Confessions

Another week, another Thursday. Nothing beats when Thursday rolls around. While Friday will always be my favorite day of the week, I love Thursdays, especially Thursday night, when you know you basically survived the week and can coast through one more day before a whole weekend of relaxation is before you! Of course, with the work week comes annoyances, funnies, and lots of random, so it is the perfect day to confess with my girls Caitlin and Jess.

I confess..

I never knew how gross reflux was until I became seven months pregnant and eating a moderately sized dinner and then laying down would result in food coming back up. I am now becoming afraid to eat because I know there could be potential consequences.

Despite the reflux, and general badness of it all, I have been enjoying Diet Pepsi and just don't care. While I truly want what is best for my baby, we have so many things going on lately that if a cool, crisp, bubbly drink is what I'm craving..I'm going for it. I don't see this one changing throughout the remainder of my pregnancy.

I totally break dress code for work. My dresses are probably an inch or two too short, I have been rocking leggings, and some of my shoes are dangerously casual. And I'm preggo. Who is going to tell the pregnant lady she has to go home and change? No one.

My husband's snoring is out of control lately. I have debated waking him up and asking that he move to the couch on multiple occasions. And a few times, I have possibly kicked and woken him enough that he voluntarily has moved. Hey, I would move myself but this pregnant lady's back just can't handle the couch or floor. All I know is the man may need to invest in some nasal strips.

Speaking of my husband, for reasons I cannot begin to understand, he is growing out his hair. He is so handsome with a nice short cut, but the more I tell him I hate his hair, the more likely he will be to never cut it. Stubborn. Since the man is apparently only capable of giving me sons and not daughters, I at least now have someone to practice my hair braiding skills on.

This weekend, the hubs and I ashamedly both admitted we are digging the new music by Justin Bieber. It is kind of like Taylor Swift's music..resist as I might, I find myself stopping on a station and telling my car to go love itself whenever his new song comes on. Props to the guy on winning over the biggest anti-beliebers on the planet.

I bought Jackson an Easter outfit. And then I saw a picture of the cutest outfit EVER on Gap Factory and got my code for an additional 40% off of everything this weekend. So I obviously bought it. But I am rational enough to know he doesn't need fifty dress shirts so I will be returning the original outfit.

I also bought myself t-shirt dresses when buying said outfit. I have a problem.

I justify my clothing purchases by reminding myself I have stopped eating out at lunch during the work day, and that dress was only $8.99 which is what lunch would cost me anyway. And if I can wear it to work, it automatically becomes a more legitimate expense. Right?...

With that, I am off to stare at the clock while impatiently awaiting the arrival of Friday afternoon.  

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Workwear Wednesday

It has been a LONG time since I have done a Workwear Wednesday post, but with the warm weather and sunshine this week, I was feeling inspired! For the first time since September, I rocked a dress this week and was able to show off my legs and let them see some sunshine. Let me tell you, nothing feels better after a long Minnesota winter than feeling the fresh air on your skin.

Dress // Jacket (old, nearly exact here) // Shoes 

I scooped up this dress at Old Navy this past weekend. As it was an online exclusive size (because Old Navy is the holy land and sells tall items online), it was marked down to an additional 50% off. So, I scooped it up for a whopping $7.50. I couldn't believe it! I paired it with a white denim jacket, which is an absolute must have in your wardrobe. I own both a regular denim as well as a white denim jacket, and I wear them non-stop during the spring, summer, and fall. They are perfect for throwing on when it cools off, or covering your shoulders for the office when you are rocking an adorable maxi dress that doesn't quite fit the dress code. To complete the look, I decided it just isn't quite warm enough for open toe shoes, so I opted for these adorable booties that I snagged on sale at none other than Target this winter. They have a nice low heel, fun fringe to spice things up, and are super comfortable (read: no breaking in necessary!)

I know I still have some growing to do, but I just LOVE pieces like this dress that I can wear both during pregnancy and after. It is super stretchy, long enough to cover everything that needs to be covered, and the t-shirt sleeves make this a great piece to wear to work, running errands, or even thrown on over a swimsuit once summer arrives! They come in a variety of colors, so go snag up a few right now!

Linking up with Jen & Jessi, Holly, and Lindsey over at The Pleated Poppy! 

