18 weeks | anatomy scan + faux leather leggings

this belly is growing at hyper speed!!  

Jordan has been gone all week long for swift water rescue training in South Texas, so it has been extra hectic and full of stuff that only happens when Jordan is away. we had a small incident with a fire ant pile, high fevers and a couple sleepless nights, a trip to the pumpkin patch with four kids by myself, halloween parties at preschool.. and I've only cried once.

 ..in the fetal position on the kitchen floor.

but today is FRIDAY and that means Jordan is finally h o m e!

I got to take a peek at our precious growing boy early this week!  I was sad to go to this "big" appointment by myself, but they've changed and changed and rescheduled this training Jordan had to go to about a million times, so we left everything as is.

mama update

I'm well into my second trimester, I have definitely appreciated feeling better and not requiring a nap EVERY single day.  I have been known to still request Jordan to be on daddy duty for a couple hours while I close myself up in our room for a nap, but those have thankfully become few and far in between.  headaches have been unbearable.. I am not a "pill taker", but changes in the weather + pregnancy itself has taken a toll on my sinuses and I wake up with a headache and go to bed with a headache. I try so hard to make it through the day without taking tylenol, but often times thats the only time I can find relief.  with the approval of my OB, I've been drinking a full caffeinated cup of coffee in the morning, which has helped tremendously.  I've been craving giant salads and lots of fresh fruit.. although bananas, which were a huge part of my cravings in other pregnancies, have completely grossed me out this time around.. but apples and berries have replaced what I once consumed in bananas.  on the other side of healthy cravings.. coffee continues to run the show. its a normal day for me to find myself in the starbucks line ordering my usual venti half-caf iced skinny caramel machiatto.  even if its the only time I leave my house the entire day.  I also get a non-fat salted caramel mocha, but cut the mocha to about half because what once was my favorite part of that drink has become really overpowering.  sweet tarts candy randomly have made their way into my house.  it doesnt help that I browse the halloween candy aisle every time I'm at the store looking for something sweet and sour to get my hands on.  but the funny thing is that I can literally count on one hand how many times I've chosen to eat this candy in my life. 

this sugar craving may have attributed to a 5 pound weight gain in this last month.  my belly is measuring almost 21 weeks (my OB makes me feel better by telling me "I'm measuring over your clothes!"), and I am officially pre-registered at the hospital.  I also made my appointment with the perinatologist for his brain and lung scan at 22 weeks AND have found my new favorite pair of maternity pants.  I was texting back and forth with my sweet friend Jacqueline last week and we agreed that finding a pair of faux leather maternity leggings would be so awesome and perfect for fall. well, thank you very much Motherhood Maternity.  these are lined but don't feel heavy or sticky or like they wont stay up.  they are full panel and SO comfortable. 

you'll find me wearing these ALL the time.

find my cardigan HERE, my tee HERE and my boots HERE

oh.. and this super darling glitter clip that I stole from Baker's stash on a whim.. get that HERE!

baby boy

seeing our baby dance around during the 18-week ultrasound and hearing the sound of his heart beating strong at 154bpm was just the best.  it has been nearly a month since the last time I saw that little flicker on the screen, and since I am not feeling him as frequently as I wished I did, it cannot help but occasionally feel anxious about everything.  baby boy was sleeping soundly when the sonogram began, he was so comfortable with his little hands around his face- same as our last sonogram at 14 weeks.  he was almost sucking his thumb and gave us a little wave. 

he is so perfect.

in no time he was up moving around and doing somersaults in his personal space.  the sonographer took her time looking over our tiny one, pointing out important organs and checking out his spine. even after doing these sonograms several times before, it still blows my mind that you can see a baby's kidneys and the four chambers of his heart and the strength of blood flow between the placenta and the cord.  its all so tiny right now, but none the less, incredibly detailed!

 our sweet little babe is measuring right on track and weighs in at right at 7 ounces. he's laying sideways.. his head on my left and little feet on my right side.  my OB explained that since he's laying horizontally and not vertically that could be the reason I am not feeling him as strongly as I have the other babies.  I have been feeling more movement on my right side but didn't expect it to be HIM moving before I knew how he was laying, but this week I have been really feeling him move all the time, which never gets old.

