Feelin' 32

My birthday was a few weeks ago, and this is what I wore for family dinner and celebration.  We just went to my favorite restaurant, and then back to our house for cake and presents.  The toddler refused to nap that day, but fell asleep in the car and took a little nap on my lap at the restaurant.  He's so busy these days, it was kind of the perfect birthday present to get some snuggles.  I'm such a mom now.

Cardigan & Skirt: Old Navy
Top: Gap factory
Shoes: JCrew Factory

Date Night

John's birthday was a couple weeks ago, and we finally had a kid-free date night!  It's been a few months, since before Baby2 showed up, so it was nice to have some time away from the babies.  I was slightly nervous leaving them, but once we got to dinner, I wasn't too distracted.  We had a fun, low-key evening.  Just ate dinner, hung out at Barnes and Noble for a bit, and then went to a movie.  Bookstores were one of our favorite places to go on dates before we had kids, so it was fun to just wander around and look at things.  We found this book and basically read the whole thing.  It's funny, I promise.  And the author has a blog, which you should probably read, too.  

Anyway, I also learned an important and difficult lesson.  Maltesers might look like Whoppers, but are actually gross.  That's $4 I won't get back.  

If we look a little tired, it's because I forgot to take pictures until after the movie.  So it was past midnight, which is way past my bedtime.  

Top: Old Navy

Cardi and Jeans: Gap factory

Shoes: JCF

Sunday Best

This is my new dress.  I wore it to church on Sunday, and unbelievably got to sit through the whole service and all of Sunday School!  Baby2 was awake but happy and smiling at me for most of the sermon, so I'm not entirely sure I heard much of it, but hey, it's better than sitting back in the nursery!
Dress & Cardigan: Old Navy
Belt: Madden
Shoes: Target

Purple Sweater

True story:  I wore this almost a month ago but didn't blog it because my pregnant belly was extra pronounced that day and I hadn't spilled the beans yet.  

This is a scarf from Letote.  I'm still sort of on the fence about scarves at the moment, but they are a good option to add some interest since I can't wear necklaces.  Plus scarves come in handy when playing peekaboo, which is currently one of Mr. Baby's favorite things.    

Sweater: Old Navy

Scarf: Letote

Jeans: Old Navy maternity (similar)
Boots: Madden (exact)

Leggings

When it comes to leggings, I'm firmly in the "leggings are not pants" camp.  This flowchart always makes me laugh.  I'm tempted to keep a few copies with me and give them to unsuspecting strangers who are not wearing pants.  I mean, seriously, if I can see the stripes on your underwear, this is a problem.  I'm talking to you, ladies at the mall!

That said, I am a big fan of leggings as tights.  Some days are just too cold for skirts, and even tights won't suffice.  Boom.  Leggings!

Cardigan: Gap
Top and Skirt: Gap Factory
Leggings: Old Navy
Boots: Madden

Fall Florals

When this top arrived in my LeTote box, I thought it would be perfect with my white shorts.  But then fall randomly showed up, and it wasn't shorts weather anymore.  So jeans it is!  I just wore this for a day of running errands with my boy.  I really liked the look of this top, but it was a little too wide and short.

Top: LeTote (exact)
Jeans: Loft (exact)
Shoes: Old Navy (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)

Ode to a Dress

These days, I often thank my former self for buying so many skirts and dresses with flowy skirts!  This is a magical dress that fits no matter what size I am.  It's a "dry clean only" dress, but the first time I took it into the cleaners, they wanted to charge me $1 per pleat, to iron it.  And I was like, "um, this dress only cost $18. I'm not going to spend $100 to get it cleaned!" and I've been washing it on delicate and line drying it ever since.  And I don't even iron it, because I'm a rebel.  And I'm pretty sure it looks exactly like it did the first time I wore it on vacation back in 2013.  And now I want to go to the beach.  Babies love cruises, right??  (I'm joking - I think having a baby in a stateroom would be pretty awful!).

Oh, and if you are wondering why I was dressed up, it's because one of my friends got married!  YAY!

Dress: Limited
Belt: Madden
Shoes:Target

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

Anniversary Date

Since I'm not on my computer as much, I started writing posts from the blogger app. The only problem is sometimes they don't save right, so I wrote this whole post and then it was gone.  So here's a short version:

I liked this outfit, but the skirt is too big and looks kind of goofy.  I need to find time to do some quick alterations on a few skirts, but it's hard to find time for normal stuff, much less sewing!

I wore this to go to Noodles&Co for our traditional anniversary date.  This year, John and I had a third wheel, but he is so cute that we don't mind.  

And we even took our annual selfie in front of the sign:

And when we got home, John took outfit pics for me and captured this gem:

We did go on a real date that weekend, and left the little mister with his grandparents.  But I didn't even think about taking outfit pics.  Since you are all dying to know, I wore my green shorts and polka dot popover.

Top: Gap Factory

Skirt: Gap

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

Three Billy Goats

Here's an outfit I wore recently.  And here's a random story that has nothing to do with outfits:

The internet tells me that I should talk to my kid all the time, because it will help him learn to communicate.  So I pretty much just talk nonstop when we are home by ourselves.  Anyone who knows me knows that this is not a struggle.  Talking is one of my top skills.  But occasionally, I run of of things to chat with my infant about.  So I dig into my childhood memories for stories or songs to share.  But I don't quite remember the stories, so I improvise.

Three Billy Goats were hungry and they ran out of grass on their side of the river, so they had to cross a bridge (clip clop clip clop), but there was this mean troll who was going to eat them!  And some stuff happened and they outsmarted the troll, and then they lived happily ever after.  

