Team Blue or Team Pink

So if you know me or follow me in any of the social media worlds, you are well aware that this weekend is our big gender reveal party! What? You didn't know it's, like, the biggest event of all time?

Kidding.

But it is for us.

Anywho...I've had a TON of people asking me what I think Baby H is. I've read every freaking old wives' tale you could find on every page of the internet. I've dissected our ultrasound pictures and have fully researched the "skull" and "nub" theories, even though I still have the slightest ideas as to how to actually apply them. And I've even considered purchasing the gender test from the drugstore. (Ok so maybe only for a second until I quickly realized that was a complete waste of money.)

Being the most impatient person in the world (right, mom?) waiting THIS long to find out what the heck we're having has literally been eating at my insides. Ok...maybe that's taking things a little too far, but you know what I mean. I honestly don't know how some of you wait until week 20! 

Obviously...I don't know what Baby H is. I really have the slightest idea. But the good news is, there's a 50/50 chance Beau and I's intuition will be right. We're competitive like that and hate being wrong, but we're okay with odds like those. ;)

So to answer the biggest question we've gotten: Do you want a boy or a girl?

I know this is so cliche to say but clearly we just want a healthy baby. Boy or girl, we would be over the moon to welcome that little blessing into our world and we would be so incredibly happy with either. 

But...(there's always a "but"), and don't let ANYone ever tell you they aren't "hoping" for one gender over the other because that's a crock of you-know-what, BUT.... if we had it our way, and could "play God" for a moment and pick, we would both love to have a little boy for our first baby. Mainly because I, Stephanie, and terrified of cloning myself with a little girl, but also because boy moms are cool and I want to be a cool mom. And boys are cheaper than girls. Ok but really...I would just love to lug around a little Tonka truck playin', baseball throwin', messy little boy. And because friends tell me I'd be a good "boy mom". So I'll take it.

That being said...don't get me wrong when I say we would absolutely 1000% adore having a big bow wearin', tutu sportin', sassafrass little mini-me to spoil the ever-lovin' hell out of. (Hello? Have you heard about my dog?) So let it be known that I DO want a girl in this lifetime of mine and I really can't imagine life without a daughter. Isn't that every mom-to-be's dream?!

And surprisingly enough...Beau and I have actually agreed on ALL of this throughout this entire journey so far! I know...I'm a little shocked, too.

Now to answer the second most asked question: What do you think you're having?

Boy. 

No if's, and's or but's about it. I was team boy up until week 12, switched to team girl for about 2 weeks and have been back to team boy since week 14 and still strongly feel that way. I think Beau has been boy 100% of the way. (Duh-what guy isn't?) I really don't know how to explain it but my intuition has told me boy almost the entire time.

Again-we're just happy to be having a baby. A real life, living, breathing precious little baby. It's just still so surreal, y'all.

Ok ok ok...enough of my chatter. I answered the top 10 Old Wives' Tales below because I want to know what YOUR guess is!

Also, I wanted to thank Chelsea at Two Twenty One for creating the original "Old Wives' Tale" image like mine above. I was in no creative form when I envisioned this post until I stumbled upon hers so all creative credit goes to that woman! :) Thanks, Chels, for letting me "borrow" your same idea!

What do you think...team blue or team pink?!

Hump Day || Bump Day - 17 Weeks

How far along: 17 weeks

Baby size: An onion. How uncute is that?!

Weight gain: 5 pounds

Maternity clothes: Some. Thanks to my Bella Band, I'm still able to fit into all my pants, jeans and shorts and some shirts but I have a feeling 100% maternity clothes is right around the corner for this girl. My suit jackets for work are snug...and some of my fitted shirts are just not cute anymore so I invested in a few solid maternity tees from Old Navy this weekend and will continue to be on the mad hunt for more perfect maxis.

Stretch marks: No and I pray they stay away! I read this is the time they can start to appear...

Sleep: Yes. Although I sleep really well through the night, I feel like I literally wake up every hour ON the hour to go pee. It's probably the most annoying thing ever.

Gender: No but this time next week, WE'LL KNOW!!! I officially handed over "the envelope" to my girlfriends, Brooke and Ashley, and am SO anxious knowing that they know and I don't!! Talk about cruel and unusual punishment!

Movement: Yes! Not a ton, but a little kick here and there and a squirm one time, which was pretty darn cool feeling!

