Babymoon/Birthday Trip - DALLAS

Tomorrow CT and I head out on a road trip to Dallas for our last hooray before Kingston gets here. We really have no plans - just going with the flow. 

I was able to book a hotel - Doubletree by Hilton - near the Galleria for $45 bucks a night via Priceline. We always name our own price and have had successful experiences with them so far. We usually stay at a Marriott or Hilton chain and we have never paid more than $45 a night. 

What can I say - we are thrifty and can pass up a good deal! 

We plan to head out Thursday late morning - stopping at 2 different casino's on our way to Dallas. Hopefully we get lucky and can start our trip off with some extra money! 

 WinStart World Casino & Resort

Kansas Start Casino.

Hopefully Thursday evening we will be able to hit up a hamburger joint from Diners, Drive-In's and Dives. Friday our only plans are to shop till we drop - maybe find a food truck with a grilled cheese or corn dog. And we plan to come home Saturday but we shall see how we are feeling. 

No plans are good plans! 

I've been looking forward to this for a while and I  can't wait to get away with my main man. 

I hope you'd follow along while we are gone:

Week 31

How far along: 31 Weeks 

Food Comparison: 4 Naval Oranges

Gender: Boy!! 

Weight gain: +19 lbs 

Maternity clothes: A few pieces here and there. 

Stretch marks: I've counted 4 but none on the belly. =(

Belly button in or out: Out

Sleep: My night goes kinda of like this - sleep from 11a-245p, rest room break, toss turn toss turn toss turn until I wake up at 530 to go to the bathroom, then toss and turn until my alarm goes off 15-45 mins later. 

Best moment last week: The three day weekend! I wish we had those every weekend. 

Also - making Kingston an awesome mobile! 

Minky, felt, batting, and bakers twine!

 I love all my mama-made decorations. 

Like it too? Let me make you one! 

Worst moment last week: Backaches galore and he is definitely playing in my ribs these days. 

Miss anything: A few things but I wouldn't trade my little man for anything.   

Movement: This little man is active! Luckily I haven't really had any painful kicks or jabs but he is moving up a storm in there.

Cravings: Not really. I'm having to make myself eat these days. I'm not really hungry.   

Queasy or sick: No. 

Looking forward to: My birthday (on Friday)/ babymoon - we are taking a road trip to Dallas. Casino, IKEA, Dillard's clearance, Nordstrom rack, pool, food trucks, and diner drive-ins and dives. Then seeing Kingston next Monday. We have another ultrasound to see if he's officially turned into the right position.

Prayer Request: This week I pray for comfort. I'm so thankful I was able to make it to 31 weeks without being super uncomfortable - but the time has come where I'm really starting to feel pregnant. I pray that Kingston calms down on the tickling of the bladder and the kicking of the ribs. 

Back to the Drawing Board

 

There was a point in my life where when I wanted to grow up and become a successful business women that worked in a 'tall building and carried a briefcase'. 

Even before that though, my number one goal in life had always been to be a mom. I remember praying so hard for my little sister (who is 10 years younger than me). It was the best day ever when my parents brought her home. She was my baby and I was her mom. 

It's all I've ever wanted. 

One thing I wish I didn't have to deal with during this pregnancy is trying to line up childcare for when I return to work. Ever since seeing those two pink lines, I've been so unmotivated with work. All I've wanted to do is stay home and nest: 

Create the picture perfect nursery for Kingston. 

Clean our apartment from top to bottom. 

Organize, organize, organize. 

Mommy blog. 

Unfortunately, the life CT and I choose to live (poor people with rich taste) mixed with the amount of student loans we have - it's just not possible for me to stay home with our kiddos. Not yet anyways. Plus, I have a job that's almost too good to be true. It would be stupid to leave it. 

Anyways, we had a sitter lined up - but it's looking like it's not going to work out. 

It's tough finding someone you trust enough to help you raise your kids. Someone that is safe, nurturing, who doesn't charge and arm and and leg, someone that will work with a teachers schedule (snow days, holidays, summers off), and with us - someone who will help us in our choice to cloth diaper. 

