Baby Bean Update: 34 (point five) Weeks

My parents and brother spent the weekend here for Memorial Day, so I didn't get to do a baby update! I'm so glad they came, though, and left my brother. Now I have someone here with me other than Little S while Husband's at work all day. It's good to have that security in case of an emergency! I became 34 weeks pregnant on Saturday, May 26, and today's May 29! That means ONE MONTH until d-day at the latest!

top: c/o maurices, jeans: Motherhood, sandals: Fergie

4.5 weeks. 4.5. weeks. 4.5 weeks. 

Apparently in that last photo, that's all I'm thinking. I definitely forgot to smile. Sorry 'bout that. Also, Readers, meet my Summer Hair. Summer Hair, Readers. I don't blow-dry in 100% humidity. Because, really, that's just dumb. I'm sorry if you choose to fight that battle, but I have wavy, frizzy, baby-fine hair and it's a super huge pain to dry it and have it go all lioness on me within 10 minutes.

So, 34 weeks... Let's see what we're working with, here. Back pain, pelvic pain, lots of contractions, my tummy is SO TIGHT that I feel like it's going to rip open, sciatica in both legs, but mostly the left one, numbness in my left elbow/forearm/wrist (pregnancy-induced carpal tunnel), and major feet swellage... on the other hand, though, I'm feeling happy, hopeful, uplifted, and almost (alllmost) ready. Can't ask for more than that!

Exciting news: Check out Mommy Moxie on Etsy!

I have some awesome things to show you at the end of this week and a fun giveaway coming on Monday!

Don't forget that if you place an order with Bitty Bug Designs through June 15, 50% of the proceeds will be donated to the Fund for Officer James Winslow!

Baby Bean Update: 32 Week Update

I'm wondering exactly how much bigger I can get.

That's really all that's on my mind. That, pain, and watermelon.

Apparently, I'm also neighborly and Husband catches me waving.

 hi-lo ruffle top: c/o Anika Burke, tank: Maurices, jeans: Motherhood, sandals: Target, necklace: family heirloom, bracelets: c/o Anika Burke, "wedding ring:" fakeout while mine don't fit from Kohl's ($9, yeah!)

 Bean is moving non-stop, which is awesome because I had some time where she didn't move about a week ago and again on Thursday. It was kind of scary, but I drank a ton of ice water (60 oz!), laid on my left side, and she started up again. Phew! I'm not exactly sure if there's any more growing room in there, but I'm feeling pretty healthy other than the back pain and Braxton Hicks contractions. Those babies used to feel like pressure and now they're pretty painful. Yuck! And it's practice for what? My c-section. Nice.

 

 In other news, I don't hate my hair anymore. I was having such a hair color identity crisis over the past few weeks and I'm really over worrying about it all... It's not so bad. Husband and my friend, Mell, really like it with a little bit of roots showing. I think I do, too. I was quick to think it needed to be touched up, but I think it looks less harsh against my skin with the darker roots. What do you think? You know, since my hair is the topic of conversation as of late.

In other, other news, I am so excited about my new bracelets and Light as a Feather top from Anika Burke! I received these items in the mail last week and couldn't wait to wear them! I also received a beautiful ivory bow belt with a sweet note that suggested I wait until Bean is born for comfort. If you haven't had the chance to pop over to Anika Burke, check them out on Facebook and Twitter, too! If you haven't noticed (ahem), if you check out the little ad on my sidebar, YOU can receive 30% off of your Anika Burke order by using the code LITTLE-BIT. Go 'head. Treat yourself!

* Anika Burke Junior Clothing * Anika Burke * Anika Burke Eclectic Boutique * 

In the otherest of newses (I'm so making up words, here), I have some exciting giveaways starting this Monday, May 14 for those of you interested in my new shop, Bitty Bug Designs! I'm so excited to be spreading the word and sharing products that I'm passionate about! I've worked so hard on starting up my stock and I'm excited to begin custom orders as I build fabric inventory. Please stay tuned to find out where you can enter to win some Bitty Bug swag! Special thank yous go out for all of the support I've had and if you haven't, yet, follow Bitty Bug Designs on Facebook and Twitter!

