April 30, 2014

Mission #32, Day 3--Leopard Jeans

I was so psyched when I discovered I could still fit into these leopard skinny jeans from my pre-pregnancy days I almost peed myself (hey, no one said it was glamorous).  They are a great addition to Mission Week as printed denim is not only EVERYWHERE, but also a great way to ease into the printed pants scene.  Denim just seems safer for some reason.

I actually wore this a few weeks ago to have a spontaneous lunch with my bestie, Matty, at my favorite Thai restaurant, The Buddha.  Seriously, if you are in Boulder and craving Thai, GO.  You will not be disappointed.

It's approps that I post this today and that I talk about Matty today because we also spontaneously were up Facebook chatting at about 3 a.m. this morning.  I couldn't sleep and he saw me on IM and we ended up chatting.  So random.  So good.  I love my best friend so much.

He's been such a big part of my life for so long (going on 17 or 18 years now) that my kids call him Uncle Matty.  He has had such an influence on them too and they love him just like an uncle, especially my oldest, Kaden.

When Kaden was really young, Matty was the only male influence that Kaden really had (besides my brother who was the same age then that Kaden is now).  I use the term "male influence" loosely as Matty is clearly a homosexual (anyone else get the Margaret Cho/SATC reference there?  Anyone?).  I remember one time, I had taken Kaden to Sears or someplace to get his Christmas pictures taken.  Matty was with us and Kaden refused to sit in the picture without me and Matty.  The photographer looked at Kaden and told him to smile at Daddy.  We started to correct her but then were just like . . . whatever.  Those were some of the best photos of Kaden.  LOL

Crocheted Beaded Sweater-thrifted; Leopard Skinny Jeans-L.E.I.; Red Bow Flats-KMart; Necklace-Kohl's; Earrings-Kohl's; Sunnies-Target



Grab button for MISSION-WEEK

April 29, 2014

Mission #32, Day 2--Paisley Palazzo Pants

I got these palazzo pants from Target without a real intention of being as obsessed with them as I ended up being.  But it turns out that I want to live in these pants.  And they are perfect for Mission Week.

Currently, I've been super itchy all over my body.  The doctors are looking into it to make sure it is not liver connected.  In the meantime, I'm laying low, taking Benadryl and getting rest. 

All of this itching reminds me of the chicken pox--minus the rash--which I have had three times.  What's that?  Yeah, three times.  You're supposed to get it once.  I got it three times.  My sister and I both had it when we were really little--like 3 and 2.  That was fun for my mom, I bet.

The second time was in third grade.  It got the shingles, actually, which you are supposed to only get if you are old and have never had the chicken pox.  But no, I got shingles.  At like 10.  Because my body is built like an old woman.

And the last time I got the chicken pox I was in middle school and it was during Halloween.  So I got to hand out candy in my cute little cheerleader costume.

So basically, all this itchiness is not bringing about good memories.

Paisley Palazzo Pants-Target; Mint Mesh Sweater-Target; Striped Tank Maternity-Old Navy; Gold Smoking Slippers-Target; Necklace-Kohl's; Earrings-DIY and gifted; Sunnies-Target

Grab button for MISSION-WEEK

April 28, 2014

Mission #32, Day 1--Floral Leggings

There are many ways to wear the current trend of the printed pants for Mission Week.  One way is by pairing them with neutrals, as here.  My sister gave me these floral leggins back when she was the only pregnant one (ha!) and they have since served me well.

This was the second weekend in a row in which I have been a slave to my bed.  I've been exhausted, for one, and not feeling good in addition to that.  Thanks for showing up again first trimester symptoms.

I have three kids.  A full time job (yes, I'm still working).  A blog.  A husband.  A home (currently under remodel).  And many other obligations.  Allowing myself down time is not something I'm used to.

And I feel guilty.  There's still much to do before this little babe comes into our lives (or at least it feels that way anyway) and for the past two weekends I've totally meant to do it.  But then the weekend comes and goes and . . . so does my motivation.

But I figure--I have ten more actual work days before I'm on maternity leave.  And all of the major stuff is under control.  I might as well just use these last two (yikes) weekends before the baby to rest . . . right?  I think I remember how this newborn thing works--you don't sleep for two years.

Floral Leggings-Rue21; Black Blouse-Kohl's; Black Blazer-A-List, gifted; Combat Boots-L.E.I.; Earrings-DIY and gifted; Sunnies-shop in the mall

Grab button for MISSION-WEEK

April 25, 2014

Dear Frannie Friday--What to Pack in the Hospital Bag

 Unless you're having a scheduled c-section or induction, having a hospital bag packed and ready in your last few weeks of pregnancy is a good way to be prepared for when labor hits.  I've been down this road three times--all under completely different circumstances--and have found it very helpful.  Having some experience, here are my two cents about what you should put in the bag.  There is no shortage of comprehensive lists on the internet, but here are just some pointers for you to keep in mind.