Best moment this week: Giving my friends the envelope with baby's gender in it in preparation for this weekend's gender reveal party! I feel like time is going by so fast!! I mean, I feel like I just found out I was pregnant and here I am, preparing for our gender reveal!

Looking forward to: Katie coming into town (YAY!!!) AND...finding out what this little nugget of ours is!!!

Food cravings: Nothing out of the ordinary...you know...pickles, SPK's and green grapes.

Weirdest food I ate this week: I'm happy to say I didn't eat anything weird this week! Unless you consider spicy pickles weird...

Anything making you queasy or sick: Negative ghostwriter. And I'm still very thankful for that.

Labor signs: N.O.

What I miss: Sleeping soundly without waking up every friggin' hour to pee.

Symptoms: Intermittent headaches and frequent freaking urination. Seriously...it's obnoxious. I feel like I can't get anything done because every time I actually sit down to do something, I have to get up and run to the bathroom. Oh-and I feel like a hungry, hungry hippo every hour of the day.

Workouts: Same ol', same ol'! 20-30 minutes of walking uphill on a treadmill, followed by 20-30 minutes of strength training twice per week. 

Things that suck: Maternity shorts. Seriously gag me with a spoon. I tried more on and still...I look like...I don't even know what?? I think it's because I'm semi-short torsoed...either way...I've yet to find a pair that look remotely decent.

Things that don't suck: Taking this week's bump date picture outside and not having to update that stupid chalkboard. Feeling my little squirmy worm inside my belly every once in a while. Knowing that in 4 short days I will FINALLY be able to: pin the heck outta baby boy or girl stuff, buy pink or blue baby stuff, and officially envision our lives with a little boy or a little girl!

13/30...Not Bad

I just realized it's been a hot...did I say HOT...minute since I've updated this. Like...I think the last time I updated myself on my 30 Before 30 list was before we had Oakley. WOW. Though I haven't physically updated it, I always know what I have left on my list so I can constantly work towards crossing something anything off!

Also, because April is my birth month (that's right...the 30th...don't forget it!), I thought it would be a good time to remind myself how far I have come to go.

Anywho...since it's been, well over a year now...here we go!

1. Pay for someone else's meal anonymously.
2. Witness a proposal. My best friend, Ashley, and my little brother, Chris!
3. Be a maid of honor.
4. Learn graphic design: Uh ya...so it's installed on my computer. Isn't that half the battle?
5. Drink wine in Napa. Maybe next year?!
6. Learn how to shoot in manual. I wouldn't say I'm a pro or anything...
7. Make double mortgage payments once/year.  Yep! Actually made 3 extra payments last year!
8. Pack only in a carry-on for a trip. Yep-I did the impossible.
9. Eat a raw diet for 3 days straight.  Done & loved it!
10. Turn my blog into a book.
11 Write a gratitude for a full year. So I started this...and then forgot about it. Whoops.
12. Join a church. We found the church, just haven't officially joined yet.
13. Swim in Lake Michigan. If wading counts as swimming, then YES!
14. Grow blog to 6,500 followers.
15. Send handwritten notes once/week.
16. Renew our vows in April 2016.
17. Have a baby. Happening in 5 short months!!
18. Go an entire week without social media.  DONE AND DONE. & IT WAS NOT EASY.
19. Host a party all on my own. Our housewarming party, which was hosted with one arm...
20. Start a new family tradition.  Yep! Beau and I started a new Christmas tradition! :)
21. Go on a vacation with just Beau.  Oh ya! Might I add it was one of my absolute favorites yet!
22. Visit my family in Tennessee. Unfortunately, it was for my grandpa's funeral, but yes, I went.
23. Send my mom on a vacation.
24. Get a puppy. Ha. I think this one is self-explanatory.
25. Be a leader in my company.
26. Buy Ford Raptor for Beau...in cash. Slight detour. We paid off my car and bought him a Chevy.
27. Wake up at 5am every week day. Does 5:20 am count??
28. Work out 3 times per week before work. Was I drunk when I wrote this one?
29. Rebuild savings account to at least $25,000. Slowly but surely...
30. Pay it forward in a really big way. One day.

13 out of 30...almost halfway there and I still have 2 years to go! I'm okay with this.

