MY SUMMER WARDROBE WISHLIST

STRIPED BUTTON-DOWN / DENIM OVERALLS / DAMASK TOP / SNAKE PRINT FLAT / LINEN MUSCLE TEE / PULL-ON SHORTS / CROPPED TANK / DENIM BOY-SHORTS / SCOOP TEE / STUD EARRINGS / LEATHER TOTE / DENIM FLIGHT PANTS

Two things- summer is here, and I am no longer pregnant. Oh, happy day! As beautiful as the North Country snow can be and as grateful as I am to have our little Finn, I'm so glad that the last few months are a thing of the past. And after a long, long winter of wearing nothing but sweats and my old maternity clothes, I am ready to shop! {Be afraid, Thane. Be very afraid.}

To be honest, I'm definitely a window shopper and I get more enjoyment out of browsing than I get from buying. But my last shopping/browsing attempt ended with American Eagle's security alarm going off when Silas opened their emergency-only exit. Hahaha, whoops! They were very gracious about it and the boys were having a grand old time, but- needless to say- it wasn't too relaxing for me...

Which leads me to the next topic- online shopping. Just a few short years ago I almost never ordered anything online. But I learned to appreciate it a lot once I became a mom, and even without the kid factor, you can't beat the convenience of getting to see literally everything that's out there all from the comfort of your own home. Not to mention what's what's on sale and when, and all of the Tall sizing options that aren't available in stores.

So lately I've had a lot of fun browsing around online and picking out some favorites. Obviously I can't afford to buy it all {and even if I could, it probably wouldn't be very wise- always keeping Luke 12:15 in mind}, but it's nice to have an organized list to keep my eye on. The items above are all from Madewell, and they have a great little feature on their site where you can save your favorites and come back to them later. Making these "wishlists" are my favorite way to shop these days because it gives me time to come back to what I've saved, think about how much I really like something before buying it, and see whether it's on sale or not. I almost always don't buy anything full price.

Anybody else excited about dressing for the summer?

P.S. I stuck to the goal I made of not buying any extra maternity clothes this past pregnancy! There were definitely times that I was tempted, but looking back, I'm so glad I didn't. Especially since I spent 90% of the winter wearing Thane's old over-sized sweats anyway, haha.

22(?) WEEKS

It's funny how much changes from the first pregnancy to the third. When I was pregnant with Asher, I started a whole blog for the sake of recording every little detail of it. But this time I can't even remember how many weeks along I am, or the name of my midwife {or is she a doctor?}, or where in the world my OB record book is that I'm supposed to take to every visit but don't, or how many pounds I've gained, or any of that stuff. Heck, some days I almost forget I'm pregnant. And you know what? It's okay. It's kind of a relief, actually. 

There was nothing like the thrill of being pregnant for the very first time. But it's also nice to be busy with the two boys I already have so that I'm not anxiously waiting, wondering, and worrying about this one. {Granted, I still worry a little knowing not every pregnancy ends with a baby in your arms.} But overall, I like being able to go about life without obsessing over every detail of this third little boy's arrival. I'm not even worried about the delivery! Not that I'm looking forward to it- a couple of months ago I was downright dreading it and seriously considering an epidural this time- but as far as who attends the delivery, I'm not stressing {so far, hahaha}. I was really blessed to get my preference and be able to deliver with the same midwife who administered all of my routine OB care for Asher and Silas. {See their birth stories here and here.} It's wonderful to be attended by someone you know and trust. But this time it will be one of the six-eight midwives or doctors who happens to be on rotation when the time comes. In other words, I have no clue who will be there. But again, that's okay. God is my Rock, Thane is my advocate, and my body is the one that will most likely be doing the work. So, midwife or doctor, natural or medicated, the baby will come according to His plan and His grace will cover the details. 

