5 Things That Will Probably Change Your Life

OH Monday...never a fan but even more so when the summertime starts rolling around. The sunshine...the pooltime...grilling in the backyard...I could handle that every single day, not just Saturdays and Sundays. Can I get an amen?!

SO because its the most dreaded day of the week, I figured I'd try to lift your spirits with a few things I 1,000% believe you need to know about. Will they change your life? Probably not...so I apologize for the false advertisement...

First things first, this dress.  Let it be known this is not a maternity dress, but as you can see, it can easily be worn with or without a little baby bump. I styled it with a teal statement necklace and gold flips flops and got so many compliments when I wore it out for our anniversary dinner! And best of all, one of you lucky people reading this has the opportunity to win a $25 gift certificate to Ruby Cross Boutique where you can purchase your very own! All you have to do is follow Ruby Cross on Instagram and a comment letting me know that you do!

TWO. Cinnamon roll waffles. WHERE HAVE THESE BEEN ALL MY LIFE AND WHY DIDN'T I TRY THIS SOONER??!! Here's how its done: turn on your waffle iron, spray it with cooking spray, smash a regular cinnamon roll between your hands, flattening it out and place it in your waffle iron. Allow it to cook for as long as you would usually cook a waffle. Drizzle the icing on top and, well...you get this plate of fantasicalness. I'm pretty sure Beau wanted to marry me all over again when he took his first bite and after this, I don't blame him. ;)

THREE. Sofia Maxim dog collars worn by the beautiful Oakley Howard. ;) As if the design alone isn't enough, the fact that the name tag slides on the collar, rather than something dangling and jingling every second of every day had me at "hello." Perhaps I'm bias but I think she could really start a career in the collar modeling industry...no?

FOUR. I have but two words for any of you expecting mommas out there...Destination Maternity. I came across this gem for the first time this weekend and hit what felt like the mother-load of maternity clothes that are not only adorable and can (hopefully) be worn after pregnancy, too, but their prices are fairly reasonable and they had, by far, the largest selection of maternity clothes I've yet to find...in a retail setting, anyways. Per usual, whatever I found, I bought it in every color they offered because that's what I do. For those of you in Houston, they have a location in the Galleria but for anyone not residing in the greater Houston area, you can visit them online.

And FIVE. Today is the LAST day to be entered to win a $50 gift certificate to Oakleigh Rose...where you can find your very own Peaches & Cream Bow Maxi Dress! (Seen below) Details here. Winner will be contacted tomorrow!

That's all I gots. Until next time, friends...

Birthday Blues

Am I sad that its my birthday? No. Come on now...that's like asking a kid if they're sad to eat ice cream for breakfast...

It just so happens that everything on this year's wish list is, well, blue. And was totally not planned to be that way.

But really...who am I? The old me would have strategically planned for everything on my list to be the perfect shade of pink. But this?? I don't even know?!

Anywho...because I know you all have my birthday marked on your calendars (ahem...next Wednesday...April 30th... at approximately 7:46am)...I went ahead and made things easy for ya! ;) Ok but really...I really just love keeping a little wishlist going for myself so that when people ask what I want, its easy for them. And let's be honest...I could easily say the expected "Oh...you don't have to get me anything..." but who actually ever doesn't get their friend/wife/daughter something for her birthday? I actually despise when people tell me this because if I'm asking you what you want for your birthday, my intentions are to buy you a gift so homie don't play that game.

In all honesty, I'd be lying if I said I don't get compliments on my wishlist making skills each year for my birthday and Christmas. I even get requests for them! ;) (Ahem...here's pointing at you, Ash!)

Ok fine. On with the show!

Navy Blue Bath Towels: Hi, I'm old and I ask for bath towels for my birthday.

Old Navy Crepe Print Maxi: Because who doesn't want maternity clothes in celebration of their day of birth??