the last time I was pregnant during the fall season, well pregnant with an actual reason to wear maternity clothing, I was put on bedrest and never got to dress my bump in my most favorite season of the year! so this year I have really embraced the season and dressing my bump fashionably with tons of layers without looking frumpy or bulky.  finding trendy maternity clothing has been much easier this time around.. even when I was pregnant with the twins just 4 years ago I wasn't able to dress comfortably in style the way I like to dress when I am not pregnant.  I'm looking for classic and comfortable staple items for the fall season.. think layered looks with long cardigans and comfy fitted tees to show off my bump as well as rotating a few glamorous and chic wraps and edgy faux leather and corduroy in here and there.  my style ranges from business (less often) to boho (my favorite)! one thing I will admit is that wearing more form fitting clothing during my pregnancies and showing off the bump that have made me a mother make me feel more beautiful and more confident than wearing a blouse or a dress that offers no shape. who cares if my thighs and my midsection are getting a little thick, I'm balancing that out with my growing bump and looking great doing it.. not hiding behind a giant blouse.

but thats just me:)

bottom line.. dress how you feel best. 

photography: b faith photography

multi way wrap c/o tart collections

side ruched maternity tee c/o tart collections

madeline navy canvas bag c/o lily jade

booties // rag + bone

andi coat c/o tart collections

leggings c/o motherhood maternity 

15(ish) weeks | first trimester update

I cant believe that time is flying! I have felt like the last month of life has been insane and busy and is just whipping right past me in a short blink.  I found out so early about this pregnancy and keeping it quiet had me so anxious to share and life felt like it was dragging on and on, and here I am in my second trimester- holy moly!  

I've been feeling great- except that I basically sleep on my face at night. I can 100% sleep anywhere I lay my head down and take naps about once a day.  over the weekend I didn't get in a nap everyday and I literally needed a day to recover- my life is busy and my kids are crazy and I'm getting old:)

and we are adding another one to the mix..

I CANNOT WAIT!

mama things

from week 7-14 I was nauseous just about every evening. I didn't really eat dinner for those 7 weeks and was ready for bed when I was putting all my girls down by 8pm.  the nausea has since past, but the food aversions have not. I've been having those much more than I ever had with any other pregnancies and food is completely disinteresting to me all together.  even my favorite peanut butter and banana toast has lost its magical touch at breakfast (and lunch and dinner) and I am totally grossed out by every component of a banana.  the idea of putting them on my toast gives me the heebee-geebees, so I have to skip them. other things.. migraines.  I've had four since I've been pregnant with this little guy and I can count on one hand how many I've had in my entire life!  the smallest things seem to trigger it, but lots of water, taking a couple tylenol when needed, and a nap usually gets me back into the swing of the day- usually in a fog, but c'est la vie.

I'm in full maternity wear- my belly is measuring almost 2 weeks larger than I actually should be.. I was at my regular OB check up at a little more than 14.5 weeks and my belly was measuring over 16 weeks.  my doctor giggled a little, but after the giant belly I held with Baker, she's not super surprised, and neither am I.  ever heard of muscle memory? I feel like my uterus can relate.  of course my belly is huge in the evening- and in the morning I would say its probably normal size for almost 16 weeks (I'll be 16 weeks on Sunday), but I am not complaining.  I've found easy ways to stay comfortable this time around- with a 14 month old + two 3 year olds I need to be able to bend to scrape pop tart or dried mac and cheese off the kitchen floor (this is why we have a dog!!) and get down to their level and move around relatively easy with my growing bump.  I have these exact jeans by jessica simpson in the under the belly option and wore them out during my other pregnancies- these jeans  from motherhood maternity are the over the belly version and I love them just as much!  no to mention they are butter soft and not super heavy in weight so wearing them while the weather is changing here in Texas has been awesome. 

I'm still working out 3-4 mornings out of the week.  bootcamp is still okay for me to do, but at my last appointment my OB gave me a laundry list of things I had to change since generally these workouts are pretty high intensity.  thankfully my trainers have been amazing and are helping me through making adjustments and giving me alternative success options while the rest of the group does their normal thing.  

baby things

we've had a couple of sonograms of our growing boy and he's just perfect.  such a sweet little profile and CHEEKS that resemble his sisters before him so much!  I feel like he looks a lot like Parker in these early sonograms- but we shall see, we have a lot of time left (??) for him to grow!  I am feeling him move here and there but not consistently at all.. mostly in the evenings and definitely after I've had something sweet like yogurt or fruit.  which by the way, I cannot seem to get enough of!  we go back for our anatomy screen in a couple weeks (18 weeks) to get a full look at this guy and seeing how big he's grown and hopefully get a better look at made how big he might be! 

I have relatively smaller babies (4lbs 8oz; 5lbs 15oz; 6lbs 7oz), but this boy might put a kink in that track record.. my brothers were all on the big side (9+ pounds) and my mother, in all her 5'3 and 90 pound frame might, pushed out every single one of them- all three now 6'4 or taller.

plus, my dad is just short of a giant.

not to mention my baby daddy ain't small either.