I can't help but think the verse that says that it is "for freedom [that] Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery" {Galatians 5:1}. It's so easy to lose sight of the freedom we have in Christ, especially in America where have "freedoms" coming out of our ears. But His freedoms are nothing like what the government gives. He has the power to free us from sin, worry, and the ever-nagging need to feel like we're in control. Those are the things that sneak into our lives and rob us of joy. It's admittedly hard to put total, unwavering trust in someone- anyone- else, and it's something I still fail at half of the time. But the pursuit of trusting the One who proves unfailingly trustworthy is so worthwhile. And in the times when I see myself letting go of what I would normally be in knots over, I give Him the praise.

Silas helped me roll my pant legs up, what a cutie. And one more thing, I cut my bangs! I should have waited to have them done professionally, but YouTube tutorials like this one make it possible to do a little spur of the moment hair cutting...

Have a great day, friends!

P.S. Still staying out of maternity clothes for the most part! Technically my pants don't button...but I can live with that.

OUTFIT DETAILS 
Top- J.Crew & it comes in Tall!
Jeans- Target {similar}

17 WEEKS

I'm really trying to keep up with these weekly pregnancy photos! I borrowed these from the family photos I posted over the weekend but they're actually a couple of weeks old. Come to think of it, I don't even remember exactly what week I'm at now, haha. 18 or 19? I'll have to get back to you on that. Anyway, I've come to the conclusion that now is a good time to be pregnant. Oversized tops, leggings, and even sweat pants happen to be in style. I've seen pictures of my mom while pregnant with me and wearing huge homemade smock dresses. On the one hand, it's awesome to have custom, handmade clothes. But on the other hand, it's really nice not to need that!

And I can't tell you how thankful I am to being feeling like myself again! Waking up with enough energy to actually enjoy the day is something I'm not taking for granted right now. On that note of thankfulness, She Reads Truth just started a new daily devotion series called Give Thanks. These devotions are short and sweet and very easy to keep up with, but so full of truth and encouragement! I read through them on my phone in the five or ten minutes before I get out of bed every morning.

Have a great week!

OUTFIT DETAILS
Chambray Tunic- J.Crew {similar}
Leggings- J.Crew
Belly Band- Motherhood Maternity
Booties- Sam Edleman, via Nordstrom
Scarf- American Eagle {similar}

P.S. I almost never pay full price for anything. A lot of items from J.Crew are sold continuously, so if you keep an eye on their website you can always catch days when everything is at least 30% off, if not more. If you happened to miss my {roughly} 15 and 16 week photos, they are here and here.

16 WEEKS

It's the epitome of girly, but posting A Dress I Never Wore was so much fun that I decided to do another outfit post. This might just have to become a regular thing.

So I have a goal for this pregnancy; wear as few maternity clothes as possible. Which really just means buy as little as possible/use what I already have and love for as long as possible. This might be my last pregnancy, and so I really don't want to put any more cash into maternity wear. It'll get harder towards the end, but between some oversized shirts I already own plus the maternity tops and pants I already have, I think it should be as easy goal to keep.

So, that being said, let me just say that whoever came up with the skinny legged sweat pant concept is a genius. I've had my eye on a pair like this for the last few months. The first two or three I tried on looked better on the hanger than on me, but when I found this celery green Reebok version I was sold. I was only 16 weeks pregnant in these photos, but it seems like the pounds are piling on fast this time and lot of my jeans are already uncomfortably tight- even with a Belly Band.

But these sweats are great because they get worn around the house on lazy days inside but they can also get dressed up with a button-up and some cute flats and not look totally ridiculous. For the record, Thane thinks they are totally ridiculous, but even if he's right, I don't care. Call it desperate-mom-of-two-plus-pregnant-with-another style, but these are all I want to wear! If money grew on trees I'd buy a pair in every color, they are that heavenly.

What about you guys? Anybody else been sporting the skinny sweat pant look?

Just in case I've convinced you to give the dressed up sweat pant look a try, here's where you can find it:

OUTFIT DETAILS
Chambray shirt- J.Crew {it comes in Tall sizing!}
Sweat pants- Reebok, from Dicks Sporting Goods
Leopard Flats- Similar

On a totally different note, I updated my testimony this week. Same story and same great God, just added a new graphic and introductory paragraph. Check it out!

