Outfit Post: 31 Weeks

Last night, we planned a little family date to spend some extra special time with Aurora before her little sister arrives and everything changes. We got takeout from our favorite Italian spot, popped into 7-11 for free Slurpees, and then when to our favorite park/playground. It was a great evening together, and Aurora and I got a little dressed up for the occasion.

 Outfit details:  dress-Gap (thrifted!), belt-vintage, wedges-AE (thrifted), bracelet/earrings-gifts

I am suddenly struck by the size of my belly--I went to put on a few different tanks this week, and it kept popping out!  Hence, the maxi dress.  We're in the home stretch--can't wait to meet this little lady!

The 31 Week Rundown 

Baby Size:  A head of lettuce.

Feeling: Heavier/bigger. I can feel her moving around a lot and taking up a lot of space! I've been having to eat smaller snacks/meals since I get full so easily.  I have been sleeping a little better, thanks to my back rest. I've also been feeling very nest-y.

Weight gain: Official weigh-in next week at my doctor appointment, but based on the home scale, we're at about +11 pounds now.

Cravings/Aversions: Snapple Peach Iced Tea. Watermelon. Nectarines. Chopped salads. 

Preparations:  Organized clothes by size and started washing some things/planning our space/figuring out some purchases.  Working on organizing and cleaning out upstairs office (yay, nesting!). This weekend, we have a little refinishing project to work on and some more cleaning/organizing.

I'm so happy it's Friday! We need a laid back weekend at home to get stuff done.

xo,

Amanda

Outfit Post: 30 Weeks

Seeing the number of weeks go from the 20s to the 30s is...wild!  I actually had an appointment a week ago where they moved my due date up 4 days (Yay!). So today, I'm officially 29 weeks and 6 days, so we're gonna call it 30 weeks, since this is technically the 30th week I've been pregnant.

The belly is definitely, definitely growing. I've grown out of a few maternity things, so I'm figuring out how to make other pieces work in the sweltering heat. This set of pics is another of my favorites. My husband is really getting the hang of this whole photography thing.

 Outfit details:  dress-thrifted, boots-thrifted, earrings-random, statement ring-vintage

And here's the rundown! We are heading to the beach tomorrow afternoon (yay!), so I'm not sure how much blogging I'll be doing this week, but I hope to check in at least once!

The 29 Week and 6 Day Rundown 

Baby Size:  A butternut squash. 

Feeling: Q bought me a bed lounger thing that has really helped with the sleep. I've also been more mindful of my sugar/caffeine intake.  Starting to feel extremely excited and a little nervous about delivery. Also, a little stressed since we still have quite a few projects we want to finish before baby girl is here!

Weight gain: I haven't been on the scale recently, but I'd guess approaching +10 pounds.

Cravings/Aversions:  Watermelon. Peaches. Iced Tea Lemonade. Corn cut off the cob (I don't like getting it in my teeth!) with butter and salt or in a salad with vinaigrette. 

Preparations:  Got my last ultrasound to check to make sure everything was okay with my earlier problem, and got the good news!  Everything is moved around where it should be, and baby girl is eating well and growing like a weed (which is why they adjusted my due date!).  My mom and Jayme and Lyla threw me a little impromptu baby shower when we met up on Friday of last week--we got some sweet outfits, a handmade name plaque from Aunt Jayme, and diapering stuff!! Plus, they brought a lot of things that had been in PA that Lyla had borrowed.  We have all the "stuff" we need...now we just have to get the house in order!

Happy Monday!  Keep an eye on the shop, as we have some amazing pieces coming in this week after our weekend buying trips!

xo,

Amanda

Outfit Post: 27 Weeks

Hellooooooo Third Trimester!  On Father's Day, I hit the big 2-7, which is when we begin the last leg of this baby journey. We have been so busy with end-of-school-year festivities that I've hardly had time to take it all in, but here we are!

Outfit details:  vest-DIY'ed from old jacket, dress-consignment, belt-vintage, boots-Seychelles (thrifted!)

The weather here in VA had been absolutely gorgeous (low humidity!), so we've been enjoying lots of outside time. This was an iced tea/cookie date outfit, though I admittedly wore some Converse instead of the heels so that Aurora and I could take a long walk!