Maxi Mania

Iono about you but I seriously love me a good maxi. No...take that back. I am obsessed with a good maxi. But it can't be just any maxi dress. I've done some serious researching when it comes to my maxi loving ways and I think I can officially title myself the Maxi Connoisseur. It has to be the right fabric, the right pattern, the right neckline and without a doubt...the right length. For crying out loud...a maxi dress should not stop at your ankles. In fact, your maxi should be long enough to hit the ground and if you're anything like me, it will be dragging the ground and you will most likely trip over it 19 times throughout the day. That, my friends, is what I like to call a maxi dress success. (Also, the amount of times I just said "maxi" in that paragraph should be illegal.)

Being that my wardrobe will be a little different this spring, and I have tried on and am refusing to believe that maternity shorts are a real thing (gag me with a spoon...or maybe I just haven't found the right pair?) I've been looking high and low, literally, for all the good maxi dresses I can possibly get my hands on. (Random fact #1: I told Beau that I only ever wanted to be pregnant during the spring and summer and if it didn't happen by then, we wouldn't try again until the timing would be right for the following spring/summer. I just couldn't fathom being in jeans and sweaters when I'm as large as a beached whale...) Anywho...like I was saying...I've been scouring the shelves and interwebs for maxi dresses that fit all of my qualifications, specifically...the length.

Above are a few of my very favorite that I've either bought or ordered and are on their way to me as I type this. (Not all are maternity...but I snuck a couple in there for anyone who might also have expanding bellies this spring.)

1. Royal Blue Basic Maternity Maxi @ Pink Blush Maternity (Obsessing with this shop right now!)

2. Colorblock Racer Maxi @ Target

3. Peaches & Cream Maxi @ Oakleigh Rose Boutique (Umm hello? It had me at giant bow!)

4. Maternity Cowl Neck Maxi @ Old Navy (I actually bought this one in two colors!)

5. Colorblock Maxi Dress @ Target

Do you love a good maxi, or what?! Where do you find the best ones?!

P.S.-thank you thank you thank you to everyone who sent me well wishes and puppy prayers for our sweet Oakley girl yesterday and the night before! We made it through night last night (all 3 of us, piled in the living room floor) and she popped up first thing this morning wagging her tail and wanting to be fed. (That's my girl!) Though Beau and I can officially say we are both exhausted from waking up at least once every hour, we are just beyond happy that she's home and she's breathing and seems to be doing better already.

This weekend's forecast looks like snuggles with a large side of Oakley kisses. :) And I'm perfectly fine with that!

Happy weekending, friends!

Hump Day || Bump Day - 16 Weeks

I swear...pictures are deceiving. There really is something there!

How far along: 16 weeks

Baby size: An avocado...guacamole, please!

Weight gain: 5 pounds and proud of all 5 of 'em! I have no idea what's "normal" for the first 16 weeks but I'm okay with a 5 pound weight gain so far.

Maternity clothes: Yes! Well...not all...but the shirt in the picture above is maternity and I adore it! Seriously-the softest articles of clothing I've ever met. Also-I recently ordered this maxi, this maxi and this maxi from Old Navy (hello 40% off!) so they'll be joining my maternity collection soon enough! Also, my Bella Band came in and is making its big debut today! Hallelujah. I feel like I can stop pulling my suit pants up to my boobs and that I actually am starting to look the part. It's weird...you can only see "the bump" in really really low cut pants (or nothing at all and I'm doing you all a favor by not posting that picture) so next week's bump picture should look a lot more "true to size" now that my pants won't be pushing everything in.

Stretch marks: Nope

Sleep: Yes. Whenever and as much as possible.

Gender: If you saw my Instagram post from Monday, you would know that I could technically know at this point what we're having...but I don't. We had our gender scan this past Monday but I've sworn myself to not peeking into that little magical envelope and at this point, I really have no choice because Beau has hidden it somewhere in this house of ours. T-minus ELEVEN days 'til we know. ELEVEN!

Movement: Ummm I definitely had NO idea when I would legitimately be able to answer this question but as for this week...it's a big fat YES! After consulting with a few girlfriends that are pregnant and my sister-in-law, it seems like Baby H has been kicking/punching me every so often and I am just so stinking excited about that!! It's the craziest feeling ever! While it hasn't happened a lot, it's definitely occurred several times now. I think it's baby's way of saying "Hey momma! All is good! Keep on cookin' me, wouldya?!" A lot of people say they've felt "flutters" but mine have felt more like teeny, tiny muscle spasms happening a few inches below my belly button! It really is SUCH a neat feeling! 

