Nursery Peek

The walls are not quite finished, but they're close...

I'm a little biased (and proud of my hard working husband) but I'd say it's a big improvement! We still have to touch up the gray (valspar 'Gravity') and put the outlet covers back on, but hopefully by this weekend we will finally be finished. It's been a huge project for two people who had never tackled anything like this before, but we are pretty sure Little Man will love it as much as we do.

Hope you are all having a wonderful week!  

Pregnancy Must-Haves (2nd Trimester)

Hi, friends! I've read tons of great posts lately on must-haves during pregnancy and they've really helped me out during this new and exciting, but also challenging, stage of life. I spent the first 18 weeks of pregnancy extremely under the weather, so I'm picking up around the beginning of the second trimester. The first four months I mostly just needed a toilet and some Saltines...not too blog-worthy. I hope this list will help some of you future mommys-to-be!

a stack of good (girly) reads:

Let's face it...there's a lot of lounging around involved in pregnancy. While this trimester has been much easier on my body, I'm still doing my best to ensure that both Baby and I get adequate R&R.

Creightons Your Body Stretch Mark Cream:

This stuff has been my best friend for the past twenty-something weeks. While I have a feeling it's not a miracle worker, it feels great on my skin and gives peace of mind.

Yardley London Oatmeal & Almond Bath Bars:

I had never used these until about two months ago and now I'm 100% addicted. The Oatmeal & Almond is my favorite, for both texture and scent; I feel like I'm giving my body such a treat every time I take a shower. Plus, each bar is only 97 cents and can be found at most drug stores. Can't beat that!

a good dry erase calendar:

This may seem like something every woman should own and use, but it's been especially helpful for my "pregnancy brain" that seems to forget all kinds of important things. With doctors appointments jumping up all over the place and all kinds of planning going on, this calendar has been a lifesaver.

chocolate milk:

I drink this stuff like it's going out of style. Seriously, at least 3-4 glasses a day. I think Baby loves it!

Fresca:
When I need a "soda" fix, this is what I turn to. With no caffeine or sugar, I feel okay treating myself to this yummy drink.

Chocolate Cheerios:

This has been my absolute go-to cereal. I tried and tried to get on something healthier, but this is what Tiny seems to prefer. I tried converting to Total at one point, and it came right back up three days in a row. Tiny hates Total.

Uncle Ben's Ready Rice (brown):

I have loved brown rice throughout this pregnancy. These cups are so easy and convenient (just pop it in the microwave for one minute and it's done), they're perfect for anytime I need a quick snack.



 over-sized body pillow:
I definitely saved the best for last, folks. Zach and I were in Sam's Club (of all places) a few months ago when I spotted this bad boy and had to have him. He's so wonderfully soft and cozy to sleep with; it's made sleeping much more pleasant the last few weeks. I did some research on pregnancy pillows early on and found that most of them seemed too expensive for their short-term usage. This one, however, was only $13. Thanks, Sam's!

Do any of you mommys have other recommendations? What helped get you through pregnancy?

25 Weeks

For some reason, twenty-five weeks feels like a pregnancy milestone. Maybe it's almost reaching the third trimester that feels so monumental, or maybe I'm just so in love with Little Man that every day feels like a special occasion, a big ol' party, in my belly.

We worked our fingers to the bone this weekend trying to finish Tiny's nursery wainscoting, and I'm pretty proud to say that all we have left is one final coat of paint. I can't wait to share pictures with you guys when it's all done! Zach has been incredible through this whole process; he has amazed me with his newfound carpentry skills and diligence. I couldn't keep from thinking all weekend, "Baby and I are the luckiest people in the world. Just look at how much he loves us". We're kinda crazy about him, too.

To our Baby Boy:

Oh Tiny, you are one funny little man. I'm not sure why, but your movements always make me laugh uncontrollably. Your Dad twists and turns and flops around right before he falls asleep, and I just know that you are in there doing the exact same thing. We made the mistake of watching women's gymnastics last week and immediately afterwards, you thought you were an Olympian. Your somersaults rivaled those of Gabby Douglas, and you vaulted phenomenally off my bladder (again and again and again). Let's just say that if there was a medal for keeping Mom awake, you would have gotten the gold.

We love you and can't wait to kiss your sweet little cheeks. Keep up the training, Tiny; we want you to grow big and strong.

How Far Along: 25 weeks, 3 days

Baby Size: 14 inches, 1 1/2 lbs.

Total Weight Gain: 11 lbs.

Maternity Clothes? Mostly just dresses and flowy skirts

Stretch Marks? Not yet...hoping it stays this way

Sleep: It was pretty rough for about a week, but is getting better. Zach bought me a super soft body pillow that I've been cuddling with and it's made falling asleep much easier. Thanks, Z :)

Best moment this week: Watching my husband work like crazy on his little boy's nursery. He loves him so much already.

Miss Anything? Sleeping on my back. I still wake up on it from time to time and have to readjust.

Movement: Lots! A few nights ago, I was laying on my side and could feel him kicking me on the far right side of my stomach and punching (or head-butting) me on the far left. It was such a strange, but awesome, feeling! I can't believe he's already big enough to stretch out like that.

Food Cravings: Chocolate milk, brown rice, yogurt (actually some semi-healthy things for once!)