These stories will not fly once he actually knows what is going on, so I looked up the real plot of this story (according to Wikipedia).  It's so lame, you guys.  The smallest goat goes first, and is like "oh, don't waste your time on me, my medium sized goat friend is coming across next."  and then the medium one is like "better save your appetite for the biggest one!" and then the biggest one just comes and kicks the troll off the bridge.  But the troll doesn't die, he just stops bothering bridge-crossers.

Why didn't the big one just go first?  There was no need for a story!  And would the troll really leave everyone alone after being kicked by a goat?  Does anyone else remember this story with a more clever plot?

Tee: JCF
Skirt: Gap Factory
Shoes: 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

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)

Easter

Easter Recap!  So, normally we spend Easter with John's family, but this year his parents were out of town and his sister was with her fiance and his family, so we were on our own.  It was actually really nice to have a super relaxing day (as our last holiday before baby arrives).

We went to church, and then came home and made ourselves a little Easter feast.  I think it turned out pretty good!  It was also a completely gorgeous day, so we sat out on the deck for a little bit and just enjoyed the afternoon.  For me, in my current state of hugeness and exhaustion, it was the perfect holiday!

And I wish I would have belted the dress, because I just really think that would have looked better.

Jacket: JCF (top 10 item)
Dress: Loft Maternity
Shoes: JCF
Necklace (not that you can see it): Limited

Birds of Prey

Who wants to hear a funny/weird story?  My sister told me this, after seeing the crib mobile I made for the baby's room.

At Target, the cashier guy told my sister a fun fact about mobiles.  Babies aren't entertained by them.  They actually think that birds of prey are circling and will swoop down to eat them at any moment, so the baby's survival instinct kicks in and he will be quiet and still to avoid capture.  So yeah, it is pretty effective, but parents have no idea that their newborns are terrified.

I mean, what?  Extensive research (I googled it) shows that this is not true, but I think it's ridiculous that the Target guy was sharing crazy theories!  I assume actual doctors or researchers would have figured this out and no one would use mobiles if this were the case.  But no, random Target worker, you seem to be a super legit baby expert.

Anyway, there's a random story for your Tuesday!  (and a random outfit)

Cardigan: Gap
Tunic and Jeans: Old Navy Maternity
Shoes: Target

Another Floral Scarf Look

Well, I should have just waited and done a Threefer Thursday with this scarf, because I wore it again.  This time I paired it with my neglected neon pink and gray striped sweater (not to be confused with my different but the same pink and gray striped sweater).  I really like both of these sweaters, but I neglect both of them, and they are very similar, but I can't decide which one I like better, so I keep both of them.  For now, I'm probably just putting all my sweaters in storage, and I will see what works for me next winter.  Closet downsizing has been tricky during pregnancy, since I don't know what clothes will fit my new body, and what styles will make sense with my new lifestyle!

Add this to the list of outfits where I don't look pregnant from the front!

Scarf: F21
Sweater: Gap
Pants: Old Navy Maternity
Shoes: Old Navy

Winter is Ending

The good news is that winter seems to be over.  The bad news is that I am perpetually 1-2 weeks behind on posting my outfits, so while I am wearing skirts and flats in real life, the blog is still reflecting colder times.  This was a simple outfit for a cold day when I wanted to be as comfortable as possible.  And now, spring seems to really be here!  We've had highs in the 60s and 70s this week and I am one very happy girl!  So here's hoping the boots and tights can hibernate until December!

Scarf: CK
Sweater: Old Navy
Jeans: Old Navy Maternity
Boots; Madden

Twofer Tuesday - Floral Scarf

I've somehow gotten way behind on outfit posts again, which is why I'm sneaking in some two-fer posts.  I tend to neglect this scarf for 6 months at a time, so I went crazy and wore it a few times in a row recently.  The jeans outfit was for work on a Friday, the dress was for church on Sunday.  And I actually wore the scarf again to work a few days later, but "Threefer Thursday" doesn't have the same ring to it, so I'll leave that outfit for another day.  

Here's your free and very obvious fashion tip for the day - a bright floral scarf is a good way to pretend it is spring when it it still super freezing outside.  (and I should note that this week is all of a sudden beautifully springy!  So I can wear actual spring clothes instead of just brightly colored winter clothes).  

Outfit #1: 

Scarf: F21
Cardigan: Gap
Dress: Loft Maternity
Belt: Chinese Laundry
Tights: H&M
Boots: Steve Madden

Outfit #2:
Scarf: F21
Sweater and Jeans: Old Navy Maternity
Boots: Steve Madden

Neglected Paisley Skirt

This skirt was near the top of the list of things I've been neglecting that I still really like and want to keep.  Granted, I'm sentimental about it.  I bought the dress when John and I were engaged, wore it to my bachelorette party, on our honeymoon, and several other picture-taking occasions during the first couple years of marriage.  I just really loved it.  And then I turned it into a skirt, because the top didn't really fit anymore, but I couldn't bear to part with it.  I still love it, but the purplish-blue color in it makes it tricky for me to style.

I was going to wear it with my black sweater and black blazer, and this mint necklace, but then I switched out the sweater for this ruffly maternity tank top, and then I thought the blazer looked weird, so I went with a cardigan instead.  I've been doing that a lot lately - I think because my body isn't shaped the way I think it is, so things don't fit as expected anymore.  (Hashtag - pregnancy problems)

Cardigan: Gap
Necklace: Limited
Top: Kohl's Maternity
Skirt: H&M (refashioned from a dress)
Tights: H&M
Boots: Madden