Friday, April 25, 2014

Five on Friday (Some of my favorite things)

I'm joining in on the Five on Friday fun once again, and today I bring you the most random post, but all good stuff I promise!!

I have lots of favorite things so I thought Five on Friday is a good time to post about them :)




(ONE) - Mommy Necklaces

My newest mommy necklace, can we say obsessed?! Because that’s what I am.  I have gone through my share of mommy necklaces and this is currently my favorite…
              

I tend to follow the Hollywood trend for mommy necklaces and then find the knock offs because clearly I’m not a baller. #someday

When I only had Brayden, I had this necklace and also LOVED IT (of course with a "B") – it was inspired by Kourtney Kardashian


Magnolia Flat Charm - Medium


Then when I had Ella, I got this necklace, but it wasn’t everything I hoped it would, also a knock off version of one by Kourtney Kardashian… I think I have an underlying crush or something creepy

silver double initial disc necklace-silver initial disc necklace-initial necklace-double disc initial necklace-double initial necklace


And now that I will have 3 little ones, I am swooning over this necklace – Hubs take note! (also my first necklace not inspired by KK!)


Sterling Silver Personalized Toggle Necklace




(TWO) - Jose Eber

Have you met him?? Me either, but I do have his curling iron wand and let’s just say I think I love him. I’ve had this curling iron for years, but haven’t used in years either (no idea why??) I have been on a kick lately and using it and been getting tons of compliments 



(THREE) - Knock off Toms

So I’ve been wanting these Toms booties for a while, but of course, I don’t want to pay the Toms price.  I searched and was able to find some knock offs on Amazon for a fraction of the price!! They look pretty identical to me, I am ordering them this week J

Toms on the left, Amazon on the right
TOMS 'Desert' Bootie (Women)







(FOUR) - My New Sperrys!

I have never owned a pair of Sperry's before, and to be honest I thought they were more for boys/men. Then I started seeing the trend with women and was loving it! I love a good casual slip on, especially now that I'm a Mom of 2 with a 3rd on the way.  I am all about comfort (while still trying to look cute), but I'm also extremely budget savvy, or I try to be anyway. So when I saw these Sperry's, I wanted them so bad and was so happy to see they were on sale! And I see they still are, so go get them now! You won't regret it!
Sperry Top-Sider® 'Angelfish' Boat Shoe


(FIVE) - Maternity Swimsuit

Ok gross, I know I shouldn’t even be in a bathing suit, but I have 2 little kids who will for sure want to swim this summer so I have no choice.  I had a maternity bathing suit when pregnant with Ella that was OK, I didn’t love it but didn’t hate it.  I knew I wanted a *cuter* one this time around (maybe that will distract people from my GINORMOUS belly?) I saw Zulily was having a sale on Pez D’or maternity bathing suits a while back but they definitely weren’t that great of a *sale* I hate how places will mark up items and then say they are on sale, when clearly they are not!! This bathing suit I got was on Zulily for $50 plus shipping and I found it at Swimoutlet.com for $30. When I received it in the mail, I immediately tried it on and was soooo happy with it. ! I wasn’t thrilled about a tankini at first because I was worried the top wouldn’t be fitted around my bump (like many I see online) but this one is! I’m happy I chose a color instead of boring black like I usually do.

 I'll save you the image of me wearing it, but here it is -






Happy Friday Everyone!! 






Tuesday, April 22, 2014

Easter 2014 Recap

Oooooohh aren't the holidays just so much better with kids!? Well, they are for me and Easter was no exception.  We've been so busy with our remodel that I didn't even decorate for Easter this year and practically forgot to arrange the baskets the night before.  But when my little man woke up, his eyes lit up when he saw his basket on the table and that's all that matters.

Of course he ransacked the eggs with the money in them first (priorities!) Then he was over the moon excited for his new Buzz pez dispenser.  But I think most of all, his favorite Easter present were the Disney Frozen figurines.  He has been wanting them fooooorrreeever and they have been sold out foooooorrrreeeever, until I randomly called a store over an hour away and they had them.  (I probably shouldn't mention that I called every Disney store, in every state, checking on these things and no one had any) So the 2 hour drive was well worth it when I saw his excitement.






My happy boy!


Ella Bella was still half sleeping while her and the hubs went through her basket -




She only cared about the money as well





Before we were leaving for my in-laws, the kids and I took some selfies in the backyard (I just love both of their "too cool" looks)

         




My little loves!



Then we headed over to my in laws where we had great food and great company.  The kids got to do a big egg hunt over there and they were all sooooo cute!!

        


We went for a walk around the neighborhood and I just had to snap a pic of these 3 - they are really becoming such good little friends and I know Brayden just LOVES hanging out with them.





And one more picture I just have to share - my SIL took this of my nieces and my kiddos, OMG I just can't stand the cuteness!!!



Hope everyone had a great Easter as well! 