The 27 Week Rundown 

Baby Size:  A cauliflower!

Feeling: Sleepless/restless. My back and some RLS have been keeping me from getting too comfortable at night.  I'm also anemic, which makes me a little more tired, but now that I know, we're trying to remedy that. I passed the glucose test, so I was relieved!

Weight gain: I am officially at +6 pounds, I believe.

Cravings/Aversions:  Berries. Sour candy.  Frosted Shredded Wheat. Dark Chocolate w/ Coconut. (Yes, mostly sweet things, but trying not to overdo it!)

Preparations:  Did my glucose test! Scheduled "to-do" items on our calendar. Bought a few more cute little things (I can't resist!!!). 

I have my ultrasound on Monday to make sure everything's okay for delivery. I can't wait to see our growing girl! And praying that all is well. It's not  big deal, but I have a little complication that could result in a scheduled C-section rather than a natural birth like I had with Aurora. I am at peace with it and fine with whatever happens, but it will be good to know!

Send me good vibes in utero. ha.

xo,

Amanda

Outfit Post: 26 Weeks + Something Borrowed

I felt pretty great when I was pregnant with Aurora. There's something about not having to care too much about what you look like (or every calorie you're eating...) that gives me more confidence than usual. I find it easier to be creative with my clothes. And I feel pretty almost all the time.

This is a picture from exactly 26 1/2 weeks, since I missed last week. I wore this to a get-together with some preschool mama friends and their kiddos, and then for an at-home birthday celebration for our oldest (18!) girly. I love how the combo of tank + skirt + belt came together to look like a cute bohemian maxi dress:

Outfit details:  tank-Gap Maternity (gift from Jayme!), belt-UO (old), skirt-vintage (in the shop here!), sandals-thrifted, jewelry-random

I borrowed this skirt from the shop--hail to the elastic waist!--and now I'm a little afraid to give it up! It's the prettiest blush color that can almost work as a neutral. I also love the midi-length...plus, it's rayon, so it's comfortable and cool.  

This is day (drum roll) 8 (!) hair after a week of starting out with no-heat curls. My hair is not getting greasy (though I did use some dry shampoo today around the roots), and my updos just look so much beachier/unfinished with the waves. The volume lasts, and I'm happy to not have to do much heat styling at all (I occasionally touch up an end or two if it's down).  I'm obsessed!

Okay, now that I'm done with that narcissistic rant, onto a different narcissistic rant:

The 26 Week Rundown 

Baby Size:  A cucumber (in length + weight!)

Feeling: Still in nesting mode. Also not sleeping well most of the time because I can't get in a comfortable position, which makes me more tired during the day. I had been keeping my daytime naps to a minimum and being very productive, but this week I've been in a slump.

Weight gain: I think I've put a few more pounds on--my next doctor's appointment is next week, so we'll see how it's going. I also have my glucose test on Thursday. Yuck.

Cravings/Aversions:  Watermelon. Sour Patch anything. Peach iced tea.  All-veggie meals (I've started to cook a few more vegan things...am not craving meat much at all but I still love my cheese.)

Preparations:  I made a list of things around the house that need to get done before baby comes (finishing the wardrobe, organizing our office, washing clothes and other items, re-doing the upstairs bathroom). I scheduled my additional ultrasound for two weeks from now (had a little issue that probably resolved itself, but the good news is, I get to see baby girl again!).

I will be 27 weeks on Father's Day...still figuring out some special things we might do/get for the best dad ever. It's tough. ;)

xo,

Amanda

Outfit Post: 24 Weeks + Recap

6 months along...we are over halfway, it is almost June, and I can hardly believe it! I am feeling pretty good (other than dealing with the heat--but I suppose I better get used to it). The real planning and dreaming has begun.

I found this dress while thrifting, and I thought it would go in the shop, since it's pretty large, but it has some small tears that I couldn't repair very well...and guess what? When I added a belt, and did a quick/rough sewing job, it became the perfect maternity day dress!  We took these pics before heading to our sure-to-be new favorite spot--the splash pad area at our new shopping district. I picked up a salad and brought some snacks and Q and I camped out while Aurora (who really wanted her picture in her new "babing suit") ran through the fountains. It was a perfect evening.