Kendra Scott Birthstone Necklace in cobalt (for Paisley's birthday): Here's hoping she's actually born in September if I were to get that necklace...either way...the color is stunning.

Michael Kors Dylan Aviators: No explanation necessary.

Jack Rogers Georgia Sandals: Love at first sight. That's all.

Betsey Johnson Two-Tone Boyfriend Watch: Because I have her watches in gold, silver and black and really need this one to complete my collection. Duh. No but really...

VS Bikini: For our upcoming babymoon and because I refuse to invest in a maternity swimsuit at the moment. #gagme

Got all that? Good. ;)

Hump Day || Bump Day - 20 Weeks

How far along: 20 weeks...HALFWAY!

Baby size: Banana! 

Baby's progress: Baby is growing like crazy (which would hopefully explain my bottomless pit for a stomach). She's already 6 1/2 inches and weighs 12 ounces! Baby girl's ovaries are fully formed and she already producing her own little baby eggs. (Crazy to think that!) She also has working taste buds and is swallowing several ounces of amniotic fluid each day. Yummmmm. ;)

Weight gain: 10 pounds. I blame it on the banana cream pie and carrot cake I had on Easter. Yay for double digit weight gain...said no one ever.

Stretch marks: Nothing yet but I'm still praying to the stretch mark Gods to keep those babies away. Far, far away.

Sleep: Oh ya. And I cherish it so. I've noticed when I don't get enough sleep that I wake up the next morning with a hangover-like headache. Not a fun way to wake up...

Gender: GIRL!!!!!!!! We confirmed it again at our appointment this week. Phew! Not gonna lie...I was a tiny bit nervous about her "turning into" a boy!

Movement: Yes and it is probably the neatest thing ever! Yesterday she was moving around like crazy...while I was in the bath tub, on my morning drive to work, during my meetings, after lunch, before dinner, as I typed this post...all day long sister was squirming around in there! Also to note...Beau finally got to see and feel her moving around last week! He agreed its pretty cool!

Best moment this week: Seeing our sweet girl on the ultrasound screen! She was snoozing away in there so we didn't get to see a lot of action but like I said, they confirmed she was a girl and said that she looks great. All we could ever ask for! 

Looking forward to: Our babymoon coming up in two short weeks!! Let the countdown begin!!

Food cravings: Still lemon water and this week my healthy cravings have finally come back home!! I've really struggled with wanting to eat healthy because all the stuff I usually eat, like big salads, lots of fruit, hummus, etc... just didn't sound good but finally I'm wanting more salads and fruit! Especially pineapples! 

Weirdest food I ate this week: Hmm nothing too out of the ordinary...just the normal gulp or two of pickle juice but that's about it.

Anything making you queasy or sick: Nope.

Labor Signs: Uh no.

What I miss: I still miss wine. And fitting in all my normal clothes. This whole "buying new clothes" thing every week is getting expensive...

Symptoms: Growing & itchy belly (duh). Bigger boobs (ick) and headaches if I don't eat or get enough sleep. Also-I feel like I have to eat something every hour on the hour.

Workouts: Getting there! I've worked out once this week so far, on top of my normal 1-2 mile daily walks with Oakie Bear but I plan on working out again on Wednesday and maybe even Thursday! 

Things that suck: feeling fat. Just being honest here...My legs feel like tree trunks. Also, people immediately look down at my stomach when they see me now. Its just kinda weird to have everyone look directly at my growing belly all the time, but then again, I'm sure I do the same thing! 

Things that don't suck: Beau coming home from work with a shopping bag loaded with the most precious outfits for our baby girl! Coming from a guy who is not a shopper, (unless its guns, ammo or booze) I must say I'm thoroughly impressed with his selections! Seriously though...melt my heart!

All found at Baby Gap...le duh!

Also...something else that doesn't suck...this dress. I mean, a maxi dress topped with a big pink bow and from a boutique by the name of "Oakleigh Rose"...That's pretty much like the maxi dress trifecta in my book and even better than that, you can win a gift card to order your very own!! (Oh! And it's not maternity so though it can easily be worn by anyone with a growing belly, anyone can wear it!)

