Crisp Air, Soft Ruffles + A First Trimester Update

I can't even begin to say how happy I am that our news is finally out in the open. This little one has been hoped and prayed and begged for and to be able to share our joy with the world makes it even more special. For a long time I've felt so sure there was someone missing from our family, and yet I was still surprised and shocked and overcome when I saw those two pink lines after trying for so long.

I'll share more about our journey to this precious babe soon, I promise. But, for now just know we are so grateful for every kind word of congratulations for our family! 

I feel like I've began "showing" so much sooner this time around. At six weeks I felt like I looked almost double that. But, I'm trying not to play any comparison games or put myself on a "chart". I want to be healthy for my babe and myself but, I'm not going to stress about every pound either. I've been loving all the fruits and veggies lately but, also If I want some ice cream, I'm gonna eat some ice cream. I really believe it's all about balance, no matter what stage or season of life you're in. 

This pretty dress showcased the bump perfectly this past Sunday. Even though it was a chilly morning, I knew I wanted to wear it so I just added some cozy boots and I was all set. I found this dress at a local boutique and instantly loved it. It was a size or so too big but, with the way it's made you can't even really tell. I think, if anything, the extra fabric just makes it a little flowier and there's extra space for the bump to grow so, that's a plus. My earrings are also from the same local boutique (though a few months ago) but I've seen tons of similar styles around lately so I'll link some of them below.

The first trimester seemed to creep by until we reached that ten week mark and were finally able to hear our sweet babe's heartbeat. I tend to carry my babies pretty low in my pelvis in early pregnancy and it makes it a bit difficult to find that heartbeat early on. Once we heard it though, it seems to be racing by. We're fourteen weeks and two days right now and I've already felt those first little kicks! With Tyler, I felt him move for the first time around 13 weeks so I couldn't believe it when I was sure I felt this little one at just past 12! It's truly the most incredible feeling in the world, there's just nothing else like it.

I felt really well aside from a little nausea here and there the first eleven weeks or so. Since then though, it's been a little more intense. If I can muster the energy (and courage) to get through breakfast (and make sure I have a little chocolate milk with it), I seem to feel much better throughout the rest of the day. Just as long as I eat a few light snacks and drink plenty of water. The thing I've been experiencing the most this time around have been aversions to things I normally love and cravings for alllll the sweet things. Namely, chocolate. It's definitely been different than my other pregnancies in that regard so, who knows, maybe we'll get a sweet girl?! All in all, I've felt so so good and can't really complain about much. Aside from some crazy skin stuff happening, and trying to quench those sweet cravings without indulging in a bowl of ice cream nightly, I've been able to take it pretty easy and just go at the pace I need to. One other symptom I've noticed this time though that I never had with any of my boys are the insane emotional ups and downs. Seriously, like, I feel so irritated at times and don't really know why. I can be totally fine one minute and then suddenly get a lump in my throat and feel as though I could just cry for no reason. It's definitely taking some time to get used to and I'm trying not to be too hard on myself as I know this is all completely normal, even if I didn't experience these specific things with my boys. My house full of boys probably think I'm crazy at the moment though.. LOL

We're finally in our second trimester and I am just so so thankful for a healthy, precious babe and I can't wait to see my bump grow and dress it for my favorite season, fall! Happy Thursday friends! I hope it's been a great one for you!

 

| OUTFIT DETAILS |

dress | Perennial (couldn't find it anywhere online but here are some other pretty styles 1, 2, 3)
earrings | Perennial (similar styles here and here)
boots | Charlotte Russe (old) (similar styles here and here)

Date Night : Bumpstyle

The hubby and I went on one last date night before our little guy arrived and since 1) it was last minute, 2) I was nearly 40 weeks along and 3) I  WAS NEARLY 40 WEEKS ALONG!, I broke out all the basics for a look that kept me comfortable yet stylish. I can't count how many times I wore this incredibly soft, stretchy, perfect Old Navy maternity dress while sporting my bump. It literally goes with everything and I never grew uncomfortable or tired of wearing it. This time, I layered this light olive moto jacket over it and stuck with my trusty ankle boots and black diy faux leather clutch. It was perfect for a Steak N' Shake date (complete with a Chocolate Brownie Shake!) and a little shopping before being confined to the house for awhile.