1.  Labor and Delivery

There might be some things that you will want for the actual labor or delivery, depending on what your birth plan is.  It is important to remember that a birth plan doesn't always (or, more appropriately, often) go exactly as you picture it.  But some women find that certain things would really help them during labor--especially if you plan to go the natural route.  I got the epidural all three times (and plan on doing it this time).  You wouldn't really think so, but this can really dry you out.  So for me chapstick and lotion is an absolute must.  But keep in mind that if you are planning to get anesthesia you will not be able to walk around at all.  If you are going the natural route, make sure you grab things that will help you with the labor like certain music or focus points or massaging lotions.  Also, hair ties and/or bobby pins.  It seems kind of like a no-brainer but trust me--if you don't have something to pull your hair back, it will be horrendously in your face, sweaty and just plain annoying.

2.  For Baby

Believe it or not, you won't need much for the baby in the hospital.  Diapers, creams, wipes and other usual toiletries are provided by the hospital most of the time.  You won't need to bring a whole wardrobe either.  As much as you're going to be anxious to put all those cute little clothes on your babe, the nurses will be in so often to check on that little girl or guy that dressing them will really kind of hinder their routine.  Not to mention, they will be swaddled and sleeping for most of the time and won't need to be dressed.  However, I would suggest that you bring some little items for the new one.  As far as clothes--you will want that special little going home outfit (for nostalgia and photos for the most part--no need to go overboard), a hat, socks or booties and a baby blanket.  Keep in mind what season it will be (you'll want a warmer blanket in the winter than in the summer, obvi) and also keep in mind that even preemie clothes might be a trite big on your baby.  Don't be discouraged if your perfectly correlated 0-3 month bow-tie onsie swallows your new little guy.  Of course, you will absolutely need a carseat to get the new baby home, but I don't think it's necessary to have it locked in the car and ready to go (unless you want to get professional help on installation prior).  Unless you happen to give birth a substantial distance from your home, it is possible and probable that dad will be able to go and put it in before bringing you both home.  I would, however, recommend bringing a preferred pacifier, if you have a preference.  I've always been astonished at the massive ones that the hospital provides.  Conner is my only child that took to a pacifier, but you never know.  They can be helpful sometimes. 

3.  For Mom

Without a doubt, you will want comfortable things for yourself.  But I wouldn't go overboard.  You'll spend a significant amount of time in the hospital gown--believe it or not.  And really no matter how much you care about what you wear, you will be so exhausted that you'll just want to wear something comfy and easy.  One thing I definitely recommend is socks.  I know that my feet got FREEZING giving birth.  I never brought a robe, though if you plan on walking around during labor it's probably a good idea.  I personally feel like one pair of pajamas is probably sufficient (assuming you will be staying in the hospital the standard 2-3 days).  The reason being that first of all, wearing pants at all is not going to be preferable.  You'll have the blankets to cover you for modesty's sake and you will be checked "down there" A LOT.  So taking off and putting on pants won't really be so comfortable.  But after a day or so, you'll want to (and need to for bathroom breaks) walk around.  Also, make sure that your pajama top is nursing friendly--think buttons down the front or an actual nursing tank or top.  Speaking of nursing, you'll want a comfortable nursing bra.  The hospital will want you to start nursing as soon as possible (if you'll be breastfeeding), so this is pretty much instantaneous.   On a similar note, I highly recommend a Boppy.  It really makes breastfeeding so much easier.  You'll want something to go home in, but keep it simple.  Probably after being held up in a hospital room in mesh underwear (some lists say to bring comfy underwear and picking up some basic, completely unsexy briefs from the drug store isn't a bad idea, but like it or not, you'll spend most of your time in these) and general yucky feeling tents, you'll probably want something other than baggy PJs, but don't make it fancy.  You're likely not going to be Kate Middleton-ing it up with paparazzi outside waiting for you to don a pretty polka dot dress.  Think of something comfy to literally walk from the room to the car and then inside your house that you would feel halfway human in.  I like to call this "Wal-Mart run attire."

4.  Toiletries 

You won't get to or really even have energy for a full on spa-like typical get ready bath run--at least not immediately.  So I don't really ever plan to pack make-up or hair products.  I like to grab some travel sizes of my need to shower products (face wash, body wash, shampoo, conditioner) and minimal hygiene products (deodorant, toothpaste and toothbrush, a comb and, again, hair ties) call it a day.  I wouldn't worry about things like pads--the hospital will have those aplenty.   Trust me, after you give birth just a shower alone will be the most satisfying but also the most energy draining thing you do.  After you clean yourself, you won't even be tempted to flat iron your hair or go through a typical makeup routine.