Back to the drawing board it is. 

I've learned that those sitters are rare gems and most people aren't willing to give up their people. 

Someone just help a sista out!

Week 30

How far along: 30 Weeks 

Food Comparison: Cucumber

Gender: Boy!! 

Weight gain: +18 lbs 

Maternity clothes: A few pieces here and there. 

Stretch marks: A stretch mark was found on my inner thigh. Are you serious? Who knew. 

Belly button in or out: Out

Sleep: I'm tired all the time but once I get in bed I can't fall asleep. Luckily though, I have an easy time going back to sleep after every mid-night trip to the restroom. 

Best moment last week: Seeing family and friends that I haven't seen in a while at my MOH and sister's graduation. 

Also taking my mom out for a belated mothers day lunch and then to the zoo! 

Worst moment last week: Driving 10 hours in a car this weekend. 

Wichita to Omaha to Manhattan to Salina to Wichita. 

I literally changed positions every 10 minutes. It was brutal. Thankfully when we go to Dallas next weekend we will be taking CT's comfy car and he will be driving. 

Miss anything: Sleeping on my back and being able to go pee only 3 times throughout the day. 

Movement: This little man is active! Luckily I haven't really had any painful kicks or jabs but he is moving up a storm in there.

Cravings: Bomb pops.  

Queasy or sick: No. 

Looking forward to: Memorial Day weekend and spending some much needed time out in the sun. 

Prayer Request: This week I pray that CT gets the perfect opportunity at a D1 as a football graduate assistant. This means 2 years of additional schooling to obtain his masters but he would also get so much experience coaching. I pray that this happens sooner rather than later because that means I get to be a stay at home mom sooner rather than later. I hope this is in your plans Lord! 

Maternity Photo Ideas

Last week I put a down a deposit with a photographer to do our maternity and newborn photos! Let me tell you - these days there are SO many photographers... it seems like everyone and their mom can take photos. 

When deciding on a photographer I knew I wanted:

Someone who didn't want my first born as payment. 

Someone who had good props for newborn photo shoots (that means less I have to buy).

Someone who would give us a photo release with a copy of the disk. 

Someone that came recommended. 

We decided to go with Rosario Chico Vietti Photography.

She met all of our criteria. She didn't want Kingston as payment, we have friends that use her for everything and their pictures are always great, included in her package is the disc with photo release, and she has a wide variety of newborn props to use! 

I won't have much to buy for our newborn photos, but I do want to customize our maternity photos. 

1. Crochet Fringe shirt to show off the growing bump - I will pair this with a maxi skirt and hopefully #2

2. Some sort of flower or lace head band 

3. Balloons - K balloon and confetti filled balloons 

4. A mini king's crown

5. A mama-made sign. All I need to do is find a cute frame for this bad boy. 

It seems like I am forever spending money these days - but I find these things necessary. 

Aren't they? Pictures last forever! 

What I Wore: Maternity: Baby Shower #2

Last weekend Kingston, CT and I were blessed to be able to have our second baby shower - this one with CT's family. May is such a busy time for everyone - so it ended up being a small group. Even though we didn't get to see everyone we would have liked to, we got to spend good quality time with CT's cousins and mom. 

Remember the heck of a time I had finding my outfit for my first shower last weekend?

 Well thankfully, I was able to find this dress during that same shopping trip at the same store and on the sale. It was so nice not having to rush around last minute trying to pull something together. 

Dress // Spence Shirt Dress (not maternity) - similar here and here

Shoes // Mudd wedge - similar here and here 

Bracelets // Random - Premier Jewelry and Alex&Ani 

This dress was so comfy and light weight = perfect for these hot summer months! I also love that I'll be able to wear this piece when the bump is gone! Even though I'm growing all over - I've found that I'm still able to fit my pre-pregnancy size - which has been a blessing to my closet. I couldn't imagine purchasing all these pretty pieces not knowing if I'd be able to wear them after.

Next up - planning/finding outfits for our maternity photos! 

Linking up with Lindsey and Shea. 