 Outfit details:  dress-vintage, belt-vintage, sandals-vintage

Also, notice the curliness of my hair. I had tried no-heat curls a time or two last summer, but my hair was a little short, and I wrapped them too tight or something.  Now that my hair is longer, I can get 2 or 3 days of not washing my hair and looking like I put a ton of time into styling it--which is key for a pregnant mama on the go.

The 24 Week Rundown 

Baby Size:  A rutabaga--I can honestly say I have no clue how big that is.

Feeling: I am getting the nesting bug every so often--some days I can't stop doing laundry or organizing (Q is lovin' it, I think!). But my lower back and hips have been bothering me at night, so that, paired with the heat, has not been making for a good night's sleep.

Weight gain: I am up 2 pounds since my last doctor's appointment, and officially in the "gaining" zone, after losing 8 or 9 pounds during the first trimester.

Cravings/Aversions:  Butterfingers (still). Coffee and coffee ice cream. Loaded salads.

Preparations:  We spent this weekend in PA with the family--I had a bunch of stuff stored in my parents' basement from Aurora, which we brought home: infant carseat, Bumbo chair, some clothes...we're really having another baby! It's finally setting in.  And, of course, I pick up a little outfit (or two) at the thrift every week because I can't resist.

Happy Friday! We have a busy weekend ahead, including Aurora's first dance recital and an end-of-the-year soccer pool party (our last one with the big girls...quite bittersweet for Coach Dad).

xo,

Amanda

Outfit Post: 23 Weeks

We're approaching the 6 month mark, and all the baby stuff is getting REAL. Like, there's a real moving baby in there, and it's going to come out in a few months, and our whole lives are going to change. It's exciting.  And crazy how fast it's going by.

I got a little dressed up this weekend to go to the high school cabaret night to see the big girls perform.  A sweet mom friend from Aurora's preschool brought me a bag of hand-me-down maternity clothes this week, and I think my summer wardrobe is now pretty much complete! (Though I'm on the hunt for cute, low brown leather sandals...) I do believe this dress will be making frequent appearances all summer long.

Outfit details:  dress-maternity hand-me-down, belt-vintage, wedges-thrifted

This is a super-easy ensemble for pregnant mamas: tent dress + belt + wedges. This belt has been a staple in my wardrobe since before pregnancy, and I'm glad there are a still a couple holes to go!

Here's what's going on in the baby department--I have my check up tomorrow.

The 23 Week Rundown 

Baby Size:  A corn cob, and about a pound and a half.

Feeling: I feel great during the day, but I haven't been sleeping as well because of some low back pain. I'm trying to walk more and start a stretching routine before bed.

Weight gain: I'll find out officially tomorrow, but definitely gaining.

Cravings/Aversions:  Butterfingers. Sour candies of any kind.  Greek yogurt + fruit + granola. Mostly sweet stuff STILL, though I do eat regular little meals and am getting a lot more veggies in, especially now that it's grilling season!

Preparations:  Every time we stop at the thrift, I pick out a little something for the little one. I know she's probably fine in the clothing department, but I've been finding such cute stuff (vintage things included!). And seeing those tiny clothes makes me giddy.

Happy Monday! I am looking forward to the end of this week when we are traveling to PA for a long Memorial Day weekend  with the family!

xo,

Amanda

Outfit Post: From the Shop + 22 Weeks

I like double digits...22 weeks was a special milestone because it was also Mother's Day. My last Mother's Day as the mother of just one.  However, these pictures were taken a few days before, on a mini date night where we went to see a play my oldest (talented) stepdaughter was directing.

My favorite vintage finds tend to be teeny tiny, so when I see something in a larger size, I like to see if it might work.  I loved this floral skirt, and when I saw it had an elastic waist, I knew I had to give it a go. It was perfect for a casual date night!

Outfit details:  tee-thrifted Liz Lange Maternity, belt-vintage, skirt-vintage,shoes-Blowfish via 6pm.com

I have a feeling this combo (soft tee + vintage belt + high waisted elastic skirt) is going to be my casual go-to when it gets hot. While I cut off a few pairs of maternity jeans to make shorts, I'm not really a shorts person (it was hard enough baring my pasty legs for the first time in months!)

Here's what's happenin' with Baby M:

The 22 Week Rundown 

Baby Size:  A spaghetti squash, and weighing in at a little over a pound!