A DRESS I NEVER WORE {PLUS OTHER FUN NEWS}

I was going through my closet the other day when I came across this dress. I first saw it months ago at the Gap when it was still full price, and at $69.95 I just couldn't justify buying it. But I kept my eye on it for a while, and one lucky day I walked into the store to see it on clearance for $16.99, plus another 40% off for a big promotional sale that was going on. Exciting, right?! Especially considering I almost never find a dress that I love. 

It's hard to make out the details from these photos, but the fabric is incredibly light and airy and is constructed with a subtle mix of knit and woven cotton that gives it a beautiful- almost bohemian- flair. {It's not the kind of thing I expound on much, but I truly love textiles. Everyone else in my college Textiles 300 class loathed it with a passion.} But anyway- fabric tangent over- right around the time I brought this dress home, the weather started to get cool. Then, before I knew it, it wasn't really dress weather anymore, and there it was hanging in my closet, tags still on. But in the spirit of redeeming the sad story of this loved-but-unworn piece of clothing, I wore it today! With a comfy warm sweater over top and a tall pair of boots, it's not so bad in the chilly weather.

But on a totally different topic {and getting to the real reason I got dressed up and got the camera out}, I have a little announcement. This isn't exactly new news, but since we haven't made it Facebook/social media official, here goes...

Yaaaaaay! Our newest family member is 16 weeks along and we're so thankful to God for our little deployment baby. He or she took us quite by surprise, but not always knowing what's right around the corner is what makes life such a thrill!

DRESSING THE BOYS

One thing I've never been all that into is shopping for kids clothes. Probably because 1) We were given massive quantities of baby clothes when Asher was born. 2) Silas came next and we already had everything we needed for another boy. 3) Boys clothes don't tend to be all that fun to browse through, especially when most of it says something like "Mom's Little Football Player" on the front. Sorry, that just doesn't get me excited.

But things have changed around here. And very recently, at that. I have to admit that just a few short months ago I felt totally lost in the boys clothing department. And more than just lost, downright intimidated. What?! Since when is shopping {for me, the fashion major} intimidating? I guess I'm just not that good at sorting through a sea of tiny little things that come in a vast array of sizes in the middle of the usual mayhem that ensues when two little boys are stuck in a shopping cart. Not to mention the debate over which size won't swallow them alive yet also won't be outgrown in a month. But I couldn't just keep putting it off like usual, Thane was close to getting home from the deployment and of course we had to look cute for the Welcome Home ceremony.

But anyway, it took me about three different outings to find everything for the boys' outfits. And it wasn't much fun, it really just felt like a chore. But once their little outfits were all pulled together, I realized some things. The first was wow, little boys can look so handsome and sweet and put together in nice clothes! The second was that not everything is as babyish {like with all the silly quotes} as they were when Asher was born. And third, Asher's halfway into boys sizing now {not just toddler sizing} and there are so many better options to chose from.

And now I cannot stay out of Baby Gap. Especially for Asher, knowing that his clothes will get handed down to Silas and get more use. Just for fun, {and since I've spent way too much time browsing Baby Gap online} here are some of my fall favorites for little guys.

one.  |  two.  |  three.  |  four.  |  five.  |  six.  |  seven.  |  eight.  |  nine.

And now for more cuteness.

Have a great day, friends!

STICKING TO IT

Back with a quick update on my pre-New Years resolution to start dressing my age {which is quickly nearing 30}. In case you didn't see that post, my goal was to invest in some classic pieces from slightly higher end retailers like J.Crew, especially things available in Tall sizing... Nothing too fancy, mind you, I'm obviously still a stay-at-home mom. But just some pieces with better quality tailoring and materials.

Anyway, I'm very happy to report that I have indeed kept the resolution, as well as kept my rules against cheap impulse buys or anything from the Juniors department. Talk about a refreshing change! 