 I'll be honest and say that when I was pregnant with Baker I was terrified of the idea of having a boy.  but this time around I didn't even care. of course the girl option was the easy route.  I knew exactly what I was doing with a fourth girl in mind.. but ever since I found out this baby is a HE I cannot get enough of thinking and praying and preparing to be a boy mom.  something I honestly never thought I would get the chance to be.  the most exciting news of my LIFE was when that balloon exploded in blue. 

grow baby boy, grow.

also.  we still don't have a name:)

photography by b faith photography 

bar necklace c/o

4 little birds necklace c/o

bag c/o

cardigan / loft

striped top c/o

jeans c/o

booties c/o

time-out from the crazy with pinkblush + giveaway

this last week the weather has been outrageous- a real break in the heat from the 100+ temps we have become accustomed to over the last several months.  we have wanted nothing more than to just soak it in while we can!  it is August, so summer is definitely not over yet!

we live just outside a funky little college town..home to some really unique spots with hole in the wall diners and some of the best ice cream you have ever eaten. live music plays on the grassy knoll in from the court house after the sun goes down, and in this same spot just an hour earlier, under the 150 year old trees,  you can find about 75 men and women doing yoga in the grass.

the BEST kind of weather to enjoy this kind of esthetic of our town.

we have a favorite little breakfast spot- its open 24 hours a day and serves the BEST omelets (for me!) and chocolate chip pancakes (for the kids). after going back and for a minute about having breakfast for dinner or cheese burgers, we went for the breakfast! even though.. cheeseburgers are delicious at this one little spot.  not to mention it was open mic night and the rooftop seating was phenom! but alas.. the nibbles of chocolate chip pancakes soaked in maple syrup I steal off of Jolie's plate were calling my name.

after dinner we made our little spot on the grass to listen to the live music.  these days I am always looking for something to wear that is comfortable and cute but still allows me to not look like a complete mess when I'm trying to wrangle my little people.  I was introduced to pinkblush when I was pregnant with Baker.  looking for something to cover this bump, their maternity style of clothing was right up my alley.  I actually didn't even realize they had a full (and amazing) line of women's clothing completely outside of maternity clothes until recently.  the cold shoulder dress I am wearing is actually versatile enough to transition from maternity to non-maternity.  but for this bump-less gal over here I appreciate the longer length that this dress has to offer!

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I've teamed up with pinkblush to offer one lucky winner $50 gift card to this trendy online boutique  towards anything they wish!  I know you mamas out there could use some easily transitional staple pieces in your closet, and every little bit helps to kick off a fresh start to this season's fall wardrobe, right?  RIGHT!! in the meantime, pinkblush has a promotion going right now, just use code WHATUNEED for 25% sitewide!

Enter for your chance to win in the rafflecopter giveaway below. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway  

so much crazy going on right now in our little bubble- taking a break from the day to day and getting out and about for a family date is the best part of life and the kind of things I look forward to.

other things include.. starbucks.  solo target trips... starbucks on said solo target trips.

dont let me fool you. life is good, folks. 

as always, thank you to Brittany for her talent in catching my crazy crew in the best light, and to Pinkblush for sponsoring this post.

dress c/o pinkblush

bag c/o lily jade

littles outfits c/o crew + lu

felt bows // a little lady shop

Jordan's jeans + shirt 

My Bestie + Me | Lily Jade Giveaway

Happy Monday, ya'll!  My extra special chirpy excitement is for great reason.. I am SO excited about today's giveaway.  Mainly because I have the privilege to have worked and come to know and adore the momepreneur+hubby team behind Lily Jade.  With each and every handbag they pour their heart into it is definitely with you and me in mind. 

There is something to be said about that kind of small business.

Website | Facebook | Pinterest | Instagram

All of these bags come complete with a removable and washable "Baby Bag" as well as a washable changing pad.  The organizer has FOURTEEN usable pockets - perfect for both mama and baby essentials.  LOOOOOK at all that organization! Singing music to my OCD ears, you know!?  Oh- and can I also mention the convenience that is the easy conversion of these bags from handbag to backpack??!  I thought the baby wrap was the best thing ever invented.. until I used this handbag as a backpack.  

Holy free-hands.

photo by: b faith photography // bag c/o lily jade // riding boots

Lily Jade bags are not only for mama's themselves - but for the those of us that love a gorgeous handbag- Lily's got your back.  I often carry my 'diaper bag' without the insert as a handbag when I'm not with the babes.
Such a good investment.

I am so excited to be teaming up with Lily Jade to celebrate the upcoming holiday- not only is it about turkey+carbs+stretchy pants.. This week represents so much more and encourages us to reflect on what we are truly thankful for.  I absolutely love this time of year.  

