Bumpdate: Week 21

Size of baby: a large banana, approx. 12.7 ounces

Total weight gain:  8-9 pounds

Maternity clothes: I purchased a few more Liz Lange tanks from Target for layering and a large cowl necked sweater.  Otherwise I'm trying to hold out for Black Friday deals.  I'm really need pants though, we have to do a lot of washing to make sure I have clothes for the entire week.

Gender: #babygirlmama

Nursery: We have moved everything out of the spare room except the large pieces of furniture.  Woot!  Uh, now we just have to organize it into a functional bedroom/office upstairs.  We have the layout  and we both have an idea of the items we need to purchase.  I made a few photo frames this week too - Pinterest inspiration.

Sleep:  Sometimes.  I nap fairly well.  There are nights that take forever to fall asleep and some times I wake up and play on my phone in the middle of the night until I'm drowsy.

What I miss:  Sleeping on my back.

Cravings:  Peanut M&Ms.  Orange juice.  Trident cinnamon gum- this is a biggie.

Other symptoms:  I've had some short of breath, especially if I eat a large meal.  Some mild back pain, especially if I've been walking most of the day.  My bras are getting too tight and I've warned R that a shopping trip may be in order in a few weeks.  I don't want to buy too many though as I've heard your size can vary quite a bit in the final trimester and while nursing.

Best moments so far:  Feeling her move!  Lots of flutters and little kicks (usually to my bladder).  I feel more when I'm laying down on my side.  R's company had a banquet to recognize individuals who have performed well this year and they gave out a ton of awards - we were able to travel to Charlotte for the night and it was a blast.  The dinner itself was yummy and we spent the entire next day shopping for our girl.  Oh yes and we call her by her name now.

Linkup: Stocking Stuffers

These are a few of my favorite things holiday linkup party, stocking edition...

Here are my top picks:

• Chocolates!  Lindt is sold everywhere and enjoyed by most.  The more special the chocolate, the more fun it is to eat.
• Makeup is always an exciting and welcomed gift - basics like mascara, nail polish, lipstick are easy go-tos.  I chose Tarte Amazonian Clay Powderful because it's an awesome product that I would want in my stocking. There are a ton of gift sets out right now though, Ulta and Sephora make shopping for women an easy task.
• For the special dog in your life, Whimzees are a fan favorite.  Our Lady love is a big, BIG fan.
• I like buying water bottles, mugs, and tumblers for stockings.  I gave R a coffee travel coffee mug last year that he uses several times a week. Something like this is a more unusual pick - the Citrus Zinger, for yummy water on the go.
• A Lowes gift card is usually a safe bet, doesn't everyone like Lowes?
• I always put lotion in my moms stocking.  She prefers something a bit heavier like Cerave, however I tried this scent at B&BW and received a free full size with a recent mailer promotion and I loved it.
• My Lilly has a drawer full of pretty collars, I like to make sure she has a good variety.
• Cozy socks usually end up in my stocking and I always give a pair to my mom - it's a standard and loved gift. These are fleece lined and inexpensive.
• Moroccan Oil is a great gift anyone's stocking.  Even my husband has used it to smooth his beard and my hairstylist swears that it works in every hair texture.

What are you favorite stocking stuffer picks? Link up with our sweet hostesses so we can all share ideas!

Five on Friday

It's Friday, y'all know how we do.

Almost here...just a few more days until T-Day.  Starting with the Macy's parade and ending with a nap before an all night shopping bender.  We are celebrating with my family this year and I simply can not be more excited! I'm making a Snickers Cheesecake dessert as well as a classic Chess Pie for the big day.  I can't wait to lapse into mashed potato coma while R is outside shooting.  Thanksgiving was made for preggo girls!

And moving on to our dog's Thanksgiving dinner.  Our sweet girl came to us from the rescue on a grain free diet that we have continued.  However she was having chronic yeast infections in her ear so we have switched her over to a potato free diet as well.  This brand was recommended on so many message boards for helping with systemic yeast that we decided to give it a go.  I'm happy to report that Lady has had fewer problems with her ears and she smells better overall.  Bonus: we order from Chewy and they deliver it for free to our home in 2 days.