To give you an idea for sizing, I'm usually a medium in everything and this dress was no different. I'm 5'5" and it hit the ground perfectly, too! Not too long, and not short! I got SO many compliments from our family when I wore this on Easter! Not to mention, the material is super lightweight so it'll be perfect for our 100+ degree summer days! I think I'm gonna need a mini version made for little Miss Paisley girl...whatdya think!? (Oh my gosh...baby maxi dresses!!! She needs all of them!!)

Oh! And a little birdy told me if you sign up for Oakleigh Rose's VIP Program, you receive a coupon for $15 off $30 or more. #winning

Ok ok....who wants to win?! 

All you have to do is follow Oakleigh Rose on Instagram and leave a comment letting me know that you do! Wam bam, thank you ma'am! Easy giveaway requirements...that's what I'm talkin' about JACK!

Working Out For Two [Arms]

Well lookie here...I made a promise and actually kept it! ;) 

Like I said on Tuesday, I've received quite a few questions regarding my new/amended workout since becoming pregnant so I thought I would just put it altogether on here for anyone who might be interested.

If you missed Tuesday's post on my legs and butt workout, you can get it here!

Again...I am no personal trainer. This is pretty much the same workout I was doing before I was pregnant, except I now use lighter weights or just my own body weight. If you are pregnant and are looking to continue a good exercise regimen, just be sure you check in with your doctor first to make sure you're clear (aka: not high risk).

P.S.-I just wanted to thank everyone for all the anniversary wishes on yesterday's post and on Instagram! It really means a lot to Beau and I that you would take the time to send us a thoughtful little note on our wedding anniversary! :)

Hump Day || Bump Day - 19 Weeks

Dress

How far along: 19 weeks

Baby size: A large mango! Also, baby girl is about 6 inches long and weighs about half a pound!

Baby's progress: Baby can hear my heart and lungs, and also outside noises! (Everyone say "hi" to Paisley!") 

Weight gain: Not sure. I'll find out next week. Yikes!

Stretch marks: Negative. And I pray it stays this way.

Sleep: I'd like to say yes but seeing that Oakley literally stole every inch of my covers last night, I'm a little torn on this response. No but really...I was freezing ALL night long. I think she knows she's too heavy for me to move in the middle of the night...

Gender: GIRL!!!!!!!! Paisley Ann :)

Movement: Yes!! I swear this child is either river dancing or doing the macarena in my belly at night! It's usually after dinner, right before I go to bed when all of a sudden she comes to life and my stomach starts jumping around like crazy! Actually...she's literally moving as I type this post! Beau got to see it the other day but he hasn't quite felt it just yet. Every time he puts his hand on my stomach she goes back into hibernation mode. Ha. 

Best moment this week: All this movement!! It really is SO neat! 

Looking forward to: Un-baby related....I'm SO looking forward to mine and Beau's anniversary dinner tonight! I can't believe it's already been 3 years! Also to note-my baby brother gets married this weekend! I'm so excited to see all of our out-of-town family and for all the festivities to begin!! Not looking forward to...the reading I have to give at the ceremony. I'm honored, of course, but I'm already turning into nervous Nelly!

Food cravings: Lemon water and pickle juice. Still. And any type of sour candy. 

Weirdest food I ate this week: It's probably not "weird" for most people but I most definitely had a Dr. Pepper for the first time in a lonnnnng time. And I loved every sip of it. ;)

Anything making you queasy or sick: Nope.

Labor Signs: Uh no.

What I miss: Wine. I could really go for a cold glass of New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc right about now. Shoot...beggars can't be choosers. I'd kill for Franzia...

