17 Weeks with Bean & a Tag!

Hi, friends! I didn't get to do a Bean update yesterday because we tore our house up! I had no idea that in the process of redoing Little S' bedroom, we would literally have to take everything in our house apart. The crib was in our bedroom, the changing table was in what will be the nursery, the dresser was still in the middle of S' room, our bedroom entertainment center become S' new dresser, the shelves in our makeshift pantry become shelving in S' room, the shelving in what will be the baby's closet moved to the pantry, the bookshelf was in the hallway... A SHAMBLES. I cried a lot yesterday. A lot. Anyway, this is going to be a long post because I'm going to do an outfit post, belly shot, baby update, and a blog buddy tag that Maggie of Finding Myself tagged me in last week! Thanks, girl! This was really fun.

And for the record, I tag Bekah, Melissa (welcome back to the blog world!), and Heather!

cami: Rue 21

gingham shirt: Old Navy

I think it's safe to say this shirt won't button in one more week...

cardigan: Agar Fashion, won from a TFD giveaway

jeans: Old Navy

shoes: Ross

necklace: Barberry & Lace

sunglasses: Talbots 

(but I found them on the floor of an empty auditorium)

I feel like my belly looks smaller than last week. Weird. Over the last week, I endured an insane sinus infection that I'm still trying to get over. It seriously kicked my butt. The only pregnancy discomforts I've experienced recently are lower back pain, a bit of round ligament pain, and unfortunately, brushing my teeth makes me throw up. I'm not gagging myself. It's the smell and taste of toothpaste. I've tried three kinds and think I'll have to go get some of the Crest Whitening Expressions that are flavored differently. I think they have herbal, tropical, cinnamon, and vanilla. The mint stuff is NOT working with me. And let me tell you how inconvenient it is to throw up after you brush your teeth. It's LAME. Because then, you have to brush them again and the whole game starts over.

Bean moves a lot at night when I wind down and it's the coolest feeling. Still just little flutters and swimming movements, but I know it's the baby and it's really special. Sometimes I just can't wait to get in bed so I can enjoy the few minutes I get to feel him/her before I drift off. I've been drinking a lot of chamomile and peppermint tea to keep myself calm and relaxed. It works SO well. If you're pregnant, try it! And the tea has such a wonderful flavor that you don't need any sugar or sweetener at all. 

OUR ULTRASOUND IS ON TUESDAY (and so is Little S' third birthday!!!)... 

We can't wait.

Blog Buddy Tag

Rules:

1. You must post these rules.

2. Each person must post 11 things about themselves on their blog.

3. Answer the questions the tagger set for you in their post and create 11 new questions for the people you tag to answer.

11 Things About Me:

1. I used to be extremely OCD about cleaning house until I became a mother. Now, I just let it drive me crazy and no longer take anxiety meds because of it.

2. I can't wait to dye my hair this summer. It's getting really dark and it's making me sad!

3. The prospect (err... reality) of becoming a mother of two freaks me out. I hope I'm good at it and I have mini breakdowns twice weekly in fear of failure.

4. I've lived a life I cannot afford for quite some time. Regularly going to church since last summer, meeting new friends, and relishing in my walk with Jesus has taught me what's really important in life. Hint: It' ain't in the clothes, sista.

5. I used to be afraid of what people would think of me if I openly discussed my love for being a Christian. I don't care what people think, anymore. It's awesome.

6. I floss every day.

7. Turquoise is my new favorite color and I'm extremely jealous of my daughter's new bedroom. I wish I could have it.

8. If we have a boy, we have no clothes for him, but a whole bedroom scheme planned out. If we have a girl, we have tons of clothes for her, but no idea how to decorate a bedroom.

9. I try to eat a high fiber, high protein breakfast every morning and drink at least 96 oz. of water a day.

10. I hate exercising. HATE IT WITH A PASSION. But if you can make me think I'm not exercising, I'm game. ie: Taking my daughter for bike rides while I walk the neighborhood makes me really happy!

11. I tell everyone I'm 4'11", but I'm really 4'10ish".

Maggie's Questions:

1. What are you most scared of? 

Losing a parent

2. How do you feel about bugs? 

I scream bloody murder pretty much every time I see a bug that's not an ant or fly.

