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

Paisley shorts

These shorts were a favorite last summer, both before and after Mr. Baby was born.  I've already worn them a bunch again this summer.  But I've learned that when you are due in July, you need more shorts and tank tops than when you are due in May, so I've had to do some additional maternity shopping.  And I'm also much bigger this time around, so some of my maternity shorts are getting uncomfortable.  Not cool!  Luckily, these seem to have plenty of stretch, so I think they should last me through.  6 more weeks!!

Cardi: JCF
Tank: Kohl's maternity
Shorts: Loft maternity
Sandals: Target

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)

Weird Week

Happy Friday that doesn't feel like Friday!  It's been a super weird week.  Yeah, I'm not working anymore, but weekends are still different, because John is home!  But this week was crazy because we spent Monday hanging out with his family, and then he had a work conference thing, so was gone earlier and later than usual Tuesday and Wednesday.  And usually, I have some sort of plans or appointments a few days a week, but I didn't have anything going on!  It was actually kind of nice to stay home for a few days.  And next week will be busy again!  I think I have some sort of plans every single day.

Anyway, this outfit is from last Friday, or maybe Thursday?  Yeah, Thursday.  The boy and I went to meet John for lunch.  I feel a little awkward when we meet for lunch, because he's in his work clothes, and I'm just so casual.  But I felt a little fancy in my pretty top.  

Top: Kohl's (dress refashioned)
Shorts: Old Navy (similar)
Sandals: Carlos Santana via DSW (similar)

Spiderwebs

Recently, a rather large spider decided that his web should span the doorway to our backyard.  Of all the prime web building spots, this guy just has to live in my way. He builds his web every night and if we forget about it when going outside the next day, we get a face full of spiderwebs.  Not cool, Mr. Spider.  I've been plotting to kill him, but can never find him when I think of it.  Anyway, yesterday I wore this outfit and was going to go outside to take pictures, but the spider swooped down when I opened the door.  I panicked and we had a brief altercation.  I wasn't sure if he was dead or alive, but I was too freaked out to continue my mission, so indoor pictures it is!

Update: I saw the spider later.  He's unfortunately alive and building his web again.  I just may never go into my backyard again!

Top: Loft

shorts: Loft Maternity

Shoes: JCF

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

Paisley Shorts Remix

One of my most exciting maternity purchases were 3 pairs of shorts from Loft, all for $4.88 each.  That's pretty awesome!  Anyway, it wasn't summer for very long while I was still pregnant, but immediately after giving birth, my regular shorts weren't about to fit.  And even once they did, the maternity waistband is just really ridiculously comfortable, so I just keep wearing these shorts.  

These linen paisley ones have been super fun to style, because they have lots of colors in them.  Here are 5 ways I have worn them:  

1/2/3/4/5

And here are a few other outfits that I either wore and didn't get pictures of, or plan to wear in the coming weeks.  

I'll probably need to retire these shorts for next summer.  3 months after giving birth seems okay to still wear maternity shorts.  A whole year might be a little weird.  Or maybe not.  Let's not make any final decisions just yet.  

Tank: Gap
Shorts: Loft Maternity
Sandals: Target

Summertime

Summer is almost over for anyone who has to go back to school, but it's still going to be hot for couple months, so I think we should avoid getting too fall crazy for now.  Shorts will still be the best option for awhile.   I keep saying I will stop wearing these maternity shorts, but I just like them so much and man are they comfortable!

Anyway, it's been an awesome summer!  First I had a baby, and then a bunch of family came to visit!  My sister and nieces are here right now and we are having so much fun.  It's super sweet to see how much the girls love their cousin!

Top: Loft outlet
Shorts: Loft maternity
Sandals: Target

Bill Grogan's Goat

Who wants another weird goat story??  No one?  Oh, well.  This is going to be awkward then, because I'm telling the story anyway.  

When I was telling my husband the riveting story about the Three Billy Goats Gruff, he was like "wait, wasn't there a train?"  No no no.  Silly husband!  That would be Bill Grogan's Goat.  With very little encouragement, I started singing, and made him repeat each line, because that's how the song goes: 

Bill Grogan's goat was feeling fine

Ate 3 red shirts right off the line

Bill gave that goat a great big smack

And tied him to the railroad track

(Something something something)

He coughed up the shirts and flagged the train. 

I couldn't remember a couple lines in the middle, so I consulted Google, as one does.  This is what I found.  My memory was about right for the beginning of the song, but while my version ends with the goat getting the train to stop, the real version continues.  To summarize, the engineer sees the goat and cuts his throat.  If that wasn't horrible enough, the goat goes to heaven (headless) and St. Peter is like "hey goat, where's your head?" and the goat is like "no one knows..."  I'm sorry, WHAT?  How is this a children's song?  I'm about 95% sure the goat didn't die in whatever version I knew as a kid.  Or maybe I just blocked out the bad memories.

And I think that's my last blog post about goats for awhile.