Symptoms: Growing belly (duh) and the most obnoxious frequent urination ever. I cannot express how annoying it is to go to the bathroom 163 times per day and 6 times in the middle of the night. Catheter, please! (Ok. Kidding on that part...) I feel dizzy sometimes when I stand up too fast and more than anything...I feel like I have to eat something every hour. Whether its a piece of fruit, or a pickle, or a Quest Bar...I feel like a bottomless pit!

Workouts: Getting there! I've worked out once this week so far, on top of my normal 1-2 mile daily walks with Oakie Bear but I plan on working out again on Thursday! (PS-in case you missed it and if you're interested, here's my leg/butt pregnancy workout plan and tomorrow I'll be posting my arm workout!)

Things that suck: Never knowing what articles of clothing I'll be able to fit into each day, however, I know it's all just a part of the process so I'm okay with it. Also-still undecided on nursery stuff. We've just about nailed down the color scheme and bedding but the crib is really throwing us a curve ball!

Things that don't suck: Celebrating 3 years of marriage with quite possibly the most kind-hearted, sweet baby daddy a girl could ever ask for! Happy anniversary, Beau! I love you more than I love Oakley...but please don't make me prove it. ;) 

Working Out For Two [Legs & Butt]

So I am no personal trainer. Nor do I have any fancy degree in exercise science. I'm just a girl who enjoys staying physically fit and leading a healthy lifestyle so when I became pregnant, I instantly started thinking about what I was going to do in order to make sure I led the healthiest pregnancy possible.

"Possible" being the key word here.

Something really important to note is that if you are pregnant, or are considering getting pregnant, when it comes to exercising you typically can continue doing whatever you were doing previously, unless you are considered "high risk". I've read this a bazillion times and confirmed with my doctor twice. So for any of you who are looking to "start trying", if you're not exercising now, you may want to start so that when you do become pregnant, and if you want to, you can continue your same exercise regimen. 

What I'm trying to say is you can't start working out the day you find out you're pregnant if you haven't even laced up your running shoes in the past 6 months.

If you have the energy, by all means, start exercising as soon as possible. Even if its a quick walk around the block.

For me, the first trimester was a complete doozy. From the day I found out until about week 13, I had no energy. Zero. Zilch. Nada. No...actually I had no energy before I found out (clue #1 I totally missed...) On top of that, my girls hurt like the dickens (NO LIE.) and the thought of them possibly bouncing around made me want to cry. Working out happened maybe 8 times throughout those first weeks...and that's being generous. It was all I could do to peel myself off the couch to take Oakley for a walk...which is not typical.

But this second trimester...woo! While I'm not participating in any triathlons or crossfitting or heck, even running at all, I can honestly say I've had the energy to work out consistently twice a week, in addition to taking Oakley on her normal 1-2 mile walks each day and for me and my current situation, I'm okay with that. I'd like to see myself get to three times a week but hey, I know my body needs rest, too, so I think it's important that I pay close attention to that.

I've been doing legs/butt one day, and then I flip flop to arms the next day. Though its inevitable that weight gain will happen, I really don't want to see myself turn into a pile of mush over these final 4 months so I'm doing what I can to tone this mush of mine as much as possible. ;) Plus, they say working out really helps with the delivery process, too. Anything to make that as smooth as possible...

Anywho...I've been asked a lot about my pregnancy workouts so in case any of you are wondering, here's my current leg/butt workout, along with a few really important exercise tips for any of you growing a baby. I promise you with the right amount of reps and weights, it can leave you hurting pretty good the next day! Good luck making it through round 3...and most of all, good luck making it through cardio without taking 8 potty breaks... HA!

While I hate making promises on this blog (because its rare that I actually keep them), I'd like to attempt to post my arm routine later this week, too.

But like I said...no promises! ;)

Mommas-To-Be: Say Yes to This Dress! [& A Giveaway!]

Dress | Cardi | Watch (Photo creds: Katie)

If I had to be perfectly honest, I'd say one of the biggest challenges (thus far) to being pregnant has been finding clothes that A) fit and B) are somewhat cute and don't leave me looking/feeling like frump. And I'm specifically talking about maternity clothes.