Feeling: Having some back and hip pains at night occasionally, but other than that, my body feels great. I am learning baby's activity schedule, and it's still just as amazing to feel the baby kick the second time around--I forgot what it was like.

Weight gain: I think I'm up 3 or 4 more pounds since my last appointment.

Cravings/Aversions:  Still digging on sweet things, especially candy. Greek yogurt with fruit and granola. Grilled veggies/fruit.

Preparations:  I bought some cute things to start baby's wardrobe (all thrifted!). I added a few more things to our registry to keep track of what we might need. We also started thinking about how we might rearrange and fix up the kiddo room eventually (Aurora and baby are going to share for a while, although baby will mostly be in with us for the first year). I've also had to get myself a few more maternity things to have clothes that actually fit over my belly length-wise.

I had a lovely Mother's Day with Q and Aurora--we kept it pretty low key. I know it's a hard day for a lot of people--I made sure not to lose sight of that.  For those who desperately dream of being mamas, those who have lost their mothers or their children, those who may be estranged from their children or somehow separated from them, for anyone who has served as a mother figure in someone's life, you are cherished and celebrated too.  Wishing love, peace, and joy to every one of you.

xo,

Amanda

A (little) Update: 20 Weeks

Whooooooaaaaaaaaa, we're halfway there....(name that tune).

I'm halfway done being pregnant! I can't believe it, really. It started out slowly, but now it's going super fast: I have all of my appointments scheduled through August, and I just did my hospital pre-registration last night. This is where it gets fun (until I get bigger and later into the third trimester in a hot, hot summer where I am told I will be miserable!).

No outfit post, but here are two silly selfies of the belly (you can follow me on Instagram @mandamiska!):

I have been thrifting some new-to-me clothes b/c none of me tees or tanks cover my belly any longer (though you can see in photo 1 that I won't be wearing that tee much longer unless I pair it with a long tank or something).

Here's what else is happenin':

The 20 Week Rundown

Baby Size:  A carrot (in length...after 20 weeks the measurement is head to toe, but prior to that, it's crown to rump!)

Feeling: Amazing! I have a lot more energy, my skin is great, my hair is growing, and I'm eating (lots!). Also:  this girl is so active, especially at night!  Q has been able to feel her if he puts his hand on my belly. I think the movements are still too subtle for Aurora, but I can't WAIT until she gets to feel/see them!

Weight gain:  I gained 2 pounds at my last appointment (but I left my boots on, so I think that still means I haven't gained, but haven't lost anymore either!). I think I'll definitely be up a few at my next appointment at the end of the month. I just *feel* bigger.

Cravings/Aversions:  Iced coffee (in moderation, of course!). Frozen yogurt with fresh mango and berries.  French fries.  Cakes/cookies (I wasn't much for sweets in the beginning of the pregnancy, but now the sweet tooth has returned with a vengeance!).

Preparations:  Once I found out we were having a girl, I started looking for a few new little things while thrifting (I've kept almost all of Aurora's nice things, so she already has a complete wardrobe, head to toe! But I think she should get some special things of her own).  Aurora chose a Teddy/blankie for her, which she was so excited about.  Aurora's Teddy goes everywhere with her (still) and gets a bath once a week.  I've also started thinking about other things we might need, especially with a seasonal difference (Aurora was born in winter, and this baby will be early fall/late summer). 

Phew, that was a big update (I realize I skipped week 19, so...there was a lot of ground to make up for!)  This weekend is Q's and my 3rd wedding anniversary.  We're going very low key with dinner and a movie and probably a walk at our favorite spot, where we had our first kiss and which has also provided inspiration for the new baby girl's middle name... (yes, I'm just going to keep teasing about it! It's the one secret I have! ha.)

Have a great weekend, friends!

xo,

Amanda

Outfit Post: 18 Weeks

I took Q on a little surprise date night last week, so I was a few days shy of 18 weeks in this picture, but it still counts, right?  We went to see one of our favorite artists, who is in a new band, and the show was incredible...it was at a small venue in Arlington, and we had great seats (yes! I got to sit! hallelujah!).  This is how I dressed the growing bump:

outfit details:  tank-Target, belt-vintage, necklace-vintage skeleton key on a chain, skirt-Old Navy (last summer), shoes-Kensie Girl via Off Broadway, purse-vintage

I am feeling glowy, but the other truth is, I've started using coconut oil regularly on my face, and I seriously see a huge difference! (Have any of you tried it?) Here's what else is goin' on:

The 18 Week Rundown

Baby Size:  A sweet potato (seems like a good nickname).

