Goodbye Shorts

Shorts season is coming to an end, so I better get more pants that fit soon!  I've been wearing these shorts a lot this whole summer and really thanking past self for buying a few pairs of shorts when I was pregnant in the winter the first time around.  These shorts were less than $5 and I've worn them roughly a million times.  Okay, that might be an exaggeration.  But probably 50-100 times is accurate.  That's a pretty great cost per wear, especially for a maternity item!

I wore this a couple weeks ago when my sister was in town.  John had a conference, and my sister was planning to visit sometime this fall, so I was super excited that it worked out for her to come while he was gone.  I'm sure I would have managed on my own with the baby and the toddler, but having my sister here made it SO MUCH EASIER!  We had a lot of fun while she was here, going to the zoo and the outlet mall, and the boys loved her.  I was actually a little mad, because Baby2 was smiling at her so much more than he smiles at me!  Not cool, baby!

Tee: Guster concert
Cardigan: Old Navy
Shorts: Loft maternity
Shoes: Sperry

Family Date

Now that we have kids, John and I sing a lot of silly songs, and then have arguments about lyrics or meaning of the songs.  Case in point:

It's raining, it's pouring

The old man is snoring

He went to bed, bumped his head, and didn't wake up in the morning.

We were singing this song the other day and John said, "why isn't anyone concerned? This guy probably has a concussion."

I'm like "No, I think he's dead..."

Being parents has just really changed our topics of conversations. It also makes dinner dates more interesting.  I wore this outfit a couple weekends ago when we decided to take the whole family to the Cheesecake Factory.  The boys did pretty good, but it's always a gamble.  The little one pretty much slept the whole time.  The big one mostly just stared at a kid one table over.

We took a few family pictures when we got home.  Here's one where we are all looking at the camera, at least!

Shirt: Loft
Shorts: Loft (maternity)
Shoes: Sperry

Police Encounter

I'm pretty much a rule-follower, so I haven't gotten into very much trouble in my life.  Whenever I think I might be in trouble with an authority figure, I kind of panic, frequently cry.  A few years ago, I got pulled over for not stopping long enough at a stop sign (I stopped, I am 100% sure he was just bored), and the conversation went something like this:

Police Officer: Miss, are you crying?
Me:  *sniff sniff* NO *sniff sniff*   yes

Another time, I got caught at a checkpoint because my registration had expired over a year prior, but the reminder thing got lost in the mail, and I never thought about renewing it.  Oops!

So you can see my run-ins with the law have been pretty rare and pretty lame.  Until this past weekend...  (dun dun dun)

We went to dinner and it's always a bit of an ordeal getting all the kids and the bag and our to-go drinks into the car.  As I was backing out, there was a police car that looked like it was waiting for my spot, but then they were motioning all crazy to me, and I totally panicked.  I didn't know if they wanted me to go or stay or what.  I just pulled back into my spot, while John was like "what are you doing??"  The cops pulled up further and hollered at me "There's a drink on your roof!  That's a party foul!"  Ohhhhh, that makes sense.  My life of crime continues.

(this is what I happened to be wearing that day)

Shirt: Old Navy Maternity
Jacket: JCF
Shorts: Loft maternity
Shoes: Sperry

Elevator Etiquette

Can I just complain for a minute?  Since having a baby, I need to use elevators.  Once you actually FIND the elevator (which is generally hidden in the furthest darkest corner of whatever building you happen to be in), you have to deal with other people who are also using it.  

The number one problem I have with the other elevator patrons is that they stand with their strollers RIGHT IN FRONT OF THE DOOR.  I think they don't realize that whoever is in the elevator might need to get out, before they can get in.  And then they look annoyed when I am like "um, excuse me.. can I sneak past you there..."  This is not rocket science, you guys!  If I stay on the elevator with my stroller, you won't fit.  Just stand to the side and we can all get on with our lives much faster. 

Another common issue is that the people on the elevator are slooooooow getting off, and then the doors close before the new people can board.  Just consider holding the door when you see a pregnant lady with a baby in a stroller.  It's the nice thing to do.