Though it's not often that I leave my boys, I've grown to really love date nights. It gives me time to feel less mom-like and connect with my hubby on a more personal level. Time that doesn't include battling for each others attention between the tugs and pleas of little ones. Don't get me wrong, I love my boys. But, between homeschooling, refereeing fights and getting snuggled and touched on basically 24/7, it's nice to be alone every now and then. I love being able to spend a couple of hours chatting about life, our family, future plans and things of no critical importance. Just being able to get away and "check out" for awhile can be so refreshing. Though we haven't stolen away since baby number four arrived, I am a bit anxious to get out into the world again. We've taken very few trips away from home in the last two weeks and, though I know rest is necessary to help recovery go more quickly, I'll be glad when we can venture out without any major stresses.

Life as a momma of four, 7 and under, is a little tougher than I had anticipated. There's the usual whining and fighting but, with a little guy to protect and nurture while trying to combat the terrible twos, know it all sevens and emotional fours (those last two are real things right??) it can be a little hard to stay on top of housework, school lessons and feeling connected to other adults. That'r right, I love playtime and listening to my sweet kiddos voices, but I do need adult conversation sometimes. If anything, just to make me feel a little more in the know. I do feel like we've improved drastically these last two weeks. The first two are mostly a blur as we were battling to keep the two middles in their beds at night (the newborn was sleeping better than they were!), trying to give the littles (and better half) the attention they needed while adjusting to another very needy person joining our house, hosting incredibly helpful family and keeping an open door for visitors and well wishers to come meet our little guy. We were busy every second and, all the while, trying to adjust to being a family of six. It was a little difficult to say the least. Well, in some ways, it still is.

But, things are definitely improving. I'm seeing the light in the tunnel and it is oh so warm. We are able to attend Bible Study again, Shared Learning, play dates, Sunday morning and Wednesday evening church, be a part of our church's Christmas program (JD has his first real part!!), BUY GROCERIES! With five boys in the house, that last one is a real help! Yes, I know that the fifth boy is pretty tiny but he has made his momma's appetite grow, that's for sure. Life is moving along and we are slowly finding our normal. It's been tough and stressful and tiring but, in all seriousness, I am loving every minute of it. Okay, well, maybe not the minutes where the youngest middle is screaming inconsolably for no reason at all, but, when I get him calm and he lets me snuggle him close. Yes, most of the minutes are pretty great. As hard and as busy as they are. I am so blessed.

 

Dress : Old Navy (thrifted)  //  Jacket : Twenty One (thrifted)  //  Booties : Tommy Hilfiger  //  

Clutch : made by me (tutorial by Merrick's Art)  //  Earrings : Walmart brand 

Total Cost : $12

P.S. I did this braid from a tutorial found on Pinterest. Follow me to see all the hairstyles I pin!

Sunday Style : 39 week bump

It has been a crazy few weeks here at our house. Just a couple of weeks before baby arrived we decided to sell our computer and upgrade. I am so glad we did as I absolutely love my new computer, plus I was able (well pretty much forced to) upgrade to the newest photoshop, but not having a way to blog, edit sessions or start my Christmas shopping online for the past few weeks has been a little frustrating! But, I'm back now and so excited to share more regularly with you.

Even though I'm not sporting my bump anymore, look for a couple more maternity looks to grace the blog. Then, it will be on to dressing postpartum. I am so excited to utilize some great basic pieces I've collected over the past few months and share with you some different ways to style them. Of course, all of my outfits for the forseable future will be nursing friendly as I've got a little guy who is basically attached to me 24/7. Ah nursing a newborn, it really never ends. You sit down to feed them and by the time they're finished, you only have about half an hour before they're hungry again. I do love it though, there is so much you forget between those baby to toddler years. Blake is two and a half and I swear I'm having to learn everything all over again. That is a topic for another day though.

This was one of my last Sunday Style maternity looks. Although the top is non-maternity, it's flowy enough that is worked really well. I love the color and it will easily be a great nursing top as well. I was about 39 weeks here and wanted to stay comfortable above all else. So, I paired it with a stretchy pair of maternity dress pants from Motherhood and a dressy peep toe heel. (Since I had a fresh pedicure to match my top I had to show it off) I carried my new diy clutch I made using a tutorial from Merrick's Art (I've since made a faux fur clutch using the same tutorial that I love even more!) to keep my look easy and it worked really well. I'll definitely be sporting this top on the blog again soon.

