Friday, Friday, Friday!

It's my favorite day of the week again! (seriously, I think I'm literally wishing my life away just dreaming of Fridays..)


Here are my five things this week....

{one}

Dottie

This week our family said goodbye to a very special lady, my husband's grandmother. Unfortunately, I was unable to fly back up to South Carolina for the services, but Stephen was.  She had a strong, feisty personality and always gave us a good laugh with her stories and demeanor.  Her favorite cocktail was Johnny Walker Blue Label (I think over ice) and so in her memory, Stephen used his birthday money from Grandma and bought a bottle to toast her. We're so sad she won't get to meet little Beckett, but glad we got to see her over Christmas. I know she'll be watching from heaven as our little boy enters this world, and joins the Daniel clan.

{two}

Baby Monitor - Summer Infant BabyZoom WiFi Monitor arrived this week!

My husband rarely interferes in most things I purchase (wedding, registries, bedding, all me.). Sure, he'll look at things or go with me to the store for moral support, but for the most part he lets me pick stuff out. (He literally played on his phone the entire time I was buying the baby glider - then looked up at the end and said, "yep, I think that's good." However, when it comes to electronics - he not only has an opinion, he has a strong one. So when I started looking at baby monitors he had very specific requests. He wanted one with remote viewing - and there are not many monitors that do this. In addition to remote viewing, we also wanted to be able to have a normal viewing screen that did not utilize WiFi - in case we were at the mountain house or in a location where there is no WiFi.  So we went with the Summer Infant Baby Zoom WiFi monitor. It's a little pricey but it's got great features. I'll be doing a review of it in an upcoming post - but the bottom line - its super easy to install, and so far we really like it.

{three}

Lindsey Graham's Potential Presidential Run

One of my favorite Senators (I interned for him) has put together an political organization called "Security Through Strength" to test the waters for a presidential run. The GOP field is rather crowded at the moment in the 'actually smart' category between Mitt Romney, Jeb Bush and now perhaps Graham - so I'm a little torn as to who I might support. The good news is, hopefully having a third legitimate candidate will drown out all the stupid coming from crazy-town over in the far right corner  of the right wing (Cruz, Huckabee, Santorum, Perry...the list goes on).

{four}

My Liz and Roo Baby Bedding Arrived!

Several months ago I won a 4 piece bumperless package of bedding from Liz and Roo. Carried by boutique stores primarily in the southeast, this brand is all made in America and carries the cutest fabrics and designs.  I blogged about my options and after MONTHS of agonizing I finally placed my order! So, now I have my bedding (but no crib) so that's one less thing I need! I left the pictures on my camera, so I'll have to post those later!

{five}

blablakids stuffed dolls

I know my child is still 60 something days from being born, and then probably another 9-12 months away from being able to play with stuffed toys but I couldn't resist this. I adore blablakids knitted dolls and knew I wanted one for little Beckett. The only downside to this adorable little toys is the price tag. $44 is the cheapest blabla, but I still think they are totally worth it. My sister-in-law's twin boys each had a blabla when they were little and I fell in love with them! They were small and easy to carry for a child but also easy to wash and keep clean. This week my mom bought my favorite one (because we are obsessed with foxes, I guess its a shiba thing) for little Beckett -- I can't wait for it to arrive!!

That's my five for this week, what's yours?

30 Week Bumpdate

As promised, here is the 30 week 'bumpdate' on Baby Beckett!

30 Weeks

Weight Gain: Haven't checked in a couple weeks but somewhere near 20 pounds

How Far Along: 30 Weeks

Size of Baby: Size of a hot house cucumber (I assume they mean lengthwise??) About 15.2- 16.7 inches long and between 2.5-3.8 pounds!

Gender: A very active boy!