And once we are all on the elevator, if you must stand in front of the buttons, maybe ask the other riders what floor they need?  It's not hard.  

Someday I will use an escalator or stairs again.  But until that day, I just request some common courtesy.  I don't think it's too much to ask.  Of course, the rude elevator patrons probably aren't reading this, are they?  

Cardigan: Loft

Tee: Target maternity

Jeans: Old Navy Maternity

Shoes: Sperry

Bugs and Bugs

Last week, it was randomly summer one day, and I was happy to dig out my shorts!  My legs just like to live out in the world, so winter is not my friend.  I also figured it was an appropriate time of year to wear floral print, even if I do kind of hate the bugs that are also included on this shirt.  John was surprised that I would wear a shirt with bugs on it, and I confessed I would not have bought it if I'd have noticed, but it was only like $4, so I'm not too upset about it.

Mr. Baby and I went to a park to have lunch with John.  It was so easy last summer when Mr. Baby would just lay on the blanket where we put him.  Now he wants to crawl off into the grass, eat some leaves, wave sticks around, steal our french fries.  He's a very busy child these days.  There were some ladybugs that came to visit us, so we were trying to show Mr. Baby.  He promptly tried to eat them, so that experiment was short-lived.  And I realized I am now the type of woman who will purposely touch a bug, in order to share the wonder of nature with my child.  What has happened to me???

Shirt: Old Navy (similar)
Shorts: Gap maternity (similar)
Shoes: Sperry (similar)

Labor Day

So, this is what I wore on Labor Day.  I was pretty excited to fit into these shorts!  I've hardly worn them in the last 2 years because they were a little too tight, but I tried them on just to see and they fit!  Hooray!  

We spent the day with the Smith side of the family, just eating good food, and hanging out.  We played Clue, which is so stressful (especially when I was only half paying attention due to the adorable baby I was also playing with).  My MIL found the game at an antique shop, I think, and it's missing several pieces, so the revolver is just a black bead, and Professor Plum is a marker lid.  It's pretty funny.  I did not win, but I was right about Mr. Green.  You can tell just by looking at him that he's likely to murder someone in the billiard room.  I already forgot what the weapon was.  

And we're trying to be good about taking family pictures, so I lured the boys outside while I had my camera set up.  I promise you our baby is quite happy most of the time.  He just looks hopeless in photos.   

Cardigan: JCF (exact)
Tank: Gap (option, option)
Shorts: Loft (navy option, )
Shoes: Sperry (similar)

Challenge Accepted

Here's an outfit I wore last Friday.  And a bunch of words not about outfits at all.

Spoiler alert:  having a baby kind of wrecks your body.  Especially if your body wasn't in the best condition before getting pregnant, like hypothetically if your immune system attacks you.  Anyway, I gained a bunch of weight in the year and a half or so before getting pregnant, because I was dealing with RA, and some of the medicine I was taking made it impossible to lost weight.  Plus, it's hard to exercise when your body hurts so bad (also, cookies made me feel better).  So fast forward to now, almost 4 months post-partum, I'm trying to figure out how to get as healthy as possible.  But like, I have this baby who needs me all the time, and my body still hurts, and I still like cookies.  

Since I'm working with a busted body and limited free time, my plan is to start small.  I hesitate to even blog about it, because I tend to be a quitter, and then it will be embarrassing, but you know, accountability and whatnot.    

In August, I started 2 of those 30-day challenges that I always see popping up on Pinterest.  Squats and planks.  I'm almost done with both of these (and doing more than 100 squats in a row is super hard!), so I'm trying to think of what to do next.  I'm might pick up this challenge on day 6, to continue working on holding planks for longer, and maybe try these variations on squats .  Or maybe try to get my arms all sculpted in time for winter when they are covered.  

I don't have a real specific goal (I mean, I'd love to lose about 50 lbs), but I'm hoping to build my core strength back up so I can start actually working out (true story: I tried doing this ab challenge and couldn't even do the first day, because I have absolutely no core at the moment. I'm hoping that we will have a couple months of cooler-but-not-freezing weather so I can go on more).  Also, my baby is heavy, and I want to get stronger so it's easier to haul him around.  Rumor has it he is going to get quite a bit bigger before he can walk everywhere himself!    