Best moment this week: Hands down...feeling that tiny little kick for the first time (well, first few times....since I didn't know what it was the very first time it happened.) Also to note...knowing that we are SO close to finding out if our little baby bean is a boy or a girl and seeing our little one on the ultrasound screen. I'm simply amazed every time they pull up babe on the big screen!  Pregnancy is so incredibly miraculous and I'm feeling very grateful to be on this journey. :)

Looking forward to: THE FREAKING GENDER REVEAL.

Food cravings: The main craving that has stayed tried and true has been pickle juice (no lie...my mouth started watering when I walked past the pickles in the grocery store) and Sour Patch Kids. And really...anything sour...green grapes and lemon in my water, too.

Weirdest food I ate this week: If you were to ask Beau, he would definitely say that drinking pickle juice straight from the jar at the dinner table is by far not only the weirdest thing I've eaten/drank, but it's probably the weirdest thing he's ever seen me do. I honestly just can't help it. And here go the jaws watering again...

Anything making you queasy or sick: Negative ghostwriter. And I'm still very thankful for that.

Labor signs: N.O.

What I miss: Wine. Duh. And I miss having curves around my torso...or at least a figure of some sort. My torso has felt like a barrel for the past month and I'm not a huge fan. OH! And sleeping on my back! Grrrr! Apparently week 16 is when you're officially supposed to only sleep on your side from here on out and the idea of that makes me cringe. 

Symptoms: Headaches. Awful headaches that have been driving me freaking nuts. Also, pregnancy brain and growing boobs. Not a fan of any of these but I realize things could be a lot worse so I'll take the cards I've been dealt and just be grateful for them. 

Workouts: 20-30 minutes of walking uphill on a treadmill, followed by 20-30 minutes of strength training twice per week. Hoping to get back to three times a week but that's yet to happen.

Things that suck: To be perfectly honest, updating that stinking chalkboard sucks, which is why this may be it's last debut here on the blog. I wanted to do all 40 weeks in hopes of making a Shutterfly album, like I do with all my other pictures, but to be honest, I'm not enjoying it anymore. As you can see, the chalkboard markers are getting harder and harder to erase every week (no lie...I spend a minimum of 20 minutes trying to clean that stupid stuff off). After it's finally clean, it doesn't take me much time to write on it, but I have to physically plan out when I'm going to look presentable enough and when the lighting is good enough in that room to take the picture in front of the chalkboard. I tried it and it's just not for me. Props to those of you who make it the entire way updating your boards every week but this chick is OUT! I'm hoping to catch some more "natural" looking shots outside or something, rather than posing in front of lame wall. Who knows...the board may be back next week. We shall wait and see...

Things that don't suck: 2 hour naps after work. I don't think Beau or Oakley are opposed either...

Sh*t Pregnant Women Say {1st Trimester Edition}

Omg does that say "positive"?

How much weight am I "allowed" to gain?

It's ok...I'm eating for two...

Ummm...am I gonna be sick?

Is it nap time yet?

(In response to "How are you feeling?") Good! Besides the fact that I'm exhausted, on the verge of a nervous breakdown, my body is changing by the minute and my boobs hurt like the dickens...I feel just greeeeat.

What?! No sushi??

Do you think I'm showing? Or is that just the pancakes?

Can I eat this?

Oh my gosh...nine months with no wine??

I HAVE NOTHING TO WEAR.

When do I get to find out what I'm having?

Shhh. We're pregnant. But you can't say anything to anyone for 6 more weeks...

Uhh...where's your nearest restroom?

What about now? Is it nap time yet?

Wait. Did I just feel movement?

Do you think I need to wear maternity clothes yet?

Are you sure there's only one in there?

No really...my sister-in-law just had triplets. ARE YOU SURE??

Do we have any pickles?

I think I need to pee.

Does this make me look fat?

I don't think I'm going to make it to the gym today...

Ummm...what's a birth plan?

I'm just sooooo tired...

Do you smell that??

We should probably start planning our babymoon...

ACHOO!! Did I just pee?

I just can't eat that tonight...

Are you going to take my blood again??

I'm just really tired...

When can I start telling people?