Cardigan and Top: Gap factory
Shorts: Gap
Sandals: Target

Babies Everywhere

Last week, Tuesday was spent visiting some friends with new babies!  It was one of the 90+ degree days so I wore as little as possible while still being decent!

First up, I introduced my kid to his new BFF, who was about 4 days old at the time and about half the size of my giant 2 month old.  You can tell the boys are thrilled to meet each other.

Then in the evening, John and I went to the hospital to meet this sweet girl who was just about 18hours old.  Again, babies are so excited to meet each other.  We joked that this was their first date, but neither of them said anything, so it was pretty awkward.  

My two-month-old looked like a giant next to these newborns!  Then this week we had dinner with one of my friends from elementary school who was driving through town, and her 9-month-old made mine look teensy again.  I felt like I was looking into my future!  

I'm pretty thrilled to have friends with babies so close in age.  It will be so fun to watch them grow up and hopefully become friends!

Tank & shorts: Loft 

Sandals: Target

Summery Third Thursday

It's the Third Thursday of the month again, so I'm linking up with Bri for summer style!  Since I'm not working anymore, I wear shorts most of the time this summer. A fun floral tank and sandals make an easy outfit.  I added the cardigan because I was meeting some of my old coworkers for lunch and restaurants tend to be freezing.  

These shorts are probably going to be done soon.  I can pretty much fit into my normal shorts now, but I don't have a mint pair and still have ideas of how to wear these.  But I'm starting to feel weird about wearing maternity stuff, so we shall see.  

Top & sandals: Target

Cardi: Gap

Shorts: Loft Maternity 

Time Flies

This summer is going so fast!  I can't believe it has been 2 months since this guy was born.  People ask me what it is like being a stay at home mom, and if I get bored or miss my old job.  Honestly, I've been so busy that I haven't had time to even wonder.  Life has been filled with figuring out how to be a parent, family visiting, all the doctor's appointments for baby and me (not to mention dentist and eye doctor), busy weekends with weddings, birthdays, wedding and baby showers, and then the 4th of July!  I've tried to squeeze in some lunches with friends, because I didn't want to completely disappear into mommyhood.

The rest of July is going to continue being wild, too!  My dad and nieces are coming to town tomorrow for a quick visit.  Then all of the Smith extended family will be rolling into town for my sister-in-law's wedding next weekend.  They are all pretty excited to meet the baby!  And we are pretty excited to see everyone!

Top & shorts: target

Sandals: Santana via DSW

Father's Day

I'm so behind on posts!  It's hard to find time to blog these days.  Anyway, these are from Father's Day.  We met up with John's family for lunch after church and then to our house for a bit.  Everyone tells John "it's your first Father's Day!" And since we are smart alecks, we explain that he's been alive for many Father's days.   But I suppose they mean his first time as a dad celebrating the day.

And I'm very happy to celebrate him, because just a few weeks in, he's a pretty awesome dad.

Top: Gap factory

Cardigan: JCF

Shorts: Loft maternity

Sandals: Santana 

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

A Birthday

This is what I wore on Saturday to celebrate my sister-in-law's birthday.  We went to a new restaurant downtown, and it was kind of a fiasco.  The College World Series was going on, so traffic and parking was ridiculous, but once we got into the restaurant, it wasn't too crowded.  But then they had a super limited menu because of the event, and I'm pretty sure (really hope) that they were using different ingredients for the food than normal.  The whole deal with the restaurant is that they have food and beers from the area, but honestly, it seemed like they went to the local Sam's Club and bought a bunch of frozen burgers and a giant bag of Ruffles potato chips.  So I don't think we will be going back there any time soon.  But we survived our first trip to the Old Market with a baby, and I assume subsequent trips will be less dramatic if the CWS isn't in town!

Anyway, after dinner we continued the celebration with presents and cupcakes and ice cream.  So that was fun!

And yeah, I'm still wearing my maternity shorts.  I just kind of love them, and if I didn't have a blog where I talk about my outfits, no one would ever know.  So, let's just keep it between us, okay?

Top: JCF
Shorts: Loft Maternity
Sandals: Target

Third Thursday Denim Jacket

It's the Third Thursday, and Bri has once again picked a theme I can work with!  My denim jacket is a frequently worn item, but I haven't worn it at all in the last 6 weeks.  Partly because it's been warm outside, and partly because I think the buttons might be awkward when I'm trying to hold my baby.  I've been wearing things that are softer without much hardware.  

On Tuesday, I had a dentist appointment, which meant I was on my own for a little bit, and the dentist office tends to be chilly, so it was a good time for a jacket!  

This tank top is a new hand-me-down from my mother-in-law.  She bought it and then didn't like it because it "made her look like she'd just had a baby."  And I was like "well, hey, I did just have a baby, so I can look like that!"  It is a kind of awkward shape, but I love the stripes, and the high neckline is ideal right now.  I don't want to buy new stuff until my body sort of settles into whatever size/shape it's going to be after pregnancy, so I'm happy to have a new shirt to wear in the meantime!  

Jacket: JCF

Tank: Target

Shorts: Loft (maternity)

Sandals: Santana  

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