All of us are thankful for our besties, now aren't we?  I am happy to share that Lily Jade is not only giving away a gorgeous handbag to one of my readers, but ALSO a second handbag to share with your bestie.  SO much fun, right?  The best(ie) way to kick off this week!!  

I also want to mention that LJ is running a big fat Thanksgiving SALE! This makes their bags a steal.. premium leather bags with this many features and "extras" would cost hundreds more in stores. All bags are currently discounted + get an all-new leather cosmetics case for 50% off with purchase of any bag over $200.  ALSO, anyone who purchases a bag between now and 12/30 will be automatically entered to WIN her pick from our Spring line before it’s even available to the general public!  GAH- that is so good, you guys!  

 Enter in the rafflecopter below for your chance to win TWO handbags!

Giveaway runs through midnight on Thanksgiving Day

Winner will be chosen by Friday, November, 27th.

G O O D L U C K !

a Rafflecopter giveaway

BIG thank you to Lily Jade for their repeat generosity in sponsorship of this post.  

All opinions expressed are my own.

38 Weeks

banner / little dovie  

tee // a pea in the pod

jeans c/o motherhood maternity 

How far along? 38 weeks + 3 days

Total weight gain: 24+ pounds.  I went for my last OB check yesterday morning with Dr. Walsh before baby girl makes her debut next week and after measuring fundal height - I am officially measuring 40 weeks along.  Littlest sister girl is growing big!  

Maternity clothes? Maternity clothes, yes.  In public.  Non-maternity clothes, yes.  At home - mostly.  My non-maternity t-shirts and tanks are honestly the funniest thing you have ever seen on this bod.  Parker and Jolie attempt in every way possible to cover the bare bottomed belly with very little success.  Its totally fine- its hot, I'm very pregnant and I'm comfortable.

Sleep: Much to my surprise, very, very well.  I really have come to refrain from the naps in the afternoon this week - after napping for nearly 3 hours by mistake over the weekend (I thought for sure my toddlers would wake me within the hour after waking from their own nap..but then they go on to nap themselves for 4 hours.. so..) and then only to wake at 3am that next morning and not being able to go back to sleep until 5am - the naps have been put into check.

Best moment this week:  The wait was finally over to meet my sweet little love, Grayson Daniel.  My bestie had her first babe yesterday and I am so, so in love.  

We share the same OB and deliver at the same hospital..and when we walked onto the postpartum floor last night the emotions came flooding back.  Jordan was reminiscing about walking the halls with our two tiny babies snuggled in a single bassinet - so surreal to be less than a week away from doing it all over again.  Jordan tried to get me to walk down to hall to the room we stayed in.. and I lost it. Tears.  Lots of them.

..and I hadn't even met Grayson yet.  

And then I got to meet him. 9 pounds 2 ounces of absolute perfection.  The rolls on that baby - ugh.  I died over and over again snuggling his baby head.  

..and then I cried.  Emotional much?  Cant help it.

 He looks so much like his mama.  100% Lally, thats for sure.  

Except he has his daddy's hair.  

Uncle J is bald.

..but we love him anyway.

We are taking the girls to meet Grayson this weekend, and I am so so excited for them to love on this sweet guy.

Cravings:  Sushi.  And its bad.  Jordan and I have a date night planned for Monday night and I am pretty sure we are going all out with hibachi and a tuna tower for each of us.  Yasss.

Symptoms: Braxton Hicks are killing me, literally.  They have become much more frequent and much more painful than anything I experienced with the twin pregnancy- but Dr. Walsh assured me that it was totally normal.  I have attempted to 'time' them, but they are pretty inconsistent.  The entire trip to my OB appointment I dreaded the thought of getting 'checked' and hoping and wishing it away.  Walsh had zero intention of checking me because I have had a fairly uneventful pregnancy and a planned c-section just days away, but when she said the words "..if it will make you feel better.."  I said yes.  Cervix is closed with zero signs of progression or labor.  Either way- she made sure to let me know she was on call this weekend, so if anything happens we are good to go. 

Looking forward to: We have officially reached our last weekend as a family of four!  We don't have anything planned, really.. except spending as much quality time together as possible - and I am excited for it to be just 'us'.  Today is my last day of work for the next three months of maternity leave and there is so much I am looking forward to, but for now..

..I am mostly just dying to meet our little lady in just a handful of days.  Eeeep - its like Christmas morning:)       

Pregnancy Favorites | 3rd Trimester

Although it is a little premature to be wrapping up this last trimester already - because I still have some time to go.. and this just might jinx me into labor, b u t I wanted to share my 3rd trimester favorites.  Being pregnant in the summer has its pros and cons as does being pregnant in the winter months.  We have been spending a ton of time outdoors, so being comfortable in my skin and with this exponentially growing belly was important to me- especially in these last few weeks!

