I Remember When...

image c/o Jackie Ranson Photography

In the above photo, I was about 28-29 weeks pregnant with Little S.

I remember when... I got pregnant with your big sister and I was only 24.

This time... I got pregnant with you at almost 28.

***

I remember when... we felt prepared and things came so easily.

This time... money is tighter and I'm anxious.

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I remember when... S didn't move much and I would worry.

This time... I feel so specially bonded with you because your schedule is predictable.

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I remember when... all I ate were sugar cookies because I thought I was invincible.

This time... I'm smarter, eat healthier, and move more.

***

I remember when... most of my friends thought I was crazy to be having a baby.

This time... most of my friends are having babies or thinking about having them, too.

***

I remember when... there were baby showers and gifts and overwhelming love and emotions.

This time... we're doing a bit more on our own, but everyone loves you just as much.

***

I remember when... pregnancy happened so fast and seemed so easy.

This time... time is standing still and my body is having to work so much harder.

***

I remember when... I thought maternity clothes were sweatpants and Daddy's t-shirts.

This time... I take better care of myself and make sure your home looks as cute as possible.

***

I remember when... stretch marks were painful, but a little bit funny.

This time... they're painful and I know the real truth- they're here to stay.

***

I remember when... finding out we were having a little girl was the most exciting moment of my life.

This time... I felt the exact same way.

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I remember when... I tried to be perfect and always keep the house spotless.

This time... your big sister makes sure that's not at the top of my priority list.

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I remember when... we had a master bedroom, a guest room, and an office.

This time... we have a master bedroom, your big sister's room, and your room.

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I remember when... I vacuumed just to see triangles in the already clean carpet.

This time... I vacuum to remove the dog hair and toddler crumbs.

***

I remember when... all I ever wanted to be was Mommy.

This time... I feel like our family is being completed and my dream has finally come true.

Little Bean, 

It may be tough to grow you, prepare for you, and fathom how life will be when you get here. But I hope you can hear it when I talk to you- you're so special, so important, and such a pivotal piece of our lives. Your big sister kisses you in my belly and calls you "Baby Sissy." She wants to teach you how to eat with a spoon, walk, run, jump, and play with toys. I was afraid Daddy would be sad that you were a girl, but he knows what it's like to have a Daddy's Girl and I'm learning that he can't wait to have another. Just try and be interested in his "special car" when you're big enough to understand and it'll make him smile from ear to ear. On warm, sunny days, your big sister loves to go for rides in it with the wind blowing her hair back while she yells, "Go fast! Go fast!" It's going to be very hot when you come home, but I know you won't mind because it'll be cooler than what you're used to in there. I hope we can go swimming before the summer is over, even if it's only in the baby pool in our back yard. You belong here with us and Mommy, Daddy, and S are so excited to meet you. I hope you're having fun and growing big and healthy in my belly because no matter how hard it is, you're going to have a wonderful life. If anything, your family has more love to give than anyone I've ever met. We love you, Bean.

Love,

Mommy

Invisible Children Mother's Day Campaign

I feel like when you have a blog, you have a voice. Whether my voice is big or small, I'd like to use it for a wonderful cause if you don't mind. I hope most of you have heard about Invisible Children. Two very sweet friends of mine, Tessa and Rachel, have been working hard with the Invisible Children campaign to bring awareness to the local and national community. When I bought a Christmas card that was hand-drawn by one of these children and made a donation to support the cause, I realized I needed to do some research to see where my support was going. Just recently, my husband had me watch this video on YouTube, and we decided that when the time comes for us to be able to spread our wealth, this is where it's going.

From the website:

INVISIBLE CHILDREN USES FILM, CREATIVITY AND SOCIAL ACTION TO END THE USE OF CHILD SOLDIERS IN JOSEPH KONY'S REBEL WAR AND RESTORE LRA-AFFECTED COMMUNITIES IN EAST AND CENTRAL AFRICA TO PEACE AND PROSPERITY.

Mend Seamstresses: A social enterprise geared toward facilitating financial independence and development for women formerly abducted by the LRA. The program currently supports 22 seamstresses who use their tailoring skills to create unique, high-quality handbags. Each Mend product carries the name of the seamstress who made it and seams a personal connection between the products, their makers, and consumers.
- Invisible Children

Here is Betty, one of the Invisible Children seamstresses, with her children.