Anyway, that's my story.  Any advice on easy/fun workouts to try?  So many on pinterest are like "Beginner workout: do 10 pushups!" and I'm like "I can't even do 1 pushup, thanks!"  

*and now I need to go do 190 squats before I go to bed.  Who thought this challenge was a good idea??

Cardigan: JCF

Tee and Skirt: Gap

Shoes: Sperry

Mom Clothes

I pretty much love my new lifestyle, where I just hang out with my baby all day and don't go to work.  People ask if I miss my job, and I keep expecting to, but really, I haven't missed it so far.  I do miss some of my co-workers and clients, but I can keep up with most of them via email or social media, and have been meeting some of them for lunch, which is fun.

Most days, I just don't know what to wear.  I don't think I'm the type of lady who will start wearing yoga pants all the time, but my previous style of skirts and dresses every day isn't all that functional anymore.   I think it will get easier as the weather cools down, because I have approximately 4 million cardigans.  Layering always adds some interest.  But then I remember that my pants/jeans selection is pretty non-existent right now.  So fall/winter might get a little interesting.

Anyway, I wore this the other day when it was a bit cooler.  We just went over to my friend's house to hang out with her and her baby.  It's pretty fun to see them!  One of these days, the babies will actually notice each other, and then we are in trouble.

Cardigan: Gap outlet
Tee: Gap
Shorts: Old Navy
Shoes: Sperry

Blogger vs. Baby: Navy Camo

In the couple of months where people knew I was pregnant, but didn't know we were having a boy, they liked to say things about how if I had a girl, we could dress alike, and how fun that would be.  Well, who says my boy and I can't dress alike?  In my defense, I did not buy him this shirt, but I love it.  

I was going to make a poll for who wore it better, but it wouldn't be fair.  I mean, look at him.  He's cheating with extra cuteness.

Top: Gap
Jeans: Jessica Simpson
Shoes: Sperry

Comedian

I could never be a stand up comic for several reasons.  Most importantly, my horrific stage fright.  I can talk for hours to almost anyone, but put me in front of a large group and I panic.  

The other big reason is that only my husband thinks I'm funny.  It would be like those terrible singers who go on American idol and everyone wonders why their family didn't tell them they can't carry a tune.  It's because love is blind and sometimes deaf.

Anyway, I have one joke ready if my comedy career ever takes off.  I thought of it while walking around my neighborhood which consists of many cul de sacs:

"Whenever I see streets with the big NO OUTLET signs, I think those folks must spend a fortune on batteries!"  Ba-dum-Ching!

I think I'll keep my day job.  Which I actually don't have.  

Top: JCF

Shorts: Loft Maternity

Shoes: Sperry

Currently July

While I was pregnant, all my currently posts were about preparing for baby.  Now he's here and I'm not much more interesting!  But I still like to play along!

• craving all the foods I let myself eat when I was pregnant, but now am trying to lose weight.  Like DQ cookie dough blizzards.  Oh, and sleep.  
• grilling at other people's houses!  We actually don't have a grill at the moment, but I suspect this weekend will involve a few burgers at various gatherings.
• listening to lots of Jack Johnson.  The boy seems to like it, and it's a good tempo for dancing around the living room.  I just bought his newest album when I realized I didn't have it.
• planning well, I'm trying to plan each day and week to accomplish things and make sure we are moving toward some kind of schedule.  
• decorating nothing much.  I have a couple more projects that I need to finish for the baby's room.  One is a big canvas that I painted and want to add his initial.  The other is a shadow box of keepsakes from the hospital, like the hat he wore and or bracelets.  But free time is limited and usually prioritized with sleeping or showering!  

And because I'm very excited about it - Currently wearing normal shorts!!  I still can't wear most of my non-maternity pants/shorts, but these fit and I was happy to wear them.  

Linking up with In Residence and Dearest Love.