This nail color.  I've been wearing it for weeks and it's the perfect shade of dark cherry red with a creamy formula that only requires two thin coats.  I love it for Fall and it will transition perfectly into Winter.

Cocoa.  Since I can't have an afternoon cocktail or a weekend spritzer this is my nightcap of choice.  And I'm a really picky cocoa drinker, most brands have no flavor but this is really delicious.  It's even better with marshmallows, but we are all out right now.  #sosad

Project for Baby Girl's room.  R worked on this ruler for her wall and I love it!  We took inspiration here and I ordered a vinyl pack on groupon from this seller.  The first pack had several pages of vinyl that would not peel off the paper, I contacted her and she sent out a new pack ASAP.  It's so cute I can't get over it. Our little nugget is only about 12 inches long now but eventually we will be able to mark her height here.

Linkups galore, join one, join all!

Bumpdate: Week 20

Size of baby:  a small cantaloupe, approx 6.5 inches.

Total weight gain: 8 pounds up and still gaining

Maternity clothes: Yes. Yes. Yes.  I purchased another top but I'm desperately trying to hold out for black Friday before buying any more items. It's getting cold and I'm layering as best I can but I need some sweaters.  Thank goodness a friend of mine shared some of her clothes with me so I have a dress to wear to a banquet next week - otherwise it was going to be a mad rush to find something.  I bought a pair of maternity tights to wear with it, I'm praying they are semi comfortable.

Gender: It's a girl, I'm still amazed!  We are calling her by name and we even include her in conversation.

Nursery: We solidified our wall colors and bought a rug and a lamp.  We have some wall art framed and mirrors to hang.  I've had the most fun buying goodies for the baby!  My mother in law has graciously offered to buy our nursery bedding after the holidays.  It seems like it's all coming together now!

Sleep: I feel her moving at night and it takes me a while to fall asleep.  I have some trouble getting comfortable but once I'm out, I'm down for the count.

What I miss: R's family is having an oyster roast for Thanksgiving and I'm sad that I can't participate (truthfully I'm not sure if I can stomach them right now or not).  I miss wine and cocktails only because I'm seeing everyone pinning these awesome holiday drink concoctions lately. I miss sleeping on my stomach and back the most!

Cravings: Tomato soup.  Bagelwiches.  Orange Juice. Clementines. Chocolate Milk.

Other symptoms: Reflux, horrible reflux.  I felt like my throat was on fire Monday and Tuesday and I struggled to drink water.  I tried a simple BRATT diet for a day hoping to get it under control but finally I gave in and took a Zantac 75.  My baby needs food and we both need fluids so it was worth it, I called my OB and ok'ed it first.  Tums wasn't cutting it anymore! I have some pulling pains but nothing that I can't tolerate.  It's getting really difficult to bend over so that's going to create some new challenges.  I've had some food aversion this week to pork and red meat, neither appeals to me in the slightest.

Best moments so far: Oh baby, I can feel her move now - mostly on my left side.  I can tell when she is awake and the feelings are a lot stronger than they were a week ago.  There have been a lot of great moments, I think it's real for R now that he knows the gender and he has been talking to her more and kissing my belly goodnight.  It's incredibly sweet!

Linkup: These are a few of my favorite things...

Christmas 2014 edition

Bath and Body Works Flannel candle.  One scent that hubs and I can agree on.  I had heard that some stores were already sold out but I've seen plenty of them, thank goodness.  I can't describe it other than "warm" and "clean".  It's great for people who aren't into traditional woodsy or sweet bakery smells of the holidays.

Williams Sonoma Spoon set.  Oh how I want these!  We need to replace our current set with something more sturdy and permanent.  Only at that price I'm going to be asking for them as gifts.  I love asking for household items for holidays.

Plum Pretty Sugar Robe.  Because its plum pretty.  And also cozy.

Lilly Pulitzer Murfee Scarf in Lilly Loves Hope.  So pretty and worth wearing all season and any occasion.

Liz Lange Maternity sweater from Target.  Because it's getting cold y'all!

Wilton Armetale Crab Chip and Dip Platter.  I'm looking for any and every excuse to use this.  I have crabs dotted around my kitchen.  Oh and I love crab.  But I also love that you can use this for non crab dips as well.  It's perfect!