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Weekending: Spring Has Sprung

Okay, maybe my title is a bit deceptive. After all, it is only March 7th in Minnesota, meaning we still have a solid two months where a blizzard could potentially hit. But this weekend was absolutely beautiful, and there is more where that came from! This whole week has temperatures in the 50s and 60s. For early March in Minnesota, that is pretty much tropical, and you can bet I am planning on going for a run in the 60 degree weather this afternoon outside and wearing shorts. Seize the day, am I right!?

Friday, I had a work meeting in the morning, followed by the afternoon off. If your job allows, I cannot say enough about working 8.5 or 9 hour days throughout the week and ducking out early on Fridays. It makes the weekend feel SO much longer and happy! Once I got back home, my parents and I took my little guy out to a late breakfast/early lunch at Perkins. Now that he is finally just about back to normal in terms of health, he obviously ate nearly four sausage links. Kid is a meat eater, that's for sure! He did shower me with some lovin too, and grabbed my face and brought our foreheads together. Those little boys know how to steal your heart.

The rest of the afternoon, he napped, I got in a great workout, and we just lazed around the house watching the O.C. and calling it a night.

On Saturday, Mike ended up having to work, so my sweet mother in law watched Jackson in the morning so I could sneak off to the gym. Seriously, nothing does the soul more good than escaping for a solid workout for an hour by yourself once you become a parent.

 

Rocking the gym bump. Nothing better than when your tank won't stay down on the treadmill over your pregnant belly!

 

After that, me and my little guy ran into town, hit up Old Navy, the mall, and Target, and made our way home where he crashed for a nap before I even pulled into the driveway. Like I said, he is nearly back to 100%, but apparently still needs an excessive amount of naps...I did scoop up this adorable dress at O.N., and because it is an 'online only size' (tall ladies you feel me?) I got an additional 50% off and it was only $7.50! I love finding steals like that!

Once Mike got home from work, we made our way all over town for the tour of homes. I was so excited to do this, because now that we have our floor plans, we are starting to look at things like flooring, countertops, bathroom colors, and all of that stuff that, at least to me, is way more FUN. We got some great ideas, decided we want our sink on the kitchen island, and had an epiphany when we realized we are totally putting a jack and smartTV in the bathroom so we can watch while using our jet tub! Officially ten times more excited to move now that I know I will be watching TV in my bathroom. #sadbuttrue

After home exploring, we hit up our local bar for what are seriously the BEST nachos of all time. The are covered in queso, refried beans, meat, and cheese, and between the two of us, who can definitely put down food, we cannot finish them. And they cost the same as a regular meal on the menu. #score We made it home in time to play with our little guy and put him to bed, and then enjoyed more of the O.C. and a quiet Saturday night.

On Sunday, I had another gym date with myself, followed by taking Jackson and my nephew on a walk to the park, where the boys had so much fun playing. Logan made it across the monkey bars ten times, which I find pretty impressive because, keeping things real here on the blog, I don't think I could make it across once. I have weak arms, what can I say. Jackson giggled like an angel when I pushed him in the swing, and he wanted to crawl up the slide and ride down backwards on his belly as long as I would let him. This was honestly his first trip to the park since last fall, and the first time where he is 'big' enough to actually plan on the equipment. With maternity leave and our summer schedule, I see LOTS of playtime at the park in our future and couldn't be more excited!

The rest of the day was lazy, we did our taxes, played outside, and topped off the day with the Walking Dead. Do any of you watch that show? I absolutely love it, but some weeks I finish off thinking man that life just looks exhausting. I totally would not make it in an apocalypse, and really don't think I would want to. I just wouldn't be able to do half of the things they need to do to survive.

Hope you all had a fabulous weekend, and are enjoying beautiful weather like we are up in the Midwest! Linking up with Meg and Biana today!

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Friday Favorites: The First of March!

Happy, happy Friday you guys! After the weirdest week ever last week, it is kind of refreshing to have worked a normal, low-key week, and I am ready to dive into the weekend and enjoy some warmer weather and relaxation with my family! Obviously with spring right around the corner, I am loving all things bright, cheery, and pretty, so let's get to it with some of my favorite things lately!

A huge selection of shoes are currently Buy One, Get One half off at Target, and you seriously need to go and stock up. I purchased both the gray sneakers, as well as the striped slip ons, and love them both. They are surprisingly comfortable, and the slip-ons don't run small, which I usually find tends to be the case with 'cheaper' shoes. I think these will be adorable with both skinny jeans as well as shorts once we get into summer, and will be perfect for playing around outside!