Top : Cynthia Rowley (thrifted)  //  Pants : Motherhood Maternity  //  Shoes : Kenneth Cole  //

Clutch : made by me (tutorial by Merrick's Art)

Total Cost : $5

Sunday Style : Fly-Ins & Fall Weddings

Dress : Joe (thrifted)  //  Shoes : CATO (thrifted)  //  Coat : Mountain Mist (thrifted) //  

Purse : thirfted  //  Necklace & Earring set : Walmart brand (sale)

Total cost : $17

These last few weeks have been super busy for our family. Between baby prep, photo shoots, wedding showers, school work, our local homeschool co-op, errands and daily tasks, it feels as if we've been going non-stop. This past Sunday was getting full quick so we opted out of regular Sunday service, which we rarely do, so we wouldn't be so completely exhausted at the end of the day. We, instead, went to the annual fly-in at our local airport. It's a once a year get together of members of the Cesna 170 organization that my grandmother is a part of. We do our best to go every year but almost always miss the lunch meal since we don't get out of church until after noon. So it was nice to be able to visit with everyone and have a nice meal without feeling too rushed. 

Afterward, we attended the wedding of a close family friend's daughter. It was over an hour away at the beautiful Samuel Cedar's in Rogersville, MO. Such a gorgeous venue. As a photographer, I was swooning over the rustic landscape they so beautifully put together. Definitely on my bucket list to photograph. The boys were on their best behavior, like they are most of the time really, and did great through the ceremony and into the reception. We were sitting at our table, patiently waiting for food and people kept stopping to compliment how good they were being. (ehem, we may have been getting a little big headed at this point..) Finally, it comes time to go through the line and they do great. They pick what they want, along with a giant cupcake and we head back to our seats. The older boys dug right in and Blake did well with his meatballs and sandwich but, when it came time for his cupcake and one more person commented on their ability to sit still and eat politely, he had had enough.. (sigh) He took one look at me cutting his plate-sized cupcake into pieces for him and just lost it. So ended the compliments and we got our little reality check on life with a toddler. Really though, they did do awesome. If we can get through over two hours at a formal gathering with only one outburst, I'd say we're doing pretty well.

Last on our list was to look at a Suburban that had Glen found online only eight miles from the location of the wedding. Talk about great timing! We've been kicking around the idea of upgrading from our van for a few months now and have always wanted to own a suburban. They're much bigger, offer more seating and have tons of storage space. And the gas mileage isn't that much worse than a mini van. Anyway, this one is a couple of years older than what we were hoping for but, it has low mileage and looks great. So, we haven't decided for sure yet but, we'll see! 

Any big happenings around your world right now? We are 38 weeks today and I am beginning to feel a bit anxious about our little guy coming. What is it going to look like for 

Sweater Season

Sweater : Jolt  //  Jeans : 21 Denim (thrifted)  //  Booties : Tommy Hilfiger  //  

Necklace : Walmart brand (sale)  //  Earrings : Walmart brand (sale)

It's finally here, sweater season! I love layering so, it's no surprise that October rings in my favorite time of the year. The months that I can get away with layering without worrying about looking... frumpy? I love this coral top I picked up at 75% off a few months ago. It's non maternity but has an absolutely perfect fit whether you're sporting a bump or not. And the coral color is everything to me right now. I love how cheery it is yet still soft and cozy. This is easily one of my favorite sweaters that I own and I know it will be on major repeat while learning to dress four boys along with myself in the cooler months to come.

Pairing it with my some maternity skinnies and my very favorite ankle booties made a great outfit for a chilly fall day crammed full of plans. From Shared Learning with our local homeschool group from 9am till noon, racing home to get in lunch before it got too late, fitting in schoolwork, chores around the house and some more baby prep, then supper and it was off to my niece's Frozen Skate birthday party! I was comfortable and relaxed through it all.

Well, that is, up to the point of a super restless nights sleep because of little boys invading momma and daddy's bed, endless trips to the restroom and not being able to get comfortable with this growing bump of mine. Yea, that's another story in itself.

