Bumpdate- 39 weeks

Still pregnant….I don’t know why but I really didn’t think I’d see 40 weeks this time around. I guess I thought by the third kid my body would know the drill. It’s all good though. I just keep reminding myself how much her brain is developing, and how this is simply the calm before the storm so to speak. Once she is out we have three kids!! Ahhh three kids!!!

Lately my husband and I have had a hard time falling asleep at night. I don’t know if it’s our anxious minds, our over dosing on caffeine, or God allowing us to have some special time together. Let’s just say pillow talk has been at an all time high! We have watched countless movies, laughed and joked together, dreamed about our future and what our new daughter will be like. It has been very special to me and I know  the memories out weigh the lack of sleep.

We’ve been trying to do as much fun stuff with the boys as possible before sister gets here (#pinkinvasion we call it). We go swimming, hit up the library, explore a new park, or find new favorite treats (ice cream, doughnuts, candy from the gas station where mommy always gets a huge cup of crunchy ice!!) on a weekly basis. Other fun summer activities include going to the zoo, the Indians game, putt putt golf, numerous trips to the lake, and Cohen even got to go to the Brickyard 400 with daddy. Kempton has enjoyed being mommy’s side kick this summer and has even embraced the pink! I think he’s going to love having a sister what do you think?! One special thing we did as a family was go to build a bear and make sister a special bear. Brooks and I started this tradition when I was pregnant with Cohen. We make each of our children a special bear with our voices in it. This time we let the boys come with us and it turned out to be a very fun family memory.

In other news I just recently stopped working. Normally the summer is a very slow time in the makeup business, but I’ve been surprisingly busy. I kept getting asked to work jobs, or to do makeup consultations, and I didn’t want to turn them down. Just last week I finally said I’m officially on maternity leave! I would of never been able to do it without a supportive husband, a helpful mother-in-law, and my Blanqi support tank!! I’m serious guys, this support tank is the bee’s knees. Definitely a maternity must have.

39 weeks

How far along: 39 weeks and 5 days

Baby is the size of a: mini watermelon. Between 6 and 7 lbs.

Maternity clothes: Outfits from Pink Blush, Jeans from A Pea in the Pod, and my Blanqi tank. Other than that I have loved free people all throughout my pregnancy because I know I am buying pieces I can wear both now and post pregnancy. Their clothes are so flowy in the middle, yet tight on the arms. I am able to buy my normal size and feel comfortable that I am not stretching anything. Also I’ve been buying a lot of basic tanks and wearing vests over top. I’m all about investing in clothes that you can get the most benefit from. If this is your first baby I totally encourage getting some great staple maternity pieces. Another thing I’ve been known to do is shop the men’s basic section. Since my husband wears size Med I am able to buy nice soft shirts for us to share! It’s funny cause just today I was searching all over for a shirt and come to find out he was already wearing it!

Sleep: I have a hard time falling asleep at night. Not because I’m uncomfortable, but because my mind is constantly going. I find once I’m asleep I sleep good and hard but then any noise, or urge to pee can wake me up and keep me up. I’ve been taking little cat naps during the day and that has been helping a lot. I guess my body is preparing itself for the upcoming interrupted sleep.

Exercise: We take Emmy on long family walks every night.

Movement: She is a mover and a shaker! I joke that she is already a little ballerina.

Any Cravings: The ice craving has somewhat ceased. Although I’m still a sucker for a 44oz gas station cup full of crunchy ice.

Miss Anything: Wine, summer concerts, the fair, my ankles.

Anything make you queasy or sick: The puking/pooping part in Bridesmaids gets me every time.

Any Labor Signs: Lots of contractions. 3cm dilated and 50% effaced.

Wedding ring on or off: On but I’m starting to get a bit puffy.

Happy or Moody: Mostly happy, but I have my days.

Looking forward to: Meeting this baby girl and having all of my family around.

Best moment of the week: Spending quality time with my mom shopping for baby girl. Also finalizing the name with daddy and starting to call her by name.

This pregnancy has been such a blessing from God. I’ve never enjoyed being pregnant like I have this time. I have felt great, been able to spend lots of quality time with my kids, and I’ve taken time to document so much of this last go round. Our family has bonded over this baby and the fact that it’s a girl is just icing on the cake. I finally feel more than ready to close this chapter of my life. This is it! The last time I’ll be pregnant, and I’m really okay with that.

In the last few weeks I’ve been focusing on soaking up  special time with Kempton, knowing pretty soon he is going to look like such a big boy. It makes me sad to think he will no longer be the baby. I’ve also loved spending one on one time with Cohen and talking about how he has such a special role as oldest in the family. Brooks and I have grown even closer over the past 9 months. Just the other night he looked at me and said “how did we get so lucky to find each other?! Do you think this is how all married couples feel?” We’ve been together for almost 11 years now and our love just keeps getting stronger. Thinking of him having a daughter almost brings me to tears and I just can’t wait to see how God creates a special soft spot in his heart.

Ok sorry for the sappy pregnant emotion. I just never want to forget all these amazing feelings. God has been so good to our family and now all we can do is pray for a safe delivery and a healthy baby! Thanks to everyone for following along with me on this journey. It won’t be long now….