Monday, April 21, 2014

Baby # 3 - 24 Week Bumpdate






The hubby was making me laugh so hard - I was saying how I needed to pose differently because my left arm looks huge and he was telling me that's how it is, not just how it *looks* - it was so funny


Due Date: 8/8/2014

How far along: 24 weeks! 
How big is baby: Approx. the size of an ear of corn
Weight gain: Not really sure....
Sleep:  Still good for the most part, and definitely not as sleepy as I have been. 
Best moment of the week: Getting our floors done!!! And of course, spending Easter with my family 
Movement: Yep! But lately I haven't noticed as much because we have been so busy. 
Food cravings: A portillos chocolate milkshake and a portillos chopped salad, YUM

Food aversions: Nada
Maternity Clothes: Oh yes!
Wedding rings: Down to just my engagement ring!
Symptoms: Less heartburn this week, and more sciatica pain, oh my gosh does it hurt!!
Stretch Marks: None - praying it stays that way
Belly button: Not really sure, it's about even at the moment
Gender: A SWEET GIRL!
What I’m looking forward to: Seeing our remodel completed! Right now we have gorgeous new floors but still need a new kitchen & doors. 
What I miss: Being able to be on my feet for long periods of time without getting insane sciatica pain.  It brings me to the point where I am limping because my left side is just in pain from my lower back to my foot.
Next appt: 5/7/14
Thankful for: My in-laws!! They let us stay at their house while our floors were being put in.  They were on vacation so we weren't in anyones way and the kids got to spend extra bonding time with their Aunt Becca.  

Wednesday, April 16, 2014

Bunny Bash 2014

Our park district has a "Bunny Bash" every year that includes games, an egg hung, bouncy houses, face painting, arts & crafts, a picture with the Easter Bunny and more.  We went last year and had alot of fun that I knew I wanted to take the kids back this year, plus the idea of getting a picture with the bunny while they get to do fun stuff is way more appealing than standing in line at the mall.

The hubby stayed home to work on our house so my sister and nephew joined us, we had such a fun day!

The first stop was to the bunny because that is always what takes the longest.  Brayden was scared of the bunny (again) so we decided to make it a family portrait :) I just love these pictures!




After that traumatic experience, Brayden played all of the little games they had inside - he loves doing this stuff and I love watching him have fun!






Then we headed outside for some fresh air and fun.  They don't really do a traditional egg hunt, really it's just a bunch of eggs scattered throughout the outside area and the kids fill up their baskets, then turn the eggs in for candy, seems like a good deal to me!

Loving on his sister :)






OMG how cute is my nephew!?


 Trying to get a picture of 3 kids has got to be hands down the most difficult thing (ok, I'm exaggerating but it is insanely difficult and always ends in a fail!)





Next, we waited in line for the pony rides.  Originally I thought Brayden would want to do it but he chickened out at the last minute because they smelled bad, so Little Miss got to enjoy it.  She wasn't sure at first but ended up liking it.



Me & my special boy :)




Monday, April 14, 2014

Baby # 3 - 23 Week Bumpdate






Due Date: 8/8/2014

How far along: 23 weeks! 
How big is baby: Approx. the size of a grapefruit
Weight gain: I think I'm up around 15lbs
Sleep:  Getting plenty, and I'm even starting to be able to stay up a little later on the weekends! 
Best moment of the week: Hanging with my sister and nephew and of course my kiddos all day on Saturday - we went to our park districts "Bunny Bash" and we all had so much fun.  
Movement: Oh yeah! Love it so much 
Food cravings: This week I was craving wings and Poritllo's, which I was lucky enough to have both

Food aversions: Nada
Maternity Clothes: Yep!
Wedding rings: Down to just my engagement ring!
Symptoms: Tons of heartburn!!
Stretch Marks: None - praying it stays that way
Belly button: In, but looking creepy, ha ha
Gender: A GIRL!
What I’m looking forward to: Seeing our new floors on Friday!!!!! Goodbye linoleum and green carpet! 
What I miss: Being able to really play with my kiddos, like run around like crazy, jump & down, good old fun.  Right now I'm just so big feeling and I still need to watch what I do because of my low lying placenta. 
Next appt: 5/7/14
Thankful for: My hubby, he really is such a great guy and has been doing so much around our house lately! I'm very lucky :)

Wednesday, April 9, 2014

Kitchen Table Love

Now that we are sooooooooo close to remodeling our main floor (new floors and a new kitchen, yay!!) I have really been thinking about a new kitchen table.  I have known for months that I wanted a new one, but knew it could wait until after our remodel.

I am IN LOVE with a farmhouse table, like seriously swooning over it.  Part of me wonders if I'll always feel this way and of course I tell myself yes! :)

I found this table online from the very popular Ana White - gorgeous, right?!?!


Husky Farmhouse Table


Ana's site provides the plans on how to make this table and while it does seem do-able, I wonder where my sweet hubby will find the time.  I looked into the legs I would want from Osborne Wood and after pricing those out for a table and a bench (I want a bench for one side and then 4 chairs for the rest) it came to about $200, then I estimated what the wood would cost ($75) and then the paint and stains ($75) - this is all pure estimation, it could be more, or it could be less.  So to build the table would cost us around $350 for materials alone.  Then per Ana's instructions, you definitely need a power sander, which we do not have, so we could buy one for about $50.  