3. How adventurous are your eating habits?

Not very. I've gotten a lot better since before college, but I'm still not up for trying a whole lot of new things. I'll eat some deer meat, but usually only if I know my uncle shot and prepared it. I don't eat sushi. Ever.

4. Dream Job?

Stay at Home Mom + Personal Stylist (for pregnant women and mothers)

5. Ever used the bathroom that’s designated for the opposite sex?

Absolutely! You've gotta go when you've gotta go!

6. Lady Gaga – gifted or just weird?

Both? Her voice is unmatched, she writes most of her own music, is a killer performer, and is super captivating. I just wish she'd rethink some of her wardrobe choices. :)

7. What is the most inappropriate thing you’ve ever done or said to someone?

I don't think it's appropriate for me to say that here.

But once, I did call someone stupid at Subway for asking the cashier if he could use a coupon that he left in the paper at home.

8. Congratulations! You just won the lottery!  What’cha gonna do with that money?

Pay off ours and our family's debt, buy a huge lot of land, and build a family compound.

9. Favorite dessert?

CHEESECAKE

10. Do you believe in aliens?

I wonder if they believe in us... Really, we're the ones who are going to do the invasion, take over, and use their resources.

11. Best date ever.

They day my boyfriend took me to the beach for a day trip and proposed with an airplane flying a banner across the sound. We went to a fancy dinner and enjoyed our newfound engaged-ness. Still remains the best date... and it was almost 7 years ago!

My Questions:

1. At first sight, is it love or just lust?

2. If you had a week all to yourself, no work, no interruptions, what would you do?

3. Cats or dogs?

4. I prefer grey weather and most don't, but if you had to endure it, would you rather have rain or snow?

5. If you have kids, do you want more? If you don't have kids, do you want any?

6. When decorating, do you find yourself more contemporary or classic?

7. How would you describe your personal style in three words?

8. You're on a road trip and all there is to eat is fast food. Where do you go and what do you get?

9. Which do you hate more: dusting or folding laundry?

10. Guilty pleasure?

11. Have you ever colored your hair?

Don't forget to enter the Darling Sparrow giveaway!

You Look Like You Should Be on National Geographic

Husband and I joked that this dress + Baby Bean make me look like a tribal egg, and therefore I should be featured in one of those National Geographic other-wordly child birthing specials. It's funny when one of your most tried and true, favorite wardrobe pieces becomes the centerpiece for a good laugh.

dress: Ross

tights: c/o We Love Colors

boots: Silhouettes

earrings: Target

I wore this out last Saturday night to my friend's Annual Girls' Night. The dress is sort of awesome, because it's so lightweight that it feels like absolutely nothing. Coincidentally, tights do NOT feel like absolutely nothing, so I felt naked on top and restricted on the bottom. It was interesting, to say the least. I had a great time meeting some new ladies and hanging out with old friends, but I think it's safe to say that being the pregnant chick amongst a group of wine-induced hilarity and jokery (jokes weren't on me, don't worry) is not my forte. I might have to stick to sober nights in (or out) from now on. Lame? Maybe. I just had more trouble opening up than usual. Sadly, I'm becoming the mommy who misses her girl when she's out and longs for bed past 10:30. That's okay, right?

Don't forget to enter the Darling Sparrow apron giveaway! 

Darling Sparrow Giveaway!

One of my sweet friends contacted me with her new Etsy shop, Darling Sparrow! I'm so glad I was introduced because these vintage inspired, handmade aprons and smocks are so adorable that Little S definitely needs one for her birthday. Lucky for YOU, the ladies at Darling Sparrow have decided to give one lucky {a little bit of this} reader their choice of one apron from the shop!

"Darling Sparrow aprons are designed and handmade by Brittney and her friend for kids (mostly girls) to wear while doing all things messy, from baking to art to playing with play-doh to, really and truly, anything. They're a delightful mix of modern and retro smock-style and are made for the style-savvy!"

- adapted from Brittney

Here are my favorites from the shop!

So cute!