I was contacted by one of the marketing interns with Invisible Children and was asked if I could share the Mother's Day campaign, which was launched on April 20. Here's what she had to share: "Since we feel that mothers are the greatest teachers of all, we thought we would honor them by having 100% of net proceeds from specified products and donations go toward our Legacy Scholarship Program {enrolled: 250 university students and 700 secondary students}.

"We believe that knowledge is power and education is the primary way to overcome the effects of this war, and this scholarship program allows hundreds of northern Ugandan students to access secondary education, which would be virtually inaccessible otherwise. All purchases in our Mother’s Day section will come with a limited edition Mother’s Day card which explains the programs, and also features a LSP scholar.

We have three products for sale – Two Mend tote bags ($65 and $75), and the Rose Gold bracelet ($95-pictured below). Mend is a Uganda-based enterprise which employs women affected by the LRA and gives them an opportunity for financial independence, education, and development. Buyers are also able to register their bags online to receive quarterly updates about the seamstress who made that particular bag.

In addition, we also have the option of $25 and $50 donations on behalf of mothers."

- Invisible Children

There are people like me who don't have money to give, but can share this information. If you are unable to donate or purchase one of these beautiful items, please pass the word along. We are only as big as the voices we have and the causes we support.

Baby Bean Update: 30 Weeks {and Counting...}

... and counting, and counting, and counting.

I would lie if I said I wasn't counting and complaining. Yesterday, I said to my husband, "Oh my goodness, I can't believe we still have nine weeks until Bean gets here. It seems so long!" And his response was, "Yeah... it really does." I said, "You just want her to come sooner so I stop complaining!" And he didn't argue. "Well, yeah." It was sarcastic, of course. And then I told him I'd be a bigger boat load of fun while healing from a c-section and starting to re-learn the whole breastfeeding gig. I got an eye roll. Deservedly so, because just about the only words that come out of my mouth these days are, "Owww, my back hurts" or "Oh my gosh, I'm so done with this!" To be fair, I feel like someone is constantly either stepping or stabbing my sacrum.

I'd also be lying if I told you I dressed better than this, today. Part of me thought I should shower and put on a cute dress to take my 30 week photos and the other part of me thought that would be really dishonest. The truth of the matter is that I rolled out of bed, brushed my teeth, threw on this fancy outfit and my husband's baseball cap, and scooted to Old Navy for the $8 dress sale. What I didn't read in my email was that only ONE style of dress was $8. The large was too small in the belly and the XL was too big in the chest. I came out with three things and not one of them was the sale dress.

top: Old Navy, tank: Old Navy Maternity, yoga pants: Old Navy, hat: Longwood University, flip flops: Joe Boxer (jacked. oops.)

Bean is getting low, friends! I mean, she's been low for a few weeks, now, but she's really moving down the gravy train. Ew. That sounds disgusting. I had this awesome idea when I was lying in bed yesterday morning. I decided I'm going to ask my doctor if I can nix the planned cesarean and go into labor like normal. The worst she can say is, "You're crazy! It's unsafe for you AND the baby. Come on, Kimberly... of all people! You're the most dramatic person in the world and you love a schedule. Let's be real." Yep, I already planned the conversation out in my head. But as long as I'm already prepared for the worst, I figure I'll ask. My appointment is Monday, so I'll let you know how that goes.

I don't usually wear baseball caps, so this seemed like an appropriate way to pose. Don't ask what my face is all about because I'm not really sure. I felt pretty official until I saw the photo. Now I know why people don't take me too seriously when I'm trying to be official.

This is an epic post. I would just like to note that I'm still under a 13 lb. weight gain at 30 weeks and am very proud of myself. With S at 30 weeks, I'd gained 30 lbs. I would also like to talk to My Man, JC, since I know He reads my blog. Jesus, why is it that I only crave watermelon and pineapple? Every time I put a bite of food in my mouth, I wish it was pineapple... and then I remember that every time I eat pineapple, I have contractions. Then I crave the next best thing: watermelon. There are obviously a whole lot of worse things in the world, but I'm just wondering why this is happening. I would really like to devour an entire fresh pineapple every 2-3 days.