Anything making you queasy or sick? Nope...feeling great

Gender: Boy

Labor Signs: Not yet

Belly button in or out? Still an innie, but starting to look a little funky. Zach told me last night, "That thing's on it's last leg".

Wedding rings on or off? On & loose

Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy! I really want to soak up the last few months of pregnancy, especially since the first few were so rough.

Looking forward to: Going to Colorado in a few weeks to see my good friend Whitney (she blogs over here) and my little brother Ryan at the Air Force Academy. Love them both and am dying to spend some time in the mountains!

Maternity Style: Ruffles

dress: Krista Lee (gifted), belt:F21, bracelets:Glitter, necklace:F21, shoes:Payless

It seems that every time we take pictures, light bubbles find their way into the shots. I'll just keep telling myself it's the much anticipated "pregnancy glow" :).

This was another dress given to me by Zach's cousin's wife, Riley Ann, and it's quickly become a favorite of mine. The beading detail and front ruffles are so fun, especially when highlighting a baby bump. Just 'cause we're having a boy doesn't mean I can't wear ruffles, right? The belt isn't necessary, but I'm finding that belts show off a baby bump while also maintaining a waistline...it's a win/win!

Hope you are all having a fabulous weekend. We are working on the nursery (surprise, surprise) and hoping to have the walls done by tomorrow. Wish us luck!

Happy Saturday :)

Very First Birchbox!

Hi, ladies! Happy Friday! I'm very excited to share with you the contents of my first Birchbox today, a birthday gift from my beautiful sister-in-law (and brother...though I highly doubt it was his idea). Thank you, Scarlett! You are the best, and not just because of your vast knowledge of skincare creams. You are so incredibly thoughtful and I'm beyond lucky to have you for a 'seester'.


For those of you unfamiliar with Birchbox, it's a monthly beauty sample subscription service. It's basically like heaven in a box. It allows you to try out all kinds of products (hair, make-up, skincare, etc.) before splurging on full-size amounts. Really a great concept!  Head over here if you'd like to read more about it or sign up for your own monthly samples.

The goodies...

Boscia Green Tea Blotting Linens: These are great! They are perfect to throw in your purse for any running-around touch ups.

Harvey Prince Eau Flirt: This fragrance smells really yummy. It's a mix of citrus and jasmine, with a hint of lavender and pumpkin. I was a little skeptical of smelling all those flavors combined but it turns out to be a really sweet, feminine scent.

Jouer Moisturizing Lip Gloss in Birchbox Pink: To be honest, this isn't my favorite lip gloss. I will definitely keep it on hand, but it's a little too pink for my taste. It doesn't come on nearly a bright as it looks in the bottle, but I still prefer a more nude or plum colored gloss.

Twistband Hair Tie: This is a great ponytail holder, especially for the pool or beach. I don't know that I'd splurge on these ($18 for a 12 pack), but I'll enjoy this pretty orange one!

Gloss Moderne High-Gloss Masque: This stuff is pretty amazing. It's a conditioning complex that restores bounce and shine to sun-damaged hair, making it perfect for this time of year. I've almost used the sample size up already! Think I will be purchasing more in the future.

Tili Bag: When I opened the box, my eyes went straight to this cute little plastic bag. It's made mostly for airport travel and to store small essentials in a carry-on. They're a little pricey too ($9 for a pack of 12), but such a cute way to travel in style.

I am already counting down the days until the next pretty pink box arrives on our doorstep! It's such a rush :).

Are you a beauty product lover? Have you tried any of these?

Maternity Style: Casual

top:unknown (gifted), maternity jeans:Supergirl by Nastia, belt:F21, flats:White Mountain via Macy's, bracelets:Glitter

When Z and I were home last month, I got a call from Zach's cousin's wife (confusing!) wanting to know if I would like her maternity clothes from her pregnancy last year. Considering Riley Ann has a fabulous wardrobe, I quickly said YES! This top was one of the many she gave me and I absolutely love it. I wish you could feel the material through your computer screen; it's so, so incredibly soft. A few of the dresses you've seen in recent posts came from Riley Ann as well....I owe her big time! Thank you so much for all the goodies, Riley. Tiny and I are extremely grateful.

Considering the outrageous heat we've had in Houston this summer, I've tried to stay away from jeans and all things constricting. These jeans, however, are surprisingly comfortable. They're stretchy and lightweight...perfect for dinner and a movie date with my sweet husband. Thank heavens for air conditioning.


It's allllllmost the weekend ladies...get excited!

How To: Bow Bun

Do you ever have those days where your hair just won't cooperate? 'Cause I do. And it drives me a little bonkers. I've seen a lot of bow buns in magazines lately and decided to give it a try on one of those unruly hair days; turns out it's a quick and easy fix! Here's how it's done, ladies.

Step One: Start with a simple high bun, leaving hair loose in the back. It's not really a bun, but I'm not sure what else to call it. Loop under thingie?? You know what I mean.

Step Two: Split bun in half

Step Three: Pull hair left hanging in back over the center of bun and secure with bobby pins. That's it! Easy as pie.

 Your very own bow bun! It's as simple as that, and a cute fix for any bad hair day.

What hair styles are you currently loving?