1.14.22 – Cozy Catch Up – 13 Weeks, True Crime Book Club, Random Thoughts

@heftiba.co.uk

Welcome to my very first Cozy Catch Up. Thank you for stopping by.

Every week in our weekly newsletter, I share details of my daily life and some deep thoughts – it’s something I love doing. However, I was having a chat with my best friend when she suggested that I write a weekly blog post doing the same thing. And I said you’re freaking brilliant!

And that is how this idea was born. My hope is that every week, you sit down with me and a cup of coffee or glass of wine as I share a bit about what is going on in my world while at the same time offering some tips, inspiration, and reviews along the way.

So with that being said, let’s get cozy and catch up, shall we?

Here’s what we’re catching up on this week…pregnancy, True Crime Book Club, and some other random cozy thoughts.

My Baby Bump…

Is growing. This week we reached 13 weeks and had the opportunity to see our baby via ultrasound. I’m thrilled because it finally no longer looks like a nucleus, guinea pig, or gummy bear and looks like an actual baby now.  We graduated from the fertility clinic so we’re now able to be seen by our OB/GYN, however, unfortunately, due to the surge in Covid cases, Anthony was unable to join in person. All I can say is thank goddess for FaceTime. He was able to see our baby and hear its heartbeat as if he were in the room right there with us.

When the ultrasound technician first started the imaging, little baby had its back to us with its ankles crossed. It was adorable. But our tech wasn’t having it, she wanted us to see little baby in its entirety. With a few gentle little pushes on my belly and a request for me to cough, it rolled over and we finally got to see its sweet, tiny face. My eyes and heart are still adjusting to what I saw. It was magical.

A few things I have been pondering…

Every time I refer to our baby as “It”, I see Tim Curry as Pennywise in my head. May need to come up with a better nickname as we’re not finding out its (there I go again) gender until the big day.

I love my freedom of time. I think I’m more anxious about losing that more so than actually giving birth.

When asked how old my kid is, will I reply that my baby is 137 weeks old? How long does the week counting last?

My bump has popped and is making itself known. Jeans are now my nemesis, but I adore my rounding belly as it’s a very special cozy home for the next six months.

A bit of thick skin is required at this time. When I shared with a woman that I was pregnant their response was, “I thought you just got fat.”  Deep breaths and laughs. That’s all I can do. 

True Crime Book Club…

One of my favorite text message groups includes three of my longest, dearest friends who mainly share articles that pertain to taking down the patriarchy and perverts, following unsolved mysteries, pop culture court cases, and local current events.

Yesterday we celebrated the news that Prince Andrew has been stripped of all royal and military duties. We are over the moon that he will now face his sexual assault case as a private citizen. Praise be.

With all of this in mind, we started a true crime book club because we want to dive deeper into topics and stories that pique our interests. Our first read or audio (because we’re busy as hell and that’s permitted in our club) is Michelle McNamara’s I’ll Be Gone In The Dark. The book follows her deep dive into the Golden State Killer. I have read many a true crimes, this one is exceptionally intense. Michelle is an incredible writer, she was from Oak Park (the same town we all went to high school) and sadly, she passed before her book was completed or the killer was captured.

If this is something that interests you but you don’t have time to read or would rather watch, might I suggest the HBO documentary series of the same title.

If I know this group as well I think I do, we will float between true crime and female thinkers. I will be proposing a read by Gloria Steinem when my time comes.

Please feel free to share book recommendations for those two genres in the comments below.

Random cozy thoughts…

SJP’s Carrie Bradshaw is bringing stellar fashion to SATC And Just Like That and I am HERE FOR IT. Are you watching Sex and the City’s reboot? What are your thoughts? Here’s an entire podcast episode/show review we produced.

My cravings include pickles, falafel, and toasted sourdough bread with butter and salt. Not altogether, but now that I say it, that doesn’t sound so bad. This weekend I am off to hunt down the best pierogi in the city and will be checking out Montrose Deli. I’ll report back.

I just got word that one of my favorite Hulu shows, PEN15, added another portion of a second season and now I know what I’m doing this weekend while I eat my pierogis. If you were 12-15 years of age in the late 1990s, then this show is for YOU.

I started the Nightingale by Kristin Hannah and wow. My heart has already broken several times. How many more times can I expect that to happen?

Tis’ the season for dry, cracked skin. To help treat more severe winter skin ailments, I use Lanolips 101 Ointment. I apply it on dry cuticles, lips, heels…and have a sneaky suspicion it’ll come to my rescue later in this pregnancy – if you catch my drift.

If you’re headed out for a winter walk this season, remember to be prepared for the elements. Here’s a guide I created to what can help you feel totally prepared as you head out.

That’s it for this week, I look forward to catching up next Friday.

I’d love to hear from you! Let’s keep in touch via the comments below.

Until next time, stay cozy xo