1 // tarte contour palette 
I have NO idea how to contour.  None.  Zero.  But, somehow I was talked into the purchase of this palette and then had to figure out how to use it after the fact.  I went to searching Kate's blog for tips and found couple of youtube videos that seemed helpful and liked this article the best, but still I am at a loss with what exactly contouring is. What I do know is that the highlighter of this palette brightens the darkness around my eye area and cheekbones, as well as hide the 'pregnancy mask' that I have seemed to develop this go round in pregnancy.  I am thinking that is related to the amount of freckles I typically have on my face in the summer as well as the amount of time we have spent outdoors in the sun.  Whatever the cause- using the highlighter + bronzer combo really can change my face without having to wear a ton of makeup in the first place - and to be honest, makeup is an after thought these days.  I would rather wear none at all then take the time to apply it:)
2 // 9 naturals sunscreen
Summertime is once again upon us along the summer heat, and while I appreciate it laying by the pool, it brings on a slew of skincare woes - including that pregnancy mask I mentioned above. I know it’s important to protect myself from the sun and heat, but as an expecting mother, it's also important to protect my sweet growing babe from potentially harmful chemicals that are present in many skincare lines.  I recently had the opportunity to try Nine Naturals and really love it!  Nine Naturals is a line of 100% plant based hair and body care products specifically created with pregnant and new mothers in mind.​  All Nine Naturals products are free of toxins including sulfates, parabens, phthalates, petrochemicals and synthetic fragrances. This has been in my pool bag since the beginning of summer, and I have loved using it! I have also used it on Parker and Jolie - as it is gentle enough for their sensitive baby skin. Plus, plus?  It isn't stinky:)
3 // all about the comfy tee
This is totally a broken record, because h o w many times have I mentioned my love of the comfy tee- but now more than ever I am really appreciating it.  The entire gap pure body line is my favorite and has fit the growing bump well throughout this entire pregnancy.  I also have come to love a handful of tees I wore pre-pregnancy - but heres the thing, they still fit and are THE best.  All about the unisex fit tee!  Loved by Hannah and Eli, Ezra + Eli, and Hello Apparel are just a couple of my favorite 'small shop' brands. So - my pre pregnancy size small has worked well because I am not one to prefer the tight clothing post twin belly.
4 // summer polish
Because what is better to a pregnant woman's soul than a fresh pedi?  Essie and OPI are my typical go-to and while I am all about the warmer color tones, I love something bright and fun for summer.
5 // tums
hello, heartburn.  You have completely cramped my style these last couple months.  I have been popping Tums a couple times a day and they do the trick to hold back the burn.   I have noticed some relief since baby girl has dropped some, but I still keep them close by just in case.
6 // go with the flounce
I was standing in the bathing suit aisle at Target contemplating the purchase of a one-piece and another pregnant gal next to me was doing the same and she called me out to thank me for the handful of two piece suits I was holding in my hand.  Honestly, the one piece suit stresses me out because this bump is l a r g e and nearly impossible to cover up well enough.  So, to stay in the modest department, I prefer and have come to love the new trend of the flouncy top this summer. VS does it again with this top (I want it in every color!), this strappy flounce top is gorg for summer (and on sale), and while I love the pattern options, I'm afraid the extra weigh of the girls wont do well for this super cute top, but might work for others.  Either way - staying clear of the triangle top (thanks to my hand grabby toddlers) and thankful for the full coverage two-piece options.

What am I missing from this list?  I feel like this just about sums it up for me, of course in combination with the other favorites from my first and second trimester.

First Trimester Favorites
Second Trimester Favorites

What I Wish I'd Known..

I had to opportunity to share a tidbit of mom advice over at Grace's blog (one of my favorites!) last week and it was so funny that she asked about my own personal 'what I wish I'd known' story because it had been on my mind for several weeks leading up to the tail end of this pregnancy with baby number three. 

---

There are so many ideas/topics/words of advice I could write about in relation to new moms like "..if someone offers help, TAKE IT..and don't feel bad about it.." or .."you'll never use the bathroom alone again, so get used to that now.." but something that has remained on my mind throughout my entire (second) pregnancy and really brought to reality during this last trimester, is directly related to what I didn't remember to do during my first pregnancy with the twins.  I  absolutely failed to take time to soak in the idea of being a mom. 

a M O M.  That's huge.

The number one question I get from friends and strangers alike goes something like "I bet carrying one is soooo different from your twin pregnancy.."  Well, all things considered, yes.  I am less whale-ish, but really it was the emotional aspect of the entire thing that has caught me off guard and brought me to tears a couple times. 