If you're a mom (or aunt, grandma, godmother, friend) of a sweet little girl, you KNOW you want to score one of these adorable pieces for her! Little S loves to help me in the kitchen and when her apron arrives, she's going to be so psyched! There's nothing better than looking cute while getting messy. C'mon, even WE know that.

How do you enter? Easy!

Mandatory Entry:

Visit Darling Sparrow and tell me your favorite item from the shop!

Extra Entries (one each):

- Favorite Darling Sparrow on Etsy

- Like Darling Sparrow on Facebook

- Follow Darling Sparrow on Twitter

- Blog, tweet, or FB about the giveaway (one each)

If you blog or tweet, please leave the link in your entry comment.

Please tag @darlingsparrow1 in your tweet.

Please tag @Darling Sparrow in your FB status.

Leave ALL entries in one comment.

Good luck!

*Giveaway winner will be announced on Thursday, February 2, at 9:00 am ET.*

And just in case you don't win but can't live without purchasing one of these "Darling" smocks, the ladies at Darling Sparrow have generously given a 10% coupon for all [a little bit of this] readers from now until February 10 (just in time for Valentine's Day)! Just use this code at checkout: alittlebit10

Work it Wednesday: LIttle S' Room is Turquoise!

I cannot tell a lie. I didn't really "work it" at all when it came to sanding, priming, and painting S' room. Husband won't let me around the fumes and... well, he's a perfectionist. 

I'm also so sick I can barely stand up without holding onto something.

Nonetheless, the room is finally painted turquoise! 

Er... Aqua Glow.

The white stripes still need to be painted Ultra White. Right now they're just white primer over the old pink walls. They'll be a lot brighter when they're done!

My original pick was Grand Hotel Mackinac Blue and I'm glad we took the plunge and chose the deeper hue. The color looks awesome and totally hooks you every time you walk by in the hallway.

(he's going to kill me for that one)

We hope to have S in her bedroom by this weekend. There's still some touching up to do after painting the white stripes. I bought the bedding over the weekend and it should arrive sometime next week (hopefully before Work it Wednesday!). If we don't have the bedding, yet, I'll take a picture of the components all put in a pile together, but no finished room photos until every piece is here! Husband and I (and I mean mostly I) finished the beautiful boxspring over the weekend, too. It's awesome. Can't wait to make a matching valence! I'm so uber jealous of this room, it's not even funny.

What do you think of our bold color choice for Little S' big girl room?

p.s. - AHEM, someone's bedroom matches her mommy's blog. 

SOMEONE likes turquoise.

Meal Plan Monday (on Tuesday)

Apologies for being MIA, yesterday. I'm blogging from bed as it is. I think I have the flu, but I'm not a doctor. My temperature was 102 when I woke up and is down to 101.4. My eyes look like someone punched me out and my muscles are sore from my chest and arms, down my back, and into my hips. Oh, and I can't swallow. Lukewarm water, only. Awesome. Nonetheless, you must know what we're eating (or what I'm fixing for everyone else to eat) this week.

Monday

Husband made Turkey Sandwiches and Broccoli for S and himself.

Tuesday

Basil Balsamic Farfalle with Chicken and Tomatoes

Ingredients:

- 1 lb. box of farfalle (bow tie pasta)

- 1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts or tenderloins, baked and cut into cubes

- 4 Tbsp. basil oregano balsamic vinegar

- 1 lg. slicing tomato, diced into 1/4" pieces

- 1 tsp. garlic powder

Directions:

- Cook pasta to your liking (we prefer al dente)

- In large skillet, combine pasta, cooked, cubed chicken, tomatoes, and balsamic vinegar

- Sauté together for 3-5 minutes, until flavors fuse

- Sprinkle garlic powder and give one more toss

- Serve hot

Wednesday

Hot and Sour Beef with Broccoli over Brown Rice

Thursday

Stouffer's Chicken and Spinach Lasagna with Fresh Green Beans

Friday

Leftovers

Saturday

Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup

Sunday

Beef Bourguignon with Brown Rice and Broccoli

16 Weeks With Bean

dress: Motherhood

Wow... that's literally all I'm wearing (that you can see)!