While many of my "regular" clothes still fit (thanks to the Bella Band), many of them do not and I have really had a tough time getting dressed each and every day that I'm not in my office wearing my basic suit. 

I stumbled upon Pink Blush Maternity thanks to Leslie @ A Blonde Ambition and I should have known from the beginning it was going to be a site I'd frequent. Hello...have you ever seen Leslie's or her little one's style?! Pregnant or not, sister's got it goin' on!

I was immediately drawn to their maternity maxi dresses (#typical) and of course, the rest of their super cute and trendy maternity clothes. But what I loved so much about their maxis AND their site is that they list the lengths of all their maxi dresses! I've said it before and I'll say it again...I'm a maxi dress snob. A maxi dress that drags the ground and almost causes me to trip 83 times per day is a successful purchase for this girl. Maybe it's to hide my size 10 feet. Maybe not. I'll let you be the judge of that. Either way-the fact that the dresses have the length measurement right there on the page made me fall in love so I immediately ran out to Beau's toolbox and got out a measuring tape. Sure enough... their royal blue basic maternity maxi was coming home with me.

Watch | Bracelet 

To give you an idea on length, I'm 5'5" and this dress measures 60 inches from the shoulder to the hem and is super flowy at the bottom. Sign. Me. Up.

Also coming home to me very soon...this same dress in every other color they carry. Like I always say...if the dress fits, buy it in every color! ;)

Now for the good part...one of YOU mommas-to-be can receive a $25 gift card to Pink Blush! Follow Pink Blush Maternity on Instagram and leave a comment below letting me know you've done so! Easy enough, huh?!

Hump Day || Bump Day - 18 Weeks

Dress via Pink Blush Maternity | Cropped Cardigan via Old Navy 

How far along: 18 weeks

Baby size: Sweet potato! (About 5 1/2 inches long!)

Baby's progress: Baby has started to become more "human-like" (according to my book) and can now yawn, swallow, suck and hiccup! She's also developed her very own set of fingerprints! It's amazing how something SO tiny can already resemble so much of a full grown newborn baby!

Weight gain: Not sure and won't know until our appointment later this month.

Stretch marks: Negative. Slathering on the Bio Oil every single morning! I swear that stuff ruins clothes if you don't let it dry long enough... #rookiemistake

Sleep: I slept really poorly over the weekend due to the pure excitement of having Katie in town and finally having our gender reveal party! Hoping to get back to my normal sleep schedule this week. Momma needs some rest after this crazy weekend!

Gender: GIRL!!!!!!!! Little Miss Paisley!! :) And we couldn't be more excited!!

Movement: Yep! A little punch/kick here or there...just enough to let me know she's still in there! ;) This is probably one of the neatest things ever! It happens so quickly and not all that often so what I actually feel her in there, I literally smile from ear to ear! I can't wait until Beau is able to feel the movement, too!

Best moment this week: Definitely finding out that we are having us a baby girl!! I just can't get over it and am so dang excited!!

Looking forward to: Deciding on a nursery theme so we can start registering. I'm just so torn..do I stick with a classic Restoration Hardware look with soft linen colors and baby pink? Or do I go all out with the pinks and turquoise and ruffles and vintage floral look?! ALSO-our babymoon/anniversary/birthday trip this time next month!!!

Food cravings: Lemon water and pickle juice (Seriously...who am I?) Oh and just pure WATER! I have been SO thirsty lately and all I seem to want is ice cold water!

Weirdest food I ate this week: Nothing out of the norm...just pickle juice straight from the jar.

Anything making you queasy or sick: No sickness, but the thought of grilled chicken makes me want to gag and the smell/look/thought of beef jerky makes me want to punch my husband in the face. Ok so that's a little irrational and I would never mess up that pretty face of his, but foreal...don't even think about thinking about bringing beef jerky around me. Food adversions...they're a very real thing...