Okay.  A lot of times.

It was simply the unknown surrounding my entire pregnancy the first go round that caused me to actually take a few weeks (a month?) before I  was able to realize that I was a mother.  A mother to two precious little beings that I carried, nourished, and now was flung into caring for (and keeping alive).  Motherhood is such a beautiful thing to step into, and I let myself get caught up into the 'what-ifs' of the days, weeks, and months prior to and following the birth of my girls.  For lack of a better word to describe the situation .. it was actually a JOB.  It was hard work.  From weeks 24-37 I found myself on what felt like permanent bed rest to keep them incubated until they were ready to be born.  Then it was birth.  C-section or natural - singletons or multiples, that's hard work.  We are amazing creatures to be able to endure any of that.  I realized looking back that there was a lot of recovery that took place postpartum, and not just from birth, but the hype of the last 9 months had all come to a head and here I was at the end of it now with two babies.  Of course, I wouldn't change a single thing about any of it - and if I knew how amazing this motherhood thing was going to be like, I would have figured out how to have done it sooner in life.

With all that behind me, and sort of knowing what is expected of me on delivery day and sort of having an idea of what I am doing as a new mother for the second time around, I daydream.  I daydream not about the 'what-ifs' and unknowns of pregnancy, delivery, and motherhood...

...but of her sweet little nose. 

...those squishy baby cheeks.

...what the shape of her eyes will be. 

...rubbing her teeny (and oh-so-fuzzy) baby ears. 

...and ultimately getting to hold her tight after 40 weeks of waiting. 

Moral of my sappy story: Don't get caught up in the crazy of life.  Take a moment to think about the beauty of it all. The beauty of motherhood and pregnancy.  You wont regret it. 

37 Weeks + Styled Bump // Stripes

Today is July 1st.  Its birth month, ya'll.

I still cannot believe how quickly time has flown by since finding out we were expecting on a random Saturday afternoon in November.

'Pregnancy' had become a four letter word in my book and I was so tired of the dreams and desires to continually be coupled with loss and sorrow.  And then, God chuckled at my own plans for this last year and breathed life + reality into our hopes for another baby.

Here we are.  I'm in the last days.  Thats right, days.  

f o u r t e e n days.

pocket tank c/o pink blush maternity

maxi skirt c/o pink blush maternity

How far along? 37 weeks + 2 days

Total weight gain: 24 pounds

Maternity clothes? Like I've mentioned time and time again - my all time favorite pregnancy wardrobe staple has been the maternity maxi skirt and a tank top.  My last pregnancy was spent in bed during the cooler fall and winter months with little need for trendy maternity clothes, so dealing with the need for comfort in my clothes as well as staying cool while pregnant during the heat of the Texas summer has been my priority this time around.  Maternity dresses are well and good - but the skirt gives me shape and helps to distinguish where my boobs begin and hips end.  I've been caught in a tent a time or two this last trimester, and its not super flattering.  The skirt I'm wearing by pink blush maternity is really comfy (I say that about all of them..), stretchy, and long.  I am not a short girl by any means - just under 5 feet 7 inches and this skims the floor when I wear it- the way I love it.  This maternity maxi skirt, this cute maternity dress, and this one are currently hanging in my closet and have been in regular rotation for the last 37 weeks - not to mention they are perfect for postpartum, too!

Sleep: Finding comfort has been really interesting this last month, but honestly I am sleeping really well.  I am getting into bed about 10pm and sleep until at least 4am before I wake to use the bathroom.  Naps in the afternoon are still a normal thing. 

Best moment this week: We got to peek in on our growing baby girl earlier this week! We loaded up the girls to come to the appointment with us (we usually bring them for the sonogram appointments) and the moment we pulled into the parking lot they started asking if they were getting to see "baby"  They have really made my heart explode this week with their excitement about the littlest sister.  They must know she's going to be here soon and can pick up on our excitement about it all, too.  

BABY GIRL

She is 6 1/2 pounds of baby squishy-ness with cheeks and lips for days.  She is head down and laying into the right side of my pelvis.  We did notice on the sonogram that the umbilical cord is right near the nape of her neck - and the sonographer couldn't tell if it was just laying there or if it was actually wrapped around her neck.  Parker had the same issue and she did in fact come out with the cord around her neck (twice).  I was instructed to count her kicks, and this child moves non-stop, so I would know if something was up pretty quickly.  As far as my OB can tell, the scheduled day of July 14th seems to be the d-day!  And we just cannot wait to meet her.

quilt / anthro

slouch beanies c/o sweet eloise designs // peplum tank / old navy // fox socks c/o top knots + twirls

Miss Anything? Nada

Cravings:  I have zero desire for food right now.  I don't feel the sensation of being hungry at all whatsoever and I have found myself lightheaded and feeling really sick to my stomach because I am actually hungry.  This baby girl is taking up all my space and my appetite, too.  Peanut butter + banana toast, yogurt, fruit, and cereal have been my go to.  I mentioned sushi for our last date night and Jordan about hit the roof with excitement- because, yea.. I'm ready for some sushi.