Tee: Loft
Shorts: Gap
Shoes: Sperry

Mom Style

I've been a mom for almost 4 weeks now!  Man, it goes by quickly.  So, this is what I look like as a mom.  Or actually, I usually look like this:

Things are going pretty well, I think.  John was off work for 2 weeks, and those were my favorite days, just being the three of us.  Then my parents came to meet baby, and my mom was able to stay for about a week.  Then my sister showed up, and she is here now for a few days.  And of course, my in-laws are in town, so we've seen them a decent amount.  Everyone agrees - this kid is pretty great!  I'm fairly obsessed with him, at least.

Cardigan: Old Navy
Tee: Loft
Shorts: Loft Maternity (let's be real, maternity shorts are going to be my favorite for awhile still)
Shoes: Sperry

Twofer Tuesday - Gray Cardigan

Here are 2 recent outfits I wore featuring my gray cardigan.  Super exciting, I know!  But this is what happens when you are 9 months pregnant.  Comfortable skirts and tops are just about the only thing I want to wear.

I wore outfit #1 to meet a friend for lunch, and I wore outfit #2 over to a friend's house.  Have I mentioned how much I love past me for buying skirts with stretchy waistbands??  Seriously, smart move, 2014 Andi!


Outfit #1
Cardigan: Old Navy
Tank: Old Navy maternity (top 10 remix item)
Skirt: Gap
Shoes: Target

Outfit #2
Cardigan: Old Navy
Tank: Target Maternity
Skirt: Gap
Shoes: Sperry (top 10 remix item)

More Shorts

Well, here's another very casual outfit from a day that was warm enough for shorts.  I'm loving the warmer April we are having this year!  And I'm loving these Loft maternity shorts.

I don't really have much to say today.  Here, I'll just throw out some random thoughts:

• My hair has been pretty amazing during pregnancy, but for some reason was extra fluffy on this particular day.  I've heard rumors that your hair can change drastically after having a baby, so I'm kind of nervous about what might happen.
• This tank top is one of my Top 10 Remix items, but this is the first appearance in April.  I guess I didn't really need 10 items?
• People are still telling me I don't look very pregnant.  Really???  I think I should just wear this tank top all the time, and then they will know the truth.  Not to mention these pictures are 11 days old, so I'm even bigger now.  

Cardigan: Gap factory
Tank: Old Navy Maternity (top 10 remix item)
Shorts: Loft maternity
Shoes: Sperry (top 10 remix item)

Threefer Thursday

Normally, I wouldn't even bother with these 3 outfits, but in the interest of fully doing the Top 10 Remix Challenge, I wanted to make sure I was documenting everything I leave the house in, and make sure it includes one of my items.  So, here are 3 outfits that I wore on random days running errands.  

#1 - I wore this for a day of running around with my sister and nieces.  You can see the top part of the outfit above in a photo of our traditional Krispy Kreme outing.  After eating too many donuts, we did some shopping, met John for lunch, and saw the Cinderella movie.  It was a pretty great day!  

#2 - I wore this outfit on one of the days my mom was in town.  We did a big grocery store trip and then spent the rest of the day making freezer meals.  Believe it or not, this is a different mint t-shirt than the one in the first outfit.  

#3 - This outfit is from Monday, when I was running errands on my own, and then had lunch with John.  It was a little chilly, so I took advantage and wore my new hoodie.  The stripes make me look extra pregnant!


Outfit details:
#1
Cardigan: Gap factory
Tee: Target maternity
Jeans: Old Navy maternity
Shoes: Sperry (top 10 remix item)

#2
Jacket (top 10 remix item) and Tee: JCF
Shorts: Loft maternity
Shoes: Converse

#3
Sweatshirt: Gap factory
Jeans: Old Navy maternity
Shoes: Sperry (top 10 remix item)

Weekend Recap

This weekend was busy!  This seems to be a trend lately - I guess we are packing in everything before baby arrives and then I won't do anything for a few months!  Anyway, here's what happened...

Friday night, I went to dinner and Motown with my MIL and SIL.  The show was so good!  Maybe my favorite of this season.  The sound was a little off at the very beginning, so I was worried, but they got it sorted and then the rest of the show was fantastic.  The music was just so fun - all the old songs everyone knows!  