Photo by the amazing Ashley Elizabeth Moore!

 

xo Mandy

Ps. I’ve got the Grand Finale of pink invasion giveaways going on over on instagram. Check it out @madeoverbymandy. One lucky follower will win the whole list of my favorite items for baby girl!!

My Blanqi Style

You’ve heard me say in posts before that I’m not a huge fan of maternity clothes. I don’t like how over priced and oddly styled they are. I feel like a lot of maternity pieces scream “I’m just a big ole pregnant lady don’t mind me!”  I find that I can style most non maternity clothes better with the exception to a few key pieces. This bumped by Blanqi belly support tank is definitely one of those pieces. There is just nothing else like it!!

The Blanqi bodystyler has been a staple in my wardrobe since the day it came in the mail. This stylish support tank is not only fully lined and full coverage, but it supports your belly and back to alleviate any pain. I swear it feels like someone is holding your belly up for you!! I love it for my long days at work because it’s breathable mositure-wicking fabric keeps me cool and dry. It’s just such an easy piece to throw on and go. 

I even wear my Blanqi bodystyler on date nights. The material of the tank is fabulous and perfectly structured. Think better than a lululemon tank top!! It’s great for layering or even by itself. The fabric is totally opaque and creates a beautifully smooth silhouette. Also the long length of the top takes the place of any bulky belly band allowing you to wear all of your favorite pants for longer.  Hooray!!

Here are some silly mirror selfies to show you just how long the tank really is. The girls behind this awesome design (Valerie and Sabina) are true geniuses. They have successfully created a stylish piece of performance wear that I will continue to wear post baby. This top truly is the perfect start to any outfit, and I’m proud to be a Blanqi girl!! Check them out on Instagram @blanqigirls and hash tag your photos #BLANQIlife and #makemoments

* A true testament to the greatness of this tank is the fact that I am 38-39 weeks pregnant in these pictures and I am still feeling full support. Also I would not normally have the confidence to wear something white and tight  this far along, but I love how it smoothes out my belly and really shows the beauty of pregnancy.

A Girly Shower

They pulled into my driveway late Saturday night with a trunk full of pink goodies. My smile couldn’t of been any bigger. One because my best girl friends were in town, and two because we were getting ready to celebrate my baby GIRL!! Yes I get to say it, GIRL!!  Now I love my boys, and I’m so glad that I get to be a mommy to not only one but two of them, but the blue thing is getting a bit old hat. When my best friend Erin said she wanted to throw me a shower I had no idea how exciting it would be for me. Up until that day I couldn’t really visualize it. Yes I was pregnant with a baby, but it wasn’t until all the pink starting overflowing from their car into my dining room that I really felt the joy of what is coming. Needless to say I was overwhelmed by the love and generosity of all my friends who gathered to make it such a special day for me, and I hope I get to repay the favor in some way to many of you in the near future!! Here is a glimpse at our day.

Cake- Classic Cakes in Carmel, Cupcakes- Pink Elephant, Baby clothes- Egg by Susan Lazar, A Mother’s Love Print- Kelli Murray

 

 

Kempton’s Room Tour

On August 1st we will have officially been moved into our new home for one year. When I look back to all of the projects we’ve completed in just that short period of time I am amazed, and exhausted! The project I dreamed about and planned out the most was the kids’ rooms. Although nothing ever seems quite “finished” here is a peek at Mr. Kempton’s nursery. >> I say nursery because when we moved in he was still in a crib. We have since changed it to a toddler bed (at 18 mo. which I was totally not ready for), and once we get his big boy bed some of the decorations will change in his room. But that’s another post for another time. Mostly everything in his room is DIY and I have a tutorial for the wall right here. Anything else is tagged at the end. Enjoy! 

So the funny thing about this Squidward stuffed animal is he randomly got it at the store that our aunt Susan works at and he won’t let it leave his sight. It’s kind of an odd thing, but hey the colors match so I’m just going with it 🙂 Also not pictured are his multiple “special” blankies. He carries so many around and has to sleep with all of them (the grey little giraffe blanket is his favorite.) Daddy started this bedtime routine that when we tuck him in we have to count each special blanket as it is laid on top of him. He now insists that we count all the animals in his bed too. He is just too precious, and it is such a special memory I won’t soon forget!

Here are some of the items I’m still wanting to add to his room….

Wall decals >> Walls by Mur

Black crocheted blanket >> JJmotown

Curly bear >> Build a bear (a tradition we do for all of our kids with their heart beat inside and a special message from mommy and daddy)

Lion Stuffed animal >> Jellycat

Triangle blanket >> Little Hip Squeaks (similar)

Geometric grey pillow >> West Elm (similar)

Animal pillow >> Ikea (no longer available)

Crib skirt >> Dwell Studio (no longer available)

Crib >> Pottery Barn

Pyramid Lamp >> Crate and Barrel (no longer available)

Moccasins >> Freshly Picked

Sheep skin >> Ikea

Felt balls >> Hello Maypole

Large white light >> Ikea