Baby Bean Update: 25 Weeks

Well, Bean and I had a very eventful end of our week, to say the least. We (and Little S) were in our first car accident yesterday. It was all my fault, as I was turned around at a red light, trying to calm S down, reassuring her that she was, indeed, not going to starve to death. And while I was facing backward, my foot slipped off the break and onto the gas, when I rear-ended the woman in front of us. Thankfully, she was the first person in line at the light and I didn't create a domino collision. And more thankfully, everyone is okay. My car is scratched and has some cracked chrome as well as some minor damage to the metal work under the hood. But my Nissan Murano did some hefty work to her little Toyota Camry and she can no longer close her trunk. We filed with insurance, called the police, I got cited... It was a sha-bang. It wasn't until about halfway through the police report that I realized my belly was feeling very bruised on the left side. I touched it and it was very tender where I hit the steering wheel. You might think my seat belt should have stopped me from hitting the steering wheel, but my belly is already right on top of the wheel because of my height. Not thinking much of it, I went on with my day until I remembered, "Oh! I'm six months pregnant... I should probably get the baby checked out." I was really emotional the whole afternoon, feeling very guilty for causing the accident and thankful that S was perfectly unharmed. But I had been focusing so much on the visible that I sort of forgot the little body that's growing inside of me.

Needless to say, a trip to Urgent Care ended up as a trip to the ER, which ended up as a trip to Labor and Delivery. Scary? Mega. And I was by myself because I didn't want Husband to bring S to the hospital until I knew everything was okay. They hooked me up to the fetal monitor right away and Bean sounded awesome. She was moving and her heart rate was perfect in the 150s. Soon after, I was sent for an ultrasound to make sure all the fluids were okay and the placenta was still attached. Luckily, the ONLY injury sustained was the bruise across my belly. Just to err on the side of safety, my OB called in orders for me to stay overnight and be monitored. I was bummed because I was alone and freezing cold, knowing I wouldn't sleep a wink because of people coming in to adjust monitors and take my vitals. But it was nice to be released early this morning with no more than directions to take it easy.

top: Oh Baby, cardigan: Eddie Bauer, jeans: Old Navy Maternity, shoes: c/o Maurices

In other ultrasound news, Bean is 110% a girl, just in case anyone (or I) was having second guesses from finding out so early. She is measuring right on track for my due date and is moving like a little fish. She was sucking her thumb, kicking all around, and she's breech. It doesn't really matter because I'm having a c-section. Hopefully she'll take her next few imperative weeks to move, though, because the low kicks are sort of painful. Her thighs already look a little chunky. So cute. She was measuring about 1 lb. 11 oz. and I'm so in love with her, it's not even funny!

Here's a photo of me at 25 weeks with Little S. My, my, how things have changed!

To everyone who wished Bean and I the best while we were at the hospital, thank you so much. It's wonderful to know we have such an amazing support system! 

Don't forget to enter for your chance to win these gorgeous pearl earrings from Scarlet Samples! 

Giveaway ends Monday at 11:59 ET!

Our Anniversary! Part Two. With Bears.

Husband and I were about ready to walk out the door to go to The Melting Pot when I called my brother and heard a giant "THUMP!" It was Husband's shoes falling out of his hand. All I heard after that was, "KIM! KIMBERLY! Bear. (insert bad word) BEAR!" I ran to the top balcony to find this beautiful creature dismounting from our bear-safe trash container and walking back toward the wooded ravine, looking for something important. I didn't catch the somethings important in photo, but in video...

Please excuse the poor quality of the video below. We realized at a very inopportune time (ahem, bear encounter) that our good camera was in the car. That orange car you see about five feet from the bear. 

BABIES!!! Ah! So, we were very glad not to have paid $6 per person to see the captivated bears during Ober Gatlinburg earlier that day. We got the REAL DEAL. Like how I'm telling the cub to come on out? Like he's listening to me? And like they're worried I'm going to hurt them. Riiiight. 