Movement: Just like I imagine his Daddy was as a child, he is a very active! Last week I experienced hiccups, which was a rather crazy feeling, I had to have a mommy friend explain to me what it was!  I think he is sitting very low and far back, as he tends to spend his days beating on organs that I am unable to identify, but assume to be part of my lower digestive track (if you catch my drift).

Sleep: Sleeping great, and with the help of the snoogle, have managed to stay on my side or some variation of it.

Workouts: Not really happening so much...but when it does, I do Tracy Anderson Pregnancy Project or general workouts at the gym (lunges, stationary bike, dead lifts with light weights, squats etc)

Maternity Clothes: For the most part...The shirt I'm wearing in my 30 week pic is actually a non-maternity dress...Today I'm wearing a non maternity sweater dress - so it just depends, really! Pants are pretty much always maternity though. (Except my Victoria's Secret fleece sweatpants...the boyfriend fit is perfect for the belly, and I really want them in about 10 more colors).

Symptoms: Not to be one of those annoying pregnant girls, but I don't really have anything to report. Besides the weird movement in my stomach, I feel pretty normal. I have had some skin issues, an increase of capillary marks showing up on my chest and arms (had this pre-pregnancy now its just worse - its phenomenal, really). Not gonna lie though - I'd take swelling any day over having the weird skin rash that will likely NOT go away. 

Cravings/Aversions: Nope. I honestly have gone right back to my normal eating habits. By the time I got through the sickly part of pregnancy (at about 14-16 wks) I was back to eating just 3 meals a day - same portions etc. I haven't been super hungry at all! I have been indulging in more dairy/milk as of late. My pregnancy has somehow cured my minor lactose intolerance, so I'm enjoying all the milk I can for now! I did find out that I am anemic, so I've used that as an excuse to eat as much beef as I can.

Missing Most: Sleeping flat on my back. My flat tummy. (But I LOVE my nice nails :) ) I don't really miss anything, as I haven't really deprived myself during this pregnancy. My doctor and I both have a pretty laid back approach to pregnancy and so I generally haven't changed my diet besides drinking regularly.  Once I got used to not having that evening glass of wine, I was over it -- that was really the toughest part.

Side Note: One lesson that I have learned while pregnant is that there really is no "safe" foods. If you're going to eat out (and face it, you will) you're going to run the risk of being exposed to something that might make you sick. Two weeks ago, I was served TOTALLY RAW chicken at Buffalo Wild Wings. Thank God I could see it before I put a single bite in my mouth. It just goes to show that you can stress all day long about whether or not that sushi roll will make you sick, and then have end up being served something 'safe' like fried chicken that just so happens to be raw in the middle, and get salmonella. That's just my non-medical opinion - but always, always, always consult your doctor for his/her opinion.

Nursery: So about that.... I might be the ONLY mommy to be on the planet that's not really getting into this. I ordered my glider from Bellini, and I have a bassinet and an assortment of 'must haves'. However I've yet to figure out where any of it will go. I started a small organization project on Monday...you'll see a post about it soon...

Hubby: He might be the most excited one of all, and tells me almost daily that he can't wait for the baby to come!

Now, we just have to settle on a middle name, because we're down to 69 days and still in a gridlock....

Here are some progress shots from along the way....

(NOTE: Sorry about how crazy the pictures are lined up, I couldn't get them to center properly and so I gave up. Next thing on my list is to learn how to make photo collages for blogs...)

8 Weeks

11 Weeks

18 Weeks

20 Weeks

21 Weeks

23 Weeks

26 Weeks

27 Weeks

30 Weeks

Finally Friday!

I'm aware it was a short week. I'm also aware that most people don't 'get' MLK day off...however, this 4 day week has yet somehow been so. incredibly. long.

So, in celebration of the end of the longest short week ever, here is my Friday Five.

{ONE}

Lilly Pulitzer Planners

I've got a ton of dates and things to remember this year between Junior League, and life in general, so I decided to get a planner for 2015. And, not just any planner, a Lilly one. Just because it makes me happy. (and because I've been DYING to buy a Lilly sundress since September...she really needs a maternity line).