Hump Day || Bump Day - 15 Weeks

How far along: 15 weeks & 3 days!

Baby size: A softball, a navel orange or an apple...depending on which website you read.

Weight gain: Let's just say yes to this one...

Maternity clothes: My sweet SIL gave me ALL of her maternity clothes and this weekend, I may or may not have worn one of the shirts. Might I add it was the longest, softest, comfiest fitted shirt I think I've ever worn!

Stretch marks: Nope

Sleep: Oh ya. Snuck in a nap last night, too. Hey, why not?!

Gender: 18 days til we know for sure but I will say that everyone, with the exception of my aunt and my boss (hi Gina!!), think we're having a boy, including complete strangers. I kid you not. 

Movement: Nothing yet but I'm anxiously awaiting to feel that first flutter!! I'm also wondering if I'll even know when it happens?!

Best moment this week: Booking our babymoon definitely takes the cake this time, however, another best moment from this past week is that we officially started moving stuff out of our office to begin slowly turning it into a nursery. Seeing a baby swing and 4 boxes of diapers in that room is pretty surreal and exciting all at the same time!

Looking forward to: My 16 week appointment coming up next week! I just need to see our sweet little nugget squirming around on the big screen again! Also (and completely un-baby related)...my little brother is getting married exactly one month from today and I am beyond excited to celebrate with friends and family!!!

Food cravings: Maybe it's just me but I feel like these change from week to week. Though I'm still wanting my fair share of pickles and Sour Patch Kids, this week I've been really wanting fresh fruit...apples, pears, pineapples, oranges...and I want them all cut up and mixed together. If we want to get specific...

Weirdest food I ate this week: Most people wouldn't consider this to be weird, but for me, a fully loaded baked potato is weird for me to eat. I honestly cannot tell you the last time I had a baked potato, nonetheless one that was stuffed with butter, cheese, sour cream, bacon bits & pulled pork. I blame the rodeo for that meal and I promised my thighs it would never happen again. #itwaswortheverybite

Anything making you queasy or sick: Negative ghostwriter. And I'm still very thankful for that.

Labor signs: N.O.

What I miss: Being able to wear all my cutesy spring dresses. Either every single one of my dresses have shrunk or my hips and butt are expanding by the millisecond and seeing that I don't dry any of my dresses, I think it's safe to assume they have not, indeed, shrunk in size. 

Symptoms: Intermittent headaches and all of a sudden my belly button is kinda sensitive. It's weird, that's for sure.

Workouts: In addition to taking Oakley on her 2 walks per day, I've been consistently working out twice/week and while it's not as much as I'd like to be exercising, I'll take what I can get. 

Things that suck: Being asked if you've been having morning sickness because your face looks pale. Wow...thanks! While I fortunately haven't had any morning sickness, I'll go ahead and take a hint that I need to get at tan. Also...I still firmly believe that Babie's R Us sucks. Mainly because of my own ignorance and confusion when I walk through those stupid doors but really...it makes no sense to me and we're not friends...yet...though I know its inevitable.

Things that don't suck: The fact that babymoons are popular these days. I mean, I didn't even have to convince Beau that we "needed" to go on one. It was kinda like he automatically expected it! Thank you to whomever created this wonderful excuse to take a vacation! ;)

19 Things I Know (So Far) About Being Pregnant

1. Secrets. People can't keep 'em. Even the ones you trust the most.

2. What the following abbreviations stand for: U/S, MC, 15w1d, CS, VBAC & NT (ultrasound, miscarriage, 15 weeks 1 day, c-section, vaginal birth after c-section, nuchal translucency...for those of you who are curious...)

3. Knowing you're going to gain weight is a harsh, harsh reality but hey, it's all for the baby so I say, bring it on!

4. Naps will become your newest BFF. Nothing...and I mean nothing...trumps a good nap.

5. So will toilets. Whether you're peeing or tossing up your cookies every 20 minutes, make good ties with your porcelain God. You'll be hanging out quite often.

6. Your boobs. They're going to hurt. Especially for the first 13 weeks, at least. You will want to stab the next person who hugs, or even thinks about hugging you, but don't. No one wants to be the pregnant chick at the county jail. Unless you're Jennelle from Teen Mom, but that's a whole 'nother conversation...