Anyway, the bears came and went and our dinner reservations closely approached. My hair was only halfway curled when the wilderness chaos ensued, so I had to be quick! I really wanted to try something different since all I've done with my newly short hair is use the flat iron. Definitely pleased with the results! Then I brought out three outfits for Husband to choose from. All he said was, "I don't know. I just really like that skirt." So I told him I planned to wear it with a blazer. His reaction? "Uhh..."

blouse: H&M

blazer: Ross

skirt: c/o Maurices

shoes: Ross, gifted by Rochelle

I want to make a big note of Megan's sweet mascara advice during her 5 Minute Face guest post! She suggested not using mascara on the bottom lashes because it ages and draws attention to under eye circles. Well, I just happen to have really bad under eye circles. Thank you, paternal familia. If you're reading, I know you all hear me loud and clear! During the entire vacation, I took Megan's advice and although I can't rid myself completely of what Mother Nature's already given me, I felt much younger and more bright-eyed without the lower lash mascara! That's something I never thought I'd try because I'm such a mascara fiend! Yay for Megan and for trying new things!

Husband and I ended up having to wait at the trolley stop for quite a while before leaving for dinner, so we had a classy photo shoot.

There's only one more day left to share from our vacation! Well, one day of being in TN and one day of travel, but I'm smashing 'em together. Then we'll be back to regularly scheduled programming! 

I certainly hope you're hard at work on your project for Thursday's Old to New in October link party!

Remember, every time you link up, you're entering to win some awesome prizes!

Styling maurices: Roundup

Happy Sunday, everyone! All week I've been running a series called "Styling maurices." If you've kept up, you know that I had the opportunity to meet with my district maurices New Market Branding Lead, Kristie, and after we sat down and talked for a bit, she introduced me to Greenville's new store and the different "lines" within the maurices brand. Then, I got to have a personal styling session where I was the client! It was kind of amazing to be on the other end of the mirror for a few hours. The store associates were so sweet to stay and keep teh store open while Kristie and I wrapped up with all of my pieces (I literally took home half of the store). Kristie kept brining outfit pieces to me that were just barely outside of my normal style zone, which was awesome. I wanted to try something fresh and new but stay comfortable and true to myself. Kristie listened to everything I said and while we walked through the store, she picked up notes on what I loved and what I was completely disinterested in (there wasn't much!). I could have left the store with way more than I did, but I was battling between whether or not my husband was going to leave me for the money I was spending or be ready to have another baby with me because my butt looked so good in that black mini skirt. Thankfully, maurices was kind enough to provide me with a $100 gift card to use toward my purchase and I didn't do as much damage to my bank account as I could have without the kind gesture.

So, what is that you need to know about the maurices experience? Let's break it down:

- Sizes 1-24
- Everything from work-out gear to casual to office to semi-formal attire
- Denim, denim, DENIM!
- Great plus size selections
- Shoes and accessories up with the latest trends
- Great quality, affordable variety
- Employees that GO THE DISTANCE!

Basically, if you love t-shirts and jeans, maurices is for you. If you are required to dress up for work, maurices is for you. If you frequent happy hour with the girls, go dancing, or want to look extra hot on your date thsi weekend, maurices.IS.FOR.YOU. I'm not sure I know anyone that couldn't walk into the store and choose five things that would fit perfectly into their current closet. If you have a store near you, go check it out! You'll love it. If you're a maurices shopper already, let me know in the comments below and tell me why you love them! And if you're not lucky enough to have a local maurices store, check them out online!

Which look from the Styling maurices series did you like best? 

Vote for your favorite maurices look!

• Ditsy
• Graphic
• Denim & Sparkle
• Modal
• Mini

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* This is not a sponsored post. All opinions are honest and are my own.
* I was gifted a $100 gift card from maurices that went toward about half of my total purchase.

Styling maurices: Texture

I'm not one for minis or pencil skirts, so when Kristie brought this to my fitting room, I was hesitant. Anything that shows everything going on around my tummy and bum isn't usually a win in my opinion, but the texture of this Pull on Textured Skirt hides and shows off at the same time. It's like elastic magic. I didn't know if I was fully sold until I walked out and Kristie said, "Ohhh, Hubby's gonna LOOOVE that one!" Okay, so a skirt that feels like a nightgown that makes my butt look good? Umm, sold.

