Share the love: easy Valentine's Day craft for baby

 I love LOVE.  

...and I love any reason to craft or decorate with a theme,

especially when it involves cute baby toes!

This afternoon Carter Jane and I ran a few errands after our Gymboree class which included a stop at Michaels.  I kept repeating to Carter that we need to stick to the list.  I could easily walk out of that store with 5 things I didn't know I needed in hand.  We picked up some supplies for a cute Valentine's craft that we completed tonight.  

This is a very easy craft which basically involves inking the bottom of your little's feet and making the shape of a heart to spell out the word LOVE. love! 

[also pictured above is some cute patterned ribbon that wasn't used but I have an idea for later]

Before I share with you the photos of our project can I just tell you how cool washable ink is? Michaels sells a jumbo stamp pad that is baby friendly, and the ink comes right off with a baby wipe. Link to shop >>> washable ink pad.  So much easier than the hassle of painting your baby's foot.  Dip in ink, stamp, that's it.  

Okay, enough chit chat, here's our project!

Carter is no stranger to the footprint craft.  She made her first one before she was even a month old for Darren's Father's Day gift.  That seems like just yesterday.... sigh. 

 I hope you all have a great Valentine's Day weekend with the one's you love!
xxoo

cozy + chic Momma style

As a "stay at home mom" it's sometimes hard to get inspired to get dressed in something besides the easy outfit: yoga pants and a tee.  Don't get me wrong, I LIVE in that look around the house and running errands a lot, but I still love getting "dressed".  Last night I was browsing some of my favorite stores online and stumbled upon this amazing military-inspired jacket.  

Hello! must. have. This jacket is not only one of my most favorite colors [which happens to look great on everybody], it has a great structure and gold detailing. swoon.  The minute I saw this burgundy jacket I knew I had to share it with you! Here's some outfit inspiration for an easy, on-trend put-together look.  

Links to shop:

1. J.Crew THE DOWNTOWN FIELD JACKET - If burgundy isn't your color, this jacket also comes in black, mossy brown and rich navy.

2. Old Navy Boyfriend Linen-Blend V-Neck - This is a staple wardrobe piece.
3. Two shoe options [although the leopard is my #1 choice!]
Lucky Brand BASEL FLAT BOOTIE - These leopard Lucky Brand booties are SO FUN.  Even though leopard print is well, a print... the colors are neutral so you can pair it with so many things! burgundy, army green, browns, blacks, taupes, denim etc.

Dolce Vita KARA BOOTIES - This heel is easy to handle if you are a Momma on the go.  I love the perforated detail and the Western feel.  

4. Stella & Dot REBEL PENDANT - Stella & Dot is amazing.  If you haven't heard of this jewelry & accessory line, check it out.  A few years ago I used to sell S&D, and ever since I've been hooked.  Every year their product gets better and better.  

Recently I purchased a few cute Lou & Grey pieces, I'll share them with you soon!

What are some of your favorite Momma wardrobe essentials? Leave them in the comments below.  

the terrible teeths

In the beginning of the week my husband was away for business for two nights.  [Insert jealous face emoji here]  I definitely caught myself daydreaming while he was away about what it might be like to sleep uninterrupted for multiple nights in a row.  No baby monitor buzzing, a significant other snoring, cats making noise in the middle of the night.  As Mom's we can accomplish so much on four to five hours sleep, could you imagine an entire night? Or two? lucky. guy.

The two and a half days [I pretty much had a countdown to his return home] that Darren was away I had two major take-aways:
1.  I have a husband that is a great co-parent.
2. Single Mothers are amazing.  You all deserve a shout out, I do not know how you do what you do every. single. day. #singlemomholiday ?

This week, I've decided has officially been the week of  "the terrible teeths" [kind of like the terrible twos but in 8 month old baby land: teeth]. I thought while my husband was away Sun-Mon-Tues we were having a rough time with lack of sleep and a sore baby.  I was in for a rude awakening when it got worse Wednesday and Thursday.  Then, voila! one of Carter's bottom teeth popped through.  Now we are just waiting on the second front bottom tooth to pop through [we can see it] and then, the rest of her teeth. yikes.