7. People are going to ask quite possibly the dumbest question that I know I'm guilty of asking too, "Sooo...were y'all trying?" No. We were doing the hibbity dibbity sans protection in hopes of not getting knocked up. YES WE WERE "TRYING".

8. You WILL get the stinkeye for shoving that third cookie into your piehole. Guaranteed.

9. Friends and family are going to stare at your stomach every single time they see you even though there's nothing to see or feel. Personal space, people. Respect it!

10. The moment your pee stick says "Pregnant", you will immediately begin to encourage all of your girlfriends to follow suit. Heck, no one wants to ride this gravy train alone!

11. Reading and watching pregnancy videos online regarding labor and/or breastfeeding (for me, anyways) will scare the heck out of you. Unlike Nike says, just DON'T do it. Ignorance is bliss for me when it comes to the labor and delivery part and I'd like to keep it that way.

12. Because you don't look or really feel pregnant just yet, you will undoubtedly convince your husband that you need that fetal doppler you saw online. You know...so you can play doctor any time you want and listen to the heartbeat at the drop of a hat.

13. You will think about all things fluffy pillow, cozy blankets, yoga pants and bed-related no less than 79 times per day. You used to watch the clock until 5pm to run off to happy hour with your girlfriends but you will quickly find that your now version of happy hour now happens in your bed and without a margarita.

14. Thanks to #13, your motivation to do anything for the first 12-14 weeks is completely and utterly out the door. Cooking? HA! Cleaning? What's that? Working out? I wish. Actually getting dressed on a random Sunday? Ya. Right...

15. Sure, there are a lot of changes going on and a ton of new things that you're just not used to but at the end of the day, growing a teeny tiny little human inside your belly is not near as bad as I thought it would be. Coming from someone who's terrified of blood, needles, body changes, medical issues, etc...I cannot believe those words just came out of my mouth but it's true.

16. Seeing diapers and baby swings in your soon-to-be nursery is quite possibly one of the most surreal views you could ever imagine.

17. Babies-R-Us is the most overwhelming store you will ever visit and your first few trips there will annoy the hell outta you. On top of not knowing what anything in that store does, means or is, the aisles don't make sense and every single store is laid out completely different. Rest assured...their rocker/glider section will become your favorite spot in the place and if you feel so inclined to do so, prop up your feet and take a cat nap. Afterall, you're pregnant.

18. Maternity clothes are weird and awkward and so unsexy, however, they are an inevitable part of this entire journey. Go ahead...give up your size 4's for all things soft & stretchy...even I've been pleasantly surprised!

19. Its a beautiful ride. It really is. And I pray it continues to stay this way not only for myself, but anyone else out there "with child" or trying to get there. Just enjoy it!

Five on Friday

I always look forward to Fridays. I mean...who doesn't? But this Friday...I've been looking forward to for quite some time now!

Lets get right to it...

one. I have a date with THIS hunk-a-burnin' Aussie love tonight and if you have never seen Keith Urban in concert, I'm fully convinced you haven't lived yet. Ok...maybe that's just the country music obsessee coming out in me but holy mother of all things sexy! A few years back was my first time to see him at the rodeo and though I really liked his music, I wasn't necessarily a huge fan (like I am for my boys of FGL). It was that first rodeo I saw him when he go INTO the stands with all of us in the audience and sang his little Australian/country music heart out that I immediately fell in. love. As you can tell from the picture, he's pretty excited to see me, too.

two. Fourteen days later...our sweet Oakie Bear is still in heat. We've washed diaper after diaper after diaper. I've bought more maxi pads in the last two weeks than I've bought my entire life. I've pulled those dang panties of her's up 1,065 times by now. Poor thing has no hips or booty to keep 'em up! I feel awful for her but I am so looking forward to having her fixed after all of this! Bless her little heart...its rough being a girl...

three. I have seen this gem at HobLob for the past year now and every time I've gone back to buy it, its been sold the heck out! Not this time, my friends! BEST $25 I think I've spent in a while! And it's big!! If I had to guess (though I'm no mathematician over here...) I'd say it's about 2 ft x 2 ft! It hangs in our kitchen right where the morning sun hits it and I just love it!