Amen.

And if you needed just a little more reading to do (readers are the smartest!), you should know that my lovely friend, Megan, over at TFD, is giving away FREE MONEY. No, this is not a scam. 

Floral and Neon

Guys, I have a confession to make. I miss regular outfit posts! Truth is, I do get dressed most days, so there really isn't a reason not to do them. Would you mind if I started doing more? Guess I shouldn't make any big promises that I can't keep... I'm trying!

dress: Filene's Basement, cardigan: Old Navy, shoes, Guess (from Whitney), belt: Target

My hair is neon. Like the highlighter. Some colors bring it out more than others and I guess blue is one of them because they're almost opposite on the color wheel. Almost. I asked for it! I'm so glad I found this dress in the back of my husband's side of the closet. I forgot about it and it's so soft, cottony, and nightgowny. Yes, that's a new adjective. Friends, only 9.5 weeks left. Phew.

Casually Speaking *Inspirational*

Lately, all I've wanted to do is look cute and casual. I don't have time for frills and clothing that pulls or gathers or is pinned with brooch. I run errands, clean house, go to the park, and am huge. I've found it really difficult to dress my growing body over the past two months or so and although all of the beautiful bloggers I'm featuring today are fit and fabulous, I still gain inspiration through their classically casual outfits.

Maegan of ... Love Maegan

Megan of The Frugalista Diaries

Tara of Mix & Match Fashion

Lindsey of Ruby Girl

Sydney of The Daybook

If these ladies can pass on any advice to me via these photos (and the linked blog posts), it's that casual doesn't have to be frumpy, lazy, or thoughtless. The attention to detail in each outfit is just enough that an onlooker knows you made an effort and that the outfit is well thought out. But all of these bloggers (included in my daily reads) tend to look amazing whether in a little black dress or in jeans and a tee. That's the inspiration I'm looking for.

Black, White, & Denim

 It's bad when the maternity clothes from the last go-round are getting too tight and the Food Lion lady says, "Giiirrrrrrrl, you gonna have twins." Grocery stores, FYI, are not my favorite places to visit right now. I do, however, enjoy the farmer's market, even when there is only one vendor. Little S and I bought two tomatoes, two onions, 1/4 lb of broccolini (which we ate for dinner last night and it was delicious), and 1 lb of fresh green beans for $4.65. Seriously? And people complain that eating healthfully is so expensive. I guess it is. But I felt like I was stealing from that cute little old farmer.

 jacket: American Eagle, tee: Old Navy, tank: Old Navy Maternity, pants: Motherhood, scarf: Old Navy, flats: Target

 I can't wait to go to the farmer's market on Saturday when all of the vendors are there! I'm excited to get watermelon, strawberries, and eggs! 

Oh, ps - I'm on that crazy kick again when I won't feed my family crap. Here's hoping it sticks.

Little Yellow Sunshine

The sun was quite literally shining very brightly, so S had a hard time looking at the camera. I was getting frustrated at first, and then I remembered how when it's really bright, I make my husband count to three while I keep my eyes closed and open them at the last second. Because she's so adorable and looks like a little tye-dye ray of light, I let it slide.

dress: Faded Glory (gift from Granny), bunny: Easter gift from Grandma, barrette: from Granny, shoes: Kohl's

 This bunny has become an extension of our family. When you pet him, he makes little bunny sounds and walks a few steps. Last week, his name was Brobee, after S' favorite Yo Gabba Gabba character. I think it's changed since then. I'll update you when she says it out loud.