Symptoms: Heavy belly.  No appetite.  Exhaustion.  The usual. 

Looking forward to: Meeting our sweet girl.  We are so ready.  I mean, really ready.  Nursery is done- her space is just precious and I cannot wait to share.  Baby items that we lacked or needed to upgrade have been purchased.  Bags are packed.  Lets do this!

Special thank you to PinkBlush Maternity and B Faith Photography (as usual) for styling this 37 week bump!

36 Weeks

banner / little dovie  

tee // motherhood maternity

pants // maternal america

How far along? 36 weeks + 2 days

Total weight gain: 23+ pounds -- after my appointment yesterday, the belly's fundal height is measuring exactly 36 weeks.  She also, after feeling around a little, is convinced that this little girl has turned breech.  It wouldn't surprise me- she kept me up the entire night before moving her little body all over the place!  I have a sonogram scheduled for next Monday afternoon, so we shall see!  I am not doing a VBAC, so her position doesn't really matter.. but I am curious due to the fact that she's been head down for about 5 weeks already.  I know girl, I'd be tired of my sitting on your head, too. 

Maternity clothes? Nothing fits this bump unless it has side-ruching.  I try to fit into regular tees and tanks, but its laughable and clearly only acceptable amongst the family at home:)  I is SO hot these days - even if its only 95 (95 !!) degrees outside, the humidity makes it feel like 148.  Pants are optional - and that is no joke.  I am notorious for wearing sweatpants in the summer time, but not this summer.  The more lightweight the material is, the better.. including those yoga pants I'm wearing.  They are definitely a splurge (hello, Nordstrom Bucks) but I know for a fact that these will be amazing post-baby belly also.  I never stopped wearing my Gap tanks (which are 40% off right now) after pregnancy/nursing the twins.. and I have a feeling those will fall into the same line.  

Peek-a-Belly. I have thought long and hard about just giving up and wearing a tent for the next three weeks, or so.

quilt / anthropologie

Sleep: Yep.  How amazing it is to not have to deal with insomnia this time around in pregnancy. That was numero uno on my complaint list with the twins.. and I am oh-so thankful that I don't deal with that now.  I have a feeling it has to do with a couple of busy toddlers and their energy level times a billion for 99% of their wake hours.  The moment they are in bed, I am ready to hit the pillow, too!

Best moment this week: I had to take the twins with me while solo to my OB checkup  because Jordan was working.. they did SO good.  I was really impressed with my little sidekicks- because morning appointments can go a handful of ways, and most often it isn't in my favor.  I made sure to bring books and crayons for them to sprawl the exam room, but they were so interested in what my nurse and Dr. Walsh was doing pertaining to 'mama's tummy'.  Parker was the sweetest and laid her hand on my belly as we listened to the heartbeat,  and then again as Walsh measured me for growth.  She was saying her name non-stop (Dr. Walsh and her staff do know her name..) and it was just so precious.  In the last month they have really taken mind to the bump that is always in the way.. I'm curious as to how they will act once the bump is no longer an issue for them and fitting into my lap.   

Miss Anything? The usual: tummy sleeping, normal eating, being able to make it through the day without a cat nap, being heartburn-less..and basically fitting into my regular clothes with ease.

Cravings:  Nothing really new from the normal of the last 35 weeks - except I've come to desire an iced (half-caf) coffee from Starbucks.  Never been an iced coffee drinker, and it really must be beach my body reads at nine-hundred degrees and I need something to cool it down.  Oh- and we've had grilled steak twice since the weekend.  Its Wednesday.

Symptoms: Nada much to complain about really - BUT the congestion has returned.. even with the humidifier going at full blast every night.  Its super mild, and I'm assuming related to being late in my pregnancy.  I have also come to start taking off my rings before bed at night.  I'm swelling in my hands only over night and into the morning, making it so uncomfortable for the first few hours I'm awake.  If thats all I've got- I'll take it.  Braxton Hicks are becoming more regular - again, something I dealt with the twin pregnancy really earlier on (about 24 weeks), so I know the drill with these.  We've gotten to the point where her sudden movements in the womb will promote a BH.  No biggie.  Walsh did make the comment that if and when I start to have contractions that are 10 minutes apart, I needed to head to the hospital. I know thats not the normal recommendation - but with a previously high risk pregnancy under my belt, she's taking all cautions. 