Like I said, this type of skirt is totally new to me, so any styling ideas would be greatly appreciated! I know a black pencil style skirt is probably one of the most basic wardrobe pieces one could own and in most people's minds, this is probably not rocket science. But I really am at a loss and I want to make good use of this gorgeous and comfortable piece. I really want to play with wearing it at the waist and then pull it up to be more of a high waisted skirt. I hope to get some good ideas before our vacation at the end of September so I can wow hubby on a date! Email me your black pencil skirt styling ideas at alittlebitofthisblog{at}gmail{dot}com!

Project Self Teamed Up With Styling maurices: Modal

Today's a double whammy, kiddos. Can you take the heat? I couldn't break my Styling maurices week because I still have two outfits to share with you and, well... It's Friday! So I'm jam packing this post with another sweet steal from my newest favorite store and the weekly weigh-in that I know you all wait for on the edge of your seats. Next week, we'll back on par with discussing healthy stuff. For today, let me just focus on whatever weight loss I've had and how it makes my boobs stand out from my stomach for the first time since before I had Little S. Yes, it's an accomplishment. There was about a 2-ish year span around here where everything kind of meshed into one big... blob. And now? Voila. Boobs. I've always had 'em, but now they can take the cake, again. Yes, I just went there.

If you love layering, comfort, color, and basics, you have got to try this Solid Scoop Neck Tank from maurices! My suggestion is if you like your layering tanks to be fitted, size down one from the size you wear in the rest of maurices tops. Kristie chose this for me to try on under some other things, and it hugs my body perfect, adds just the right amount of color, covers my bra straps, and stays put. I hate when camis ride up while you're wearing them! While the tank can be used as a layering piece, don't be afraid to let it stand on its own, either. The fit and colors are so great, so why not?!

I paired this maroon tank with an orange skirt and brown and green accessories for a fresh autumn look that's also perfect for HOKIE FOOTBALL! I love the idea of tucking these tanks into skirts because they show off my curves.

I wear a tank under almost everything. What about you? And do you ever let your layering tanks take the stage?

And the stats for this week are...

last week's weight: 182.4

current weight: 181.0

down: 1.4

lbs. to go: 61

LINK UP with yo' healthy self, girlfriend!

p.s. my bum still hurts from getting stung by a bee yesterday morning. 

Styling maurices: Denim & Sparkle

Okay, first and most importantly, you have to know that maurices has AMAZING denim options. I mean every fit, every style, every cut, and several different price points! I started with the maurices $29-$34 jeans, then tried on the Denim Flex, Premium and Silver lines. Of course, everything was waayyy too long, but I feel deeply in love with the maurices denim flex. I would have gotten the jeggings because they were extra comfy and super flattering, but I was dying to find a pair bootcut jeans in the Silver line because I loved the back pocket embellishment. I found a pair that I loved (Suki style), but the length was so insane that I didn't want to purchase them (they're a bit pricey) and have to pay even more to get them altered. I usually do my own hemming, but I loved the stitching on the Silver jeans and didn't want to do anything to change the original look of the denim. And then... magic happened. Kristie found a pair of Sukis in a capri and... you guessed it! THEY FIT ME LIKE REGULAR JEANS! I was walking out of the store with them, no questions asked.

We also chose this embellished bubble top because it's a little edgier than my usual style, but completely doable. The cut is flattering and I can wear this with heels and jeans for a dressy-casual date with hubs! Who says jeans aren't sexy?

I'm thinking this top would actually be really cute with a blazer and some grey slacks when the weather cools off a little. And these jeans? I die. I just die...

Styling maurices: Graphic

You might recognize this outfit! Kristie is a big fan of lace burnout graphic tees and I told her they were completely out of my comfort zone. She said, "Perfect!" Our goal was to get me a little out of my "normal" and into some of the things I've been dying to try but usually stay away from.

My exact top isn't online, but it's in the same line as this Scroll Print Allover Lace Tee!

I can't wait to style this tee more ways. I'm thinking it'll go with a boyfriend blazer next, but what on the bottom? And what color should I feature underneath?! I'm so glad Kristie chose this piece for me, because it's stretchy, soft, comfortable, and has just a little bit of rhinestone bling on it!

I'm thinking my next lacy tee from maurices will be THIS ONE! Gorgeous, huh?