Spring Scarves

Scarves have become one of my most favorite/coveted accessories. In the winter - I wear them with every single outfit. I have black ones, sparkly ones, colorful ones, infinity ones, cowl ones and grandma looking ones. 

I've recently realized that there are some scarves in my collection that can be worn longer than just during the cold winter months. And since my office building is the same temperature all year round (freezing) I don't get too many weird looks wearing them. 

Here is one way I wore my scarf into Spring. 

Make any scarf a spring time scarf by tying it into a fun little bow. 

Just like you would tie your shoes - tie the scarf! 

Check out some other Spring time scarves I found on pinterest!

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So many cute styles/colors.

I need each piece in my closet asap. 

Which is your favorite?? 

Week 29

Shower #2

How far along: 29 Weeks 

Food Comparison: Butternut squash

Gender: Boy!! 

Weight gain: +17 lbs 

Maternity clothes: A few pieces here and there. Trying not to purchase any but I'm thinking I will need to get a pair of shorts for the summer.

Stretch marks: My belly is still in the clear but I may have found one on the sides of my booty. Needless to say - I've started slathering the cocoa butter there too. 

Belly button in or out: Half in half out. 

Sleep: Depends on the night. As long as CT doesn't elbow me in the eye or punch me in the head (both of which happened this past week) and I have the fan blowing on me - I'm good. 

Plus I'm back to using the rest room 2+ times a night. 

Best moment last week: Baby shower #2 with CT's family plus receiving goodies in the mail. 

Worst moment last week: I've had my first experience with acid reflux and it is NOT fun. I've been pretty fortunate with that being my only 'pregnancy' symptom so I shouldn't complain. 

Miss anything: This summer heat makes me miss being able to have a frozen margarita.

Movement: Yes. More and more each week! Last night he was using my bladder as a trampoline. 

Cravings: Bomb pops.  

Queasy or sick: Some movements make my tummy turn and besides the acid reflux - life is good. 

Looking forward to: Seeing some family and friends this upcoming weekend at Creighton and K-State's graduation. 

Prayer Request: Last week I prayed that we would get a good shot of Kingston's face at the sonogram. They say 28 weeks is the best time to get a 3d/4d ultrasound because they finally have enough fat on their face to make them look like 'them' and still plenty of room before it gets too cramped. 

I'd say my prayer worked! 

Isn't he so sweet? He looks like his daddy for sure throughout his eyes and nose, has my forehead, and a mixture of both of our big lips. 

I love this little boy already. 

This week I pray that Kingston stops being lazy and starts making his journey to the underside. He needs to get his butt in place to make his arrival. We only have 11 weeks left! 

5 Randoms on Friday

Life's Randoms: 

1.  Remember last week when I had a major dilemma with an at home self tanner? 

Well thankfully I had a friend introduce me to Suave's Visible Glow. 

At the $6 price point - I'm super impressed! 

No more missing areas.

 No streaks. 

I still smell horrific throughout the day - but thankfully I've asked people around me and they can't smell what I smell. 

Why have these companies not put a good fragrance to their product? 
I have yet to find a self tanner that smells good. 

2. The beginning of this week our air conditioner was acting funny and blowing out luke warm air. At 28.5 weeks pregnant - that was brutal. Anyways - CT and I pulled our mattress into the living room with the hope to get more air from the open windows and a ceiling fan. 
Confession - it was fixed the next day and we are still sleeping in there! 
We like to think of it as our own little fort. I guess you could say we are big kids at heart. We are breaking all the rules and it feels so good! 

CT and I agreed that one day when we are rich and own a mansion with a movie room .. it will be just like this.

3. What was Jerry Jones thinking drafting at OT for our first round pick? 

HELLO - we passed up arrogant/cocky playmaking Johnny Manziel. No one watches the line - we need playmakers. According to CT 'we went with a need instead of the best player available'.

 Boring! 

I was hoping for No-Mo Romo. 

4. I'm getting really good at this twice/thrice day old hair. 

All you need is: 

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+ a headband! 

