Friday Favs

Another week down AND it's the end of February! I'm looking forward to a relaxing weekend, hanging out with friends, and picking up our glider!!! Pics to come :) It's going to be a great weekend!

1. Expectant Mom's Parking

After a long morning of fasting and being poked for the 3-hour glucose screening, I stopped by Kroger to grab a few things (mostly desserts as my last hoorah or celebration, depending on the news). I was able to park in Kroger's expectant mom's parking and not only was it exciting but it was extremely appreciated that day. It's the little things.

2. eBay Maternity Shopping

I blogged all about my Maternity clothes {here} but this particular purchase is by far my favorite and I thought it was so sweet of the girl I purchased this from to include a personal note. People are great!

3. Shopping for Three

I had to take the entire day off for my glucose screening so I took advantage that afternoon and spent some time shopping at Kohls. I picked up some new black flats for me, a couple pairs of shorts for Chris and a little dress for Zoey! It's so fun to think that I get to include her in my family shopping from now on. :)

4. Nursery Curtains

I blogged a Nursery Update {here} but I am just so in love with how these curtains turned out that I have to add them to my five. It's not often that things turn out exactly the way I picture them in my head. I really love visiting her nursery now that it's more complete - it's so peaceful.

5. Our Baby Monitor

We received the {baby monitor} off our registry from Chris's parents last weekend! This was an item we researched quite heavily and felt was super important since the nursery is upstairs and our room is downstairs. After playing around with it, at this point and time, I definitely give it 5 stars. It has excellent signal throughout the house, 2-way talking, reads the temperature of the room, can pan and tilt AND play lullabies. It's really going to give this crazy worrier some peace of mind once our baby girl is here.

Have a super weekend everyone!

                 Linking up with a few of my favs - April, Christina, Darcy & Natasha!

Pregnancy Journal - 27 Weeks

Pregnancy Journal - 27 Weeks

How Far Along? 27 Weeks - Last week of my second trimester and a 95% survival rate at this point!

Size of Baby: Cucumber - 14.8 inches and 2.22 lbs

Gender: Sweet baby girl!

Maternity Clothes: I just blogged about some of my maternity clothes {here}! Check it out.

Best Moment This Week: Getting the call that our glider is in at Buy Buy Baby! It's the last major piece of furniture missing from Zoey's room and it's going to add so much to the look of everything. I am SO excited to go pick it up! I would love to add to this that I passed my 3-hour glucose test but they are taking their sweet time with the results so I haven't heard yet. :( 

Nursery: I also just blogged about our nursery update {here}! More progress on decor and storage coming soon.

Movement: All day, everyday! I'm watching my stomach move dramatically as I type! I'm not complaining :) It's starting to feel like a real little human is in there.

Cravings: Nothing major, still enjoying fruit and veggies a lot. Stupid sweets are still an ever present craving too.

Symptoms: Growing belly. I also tested Anemic at my last appointment (easily fixed with an iron supplement, I can tell such a difference in my energy level now too)

Sleep: Sleeping awesome but the 2 am potty breaks are definitely back! I'm also having really vivid, upsetting dreams.

What I Miss: Nothing comes to mind!

Looking Forward to: Spending another weekend with my handsome husband, March, Spring Break and our 3 year anniversary! Also looking forward to getting those results from my glucose test - it's taking forever and I just want to know one way or the other!

Nursery Update

After purchasing this incredibly precious and perfect fabric for Zoey's room a few weekends ago...

...I finally got the gumption to make her crib skirt (my very first attempt at one) and curtains!

For the crib skirt, I followed these relatively simple instructions from Oleander and Palm and used an old bed sheet as my base fabric. 

I love how it turned out, however, for those of you with the Sundvik Crib from Ikea there's really no need to go through all this trouble. I could've easily hung a hemmed panel of fabric from the front side of the crib and it would've looked the same! The ends of the crib are solid and the back of the crib is up against the wall so only 1 out of the 4 panels actually shows. Lesson learned for next time! I'm still pleased with how it turned out!

For the curtains, I purchased the gray Vivans from Ikea, 2 panels for $9.99 and hacked them to make these custom curtains to match the crib skirt.

I measured the overall length I wanted the curtains to be and cut off that amount from the Ikea curtains + the length of my butterfly fabric. Then, I hemmed my fabric and sewed it to the curtain. 

Chris suggested we add a little of the extra fabric to the top to tie it all together. I loved the idea. :) To do this, I just ironed a hem on a small piece of fabric and sewed it close to the top of the curtains. 

I'm incredibly happy with how these turned out and they were so easy! Hacking an already made curtain helps a lot.

Zoey's Nursery is definitely coming along nicely! We now get to focus on decor for the walls and all those fun and very necessary baby items (like diapers and wipes!). More Nursery updates to come!

Dressing the Bump

I have so enjoyed "dressing the bump" so I thought it would be fun to share some of my outfits and finds. 