Tarte Lights Camera Lashes.  I love Tarte! Fantastic mascara and a treat to get something a bit more high end.  I usually buy L'Oreal mascara that works great but I will pick this one up every once and a while.

Skip Hop Duo French Stripe diaper bag.  Because I'm trying style around an infant in the upcoming months.  And diaper bags are ugly in general, but this one I can stomach. It's pretty and doesn't scream frilly or baby.

Croft and Barrow printed pajamas.  Horribly pixelated picture, sorry.  Kohls has some good pajamas though and great prices on black Friday.  I can't wait to pick up a pair in a larger size to accommodate my growing bump.

I hope you liked the peek into my wish list, I can't wait to see what everyone else is asking for!  Want to join the party?  See the invitation below and join April, Elise, Zelle, and Katie for their link-up party.

The Nursery To Do List:

Oh me, oh my!  Just a few short months before we meet our baby girl and so many items to mark off this list so we can get her nursery in order.  She will not be sleeping in there for several months but we will use it for feedings, changing, etc.  I've been working on it already and we have a timeline but sharing it on the blog keeps me accountable!  I'll share the finished product at the end!

Paint the walls.
Order rug.
Order bedding.
Order and assemble crib.
Find a mattress and cover.
Buy a trash can to contain those dirty nappies.
Buy a lamp and shade.  - I still need a shade!
Buy a nightlight.
Closet organization.
Drawer Organization.
Book display and storage.
Refinish nightstand in white.
Refinish dresser in white.
Purchase new knob and pulls for furniture.
Special wall art.
Purchase picture frames.
Order a glider.
Find a matching throw.
Set up a changing station.
Buy and hang curtains.
Wash the linens.

Of course it all has to come together in a cute way. I have a handful of DIY items that I will probably knock out next week but most of the bigger refinishing projects are on R's list.  Looking at it makes me cringe a bit...so much to do and so little time to get it done

Five on Friday

My favorite things this week...

1.  Nantucket Grill in Raleigh.  Yum yum!  Our manager treated us to this deliciousness at our monthly meeting and it did not disappoint.  I want to take R  here to eat so he can taste just how fabulous their macaroni and cheese casserole really is. And the dessert!  I had a piece of banana nut bread and it was amazing.  This preggo girl was very very happy after this meal.

2.  Zantac 75.  Because I can't live with reflux.  Earlier this week I couldn't drink water without feeling that awful burning.  Most acid reducing medication is considered safe in pregnancy but it didn't make me feel any better about taking it.  However I have to be able to eat and drink and work without feeling like I'm about to be sick.  I started with one tablet a day and I'll increase to two if necessary. So far it's much better.

3.  Lilly Pulitzer 2014-2015 large agenda in Trippin and Sippin.  Yep, I went back to my trusty Lilly planner.  I looked at a lot of planners. A. Lot. But this one had everything I wanted, sturdy binding, a place for notes and birthdays, and monthly/daily sections.  I don't do the crafty, washi tape decorating in my notes and truthfully I don't even use the stickers that Lilly provides but I do love the pretty designs on the page.  I missed it this year with my Kate Spade planner.  I also noticed that my Kate Spade planner didn't hold up as well - the binding or the design on the outside.  I heavily use my planner and it needs to be able to stand up to frequent daily use.

4.  This scarf from Target has been shown on so many blogs recently, but I didn't think much of it until I walked by it in the store.  It's perfect for Winter and I'm considering wearing it in our Christmas photo.  I realize that I'm late on that bandwagon, we have GOT to get our holiday picture done soon.  It hasn't been cold enough to wear it yet but with the chill from Thursday afternoon I have a feeling I'll be wearing it this weekend.

5.  Black Friday baby!  The countdown has begun and now that I know my sweet nugget is a girl I can plan to go on a spree for her.  The first circulars went out this week for the big holiday weekend sales and I'm expecting more in my inbox next week.  I have already starting mapping a plan, a list, and a budget.  There are so many things that I want to get RIGHT NOW but I'm trying to hold off a couple more weeks hoping that it will pay off in the end.  R and I have busy upcoming week and weekend so I'm glad I can start planning early.