Baby Bean Update: 29 Weeks

Happy Saturday! Aaaand... we're at 29 weeks! In my mind, I just think of it as 30 weeks. Not only because they're so close to each other, but because Bean is coming a week early, so at 29 weeks, I have 10 weeks left. Sorry, this wasn't meant to turn into a math post. That's the deal, though. And this is where we are! People keep saying things to me that you shouldn't ever say to a pregnant woman, which is really fun. My reactions are not so much rude as indifferent. Example: In WalMart last week, a lady said, "Oh, wow. That baby is coming soon." I said, "Sure." I mean, maybe 10 weeks is soon to some people. Maybe she thought I was going to have Bean next week (something makes me think choice B is more along the lines of WalMart lady's mindset). I get tired of explaining the laws of physics to people: I grow out, not up. I don't have up room. I'm not 5'7". I'm 4'11" (okay, 4'10 1/2ish"). I don't look like *most* other pregnant women. So, "Sure" is just an easier and more efficient response, lately.

 dress: Forever 21, belt: Old Navy, scarf: Happy Scarf, shoes: Fergie

Bean is ON my spine/sacrum. I feel her kicks in my back more than my belly and last night, I literally crawled to bed. When I got up to go to the bathroom in the middle of the night, I sat on the toilet and cried because my low back was hurting so badly that I thought I might just sleep right where I was. Back pain is boring old news, although it's much more acute now. The unfortunate part about that is that it's probably only going to get worse. The fortunate side to everything is that all the pain and discomfort has the best outcome, ever. A new symptom: Crying. I mean all.the.time. I've always been an emotional person, but I've gotten better over the past two years. Over the past week, I've become a blubbering idiot and it's not been fun! Today, I cried because my husband walked S across the street to talk to our neighbors' (for 5 minutes) and she didn't have any sunscreen. In my defense, I've been reading a lot about early-onset melanoma, so I'm totally freaked out... AND it was 1:00- sun way high in the sky. I totally overreacted, though. I cried for almost a half hour.

Here's to the next 10 weeks! We still haven't done anything in the nursery. Oops.

Homecoming Gifts

There's nothing like coming home from a week away and having tons of packages waiting! The first gift was one from myself and the last is one I can't show you quite yet! But S and I had a smorgasbord of fun things to open upon our return from Virginia and I wanted to share them with you.

I bought myself a clearance apron from Plow & Hearth while visiting my mom. It's so me- bright yellow, ruffle, and a pocket for when I need to carry my spatula around the house. Convenience is key.

 My sweet, sweet friend, Megan, sent me a package full of fun goodies! I was so excited and am still very, very thankful for such a wonderful friend!

 In my package, I received pacis, chocolate, and itty bitty little onesies! These are actually 3-6 month size. I think I forgot how little babies are. Bean is going to be sooo wittle!

My husband thought these Soothing Breast Wipes were a funny gift, but I don't think anyone knows how much I've talked to Megan about my fear of nursing! I'm not afraid to do it. I'm afraid it won't work out! These just showed me that she's listening and is here to help when I need it. And I think these little wipes just might come in handy! 

 I also got these awesome commuter flats from Megan! She's not much of a flats girl. Check out her blog and you'll see what I mean. I, on the other hand, am rarely caught in heels (especially in my current state of enormity). 

 My lovely friend, Aline, of the Polkadot Sweater, sent me this pattern that I won in a giveaway of hers a few weeks ago! I *really* hope that I can manage the sewing project, because the purse is absolutely gorgeous. We'll see if I can fight the zipper!

 Some of you might remember me begging and pleading for your help on facebook about two weeks ago. Because you're awesome, Mikarose sent this dress for Little S! Isn't it so pretty? I'll definitely post photos as soon as she wears it (likely to church this Sunday).

 My Granny sent S an awesome Easter package, complete with two outfits, headbands, barrettes, a book, and a little chicky! Thanks, Granny!

There's something so awesome about receiving fun things in the mail, isn't there? I wish I had more money so I could send presents all the time!

Best Friends and Fountains

I met with two of my best girlfriends last Saturday and there was a huge (12,000 pound!) marble on water that Little S loved to play with! I was terrified that the water was going to turn off and the marble was going to fall on her fingers. Perhaps I'm neurotic... perhaps that's a semi-normal fear? That wasn't really a question. Don't answer that. Anyway, here are a few photos from our day!

dress: Old Navy, headband: Dollar General, sandals: Kohl's

outfit details here

I had a great time with Jen and Whitney and I think S was really, really sad to leave the marble fountain. You can see that she's totally not focusing on getting her picture taken here... and it's because she's staring at the fountain!