I mentioned earlier this week that I just could not pass up the sale going on at Old Navy, despite my inability to fit into normal clothes at this point in my pregnancy. I snagged this pair of jeans for seven dollars, and these for only $15. I ordered multiple sizes as reviews kind of indicated they are all over the place, and am glad I did. I actually ended up finding the size smaller in one pair fit looser than the larger size in the other, but I did end up keeping both styles. For those prices, how could I not!? I love Old Navy more and more every day.

Speaking of Old Navy, I have had my eye on this dress for the past few weeks. My brother in law is getting married in June, so I will be postpartum, but I am not quite sure where I will land in terms of what looks best at that time. This dress seems like a great option for the rehearsal dinner the night before, and would also look adorable under a jacket on Sunday mornings at church. The back is gathered and stretchy, which I also like. It is much easier to buy 'small, medium, or large' versus a numbered size when you will be transitioning from a pregnant body back to your 'normal' body!

After searching high and low for the perfect 'not fuscia but not quite neon' pink polish, I think I have found it in this beauty by China Glaze. I am dying to try it out, and can't wait to share if it is truly that 'barbie pink' I have been looking for. #nailpolishocd #waytoopicky


I gushed about this fried rice recipe before, but you guys, it is seriously SO good and SO easy to make. I have had to refrain from making it multiple times in a week, because mama don't need all those carbs. I can't get over how it took me approximately five minutes to whip up, and tasted just as good, if not better, than the stuff I get at my favorite chinese restaurants.

With that, I am off to enjoy a short work day this Friday, and hopefully a fabulous weekend after spending the last two weekends taking care of a sick baby. I can't wait to actually enjoy our days off and hopefully get some things accomplished!

Five on Friday // Oh Hey Friday! // Friday Favorites // Friday Favorites

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Bumpdate: 29 Weeks

Just like that, another week down! While I technically still have 11 weeks to go, I still get super anxious when I realize with Jackson I was only 7 weeks from delivery at this point. That sounds like WAY LESS time! I have my fingers crossed that this baby stays in until closer to his due date. You can already bet I have anxiety about Sunday, April 24th, when I will be exactly as far along as I was when I had Jackson. Doesn't that just sound WAY closer than May 20th!? GULP. I really need to get on top of finishing the hat I am making for baby to wear home from the hospital, and I am just keeping it real when I say I will probably pack our hospital bags in the next few weeks. Better safe than sorry!

Sweater (non maternity) // Leggings (non maternity) 

How far along? 29 weeks

Gender: little man

Total weight gain:  right where I guessed, I was up 21 pounds at my appointment last Friday. At a point a week that would put me on track to gain 33 pounds total. I'll say let's try to keep it to 30, but you know, cake happens...

Maternity clothes? Yes, but still mostly just rocking leggings and sweaters. I realized getting dressed the morning I took my bump photo that I am seriously cycling through the same four express sweaters and ON leggings on repeat. The weather is supposed to be in the 50's all of next week, and I have every intention of whipping out my maxi skirts and dresses. I am so ridiculously excited to change up my wardrobe a bit, I can hardly wait!

Stretch marks? Not yet.

Belly button in or out: In.

Sleep: An adorable 18 month old with a barking cough has been sleeping in my bed, so take a guess. Aside from that, I am also finding myself wide awake around 2am every night. Yay for pregnancy insomnia.

Exercise: Yep, even got in a run outside in shorts and a tank top. On February 27th. In Minnesota. Write that one down people, because I don't think that has EVER happened. This unseasonably warm weather can stick around, it is fine by me!

Best moment this week: I passed my glucose test! I failed by a few measly points with Jackson, which meant doing the dreaded 3 hour test, which I passed with no issues. So to pass the first test right off the bat this time was a huge relief. I obviously went home and made brown butter banana brownies to celebrate.

Miss Anything? I would love a malibu&diet right now. And a full night of sleep, without waking up once.

Movement: Yes. This week, little limbs have started to really push up and wedge into my ribs. It is adorable and terribly annoying all at once. Some of the movements have started to actually become painful/shocking when they happen, and I am sure coworkers wonder why I occasionally gasp for seemingly no reason.

Food cravings: Still nothing major. I have been trying really hard to eat more fruits and veggies and wholesome foods, so maybe part of it is mind over matter? I am just choosing to say no to most of the bad stuff (except for those banana brownies I mentioned..) My sweet tooth actually hasn't been too terrible this week, in fact the other night I brought a Fiber One bar into the bedroom to be prepared to wake up starving after a no dessert evening, and to my surprise I woke up multiple times and it just didn't sound good at all. I'll take it, no one likes to be hungry all of the time!