{TWO}

New Stationery!

This week I finally got my new stationery. I haven't ordered a set since I got married, and I'm just about out of it. Crane's stopped carrying the print that I used before (not cool) so I had to start from scratch. I bought 2 styles - I'm IN LOVE with one, and ok on the other. I'm not sure everyone else out there gets the importance of nice personalized stationery. It might be my favorite thing on the planet. My sister just got engaged and I immediately started strategizing how much 'maiden name' stationery she would need, and then how much married stationery she would need. She told me she likes to get the clearance packs at Michael's for $8. Dagger. Through. The. Heart. (I mean really.) I think its fun to have pretty personalized stationery, but I think it also says a lot to hte person that you are giving it to. Not only did you take the time to personally thank the person, but you chose to do it using stationery that you clearly thought a lot (and perhaps spent a lot) about. Maybe it's just me. It might be. But if I could letterpress every piece of paper I own, I would.

{THREE}

KaBoom! Playground Project

KaBoom! is a nonprofit organization that works with other groups to provide 'grants' in the form of playgrounds.  Palm Beach County is one of the said recipients of one of these grants and this week we have been working on prepping the site for the new playground build day on Saturday! The neat part about this project, is that it completely involves the community. Our Parks staff could easily install a playground with 20 guys in one day. Instead, this project has about 200 community volunteers come together and take ownership of their neighborhood park, and build the playground with the help of our staff and other construction volunteers. I'll be sure to add some pictures of the build day!

{FOUR}

Maternity Jumpsuits

I'm not sure if you noticed in yesterday's post, but I totally wore a maternity jumpsuit to my baby shower. I wanted something that was fun and trendy (and not another stretchy tshirt and leggings, or another stretchy tube dress) It didn't always photograph as well as I *think* it looked in person, but I still loved it nonetheless. I bought at Asos on sale for $28.43. So, if any of you pregnant ladies are looking for something stylish that has the comfort of a onesie, this is your outfit. One note - I think it would have been cuter had mine been a tad smaller - but oddly enough this ran large. I bought the size 6 the model was wearing (which usually is small on me, their sizing is super tiny) but I should have probably gotten a 4. I didn't receive it until 1 day before my flight, so I took a risk and wore it slightly big. (For reference, I'm typically a 2 in most american sizes/brands - in Asos I'm usually a 4 or 6)

{FIVE}

Girl Scout Cookie Time!

Yesterday I caught wind of a Girl Scout Mama in my office. Mothers of Girl Scouts ALWAYS have cookies at work, and this lady got me the hook up. I've already eaten most of a box of Samoas..(turns out that's about 980 calories down the hatch in an hour) and hid a box at work. Then I took 1 Samoa, and 1 Thin Mint home. Stephen doesn't understand my sweet tooth. :)

That's it for me this week...what are your Five this week?

A Shower For Beckett!

This past weekend I flew home to Greenville, where some of my close friends and family threw me the cutest little baby shower for Beckett! I can hardly believe that he will be here in just a few more months! It was so great to see all of my friends in one place, and to celebrate our growing family. It's becoming more real everyday, and this definitely made it seem all the more so!

A special thanks goes out to Ellen, Kelly, Natalie, Ridgley, Kate, Kerry, Brelan & Elizabeth for planning such a special day!!

Here are some of my favorite shots from the party...

The Classic 'bootie' petite fours 

Guest book and adorable cake!

The cutest cake EVER... (from the Bakery off Augusta)

Gourmet Coffee Bar

The 'guest book' was "If You Give a Mouse a Cookie" and everyone wrote sweet notes to Baby Beckett!

 Sweetest little pair of shorts, I love them!

My gracious hostesses gave me this adorable Moses Basket!