Look for lots more inspiration to sport sweaters, ankle boots, scarves and jackets in the coming weeks! That is, as much as I get around to posting in the short time we have until and the transition time after our little guy makes his big debut. We had a visit with our midwife just a few days ago and she doesn't think it will be much longer! Something I'm a little anxious/nervous/excited about but so happy to think I'll soon be able to snuggle him in my arms rather than my belly. Send up a little prayer for us would you?!

Sunday Style : Boho Feminine

Dress : Wrangler  //  Cardigan : Jolt  //  Shoes : Chinese Laundry  //  Purse : thrifted

Total Cost : $31

I purchased this dress a few months ago with the intention of using it for maternity pictures. It's the perfect light pink, flowy, not too snug, so so comfortable and amazingly enough, non maternity. I absolutely love it. When I found it for 75% off brand new, I just couldn't pass it up. And, since it isn't maternity, I think it will be great for post baby outfits, with some slight adjustments to make it nursing friendly. 

I followed through and wore it for our maternity session a couple of weeks ago and it photographed beautifully (I'll be sharing my favorite images soon!). It's just the right amount of boho and feminine mixed together so it worked perfectly for church with my growing bump this morning but would also be comfortable enough for a day out with my family. I know I'll be getting lots of wear out of it in the future. 

I loved pairing it with this loose fitting cardigan and some strappy heeled sandals. These are some of my favorite thrifting finds and they go with practically anything. 

It's been a little quiet over here the last few days as I've been busily getting our home ready for the birth of our baby (only about three weeks to go!), preparing for the wedding shower I co-hosted yesterday for my Brother in law and his soon to be wife and planning last minute photo shoots before I take some time off all while juggling Bible study, Shared Learning, schooling at home and trying to find time to relax. Life can sure get booked quickly. One minute it seems you breeze through the week with schoolwork and have all the free time in the world and the next you have every second planned with even more responsibilities piling up. It can be tough. But, then I remember how much I love all the excitement and that this season of our life will be over all too quickly. 

I love hosting parties and get togethers at our home and yesterday's shower was no exception. All the decorations and food came together beautifully and I can't wait to share how much fun we had in the next few days. But, for now, I need to get my house back together for the pending week and all that we have going on while I begin editing the amazing engagement session from last night. Phew.. Have a blessed week and look for some more fun posts coming soon (including a little count down to baby fun with our boys - it's getting so close!!)!

Sunday Style : Baby Shower Attire

Dress : made by me (tutorial from Leanne Barlow)  //  Booties : Worthington  //  

Necklace : Walmart brand  //  Purse : Plum brand

Total cost : $11

My mom and dad hosted a shower for our little guy this afternoon. It was so great and we got some things we really needed to get us ready for the baby stage again. So, when I was trying to come up with something to wear, I was drawing a blank. I always struggle with what to wear to things like this. It's a special occasion and you want to dress nicely but I hate to be the one person who over (or under) dresses. After giving it a little too much thought, I kept landing on the floral ruched maternity dress I made a couple of weeks ago. It has really made that big of an impression on me. 

I love the fit and the way it makes me feel feminine without showing too much. But, I had just worn it to church and a bridal shower the week before so, I was torn whether I wanted to wear it to another event so soon. Well, I decided that I loved the dress so much it would be totally and completely worth it to make another. I mean, I still have about a month left and goodness knows I can use plenty of easy, go to outfits to keep me comfortable and feeling great about myself. So, that's exactly what I did.

This time though, I went with a solid fabric that would work well with lots of different jewelry and accessories. When I poled the boys on which grey they preferred, light or dark, they chose the darker and I kind of agreed. I took it home and whipped up this pretty thing and I love how perfectly it came out. It hugs my bump so nicely but doesn't make me feel too conspicuous and I love that I'll be able to pair lots of statement pieces with the neutral color for fall and beyond. 

If you want to read the tutorial, just head over to Elle Apparel. She makes it so easy. 