four. I came home to find our gender reveal invitation in our mailbox and immediately squealed with excited! This is just a little sneak peek and I promise to post more about it but my brother is an incredible designer and worked with my best friend, Ashley, to design these for us! (Seriously...is my baby brother talented or WHAT?!) Sidenote: Is it weird that this invitation started to make this whole thing real for me??! These past 14 weeks haven't felt all that surreal for me because overall, I've felt pretty good and I didn't really look pregnant but I feel like once you find out what you're having and you can actually buy something pink or blue for that little nugget of yours that it really starts to hit home! Ah! Two weeks from tomorrow and I'll know!! I AM DYING.

 and five. I saved the best for last (duh) because on this very day last year, March 14, we brought our sweet Oakley girl home, into our lives and changed our world forever. (And for the better, of course!) Whew-those first nights were rough, those teeth were sharp, she tested our patience like nothing ever before (and still does) but I know I speak for both Beau and myself when I say we cannot imagine life without our 80 pound sassafrass. She's grounded us, she's made us start to feel like we are already kinda parents and she adores us every single second of every single day. There really is no love like that of a dog. :)

Ok-off to work! Lots to do this morning, I've got a good friend of mine moving in SIX doors down from us this afternoon and then it's off to the rodeo to see my man, Keith! Have a great weekend everyone! Ta ta!

Be sure to link up with the girls for "Five on Friday"!! 

Hump Day || Bump Day - 14 Weeks

How far along? 14 weeks (& 3 days!)

Baby size: A lemon!

Weight gain: Still not sure...I think I'm better off not knowing. Sure-I know weight gain is inevitable but to me, it's just a number. My clothes are still fitting (some a little better than others) for the most part (with the exception of some dresses, which are too tight in the booty), but other than that, if I had to guess I'd say around 5-7 pounds. But that's really a shot in the dark. It could be 15 for all I know...

Maternity clothes: No but I have a feeling they're on the horizon. I've bought a couple new skirts/dresses recently but they've all be "normal" clothes that will allow me to grow with them. Lets just say I'm  going to be very thankful for empire wasted maxi dresses, sundresses and maxi skirts this spring/summer.

Stretch marks: No.

Sleep: Yes. And loving every minute of it. I wasn't sure if I wanted to type this out or not because I don't want to jinx myself but seeing that I haven't napped in over a week and I stayed up past 10 the last 3 nights...I think my energy levels are slowly getting back to normal!

Gender: This question is just mean. Flat out MEAN right about now! 24 more days...but who's counting?

Movement: Not yet!

Best moment this week: Working with some of the best friends a girl could have as they begin to plan every little detail of our gender reveal party!! Seriously...feeling very loved by my girls! :) Speaking of...I (think) I found something to wear to our gender reveal party and I'm pretty stoked about it! Now to find something for that baby daddy of mine...

Looking forward to: Seeing this lil' bump of mine GROW! One day it's in, one day it's out. If I'm going to BE pregnant and FEEL pregnant, I at least want to LOOK the part! 

Food cravings: Still anything vinegar-related & sour patch kids. (I think my dentist about had a heart attack when I told him that was one of my cravings!) 

Weirdest food I ate this week: I hit an all-time low this week, y'all. When I say I crave anything vinegar-related, I'm specifically talking about soy sauce (or a soy alternative I use), pickle juice and now...buffalo sauce. I want it on any and everything, you know...like as a salad dressing (twice) and mixed in with my mac & cheese (gluten and dairy-free, of course. Yes, they make that!) I know...I know...that probably sounds terrible but my taste buds were literally doing back flips all three times. Don't judge me. Or do. #iwould

Anything making you queasy or sick: Negative ghostwriter. And I'm still very thankful for that.

Labor signs: N.O.

What I miss: Being able to lift my "normal" weights when I workout. This whole 20-30 pound weight limit is really cramping my style, however, I'm just glad I've had the energy lately to workout so I'll take what I can get.

Symptoms: A little more tired than usual, but not near as exhausted as I was weeks 7-12. 

Workouts: Once so far this week, plus a 2+ mile walk with Oakie Bear. Might I add I RAN for the very first time in 3 months on 'said' walk. It wasn't far but it happened and is worth documenting.

Things that suck: Peeing a little when I sneeze. Hey...just being honest up in hurr. It's just flat out weird.

Things that don't suck: Buffalo sauce as a salad dressing, feeling so loved by family and friends who are offering parties & showers for baby H, and...my new Bump Nest pillow. Oh-my-lanta...more on this later but this is a total game changer for sure.

That's all I got for ya today. Peace.