Kerry, Jen, myself, and Brelan

Ridgley, myself, Jamie, and Elizabeth

My Great Aunt Louise, myself, my sister Ridgley, and my mom

One of my favorites, my college friends trying to feel little Beckett wriggle around!

It's only a matter of time now, and I can't wait to meet the little (active) guy!

Thoughts for Thursday: All My Children Super Fan gets the "Susan Lucci"

Perhaps the #1 best part of being pregnant is the fact that my nails have grown to be long and gorgeous. (Albeit, lately not so practical). Since my baby shower in Greenville is this weekend, I took the opportunity to have a nice manicure done at my salon and spa - Cosmo & Company.  I was placed with a new manicurist that had recently come over to Cosmo's because her salon on the Island had closed. I have always been a fan of color, but sometimes I really just want something basic and natural looking. For my wedding, I had an 'American' manicure and wanted to get that again. The lady I went to suggested that I try something that she used to do for this other client of hers (this lady named Susan Lucci?!?!) that also liked natural looking nails.

Example of an American Manicure

The manicurist used a vegan base coat of polish that was clear and helped to give a little extra support from breakage, and make them appear to be a little thicker.  The best part about this manicure is that it was entirely dry in just FIVE minutes. It was amazing, and I think this might be the first time that I haven't smudged a manicure. I'm hooked.

Eileen used two Essie colors on my nails - first a layer of Waltz across the entire nail, followed by a coat of mademoiselle.

Waltz

Mademoiselle

Here's what the final product (dubbed the Susan Lucci by Eileen) looked like:

(and by the way, photographing my hands makes me super self conscious...I need to get serious about moisturizing. #nohandmodelinginmyfuture)

This may become my new bad habit...

Green Smoothie for dinner

As of late I've been craving anything with greek yogurt and fruit, and after seeing this recipe on a food blog I follow, I decided to use it as an inspiration and make one myself. (Also, side note, this is the first blog post I've written using photos from my new fancy camera. I'm still trying to figure it out, but its a MAJOR improvement to my ancient Samsung S3 or old point and shoot photos!)

Tonight I wasn't terribly hungry and wanted something light, so I made this for dinner:

Recipe:

4-5 leaves of Organic Kale
1/4 of a granny smith apple (peeled, cut up)
1/4 C of coconut flakes (or less -  I just eyeballed it)
1/2 scoop of protein powder  (I use Jay Robb's All Natural Egg White - unflavored)
3/4 C of skim milk
4 large Tbsp of unflavored greek yogurt (for added protein)
6-7 ice cubes
dash of cinnamon
honey
1 banana

Ingredients in the blender, Downton Abbey on the TV in the living room...

All smooth. (Yes, those are Christmas lights next door, and yes we're still halfway decorated... #cantletgooftheholidays)

I started with the coconut, ice, and protein powder in the bottom of the blender followed by the kale. Its important to add the coconut flakes first because they can add a grainy texture if not blended enough. At the bottom, they will get the most contact with the blades. Next I added the milk so that it would start to dissolve the protein powder while I measured and included the other ingredients. I added honey to the desired sweetness - I have a hard time with the taste of kale so I added extra honey! Taste it occasionally, and adjust ingredients as needed - originally the taste of kale was too strong so I added some more milk, honey, and yogurt. I adapted this recipe to include more protein than a normal smoothie so that I could ensure that I'd be full enough.  This ended up making a little more than 2 tervis tumblers of smoothie - I drank them both!

Thoughts for Thursday: You Need This.

We had an amazing holiday with both of families (very lucky this year!) and while we got a lot of great gifts, there is one in particular that I got that I think might be one of the most useful things I've gotten in a while. (Sans things like baby bathtubs, bassinets, and diaper bags...we all know those will be useful).

