The "Glow" of Pregnancy...Maternity Pictures

As of late, I know my blog has been transformed to a constant swirl of anything and everything baby, and to my loyal friends out there, I promise to revert back to more of my "old ways" once little darling finally comes, but I definitely wanted to take a moment to share some of my new favorite pictures.
Yes, I caved in and had maternity pictures taken, as I wanted to make sure we captured this special time and to one day be able to show Caroline just how special she is, starting from the time she was in mommy's belly. I'm now a changed person and I know what people say when they tell you there is nothing in the world like the blessing of pregnancy and what it does to your body {the good and the bad, but mostly wonderful}. These are all brought to you by one of my best friends, and very talented photographers Candice. We spent two afternoons together taking all kinds of fun shots. Here are just a few of my favorites...

36 Week Bumpdate...Almost There!

How Far Along? 36 weeks, 6 days…23 days to go!

Size of Caroline? The "popular" Crenshaw Melon! She is about 18.75 inches long and weighs 5.75 pounds—wee one is getting bigger!

Maternity Clothes? I was shopping in Old Navy this past weekend and walked right by the maternity clothes…it feels so good to know I will be out of the mostly dreary/drab wearables in a matter of weeks! Yes, wishful thinking/utmost positivity on my part—operation “Get My Body Back” will start immediately!
Weight Gain? 27 pounds…My doctor was proud—a pat on the back for weight gain!
Stretch Marks? Not any that I can see
Gender? Pretty in PINK!  

Sleep? Benny (the prego pillow) has been kicked out of the bed permanently…he wasn't serving his purpose anymore. Now, it’s an endless cycle of trying to get comfortable with normal pillows and tossing and turning. I cannot wait to be able to sleep on my stomach again.

Food Cravings? Cuties AKA clementines, powdered doughnuts (that some of you definitely saw in my post yesterday), and Girl Scout cookies (especially partial to frozen thin mints and tagalongs, and yes I have purchased my fair share this year)

What I Miss? Sleep, being able to stay up past 10pm, and wearing heels—I’m not a “flats” person and I cannot wait to wear my fun shoes ASAP

Symptoms? Endless amounts of Braxton Hicks, and tons of other stuff…but we’ll leave it at that. Some things are just better left unsaid.  

Belly Button? Still half and half.

Best Moment of the Week? My 36 week checkup—my first “weekly” visit, so now until Baby Caroline comes, I will be seeing my doctor every Monday. I didn’t know what to expect, and was a little nervous, so I was happy Jeff came for support. My doctor checked me—1cm dilated and 50% effaced—which was music to my ears. Progress, even if it is just a little bit! Even better, Caroline is head down (THANK YOU LORD) and she thinks based on everything as it currently stands, I should be able to have a normal delivery AKA no c-section. Only time will tell and that could change, but she is optimistic which helped to put my mind at ease. We’re in the home stretch friends! 
P.S. these pictures go out to Kate-you asked for a more "fitted" view of the bump...I think this definitely fits into that category ;)

Explosion of the Wednesday Randomness

My boss gave me the go ahead to start working 2-3 days a week at home these last few weeks…hallelujah! It most certainly pays off to have a manager that has 2 kids of her own—I know I will be able to get so much more accomplished without countless distractions throughout my day and I’ll feel much more prepared handing over my responsibilities while I’m out on maternity leave.

As a lover of Pinterest from it’s early launch, I saw a really fun post on Rambling Renovators the other day—you can see what pictures and such people “repin” from your blog. Apparently, the blogging world likes our master bedroom, wedding details from our big day, and the gender reveal party. See more here: http://pinterest.com/source/hellohappinessblog.com/
**and p.s. to view your own, simply  remove my blog and insert your own… a fun little thing to learn!

I am a celebrator of Lent most years, however for 2012, I am giving myself a reprieve. I think I have “given up” a few things this past year—i.e. sushi, alcohol, deli meat, endless amounts of seafood, unprocessed food, etc—so I will not be participating in my usual routine. Does that make me sound horrible or what?

Photo Challenge:

February 19: Something I Hate to Do—the dishes…however, it’s one of my chores because Jeff just can’t seem to figure out the proper placement of any dish

February 20: Handwriting—my weekly to-do list…

February 21: A Favorite Picture of Myself—last year after a friend's
wedding...that was a FUN FUN night!!

February 22: Where You Work—well, today I am working from the house, so I am parked on the kitchen island with a plethora of stuff everywhere! I am so ready for our office space to be done!

Happy Hump Day/Ash Wednesday friends…hope you all have a great day!!

Another Weekend Come and Gone

Monday morning=sad face time. Back to work, though there is an end in sight...maternity leave! I know this isn't going to be a "vacation" by any means, but to be away from the corporate environment for 10-12 weeks is fine by me. This weekend was one of the most productive we've had in awhile, and I am so thankful Jeff loves to-do lists just as much as I do.

Friday night, we invited Meg and Aaron over for dinner...and not just any dinner! We grilled out and ate tons of yummy food, finished dinner with special goodies from Gigi's Cupcakes, and then Jeff and I surprised them with a little question. We had been trying to find a special way to ask Meg and Aaron to be Caroline's godparents and I found the sweetest frame at my go-to gift store. Then I wrote out a poem to them from Caroline, asking if they would guide and help her, and always be there for her. Needless to say, the BFF didn't make it through the first line without crying some tears. We are honored that they said yes and it means the world to know they'll have a special relationship with our baby from the day she is born.
Saturday morning, we got up and headed to the gym, then came back to the house to meet Mom who helped us hang the curtains in the nursery. Of course then my tears started after all was complete as I am just so happy with how our peanut's nursery looks...just need to finish hanging the wall decor and then lay the rug down and we'll be done! I promise not to make you wait too much longer ;).
The rest of the afternoon, we relaxed around the house, taking care of other chores and then rented The Change Up and ordered pizza...perfect Saturday night to me!
Sunday was another successful day-we bought a video camera {which to me clearly demonstrates how old we are and what's about to happen}, and then spent the rest of the day organizing, finishing my thank-you notes, and starting on baby laundry!

And, I am catching up on the photo challenge, too!

February 16: Something New-my new Oreck Air Purifier...isn't it cool? I got invited to the launch party last week, and each of us got to take one home! First, it plays white noise which is perfect for helping little one sleep, and it will help clean her room clean and fresh-yay!

February 17: Time-leaving work on Friday a bit early...it was a great time indeed!

February 18: Drink-While browsing the aisles of Target, I took a much needed detour for the Icee machine...perfect little treat!

That's all I've got for today my friends...hope all of you had a fantastic weekend, too!!

Fashionable Friday...Sir Stripes A Lot

i love stripes, stripes of all colors, and there are anywhere and everywhere right now taking over my favorite sites...a lot of these seem to have that springtime nautical look-perfect for sailing around the coast, strolling along the beach {yeah, we wish} or just to add to the closet for a pop of bold.

Wide-Stripe Bandeau Tank via JCrew 

Multi-Stripe Shift Dress via Piperlime

Falling in Line Dress via Modcloth

Color Block Pattern Scarf via Gap

Striped Shawl Collar Boatneck Top via Anthropologie

Stripe Boating Belt via JCrew

Chevon Stripe Maxi Skirt via Piperlime

Corded Dobby Stripe Blazer via Loft

it seems like so many people are scared to wear stripes, but i think they can be extremely flattering, you just have to find what works to highlight your best assets ;)