I have a feeling that I'll be rocking this style daily as a new mom.  

5. I purchased two Christmas presents yesterday. I'd say I'm a tad bit ahead of the game.

I wish I could show you all how awesome they are but the recipient of them might be reading this! 

Thanks for stopping by! 
I'd love for you to follow along for more of life's happenings. 

What I Wore: Maternity : Baby Shower #1

Last weekend Kingston and I had our first baby shower with my mom's side of the family. Throughout this pregnancy I've been pretty good about being able to wear stuff that was already in my closet - and thank goodness for that! I've had the worst case of indecisiveness when it comes to making any type of decision - especially when it comes to what to wear. 

We (because teamwork was involved) finally found a winner after:
 shopping three different days,
 taking back two different dresses,
and getting every opinion from 3 different friends and CT.

Tank// Liz Lange for Target (maternity)

Skirt // XOXO Lace Flared Maxi Skirt (not maternity)

Necklace // Versona Accessories - similar here

I loved this look and it was the first skirt that I found that was able to go above my bump and still be long enough! Plus it's not maternity, so hopefully I can wear this pretty piece after our little man comes. That's if I don't bust the zipper before then! 

Honestly, if it was socially acceptable - I would wear this skirt everyday for the rest of this pregnancy. That's how much I like it! 

Linking up with Lindsey , Tara and Shea today! 

Week 28

My sisters and I at my first baby shower this weekend! 

How far along: 28 Weeks 

Food Comparison: Chinese Cabbage

Gender: Boy!! 

Weight gain: +17 lbs  -- mostly in my butt and belly.

 Ugh. I hate seeing those numbers creep up.

Maternity clothes: Yes and no. I probably should invest in some maternity pants/shorts but I'm over spending money on new clothes for myself. I am still able to wear a lot of my regular shirts which is nice. 

Stretch marks: None on the belly but I might have found one on the side of my booty. 

I'm not really sure though. I need to do a little more investigation but it's hard to twist like that for a long period of time.

Belly button in or out: I'd say it's flush with the rest of my belly - but I'm guessing it'll be an outie soon enough. 

Sleep: It. Is. Brutal. 

Best moment last week: Having our first baby shower hosted by my family. 

Kingston and I are so blessed! 

Worst moment last week: Things are getting super uncomfortable. It's probably time I see chiropractor again.  

Miss anything: Being able to sit on the couch or chair for a long period of time without a back support pillow. 

Movement: Yes. More and more each week! 

Cravings: Donuts. 

Queasy or sick: No. I've had this weird burning sensation under my right rib cage 3 different times and I'm wondering what it is. I don't think it's heartburn and Dr. Google says it may be something to do with my gallbladder. Who knows - I'll ask my Dr. about it tomorrow! 

Looking forward to: Seeing Kingston tomorrow and another baby shower this upcoming weekend with CT's family. 

Prayer Request: This week I pray that we get a good shot of Kingston's face at the sonogram tomorrow. They say 28 weeks is the best time to get a 3d/4d ultrasound because they finally have enough fat on their face to make them look like 'them' and still plenty of room before it gets too cramped. I also pray that he cooperates for Ramona - our amazing tech. The reason for this appointment is because they need to get a better shot of his spine because he was sitting breech at our 20 week anatomy scan. 

Free Children's Books!

Have you heard about Dolly Parton's Imagination Library? 

On Facebook the other day - someone mentioned this really awesome program that if your zip code qualifies - they send your child a book (for FREE) each month until they are 5. How awesome is that? 

I'm sure it's been around for ages, but me being a soon to be first time mom, just found out about it and I think it's awesome. 

I hope Kingston enjoys reading as much as his mama does! 

I was able to search our zip code and fortunately we qualify to receive these books! I'm pretty sure it's based on low income areas - and since we live downtown we qualify. Unfortunately, I've had a bunch of friends who have't qualified because they live in better neighborhoods. 

Take a few minutes and see if you qualify. 

There's not much better than books - especially if they are free! 

PS - If I haven't talked you into it yet - take a look at this years book list:

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