After a long stretch of pregnancies and then the usual six month postpartum weight loss marathon, it feels so good to be back to normal. And so so good to have a handful of nice pieces in my closet...to own a white collared button-down shirt again...to have Tall-sized shirts with sleeves that are actually long enough...to have a pair of leather booties with a slight heel!...to be able to put on a nice outfit for church or just any old reason.

So, we can go ahead and call this pre-New Years resolution done! 

And just in case you missed it, here's the resolution that really matters...

What are your goals for the year?

BANGS!

I cut my bangs! Bangs can be so finicky. Sometimes they come out great, and sometimes they don't. I had a hairdresser do them a few months back, but they were so thin that I could barely pull them down without tons of long strands coming with them. And I feel like I need them to mask my not-so-dainty forehead. So, after months of meaning to do it, I'm glad I finally got around to it! It's always a little nerve wracking to cut them myself- and they probably aren't perfect- but it's not my first attempt and I've even done my own layers a few times {thanks to girls on YouTube who make it look so easy}. Plus, curly hair is very forgiving so the small mistakes I undoubtedly make aren't too obvious. And, let's face it, it's rare that I get the chance to go to a hairdresser with two little ones in tow. So, cheers for DIY hair cutting!

How about you? Ever attempted your own hair cut?

P.S. For those of you in the Fort Benning/Columbus Georgia area, I have to mention Whitney Mvondo and Carla Overby- my two all-time favorite hair cutters! 

P.S.S. Still loving my organic curl shampoo...

J.CREW, HERE I COME

Ok. I'm putting my foot down. I have one more year until I'm 30 and it's time to start dressing like it. No more trendy clothes from the junior department, and no more jackets or shirts or pants that don't quite fit but I buy anyway because "they were on sale!"  

In other words, J.Crew, here I come.

One/ J.Crew's Classic Chambray Popover  | Two/ J.Crew's Leggings | Three/ J.Crew's Keeper Chambray Shirt  | Four/ J.Crew's Stretch Perfect Shirt (in TALL sizing!) | Five/ Madewell's Skinny Calf Hair Belt  | Six/ American Eagle's Embroidered Stripe Scarf | Seven/ Sam Edelman's Petty Booty (via Nordstrom) | Eight/ J.Crew's Toothpick Cord (in TALL sizing!)

I started a new Wardrobe Wishlist board on Pinterest to keep track of what I'd like to invest in.

Honestly, I've been telling myself to make this change for years. But I haven't because 1) I've been between three different pregnancies/weight fluctuations in the past three years {which makes clothes shopping a little difficult}. 2) We haven't lived close to many nice clothing stores in a while, and I've always been shy about shopping online. 3) I tend to be "thrifty" {to put it nicely}, and most importantly, I didn't know if this would be God-honoring leap to make. Verses like these made me hesitant- "Now godliness with contentment is great gain" {1 Timothy 6:6} and "Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of things he possesses." {Luke 12:15} These are certainly, certainly true and the last thing I want to do is depart from good biblical wisdom. And praise God for His good graces toward me, because I'm no stranger to rushing into folly. But I have to have a balanced biblical approach to all things...Scripture by no means gives a dollar amount for what is or is not appropriate to spend on clothing, and we can't forget the Virtuous Wife who wears"fine linen and purple" {Proverbs 31:22b}.  

In my case, I'm starting to think that it's better to invest $80 on one good quality shirt that I'll wear for years versus $80 on four cheap shirts that I'll wear a handful of times before they're relegated to unworn closet clutter. I find myself missing the things my Grandmother Mary Alice used to make for me by hand. There is a lot to be said about good, quality tailoring! So, my goal is to make this change to my clothes buying habits in a faithful, moderate, and God-honoring way. {Let's hope I'm not kidding myself on this point.}

And to do that, I'm imposing some new rules onto myself; no clothes shopping at Target, Ross, T.J. Max, Old Navy, or the like, for an indefinite amount of time. I'm going to stick with J.Crew, Madewell, and maybe Gap. {Plus, J.Crew and Gap sell Tall sizing! Another thing I really need.} And after starting with a handful of purchases with the help of some birthday money and a very doting husband, I'm going to restrict myself to one new clothes item a month.