Please excuse my extremely ragged state. I literally got out of bed, threw this dress on, and had Husband take my picture. Gotta keep it real, right? I sort of can't believe how enormous I am at 16 weeks. I was looking back at photos we took when I was pregnant with S. and I'm comparable to 20 weeks with her. Here's to growth! One good thing about getting bigger this time? I haven't gained a pound. In fact, I've lost two since my last appointment. And no, I'm not dieting. I'm just walking every day, eating right, and when you have weight to lose and are doing the right things, I guess the fat can still come off and things balance out. Anyway, my doctor will be proud since I'm not allowed to gain more than 15-20 pounds the whole time. And the good Lord knows that come 20 weeks, I'm gonna balloon up like nobody's business.

This week, I've felt... hormonal. My mood is shifting all over the place and while my headaches subsided for a few weeks, they've been coming back a bit this week. I'm extra exhausted and have felt very dizzy when standing up or getting out of bed. I know that's because of all the extra blood pumping through me, but even though I've experienced this all before, sometimes I still get surprised and/or scared when I think I might fall on my face. I still can't sleep very well because I'm having a hard time getting comfortable with my back aches. It's kind of nuts how it all comes so early the second time around. I know I keep saying that, but I'm shocked! I didn't have trouble sleeping until I was almost 30 weeks before. And I sleep SO LIGHTLY!

I've been craving bad-for-me foods, which I've been trying to stray from as much as my body and mind will let me. For instance, I want salt and vinegar chips SO badly. But I'll go for naked pita chips and hummus instead. Salt isn't going to do anything good for weight gain or water retention! And sometimes I really want a bowl of mint chocolate chip ice cream. I don't have a back-up plan for when that craving comes along, so I usually just do it. 

Today, we are cleaning the house, starting the big S' birthday room makeover, and celebrating my mother-in-law's birthday! Big day! Let's go! Hope you all have a great weekend.

Dressed by Rochelle

You know your friend has great taste in clothing when you put together an outfit and realize later in the day that more than one piece was chosen, bought, and gifted by that person. I have Rochelle to thank for the obvious statement piece of this outfit and the necessary black heels (that I did not own until she gave these to me for my birthday last year!). 

I told you all that the weekends are my runway and I really enjoy taking my time to pick out outfits and look nice for church. Blazers are going to be a big part of my "dress up" wardrobe since I can keep them open and still look pretty polished. The unexpected cream hue of this particular blazer is perfect to play up any outfit during all of the seasons! 

top: Old Navy

cami: Rue 21

blazer: Thrifted and gifted by/from Rochelle

pants: Motherhood Maternity

heels: Ross, gifted by/from Rochelle

That last one's just in case you were wondering

1) what the top of my head looks like

and/or

2) what color my roots really are.

Work It Wednesday: Little S. Room Headway

Last week, I shared the monstrosity that was Little S.' room pre-organization. It was a bit embarrassing and I actually shocked myself a little by letting it get that bad. Thankfully, it's my short week at work and when I got off at one yesterday, S. and I went full speed ahead on organizing, packing up old toys/clothes, and making room for... well, a new room.

Obviously, we haven't started the re-construct, but now I can actually SEE what is there and what needs to be done. Thankfully, S. was very cooperative and super ready to part with several of the toys that were taking up so much space!

What I did:

- moved the rocking chair and changing table out of the room

- packed up all 2T and 3T clothing (she's in mostly 4T!)

- packed up 50% of the toys in the room

- reorganized the drawers and closet

- put the toy box in the closet

Excuse my finger. S' name is on her door, so I was blocking it out!

There's still lots of work to do and Hubs made an awesome spreadsheet with all of the items we need, itemized and priced. So now, we're prepared to move forward and painting is happening this weekend!

Polka Dotted, Ruffled Sweet Little S.

There's really nothing better than have a total sassafras for a kid. Let me tell you- "Pose!" And she's hammin' it up in seconds. The girl loves to be in front of the camera and I'm so glad she's one of the little ones that enjoys getting her picture taken! Before church on Sunday, I was getting my outfit photos taken and Little S. just had to get in on the fun. Here's her shoot!

dress: Old Navy

tights: Target

shoes: Once Upon a Child

sass: It's all hers.