Thanks to all the hostesses this week!

Bumpdate: Week 19

Size of the baby:  A mango!

Total weight gain:  Anywhere between 6 and 8 pounds

Maternity clothes:  I'll be in them for a while.  I can still wear a few non maternity items from my closet but I like the extra room in my maternity tops.

Gender:  Baby Girl!  We have a name but we aren't sharing it openly until the birth.  Friends and family know though and everyone seems to love it.

Nursery:  We can finally start!  I've got big plans for Black Friday shopping.  BIG.  PLANS.

Sleep: This week was not a good one for sleeping.  We were so busy cleaning and finishing projects to get ready for our  reveal party and my mind raced at night.  At some point I realized that I'm almost half way through with my pregnancy and I feel I'm so behind!  We want to finish a registry before Christmas and we've spent our evenings doing a lot of baby item research.

What I miss:  Sleep.  The mimosas on reveal day were looking really good too.

Cravings.  Orange juice, chocolate milk, Ritz crackers, and clementines but only at night.

Other symptoms:  Leg Cramps!  They hit me in the early morning.  I'm also getting up a lot in the middle of the night.  It's probably lack of sleep but I'm exhausted by 4 pm - the time change does not help.

Best moments so far:  We finished painting an accent wall in our living room, our spare bathroom, and the dining room.  The house was spotless for the party - a big deal since R was in charge of most of the cleaning from in first trimester.  I did the cleaning this week while he finished the painting.  Oh and of course finding out our baby's gender!  To celebrate, I ordered the first of many monogrammed items for our daughter.

Our Gender Reveal

On November 8 we invited our family and close friends to join us and find out the gender of our nugget together.  We kept it small and simple but full of love.  We even got a bit emotional over how excited everyone is to meet our sweet baby!  On the menu - deviled eggs, cheeseball and crackers, chips and dip, ham sandwiches, vegetables and dip, and lemon cupcakes.  We had mimosas and lemonade for everyone to enjoy.  My friend Katie brought the box full 'o balloons to answer our burning question.  Is baby Johnson a boy?  Or a girl?

Bumpdate: Week 18

*playing catch up this week so two bumpdates will be posted!

Size of the baby:  Our little bit was 8 ounces at our 18 week ultrasound appointment.  My app says it's about the size of a boneless chicken breast.

Total weight gain:  up 6 pounds from my pre-pregnancy weight

Maternity Clothes: Yep.  They are just more comfortable.  As soon as I'm home though, I switch to loungewear.

Gender: Baby showed the goods at our appointment and the proof was delivered to my best friend for safe keeping.  She will keep the secret until our gender reveal on November 8.

Movement:  My flutters feel more like dull vibrations.  I was told at my ultrasound that my placenta is anterior so I may not feel strong movements until closer to 26 weeks.

Nursery:  Our ideas are ready to go, we just need to know if we are using shades of pink or shades of blue.

Sleep: Not going well.  I'm uncomfortable at night and I still get up a lot to use the bathroom.  I'm loving my bumpnest - which I'll probably do a quick review of soon. I'm also loving thin sleep shirts because I alternate hot and cold all night long.  Sometimes we use a fan and sometimes we have to use an extra quilt.

What I miss:  A more extensive wardrobe, my options are more limited these days -especially pants.

Cravings:  Clementines, orange juice, peanut m&ms.  I won't say no to a milkshake.

Other symptoms:  I have felt well overall.  I get headaches some afternoons but they are bearable, this isn't uncommon for me when the weather changes.

Best moments so far:  I've had more energy and we have started "deep cleaning" and organizing the house.  R has had a lot of projects to get ready for our gender reveal party.  We have planned our party food and purchased a few decorations so we can celebrate with family.  I was also able to participate in Halloween at work by wearing a festive shirt made using these instructions.  Cheap and easy!

The very best moment was our ultrasound on Halloween.  R was finally able to see the baby on the big screen which he has not been able to see since I was 8 weeks pregnant.  We got to see all the important "inner workings" of our darling - healthy heart, healthy spinal cord, healthy brain, and all organs are in the appropriate place.  It was the very best news!