Feeling: Good! I feel pretty and hungry and have been sleeping much better.

Weight gain:  I think I may be up a few pounds, which will be good news at my appointment next week.

Cravings/Aversions:  Salt and Vinegar chips w/ onion dip. Coffee w/ half and half. French fries.  Still not salad... 

Preparations:  Nothing too specific...just getting VERY excited for the gender ultrasound next week!!!

I feel like I've kind of got the hang of dressing this pregnancy (though it's not 90 degrees yet and I'm not huge, so I'm sure that will change). I cut off some maternity jeans into shorts and distressed them (even though I am NOT a shorts person...they will mostly be for the beach), and thrifted a pair of cropped denim jeans.  My dress wardrobe is still lookin' pretty good...I have one or two more things on my list to find/buy.

Hope you're all having a great start to your week!

xo,

Amanda

Outfit Post: 17 Weeks

Hellooooooo gorgeous...weather, that is.  I am panicking a little now because I feel like I don't really have transitional spring maternity clothes. Good wintry things and tons of stuff for summer when I'm huge, but spring is tough! So I'm trying to make things work.  Here's what I wore yesterday--bared my arms, but oh, my legs...not ready yet.

 Outfit details:  tee-VELVET, vest-my DIY, skirt-maternity/thrifted, tights-random, 

boots-Durango (old)

This was a pretty rock n' roll outfit, but I was comfy and felt cute, and those are the two important things when you're trying to dress  baby bump. It's still not quite filled out enough from the front to not look like I'm bloated, but that's okay. I know there's a baby in there!

The 17 Week Rundown

Baby Size:  A turnip.

Feeling: I am feeling awesome....getting to the phase where I feel energetic, have a little glow (and feel pretty most of the time), and I am pretty much eating anything that sounds good.

Weight gain:  Holding steady, but now that I'm eating regular meals, etc., I think the weight gain should begin! (Oh, joy.)

Cravings/Aversions:  Fresh pineapple. Nutella. Veggies on the grill. And I'm back to drinking a little coffee!

Preparations:  Nothing major. Doing a lot of talking and dreaming with Q. And getting so excited to find out the gender in a couple weeks!

Happy Monday! It's so much happier in the sun, isn't it?

xo,

Amanda 

Outfit Post: 16 Weeks

We've hit the official 4 month mark!Woohoo! I was 16 weeks on Easter, and even though it was dreary, we managed to get some photos in our Sunday best (more images from our family Easter in VA on tomorrow's blog!).

 outfit details:  dress-1940s vintage via antique shop, blazer-vintage/thrifted, lipstick brooch-vintage via eBay, nude fishnets-Spanx, mustard heels-B.A.I.T.

I changed my outfit idea for Easter 3 or 4 times as the weather changed.  What stayed the same in every outfit was my adorable mustard 1940s-style peeptoes (which I had been eyeing FOREVER and finally bought on super sale in February!).  They are cute and so comfortable...as I'm trying to come to terms with the fact that I won't be wearing a lot of my pretty heels in the upcoming months.

The 1940s polka dot dress was a birthday gift from Q, and it's still a little big, so I think it will a great piece for the next few months as the weather warms up.  It has the prettiest eyelet sleeves (That are covered up here by my blazer!).

The 16 Week Rundown

Baby Size:  An avocado! Yummy, yummy.

Feeling: Pretty great. A little tired, but I'm more energized if I'm active/outside/etc.  I'm also eating more and feeling less aversions to food.

Weight gain:  Still the same as last week, but I imagine I'll start gaining soon, since I'm eating normally!

Cravings/Aversions:  Iced Tea Lemonade (still). Jayme's homemade Broccoli soup. Pickled Beet Eggs. 

Preparations:  Jayme brought down some more neutral vintage clothes from Pennsylvania, so I have a little collection going.  We are starting to plan and create an invite for our BBQ/Gender Reveal party, which is super fun!  