For today, I added this pretty mint necklace, which coincidentally matched my purse perfectly, and these great booties. Eight hours into the day and I was still comfortable and feeling great. (Seriously, we snapped these after getting home from church and the shower) 

To those who were able to attend this afternoon, thank you for showering us with love and gifts for our sweet baby boy who will be here before we know it! Really though, we're 35 weeks with less than 5 to go! I guess that means I should get to making freezer meals and organizing everything for after he arrives. A little fun fact about me : sometimes I procrastinate until I feel the pressure of getting it done NOW! Which can be a good but, also a very, very bad thing. lol

Transitioning to Fall with oversized sweaters

 

Sweater : Worthington  //  Top : Motherhood (similar)  //  Pants : Duo Maternity  //  Shoes : Maurices

Total cost : $12

Over sized sweaters make great cooler weather staples and are easy to add to more summery outfits to help transition to fall. I love this neutral colored one from Worthington. I have it in petite medium and it's still comfy enough to be cozy without feeling constricting. The color pairs perfectly with nearly everything and, even for an average temperature day, it wasn't too thick that I was warm wearing it over a long sleeve top.

We went to Haha Tonka with my parents last weekend and this outfit was perfect for walking up to the castle ruins and back while the boys ran ahead and explored the trail. We took in the gorgeous temperatures (mid sixties) and soaked up all the fresh, crisp air we could. It was rejuvenating to say the least.

These maternity jeans are so, so comfortable and I've been wearing them more and more through these last few weeks of my pregnancy. They're low waisted, a great wash and perfectly distressed but tend to be a bit bigger than I like (right now everything I wear feels big). They are super soft and stretchy though and made a great addition to a lazy weekend outfit. Also, these Maurices shoes were perfect for walking the paved trail and area around the castle. They're comfy, casual enough that I don't worry about getting them too messy in the dirt and dust and they wash easily, which is a huge momma plus. A great thrifting find for just $4.

I can't wait to begin adding more sweaters to my everyday style as the weather begins to cool and the leaves change colors. Fall is my favorite season for many reasons but, being able to layer is at the top of the list. What are your favorite staple pieces for fall?

Sunday Style : DIY Ruched Maternity Dress

 

Dress : made by me  //  Shoes : Anne Michelle (similar)  //  Earrings : old

Total Cost : $28

My brother in law is getting married this November and I recently went on a girls shopping trip (sans kids if you can believe it) with the Bride, my MIL and SIL to get some clothes to wear on the big day. My sister in law found this beautiful lace covered dress that fit her perfectly. I, on the other hand, had a pretty tough time finding something that would work to nurse a newborn while still fitting in with the color palette and festivity of the occasion. All while not being able to actually try it on or knowing what size I'll be just three or so weeks post baby. We searched and searched and finally found a top, skirt and jacket that I think will be perfect. Anyway, while shopping at a discount fabric store afterward, I found some beautiful autumn toned floral printed fabric on sale. Perfectly stretchy and not at all see through. I just couldn't pass it up at such a great price so, I grabbed a couple of yards and brought it home. 

That was a couple of weeks ago and, ever since then, I've been debating in my mind on what I was going to make out of this gorgeous fabric. I kept going back and forth between a maternity dress (that I could wear for only six more weeks), a longer sleeved, looser fitting shift dress for fall, or a gathered waist dress (nursing friendly of course) that could be worn well after baby. I debated and debated and, ultimately decided on a ruched maternity dress. Because, with the bump growing by the day and me feeling not quite as... curvy? ...as I used to, I wanted something that would help me to feel pretty for these last few weeks before baby comes. 

I remembered a great tutorial that Leanne from Elle Apparel shared a few weeks ago, when she too was in her last few weeks of pregnancy, and immediately popped over to read through it. Because I follow this type of tutorial quite often, It seemed like it would be really simple. So, I grabbed my favorite old navy ruched maternity dress to use as my pattern and, about two hours later, had this lovely piece completely customized to me and my not so little bump. I am so in love with how it turned out! Plus, I'm more than slightly convinced that I may be able to occasionally sport this post baby (when he's past the 24/7 nursing stage). 

I love the autumn colors and the floral design and just absolutely everything about how it came together. Pairing it with some nude pumps and a matching bag (sorry I can't show you!) gave me a great outfit for church and an afternoon bridal shower without changing a thing.

This was such an easy tutorial I may just have to make another to get me through these last few weeks of dressing for church. Thank you Leanne for sharing!!