all along for the ride. I fully intend to continue with my regular blog/IG posts but things may get a bit hectic as I learn how to juggle it all so I hope you’ll be patient with me as we adjust to all of these changes.
xo
Kara
KARA VALLARI 