Saturday I slept in way late because I am so tired lately, then I got a few things done around the house.  In the afternoon, I went to a tea party.  Seriously, because my friends are ridiculous and awesome.  The hostesses did an awesome job and it was quite a fancy little occasion.  Plus it was really fun to catch up with everyone.  After that, I met up with John and his parents for dinner.  

As dinner was finishing up, I started to get some pre-migraine feelings, so we went home and I just took it easy for the rest of the evening.  I never got a full blown migraine, but I woke up Sunday morning feeling pretty terrible.  So Sunday was spent mostly trying to not get a real migraine while still accomplishing a few things.  

Anyway, that was my weekend.  And this outfit is from about a week ago when we had a random 80+ degree day.  I'd really love it if we could settle into a couple months of 70 degrees all the time.  So, let's do that, okay?

Cardigan: JCF

Necklace: F21

Tee: Target Maternity

Skirt: Gap

Shoes: Sperry

#30 - Finale!

Outfit #30 means I am officially done!  Whoo!!  I'm working on an epic recap post next week, and then I'll be wearing everything else in my closet!

Happy Long Weekend! 

Jacket: J.Crew Factory (exact)
Tank: Gap (exact)
Shorts: Gap (exact, similar)
Shoes: Sperry (exact)

#16 - Item Counts

Since I like keeping track of things in spreadsheets, I'm again using Excel to keep track of my 30x30.  I have a tab where I'm keeping a count of how many times I've worn each item, and a tab where I have my full list of outfit ideas, and mark off when I wore it and when I blogged it.  It's really handy!  I'm considering doing this all the time, but it is a bit time consuming.  

Just for fun (because I'm so fun!), I looked at my item counts from last time and compared to this time.  I thought the results were interesting.  Without planning it, I have almost the exact same numbers as last time:

item type	Last time	This time
tops	9	9
layers	7	4
skirts	4	7
jeans	3	0
shorts	0	2
dresses	2	2
shoes	5	6

Considering that it is summer now, instead of the dead of winter, I have shorts instead of jeans, and more skirts than layers.  But I thought it was funny that I had the exact same number of tops.  I guess 9 is the magic number!  If you've done a 30x30, I must know if you chose 9 tops!

Shirt: Old Navy (similar, similar)
Shorts: Old Navy (exact)
Shoes: Sperry (exact)

#15 - Navy Week - Floral Top

Navy Week is coming to a close, but never fear!  My 30x30 continues, and most of my outfits for the rest of August will have navy in them.  And you can still link up with me or Kate until Monday.  Be sure to check out all the links and visit each other!  It's a great way to find new blogs to read.

I kicked off Navy Week with a floral skirt, and I'm finishing it out with a floral top.  I really love this print from Target last summer.  I know quite a few bloggers had the skirt, which I wanted but never saw.  I really like the top, but it's starting to get a little faded, so I'm thinking it might need to be retired after this summer.  I hate it when my favorite items start to wear out!

Anyway, happy weekend!  And happy midpoint of the 30X30.  In real life, I'm wearing my final outfit today, so I'm officially done!

Top: Target (similar)
Scarf: J.Crew Factory (exact)
Shorts: Gap (exact, similar)
Shoes: Sperry (exact)

#9 - Fashion Insects

I was super excited when I bought this shirt at Old Navy.  I'd been wanting a floral shirt like this for awhile, so when I saw this one for $5, I was sold.  But then I noticed a (probably lipstick) stain on it, so I asked if I could get an extra discount.  They wanted to give me 10% off, but then it wouldn't be returnable if the stain didn't come out.  10% off $5 isn't really anything, so I declined.  But then the stain came out with a little help from a bleach pen!  Hooray!

But then I was ironing it and noticed that in addition to the pretty flowers, there are insects all over this shirt.  And not just pretty butterflies.  There are beetles and bees and grasshoppers.  YUCK!  Why would you put bugs on a shirt?  After my initial horror, I decided the shirt is still pretty cute, so I'm just going to pretend the bugs aren't there.

Have you ever bought something and then noticed an awkward flaw?

Shirt: Old Navy (similar, similar)
Shorts: Gap (exact, similar)
Shoes: Sperry (exact)