Wish me luck, folks, and hold me accountable!

MAKE YOUR OWN FEATHER EARRINGS

So, I've always loved big earrings, but have never been able to wear them. {Thanks to my small, attached ear lobes.} But I found a compromise...feather earrings. They can be both big and lightweight. I've been wearing them for years now, and I started making my own a while back. They are so simple and so inexpensive {about $5 total}. 

All you need are 

1) the feathers

2) the earring pieces 
3) small pliers {I couldn't find mine this time, so these are somewhat optional}

You can find these in most craft store jewelry sections in a big variety of colors and styles.

Have fun and Happy 'Thanksgiving Week'!  

Asher's First Backpack

Asher got his first backpack, and let me just say that seeing him wear it makes me melt! 

He's obviously not going to school anytime soon, but he needed something to pack his snacks, pull-ups, and extra change of clothes for the church nursery. For months I'd been using whatever plastic bag or reusable grocery bag I could throw together at the last minute. Finally, enough was enough and I came across this striped backpack at Target. He gets such a kick out of it! The sweetest thing about it is he totes around his voice-recorded audio book that Thane made for him right before he deployed. I love that he carries a little piece of Daddy with him everywhere he goes.

Now we just need one for Silas!

P.S. Asher's back pack is on clearance at Target right now...

Acid Wash Suspenders!

I hit the jackpot at the local thrift shop the other day. Not only did I find a few great home decor items shown here and here, but also this handsome little outfit for Asher! The 80s vintage acid wash suspenders were a whopping $.60, and this Osh Kosh hooded top- with the tags still on it!- was $2. It turned out to be a great little outfit for our family photos. To be honest, I usually don't even bother looking through children's clothes at thrift stores because I generally don't find much. But after this last successful excursion I might have to change that!

What about you guys? Find any great second hand deals lately?

20 Weeks Pregnant {Halfway There!}

Maternity Wear / Top: H&M / Jacket: Target / Pants: Old Navy Maternity / Necklace: thrifted / Shoes: oldies

Thanks to a friend and our family photo session swap, I finally have a few non-self-portrait shots of myself! {You know how it goes, the person who loves to take all of the pictures is never in any of them.} These were taken a couple of weeks ago at 20 weeks pregnant, and I'm not sure if it was her photography skill or just my outfit, but it's barely noticeable. But appearances can be deceiving. Or at least I feel huge.

This pregnancy is flying by compared to the first. Life is busy this time. Not only does Asher keep me on my toes, but being in the middle of another Army move has my mind very occupied. I think I like it better this way. Pregnancy with Asher was wonderful for all of the newness of it. This time is wonderful for the sake that I'm not just waiting and wondering and then waiting some more to be a new mom, but enjoying our family of three along the way.

And boy does it feel good to be halfway to the finish line. I have to say that doing the first trimester twice in the last eight months has been a little taxing. But I'm so thankful to God that this little boy {another boy!} appears to be thriving. I don't think I'll ever take a healthy baby for granted again. Thanks be to Him for teaching me to be grateful in all circumstances; the ones that fit "our plans" as well as the ones that don't. One thing is sure, His sovereignty and faithfulness proves itself time and time again.

P.S. Don't let me fool you, this was the first and last time wearing heels during pregnancy, ha!

Thrifty Vintage

1. Aqua ear bobs from an antique jewelry store in Pine Mountain, Georgia. $8
2. Cross body bag from the Fort Benning Thrift shop {exactly what I was looking for}. $1.25
3. Cross body embroidered bag. $.63
4. Chain metal necklace from a rummage sale in Mitchell, Nebraska. ~$2