Now we're at $400 (or more, who knows) and we still need the most important factor to build this table...TIME.  Which we just don't have with working full time and taking care of 2 kids.  My hubby has already done so much around our house and will continue to do so after our floors get put in.  Plus the weather is finally becoming nice that I know he won't want to spend his weekends building this table and I won't want to wait months for it.  

So we are looking at alternative options, AKA having someone build it for us.  My SIL used a local company called Rustic Elements Furniture for her table & chairs so I am in contact with the owner now. You can see on his website that his tables really aren't too bad, if you want a standard 6 person table, it's only $550.  It is an additional cost for the bench and the legs I want aren't considered standard so I am waiting to hear back on how much my table would be.  But, if it is anywhere close to the $550 I really think this is our way to go! It will save my hubby tons of time and we can just focus on spending time as a family on the weekends.  We have been doing so much DIY around our house that I think it's time we pay for something we want.

I hope it works out with Rustic Elements and I hope I can share my new table in the near future!!!

Monday, April 7, 2014

Baby #3 - 22 Week Bumpdate







Due Date: 8/8/2014

How far along: 22 weeks 
How big is baby: Approx. the size of a papaya
Weight gain: Don't even want to know
Sleep:  Still not an issue, just some tossing and turning trying to get comfortable
Best moment of the week: Going to Brayden's first gymnastics class! He was scared at first (we had to wait outside behind the glass) but after the hubs went in and gave him a pep talk, he was LOVING it! It was so fun to watch him enjoying himself and interacting with the other kids.  I like that this class only has 5 kids. 
Movement: Yep!! Love feeling those kicks! 
Food cravings: Oh gosh the cravings continue! All week I had been wanting a cheesecake and taco dip, I know, so random.  So Friday I made a cheesecake and Saturday I made a taco dip, and they were DELICIOUS! I also really wanted some chili cheese fries :)



Food aversions: Nada
Maternity Clothes: Mostly everything now
Wedding rings: Down to just my engagement ring!
Symptoms: - No back pain this week, thankfully! Just shortness of breath and lots of heartburn!
Stretch Marks: None - praying it stays that way
Belly button: In but I think it's starting to come out to be even with my belly
Gender: A GIRL!
What I’m looking forward to: Hopefully nice weather all week and taking the kids on walks and to the park, and also eating much healthier this week
What I miss: Working out actually - I use not care about overindulging at times because I always worked out, but now that I've been told I can't, I just feel huge
Next appt: 4/8/14
Thankful for:  My Mom - she took the kids for a few hours on Saturday so the hubs and I got to go out bumming around.  We did some house shopping at Menards and looked at some new couches then it was home to do yard work.  It always feels weird when the kids aren't with us, but we did enjoy the little break :)



Wednesday, April 2, 2014

Brayden's Soccer Class Re-cap

My little man is done with his first round of soccer classes.  He really loves soccer and is pretty good too (when he wants to be)



In the beginning I was a little nervous because this was Brayden’s first activity that didn’t involve a parent, just kids with the coaches.  I knew he would be shy/scared/reserved at first and I just hoped it didn’t last too long.  It took a few classes, but finally he was comfortable enough to get to class, grab a ball and go sit in the circle.  I’m not gonna lie, this pretty much amazed me as we started off these classes with him crying hysterically. I was thankful however, that he wasn’t the only one who did this, there were several other boys who didn’t want their Dads to leave them.  

Usually the hubs would take him to class but occasionally Ella and I went too.  I would be so happy to see how well he was doing and then all of the sudden, something would happen, and he would lose it.  One time, one of the couches told him to start listening and he immediately put his hands over his mouth and started crying, another time the coach asked him to wear a jersey and he just did not want to do it and that would result in him crying, another time his couch put him on a different team than his buddy and he started crying.  I hated to see my little guy like this and part of me really doesn’t understand how these little things can set him off so much, but I try and remember he is only 3!! And this is all new to him. 


Overall, there were definitely more happy moments vs tears and I know my little guy had so much fun in this class.  I know he was so happy to see his little preschool buddy there too.  I love that he had this bonding time with his Daddy and that it definitely has contributed to him coming out of his shell


This was his last class, his Daddy and him got to play together most of the time and I joined in for a little too.







Here are all the kids lined up to receive their medals! I had no idea they were going to give those out and it was really cute...



Except for the fact that Brayden was in a *mood* and he could have cared less when his coach put the medal around his neck #littlestinker




These pictures crack me up - here I am asking him to smile and this is the look he gives me 


Finally after pouting for long enough, he was so excited he got a medal and him and his buddy JohnLuca posed for a picture, of course my little guy couldn't smile so he went with his standard goofy face.  I love this boy!


 
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