Labor Signs: Uh no.

What I miss: My motivation! I want to workout consistently SO badly but it just hasn't happened this week. Hey...there's always tomorrow, right?! Also-being able to easily get dressed without my closet looking like a tornado hit. Thank goodness more maternity clothes are on their way to me as I type this!

Symptoms: Intermittent headaches (just one this week...thank goodness!), frequent urination (#obnoxious), and growing ta-tas...one part of this journey I can honestly say I am not enjoying. I was perfectly fine with my B cups! Others to be noted: dizziness when I stand (only sometimes) and extreme hunger. I feel like a bottomless pit on some days.

Workouts: This week I was a major slacker but I blame it on running 90 mph because we had so much going on!

Things that suck: 

• BEING THE ONLY SOBER PERSON IN THE ENTIRE BAR! I can't. I just can't do it. I can't get on anyone else's level and I just feel annoyed as hell by the middle of the night. 
• Also-growing boobs. I'm over it!

Things that don't suck: 

• Growing boobs (for Beau's sake, anyways...sorry...just keepin' it real)
• Wearing maternity dresses (aka: the softest material you ever did feel) 
• Finally hitting the maternity clothes jackpot at The Gap! More on that later but just take my word for it for now!
• Clear(er) skin! FINALLY! I've battled acne my entire life but it feels so good to finally just be able to post any picture on here and not have to edit the crap outta my face just to make it look semi-clear!
• The baby girl sale section at Target. Did someone say baby skinnies? Yes. Please. And thank you!

Gender Reveal Recap [4.5.2014]

Meredith, myself & Casee and our 3 baby girls due in August, September & July!

Beau and I with our lovely hostesses, Ashley, Brooke & Katie!

Both of our hearts were racing about 90 mph right here!!

I think the looks on our faces say it all...pleasantly surprised!

This guy...he's going to make the best daddy ever. I just know it!

Pretty sure this is when I turned around and said "We're so screwed!" 

(Also note: Beau double checking the box for any signs of a blue balloon...)  ;)

Proud grandparents!

Proud Uncle Chris & Aunt Brooke! 

Ashley, myself, Brooke & Katie

Beau and I are still on cloud 9 about bringing a little girl into this world! I must admit...I may or may not have already made 2 Baby Gap purchases, along with our little miss' first pair of skinny jeans. This is going to be so. much. fun.!!

To 3 of the best girlfriends a momma-to-be could ask for: Beau and I cannot thank you all enough for everything that went into this party for us and our sweet girl, Paisley!! Everything went off without a hitch (thank goodness the rain stayed away!) and it could not have been more perfect! You didn't leave out a single detail! We had the best time with all of our family and friends and feel so blessed that you all wanted to be such a huge part of that! We love y'all!

Being Wrong Has Never Felt SO Good!

If you know me, or read last week's post regarding what Beau and I "thought" Baby H would be, you would know we were both 100% convinced we'd be having us a little boy. Like without a doubt, we just both had this crazy strong intuition we'd be bringing Mister Mason Michael into this world...

And I'm about to be real honest up in here...I'm not the kind who typically enjoys being wrong but this...this...is such a pleasant surprise for us because little did we know...God had other (much bigger, much better and much more expensive) plans for us because...

Little Miss Paisley Ann is already so very loved and though we know we still have a little over 4 months to wait, Beau and I just can't wait to hold her in our arms for the first time!

More details and pictures to come tomorrow (I promise!) but first...the videos!

A huge thank you to our brother-in-law, Brian, for capturing this next aerial shot with his Go-Pro strapped to a crazy mini helicopter contraption! We will cherish this video forever!

See what he did there?!

And a special thank you to all of our friends and family for helping Beau and I make such a big deal out of finding out the gender of our sweet little one! We feel so loved and bless to have you all be a part of this journey with us!