I mostly purchased things that I could wear during the whole pregnancy - the only flaw in that plan is living in Texas. It's cold here one day and hot the next and my pregnancy spans two very distinct seasons (winter and spring). So, I'm currently seeking a few spring tops to supplement my wardrobe. Luckily, teaching for a living, I didn't have to buy super professional clothes. Colored "jeans" are your friend as a middle school teacher. :)

Tunics that tie under the bust are by far my favorite type of pregnancy top. I purchased this one from Motherhood Maternity, along with the jeans. It's hard to see here by they are a burgundy color and by far the most comfortable maternity jeans ever. Jessica Simpson knows what she's doing!

Same Jessica Simpson jeans paired with a Liz Lang sweater from Target. I've definitely found the key is to make your bottoms work with multiple tops - this stretches your wardrobe and tops are so much cheaper than bottoms. That's the key with any wardrobe, maternity or not, though.

Non-Maternity cardigans and jackets still work and I've loved having a vestige of my old wardrobe to wear during this time. These ruched tank tops from Old Navy are my favorite!! They flatter the bump, they're super comfy, and versatile. Old Navy online has a much wider selection and you can definitely work the deals and discounts.

My mom-in-law gave me this sweater for Christmas and I love it. It's super soft and very trendy. It's from Kohls. The black jeans are full-panel skinnies from Old Navy. Again super deals at Old Navy, you just have to watch for the sales.

Super comfy and warm sweater from Old Navy paired with a black lace detail tank top from Motherhood Maternity, on clearance. The first round of maternity clothes I purchased from Motherhood and Old Navy with my Mom have been my most favorite the whole pregnancy. Motherhood can be pricey but their clothes are definitely the most comfortable.

Same black skinnies from Old Navy and tank from Motherhood, paired with a tunic from Motherhood that I purchased for $5 off eBay. Seriously my new favorite way to buy maternity clothes.

Jessica Simpson leggings from Motherhood. You haven't felt comfort in your clothes until you put on a pair of maternity leggings...they are a MUST HAVE. The sweater is Liz Lang from Target. Far more flattering when I'm not slouching...

A favorite dress - my mom found at JcPenny. It flatters at all stages of pregnancy and I love that it's not so long. Pairs well with those comfy leggings for chilly days in Texas.

I FINALLY found a pair of jeans that fit properly. About 12 weeks into my pregnancy, I raced out and bought a super cute pair of skinnies from Old Navy before I'd learned about the different types of belly panels. I've since learned low panel is not my thing. I bought these full panel capri jeans from Old Navy for less than $20 and they're perfect. They'll work all the way into the warmer spring months and can be paired with tall boots for winter days. The top is one of my very favorites, originally from Motherhood, purchased on eBay for $10.

Fun top from Old Navy!

Another eBay purchase. Originally from Motherhood Maternity, $5.

Ruched Old Navy tank top - love! Oh lordy, these capri cargos...my mom found them for a steal at JcPenny and they are just about the most comfortable things ever.

Pre-pregnancy jean jacket from Kohls, Ruched Old Navy tank top (told you I'm obsessed with them) and a maternity maxi skirt from Old Navy. I don't necessarily think you need to buy knit maxi skirts like these from the maternity section but it was inexpensive and exactly what I wanted. VERY versatile - another must have pregnancy item.

Faux-wrap dress, paired with a scarf - both from Kohl's and a Christmas gift from my in-laws. I always feel super comfortable and very professional in this outfit! Love the length too.

One of my very favorite purchases from Motherhood Maternity. I think it was about $20 off the clearance rack. It flatters through all stages of pregnancy and works from fall to spring when paired with a seasonal scarf! Scarf from jane.com.

Love this dress from Old Navy. I pair it with tall brown boots and it's perfect for work or a casual day out.

eBay purchase number 4! Originally from Motherhood Maternity, $13 (including shipping). This dress is crazy comfortable and very flattering. The sweet girl that sold this to me even included a personal note wishing me a great pregnancy.

Last but not least, work out gear! Top is pre-pregnancy from Old Navy...the draw string at the bottom seems to help accommodate the bump. The bottoms are Full panel active wear pants from Old Navy...again a steal online. They are so comfy!

I've definitely missed a few favorite items but hopefully this will help those of you looking for ideas on how to stretch your maternity wardrobe and make the most of your budget.

Maternity staples for me include: Full panel jeans, ruched tanks, a black maxi skirt, tunics, maternity leggings and as many dresses as you can find. 

Non-maternity must haves include: Fun scarves, long necklaces, belts (to create your new waist), comfortable shoes, and open cardigans/jean jackets. 

Obviously, I normally accessorize and wear shoes but this post was about the clothes not the accessories! 