5.  In General

A camera.  That's it.  You'll want a camera (make sure you have a back up battery and memory card).  Obviously a phone charger too, but between you, your spouse/birthing partner and even the hospital phones in a pinch, it's not so much an immediate priority.  These can be retrieved if needed from the home after the baby comes and things settle down.  I would also recommend packing some "down time" things--perhaps some movies, an iPad or tablet, a book--but I wouldn't go crazy with it.  You will have some time when you're not entertaining visitors, feeding/changing/generally staring in amazement at a newborn and getting constantly checked on by medical personnel, but you know what you're mostly going to want to do with that time?  Sleep.  And eat. 

Mostly, I wouldn't stress too much about the hospital bag.  Any absolute necessities can and will be provided by the hospital.  Anything that you find that you need that you forgot or didn't think about--trust me--someone will be more than willing to run and grab it or a replacement for you in a pinch.  Remember: there are plenty of women who find themselves in labor before they even thought a hospital bag was on the to-do list and they got along just fine.  And in the craze of labor pains, you won't give a flying f*ck about whether or not you packed your lavender warming oil.

Black Shirt-Motherhood, thrifted; Military Jacket-Lucky, thrifted; Maternity Jeans-thrifted; Fox Necklace-Charming Charlie's; Earrings-DIY and gifted; Leopard Print Bangle-Kohl's; Studded Booties-Forever 21; Mirrored Aviators-Target
 

April 24, 2014

Thursday Mixer--Striped Maxi Dress

When I thrifted this maxi dress two years ago for $8 I was like SCOOOOOOORE!!!  I was surprised, going through my archives, to only find 4 documented wears via the blog, but I can assure you that I have worn it many more times.  It's one of those items that I can just grab and throw on in a pinch.  At any rate, the documented price per wear of this dress--$2.  Not bad.

Now, 2, 3, 4

So guess what?  I only have three more weeks of pregnancy at most.  But somehow I have many weeks of photos on backlog.  Aaaaaand plan to take them until I deliver.  So . . . you're going to see a lot of belly pictures when it's all said and done.

But I figure that it will even out.  I'll be too busy when the new baby comes to take new photos.  Plus I'll be in that awkward "nothing fits right still" postpartum phase.  Plus, when you have a newborn, you're lucky if you even get dressed during the day--let alone in heels or anything coordinated.  I remember someone coming to visit me after I had Kaden and discovering I was still in my PJs.  From three days ago.

So, hopefully you don't get too sick of maternity style on here because it's gonna be around for a little while.  

Striped Maxi Dress-thrifted; Cropped Denim Jacket-thrifted; Black Tank-Old Navy; Black Flats-K-Mart; Feather Earrings-gifted; Sunnies-Target

April 23, 2014

A Week of the Mondays

 So my dog is a total freak.  She's really bashful and scared of people (even though she is pretty big--a white German Shepard).  When she gets out of the house, it's not as simple as calling her name and she comes back in.  Oh no.  She will even run from the kids and I.  She will only come to Patrick.

Well on Monday morning, she got out of the house.  And I had to chase her ass all around town until I finally got her in.  I was late to work.  The kids were late to school.

On Tuesday morning I was driving my usual busload of kids to school when I noticed that the van sounded really funny.  I pulled over and got out.  Flat tire.  Nail.  Called towing company.  Got tire changed.  Went to dealership to get tire repaired.  They couldn't repair it.  And they didn't have a tire to replace it with.  Late to work again.

Plus side to all of this madness?  I treated myself to coffee two days in a row.  I got to walk my younger kids to school this morning.  I beat morning traffic going in to work late.  I got to take my blog photos in the morning instead of on lunch.   I found out just how helpful it is to have an amazing support system of neighbor moms and co-workers to help cover for me.

It may have been a couple of rocky starts to the week, but really it was just the blessing in disguises that I needed.  It gave me time to breath, even though there were times of crisis. 

It's always good to remember what you have when you're having a tough go at things.  What I have is a husband that will call a towing company while I'm freaking out on the phone with him.  I have an old neighbor that can help shuffle kids around and even offer to fix the flat herself.  I have an understanding office that doesn't freak out when shit happens.

 I am writing this on Tuesday night so I don't know yet what Wednesday morning has in store.  But I do know that whatever it is, I can handle it.  And that feeling is priceless.

Mustard Dress-Free People; White Leggings-JCPenney; Cognac Leather Jacket-Target; Cognac OTK Boots-Charlotte Russe; Earrings-Kohl's; Sunnies-Target
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