Looking forward to: We have finished her nursery!  Just weeks away from her arrival.  Ok.. well- we still have no mattress to lay her on, but I picked up the bedding yesterday, which was really the final piece to the puzzle for the nursery completion.  I cannot wait to share!  I had a huge sign of her name made to hang over her crib, SO.. her nursery reveal will be post-birth, but I promise it will be quick.. because I cant hardly wait.  We hung everything on the wall over the weekend, and it totally made the room come together as complete.  Now- we just have to wait for this sweet baby girl to get here.  3 more weeks!

36 weeks / twins

35 Weeks + Styled Bump // Casual

I've been so grateful to have been able to work with many fun brands - not only for clothing and accessories special for the twins, but now for dressing this bump.  The versatility of maternity clothing has changed so much - and even since I first dressed my twin bump just about 3 years ago.

Special thank you to Motherhood Maternity, Nickel + Suede, and of course to B Faith Photography for capturing my 35 week bump! 

Whoa.  35 weeks, you guys.  

tee // hello apparel 

maxi skirt c/o motherhood  maternity 

bar necklace c/o shop shine life

How far along? 35 weeks + 1 days

Total weight gain: 23 pounds

Maternity clothes? maxi skirts and tank tops - the equivalent to pajamas in pregnancy lyfe, but easier to get away with while in public.  But, lets be real.. I would have zero shame to wear the p'jams in public, and I may have done it more than once.  Totally fine.  Trust me.  These boyfriend jeans made me nervous at first thought because I didn't want to wear anything making me look bigger than I already am.. but they are absolutely perfect and really comfortable. The looser fit makes it easy for me to get down on the toddler level.. bend for a sippy cup or kneel to clean up remnants of lunch all over the kitchen floor.  On the daily.

Sleep: Naps in the morning.  Naps mid-day.  Naps in the afternoon.. and when J is around and able to drive, I'll snooze in the car for a quick bit.  Oh- and sleeping in my own bed is fantastic as long as I'm on my left side.

Best moment this week: We went to visit Stella + JD and their sweet family to bring them a meal after having their newest addition: Magnolia (called Maggie - SO cute!).  While I was holding sweet Maggie girl, both Parker and Jolie were really interested in holding her also, touching her face and rubbing her head.  Parker kept calling her 'precious' and after Maggie yawned, Jolie giggled and said 'so cute, mama!'  Talk about confidence in these girls - I've never been so proud and excited to bring home a sibling to them is just a handful of weeks! 

Miss Anything? With having to sleep on my left side for most of the night- I am ready to sleep on my tummy again.  Now more than ever I am appreciating how much more comfortable I am to sleep on my tummy!

Cravings:  Nothing new from the normal, except I've been craving steak these last couple weeks - and we've been grilling it at least 1-2 times a week.  Pimento cheese, apples, peanut butter, Greek yogurt, sandwiches, decaf iced coffee, and carbonation. 

Symptoms:  I've been having a hard time finding a comfortable way to sit/lay/sleep.  I get nauseated/light headed really easily it seems like due to the reduced or limited blood flow to my brain if I am on my right side at all.  I got this really early on with the twins, and I'm thankful that the weight of this belly has held out until the end.  I wake at least one time a night because I am feeling sick to my stomach.. and I am almost always laying too far on my back or on my right side.  Nausea goes away almost instantly once I readjust. 

Looking forward to: I've been really stressed out about the days and process leading up to our littlest sister's arrival.  We finally have a game plan for how it will go the night before and the day of.. but up to this point, thinking about how we want to introduce her to the twins, wondering how it will go, worrying about the girls seeing me in the hospital and 'sick' and not in my normal state.. and not to mention that I have become really emotional about it.  I'm literally brought to tears when I have to think about that day the three sisters meet.  While this could easily turn into something of negative- I am so excited and trying to think about the positive.  I am not the first person in the entire world to birth and have to bring a second (third) baby into the house.. so I know it won't be a complete disaster and we will all survive:) 

leather earrings + fringe cuff c/o nickel + suede 

undershirt tank // gap maternity

mama bear tank // loved by hannah + eli

distressed boyfriend jeans c/o motherhood maternity

If you haven't seen or don't follow me (@masseya) on Instagram.. you don't want to miss the giveaway happening right now with the talented duo of (@bfaithphotographydfw) B Faith Photography!  

We are giving away a free (30 minute) mini session of your choice! 

Giveaway ends Thursday, June18th and the winner will be announced on Friday:)

35 weeks // twins