Sidenote (not baby-related!):  Do you have a vintage or handmade shop or blog that you'd like to get more exposure?  We'd love to collaborate with you. We are offering 30% off all ad partnerships this month through Passionfruit ads with code AprilShowers. We also do small ad swaps with businesses/blogs that are a good fit! We'd love to have you--to encourage you and promote you! (And your support for us means the world!)

xo,

Amanda

Outfit Post: 14 Weeks

Hello, hello! I hope you had a great weekend. I have been feeling pretty great (except for today's scowling at the snow when we are supposedly only a few days from the "first day of spring"). I am really in the second trimester! Some days I actually feel like getting all dolled up--yesterday was one of those days:

Outfit details:  blazer-vintage, scarf-thrifted, dress-DV (super sale at Nordstrom Rack, 4+ years ago!), 

tights-Target, boots-MIA via Off Broadway

The 14 Week Rundown

Baby Size:  A fist!

Feeling: I am feeling a lot better in terms of food/nausea/etc. but I am still pretty tired. I get short bursts of energy, but I can always tell when I haven't had a nap for a day or two. I'm ready to feel that super energy/nesting surge! (Even though I'm pretty sure that's many weeks away.)

Weight gain:  I'm now at about -8 pounds. I'm not worried, but I plan on talking to the doctor at my appointment this week. Second trimester is really when the weight gain starts to happen.

Cravings/Aversions:  Coffee ice cream (still not hot coffee!), fresh strawberries, bagel sandwiches, fruit juice popsicles.

Preparations:  We purchased our first baby item:  a rocker for the Moses basket we already had from Aurora. I am so excited to use it as a second bassinet (so we'll be able to have one upstairs and one downstairs).  We also started making plans for a little Gender Reveal BBQ next month around our firepit!

I am looking forward to my appointment this week--it feels so long between appointments, and I want to hear that little heartbeat!  From there, it will be a month until the next one AND our gender U/S!  My family is coming for Easter, so I am very excited to have them all here. March is flying by, and I can finally say I feel like this pregnancy is moving a little faster too (all the sickness made every day seem so long).

Happy Monday!

xo,

Amanda

Outfit Post: 13 Weeks

I just posted my 12 week rundown on Friday (but I was actually 12 weeks 5 days), so...here we are, FINALLY, at week 13! Second trimester, here I come!  The warm weather and fresh air have definitely been helping with my mood and sickness. We took the metro to the National Zoo on Saturday and did a lot of walking--I was tired, but felt good. Sunday was church/errand day, and this is what I wore:

 Outfit details:  cardigan-vintage, blouse-vintage, head scarf-vintage, 

brooch-vintage (gift from Q!), skirt-vintage, shoes-UO

I see a bump...do you? ;) 

I loved this outfit--I felt a little more like myself. I've been wearing maternity pants/sweats and t-shirts or big sweaters on the daily with my hair up in a top knot: not a whole lot of style going on.  I picked up this skirt this week, and it will be perfect for summer as well (yay, elastic waists!). Also, a great tip for those blouses that will no longer button over the belly:  tie them in a cute knot!

This weekend I felt a lot of stretching in the belly area, and a little jolt in my energy (and appetite) levels.  The baby is certainly growing! Here's what's going on lately:

The 13 Week Rundown

Baby Size:  A peach! (so sweet!)

Feeling: I have felt so much better the past 3 or 4 days, but I am not getting my hopes up too soon. I think the sunshine and exercise definitely had something to do with it.  I'm so ready for it to be SPRING every day!

Weight gain:  I'm holding steady at about -6/7 pounds since my first appointment at 6 weeks.

Cravings/Aversions:  Root beer floats, fresh fruit, baby carrots.

Preparations:  This weekend, I got in the "baby closet" and took out more things to look at, wash, etc. including my slings, nursing cover, burp cloths, blankies, etc.  I also got out all my newborn "neutral" clothes and shoes ( in case!) I am looking through everything so we can save for the things we really need.

This morning, Aurora had ballet class, and now we're off to a playdate. I am still feeling tired after losing that hour of sleep, so naptime is going to be naptime for me too! And then we have a little afternoon adventure of shoe and sticker shopping (and maybe an iced coffee for mama!).  Have a great Monday!

xo,

Amanda