Little S. is beyond excited to find out if Bean is a baby brother or sister. Our ultrasound just happens to be on her third birthday, so we're taking special care to make the day all about her! Husband's taking the day off work and spending it with the birthday girl and I'll get off at 1. We'll meet at the doctor, where Bean will hopefully cooperate and show the goods. Then, we'll go shopping and Little S. will get to pick Bean's very first outfit. Because you know being big sister is a huge, very important job!

Favorite Little S. & Bean moment so far: 

Little S. plays drums on my tummy and says she's playing music ("noosic") for baby.

Meal Plan Monday

Welcome to the first Meal Plan Monday!

As part of my new blog schedule, I'll be sharing our meal plans + one recipe from the week each Monday. It's going to help me stay on my toes and hopefully give you guys some ideas, too!

Monday

White Chicken Chili (adapted from Biggest Loser mag.)

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- 2 c. fat free chicken broth

- 2 c. thick and chunky salsa

- 2.5 c. white beans

- 1 lb. white meat chicken, boiled and shredded

- 1 c. low fat mozzarella cheese

- Sour cream, shredded cheese, & chopped cilantro for garnish

*my addition*

- 1 T. Mrs. Dash Southwest Chipotle seasoning

Tuesday: Turkey paninis & salad

Wednesday: Tacos

Thursday: Grilled chicken caesar wraps & sauteed green beans

Friday: Leftovers

Saturday: Pot roast with potatoes and carrots

Sunday: Black bean and corn salad with salsa

What are you eating this week?

15 Weeks Pregnant With Bean

striped shirt: Old navy

camisole: Rue 21

jeans: Charlotte Russe

boots: Payless

watch: Christmas gift from MIL

I'm 15 weeks pregnant with Bean and looking more like when I was five months with Little S. They don't lie when they say you show earlier with the second! I'm enjoying having a showing baby belly, but because I'm not a skinny girl, I think people would definitely be foolish to assume at this point that I'm pregnant without me saying it! 

This is the first week of many that I haven't had chronic migraines and that has been an enormous relief. Morning sickness sort of wore off after the first trimester and I get twinges of nausea here and there, but nothing like the 3-10 p.m. waves from weeks 7-13. I'm starting to feel a bit of light fluttering when I'm lying still and I'm happy to report that it's not the wind most people mistake for baby movement. I can't wait until Bean's little kicks and jabs get a little more pronounced. Over the past week, I've experienced a few growing pains and some today that have lasted dully for hours. Other than sleeplessness and normal back pain, I don't have too many complaints! The flow of the second trimester seems true to form, once again!

In 17 more days, Little S. will turn three and we'll find out Bean's gender. I'm *SO* excited because we'll be able to start moving things over to the nursery and making plans for decorating! If we have a girl, I think I want to do elephants. If we have a boy, we could totally still do elephants, but I think we might do an ocean theme. I totally want an octopus somewhere!

And for now, I'm going to go hang out with my Little! Casey was my second little sister in Sigma Alpha Iota in college and she's visiting for the weekend! I haven't seen her since my first little (so lucky I got sweet, beautiful twins!) got married in June 2010. What the hay? We're trying to figure out what to do for dinner tonight, so I'm heading out! I'll be back on Monday with our meal plan for the week! Hope you're all having a wonderful weekend!

This Week, I'm Loving...

Pretty Little Liars
Addicted since I started watching, the continuation of season 2 has got me tied up like never before. I can't wait to officially find out who A is! And who doesn't want to be Lucy Hale? I do!

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The Bachelor

I love that Ben is sort of a "normal" guy. Sure, he'll be all blown up and out there when the show's over, but so what? He owns his own winery, he's rustic, and it's the flippin' Bachelor. I really don't care who it is. I just like to indulge in the ridiculous reality TV.

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Cloth Diapers

Well, I don't actually have any, yet.

But I'm researching them like it's my second job.

And I've bought a few! I can't wait to see them in person!

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My new pink Otter Box Commuter Series iPhone4 case

This was one of my Christmas gifts from the hubs. He did a REALLY great job. I love my new case and how bright and sturdy it feels! I also love that I get to see my little apple on the back. Yes, I'm one of those.

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B-E-D

There really isn't anything else to say.

Is there?

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What things are on your list to make this week just a little sweeter?