My mother in law gave me a travel set of hair tools by CHI. When I opened it, I was excited, but the longer I thought about it, the more I realized what an awesome gift it was. I am not one of those people that was blessed with hair that naturally dries straight, smooth, and shiny. At any one time, 20% of my hair is trying to curl, 40% is trying to stay straight, and then the entire top layer is a combination, exacerbated by frizz. Its a hot mess. Needless to say, when I travel I make do with at least a dryer, but I really need a dryer and a flat iron. And if I have something nice to go to, a curling iron. Or rollers. This hair is high maintenance. The challenge of needing all of these tools is always fitting them into a suitcase. I can easily fit my clothing and shoes in a carry on...it's the toiletries that are the deal breakers. Until now. Behold, the Ultra CHI Travel Tool Kit.

This set, sold at Ulta, comes with a hairdryer strong enough to dry this head of hair (usually the small ones are powerful enough for me) and it comes with 2 attachments - including a diffuser! (Have you ever tried to pack a giant diffuser?? No bueno.) All three tools are travel sized and fit easily into your suitcase, saving SO much space, and are top of the line salon products. 

You need it. Invest.

2015 and I'm back!

I took a longer than expected holiday vacay from blogging, but it was necessary. The week before Christmas I found myself experiencing just how bad any sickness can be when you're pregnant - and it turns out pregnancy bronchitis is the absolute pits. The week of Christmas we traveled home to South Carolina, and the whirlwind trip left me absolutely exhausted. Major recovery required.

2015 has me thinking a lot about resolutions and goals - like just about every other person on the planet. This year is packed with absolute mayhem for our family - a new baby, new jobs, a probable move, and now a family wedding! With all of that, I found it hard to fathom what my resolutions could possibly be...besides facing all of that without having some sort of colossal meltdown. Bearing this in mind, I've come up with the following....


1. Be mindful of the fact that I am not in control.
Last week my friend Jen posted something on her Instagram that really spoke to me. The quote came from her morning devotional: "Your rest is not to be found in figuring your life out, but in trusting the One who has it all figured out for your good and His glory." The next 12 months are 100% out of my hands. The birth of my child. Who will he be? Will he be a sleeper? Or will he be sick and colicky? You name it, I've been trying to plan for it. The thing is, there really is no way to be prepared, no way to know what life will hold. All I can do is to have faith, and trust in the plan that has already be set in place. (Easier said than done, right?)

2. Learn to enjoy the moment.
I'm so very guilty of constantly looking toward the next thing - the next beach trip, trips home for a wedding, holidays, baby showers. I wake up Monday, thinking about Friday. Counting down to the next weekend, in a sense, wishing away my life. I feel like my pregnancy has flown by, next week I start my third trimester - the last leg. In some ways I find myself wishing away the next 13 weeks to when I can wear my clothes again, love the way my body looks when I pass a mirror, or just have glass of wine (or 4). But lately, I've been encouraging myself to enjoy the sensation of feeling a life inside of me - and being able to calm him by merely touching my stomach. I should enjoy the quiet evenings, and late morning snoozes (I think I'll miss them more than I missed wine over the last 26 weeks). These last few weeks mark a time in my life that I won't really be able to experience ever again - the freedom to pick up and take a trip, or buy myself a new handbag without feeling guilty. I want to soak up every last bit of the next 13 weeks and savor each moment. Once my son is here, life will be irrevocably changed - and I hope I can then remember to savor each memory and milestone, instead of looking forward to when he's able to talk...or use a toilet...or be self sufficient in general :)

3. Be patient.
My greatest flaw (in my opinion) is my inability to handle the frustration that comes my from general impatience. Perhaps this contributes to my constant need to look forward to the next big thing. This year I hope to learn to take a breath, and relax before I respond. I am quick to snap when I'm annoyed - and this year its my goal to stop it. (Perhaps I should have conquered this before I decided to have a child...)

I opted to stop there, because for me, these 3 things are HUGE. I'm hoping that by writing them down, and sending them out into cyber space that I can somehow better hold myself accountable for these goals. Bring it on 2015. :)

Preparing for Beck...