Symptoms: Kicks to the ribs. Some lower back pain. And pelvic pressure/discomfort after my runs has returned. I remember this happened with Jax, but I never had any complications, just some discomfort, so I push through, and obviously take a day off if I feel like I overdid things. Insomnia.

Anything making you queasy or sick: Nope!

Labor Signs: No, but it is strangely comforting to know that we are now in the stretch where baby would most likely be okay, even with an early delivery! Of course that is the last thing I want, but it makes me happy knowing that is how big and strong my little guy has already grown.

Wedding rings on or off? On. I feel a little less swollen since I have been cleaning up my eating, so that's a plus!

Happy or Moody most of the time: Pretty happy this week!
Looking Forward To: Checking out the Tour of Homes this week, and getting our house bid back so we can continue to move forward with finally BUILDING!!

Linking up with Annie and Natalie today! 

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Confessions

Ahhh what is becoming my favorite time of the week, my opportunity to get some things off of my chest and be honest. I am back at it with Jess and Caitlin for some confessions, and am ready to dive right in.

I confess..

My back is getting achy already in this pregnancy, and I am NOT happy about it. I really didn't have back pain until 34-35 weeks the first time, and don't want to imagine dealing with this for the next 2.5 months. Nope, nope, nope.

Some people are so difficult to work with that it truly makes it unbearable going into the office some days. When you purposely schedule meetings to avoid having to drive places together, and sneak away to lunch so that you can eat alone, you know you don't like a person. #micromanager

I could eat an entire pan of brownies in one sitting. This is the best recipe I have ever found and I have to restrain myself from making them weekly. It is a problem.

I love when my candles get low and sometimes I light them all the time just do they burn so low the flames go out. 

There are two Targets in my town but only one of them has a Starbucks. Sometimes I drive five extra miles to the one that is further away so I can drink while I shop.

I bought two pairs of jeans from Old Navy last week even though I am 7 months pregnant. I got both these and these for $22 and just told myself I would absolutely keep the weight gain in check so I can fit into them right away.

I am on the hunt for a nail polish that is brighter than hot pink but less bright than neon pink. I think I might be crazy, but the color in my head is 'Barbie pink' and I am determined to find it.

My impulse shopping has resulted in me immediately regretting purchases lately, emailing the seller and saying I had the items in my cart but didn't mean to hit 'order'. So far I have gotten every order canceled and refunded.

My son plays with my husbands Xbox and game controllers. I hate video games and think it's my husbands fault for not storing these precious things out of reach, so sometimes I let the kid just do his thing and hope it doesn't result in the machine exploding.

I'll leave it off with that. Happy hump day everyone, congratulations on making it halfway to the weekend!

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March Goals

Hello everyone and happy March! Isn't there always something so amazing about surviving the short long month of February? Even though March is always unpredictable, I love entering a month where I know we will start seeing more daylight, warmer temperatures, and maybe even some green grass if us Minnesotans are lucky enough.

I have decided that with the invigoration that comes with this month, I would put together a list of goals! To be honest, I am terrible at setting goals, but they really are a great way to hold yourself accountable and think about little things you would like to accomplish. We have a lot going on, so I am not going for anything too lofty, but am excited to see what I can get done if I put my mind to it!

• Continue with our home progress. For this month, that means obtaining our bid, applying for our construction loan, and ideally getting approval by the end of this month. This means lots of organization, planning, and discussions on our end, but we are determined to keep this train moving as swiftly as possible!

• Work on expanding Jackson's vocabulary. The little guy still just doesn't talk much. His influenza really set us back from working on anything for about two weeks, but now that he is on the mend, I want to dedicate extra effort to working on his speech this month, and adding 5 new words to his vocabulary.

• Register Jackson for tumbling and swimming lessons.

• Attend the spring Tour of Homes.

• Find a new recipe I have not yet attempted to bring to Easter brunch.

• Continue running and do so 3 days per week.

• Do strength training exercises every other day! (this is a big one I am working on!)

• Wake up 20 minutes before I need to in the morning to get in strength training, take my time getting ready, and enjoy a few minutes to myself.

• Go through Jackson's newborn and 3 month clothing, bring it back to our house from my parents and start washing and organizing Jackson's room to fit everything in for two children! 

• Make one 'diaper run' to stock up on future sizes for baby boy.

Some of these are really just things that need to get done, but a few are challenges to myself to improve and better upon my current routine. Do any of you have recommendations for goals that are great to aim for this time of year!?

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