Any suggestions for post-partum outfits, nursing tops and bras are welcome! I'm starting to explore that territory with less than 100 days left to go. :)

Friday Favs

Happy Friday! Might I just say that February is a terrible month and I'm glad we only have one more week of it. Despite the rough week, there were a few bright spots here and there. :) 

1. Valentine's Day

Chris and I spent Valentine's Day in the most perfect way. After a rough day at school and finding out that I failed the glucose test - we went to work out and that instantly put me in a better mood. Then, we grabbed On the Border to go and watched Netflix with our feet up. Chris even got Zoey and me Valentine's cards and brownies :) It was a great end to the day.

2. Zoey's New Ceiling Fan

The ceiling fan in Zoey's nursery was too small and terrible so on Saturday we went to Lowe's and picked out a beautiful new fan. We had it installed in about an hour and it looks gorgeous.

3. Headbands

I ordered these sweet little headbands off of Jane.com for a steal and let me just say, they are even cuter in person! I might have a small obsession with baby headbands. I will try to reign myself in until we see if she likes wearing them.

4. Fabric

We found the most perfect fabric for Zoey's crib skirt and part of her curtains! I can't wait to get started on these this weekend!

5. Sundress

My mom recently got back into sewing and I'm so glad she did!! She made me this awesome maternity dress after I complained about not being able to find cute dresses. It's so much prettier than anything in the stores and comfy too. The picture was hastily taken in the morning before work and does not do the dress justice. 

Here's to a fabulous weekend and a better week ahead! 

                      Linking up with a few of my favs - April, Christina, Darcy & Natasha!

Pregnancy Journal - 26 Weeks

Pregnancy Journal - 26 Weeks

How Far Along? 26 Weeks

Size of Baby: Eggplant - A bigger eggplant this week :) 14 in and 1.9 lbs

Gender: Sweet baby girl!

Maternity Clothes: Loving this warm weather and wearing dresses and sandals daily!

Best Moment This Week: Feeling my sweet daughter continue to kick! It's been a pretty lousy week and knowing that she's in there makes every day a little brighter.

Nursery: We picked out the crib skirt/curtain fabric, installed a brand new ceiling fan and assembled the dresser/changing table this weekend. All we're waiting for is the rocker and we'll be set on furniture. Now to focus on the decor!

Movement: So much movement! Her kicks are getting stronger and she's making the most of her space while she has it with somersaults and flips. :) 

Cravings: Dumb sweets and chocolate - I failed my 1-hour glucose test and have to go in for the 3-hour next week. I cried a lot and feel guilty every time I eat something remotely sweet. Here's hoping I pass the 3-hour so I can go back to enjoying the occasional sweet. 

Symptoms: Growing belly, frequent potty breaks and leg cramps!

Sleep: I'm still sleeping really well and enjoying every minute of it.

What I Miss: Not worrying about what I eat - everything that I eat makes me feel guilty after failing that 1-hour.

Looking Forward to: Sewing Zoey's crib skirt this weekend, spending time with Chris and getting this 3-hour test over with/hopefully passing.

Friday Favs

Happy Friday and Happy Valentine's Day!! It's been a pretty quick and painless week but I'm still ready for the weekend regardless! 

1. Dinner w/ our Oklahomies

Our friends, Felicity and Thomas passed through town on their way to comic con in Irving. We had a great time eating delicious Mexican food and catching up with them. Wish we could convince them to move to Texas! They also brought Zoey the softest and most adorable stuffed penguin EVER. Thanks guys!

2. Our "babymoom" staycation

Chris and I aren't big travelers, nor do we have the vacation time for an epic adventure, so we decided to have a little staycation last weekend. We went to see The Lego Movie, tried a new restaurant and stayed in a hotel for the night...just to get away and relax. We capped off the restful weekend with brunch, a trip to Trader Joe's and Outback take-out for dinner. It was a wonderful, much needed break for us both. I want to do it again this weekend!

3. Sweet Baby Clothes

We got a packaged from my grandparents that contained the sweetest little dresses, footie pajamas and pink swaddle blankets. I just love how sweet our girl is going to look in these precious outfits! Love my grandparents!!

4. Valentine Surprise

We received a little unexpected valentine's treat from my parents. How did they know all Zoey wanted (okay, me, I wanted it) was one of those delicious little caramels from the Russell Stover box of chocolates! What a nice surprise!

5. Fresh School Supplies

I have been in desperate need of pencils since mid-January and I finally made a school supply run to Target yesterday. I may have had a little too much fun in the office supply aisles but being stocked up on pencils, highlighters, erasers and dry erase markers totally made my Thursday happy. I even bought myself some colorful grading pens, notebook, and  a pretty little planner (off the clearance rack). I might have a small office supply addiction.

                 Linking up with a few of my favs - April, Christina, Darcy & Natasha!

Happy Friday and a Merry Weekend to all! I'm really hoping to be back next week with that maternity clothes post and a registry post, at the very least.