Some of our favorite things that have been helping Carter and I get through "the terrible teeths":

1. Sophie the Giraffe Teether - Yes, the $25 giraffe.  She is so worth every dollar.  Not only does Carter love to play with her, but the legs, the ears, and all of her ridges are a great soother.  
2. Munchkin Fresh Food Feeder - I don't know why it took me so long to pick these up at the store, but I'm so glad I did.  They are amazing!  I put frozen bananas and with a friend's suggestion frozen mango chunks in here.  Carter LOVES them.  side note: I've found the easiest way to clean and rinse these is with the sprinkler attachment on your kitchen sink.  
3. Nuby Icybite Hard/Soft Teething Keys - Carter has had these for a few months.  I really like the size of them because they are easy for her to hold on to.  These keys are great used cold or room temp.  

Of course we can't forget our Infant Tylenol for the really rough nights.  And a lot of hot tea for me.

Cheers to another week of teething! Wish us luck.

38 week bump update

As I'm starting to update my blog I stumbled upon my last pre-baby post! I had it all written, I'm not sure why I never published it? It was in fact my last post before Carter Jane arrived (gosh, I miss being pregnant!).... 

Maybe this will be my last post before baby? eek! Currently as I'm writing this it is the start of my 39th week... I'll recap on my weeks from 31-38 since I've been such a slacker with bump updates I'll add it all into one! At my last ultrasound which was at 36 weeks Carter's weight was approximately 6 lbs 15 oz - just about 7 lbs! If I go full term with her [which that looks to be the case] her estimated weight will be 8-8.5 lbs! The bigger the baby, the easier to dress, right?! 

How far along? 38 weeks  

Gender? It's a GIRL! My sweet baby Carter Jane 

Nicknames? CJ, baby Jane. Janey. 

Total weight gain/loss? As of my 38 week appointment on Thursday, I've gained a total of 36 pounds. yikes! 

Maternity clothes?  After 30 weeks hit I pretty much told myself I wasn't buying any more maternity clothing.  My favorite go - to basics throughout this pregnancy have been the couple of pairs of black maternity leggings from Target and basic black tanks with the ruching on the sides.  The clothing that I purchased from LOFT Maternity has been the best! Mixing those pieces with some non - maternity that I had from before I lost weight for my wedding worked perfectly [another reason it's great to be a clothing hoarder].  The dresses I'm wearing in my top two photos are both LOFT Maternity, here's photos of two others that have been favorites: 

Sleep? OH gosh. Some nights I am very comfortable, others I feel like a straight up insomniac! I can tell that I'm not sleeping so light anymore because I am able to deal with my husband's snoring a lot better! I think this cartoon picture I saw on Pinterest pretty much sums it up! 

Best moment this week [these past few weeks]?

• Carter's kicks and jabs - I know I'm going to miss them and having her little movements all to myself! 
• Feeling baby hiccups
• Surprise baby shower at work - how cute!

• My husband reading bedtime stories to CJ and cracking me up with his funny voices
• All of the love and help my family has shared with getting our house baby - ready!

Symptoms? My energy has officially gone downhill, which I'm so not used to.  That paired with the horrible sciatic pain that I have been having in my left leg has led me to be much slower with getting things accomplished and walking! Any time we go somewhere my husband cracks up at my snail pace. Also, I've been having wacky hormone rages, especially towards our two kitties that love to be anywhere and everywhere that is baby related.  They think it's their cat palace! I've given up on trying to discipline and hope that when Carter arrives the kitties will get the point. 

Food cravings? 

• Coffee. I still have limited myself to one cup a day - but I am counting down the days until I can indulge and have more.  
• Shrimp.  I was dying for grilled shrimp on a big salad one night for dinner.  My husband put together some sort of delicious marinade and I am officially obsessed. I love grilling season!
• Roast beef paninis from Pasqualina's, the Italian market / deli local to us.  Something about the combination of roast beef, provolone and hot peppers that is to die for! I only ever eat half and only on occasion but it is so good! 
• Everything sweet and chocolate that you could imagine! Cookies, cakes, donuts etc... 

Food aversions? Nothing like in the beginning of my pregnancy.  

Labor signs?  I've had many braxton hicks contractions, but none that are the real deal yet! 

Belly button in or out? still mostly in. 

What I miss? My energy and being able to move around quickly.  

What I'm looking forward to? Meeting our little girl.  With one week away the feeling is so surreal i'm anxious, excited and nervous! 

Nursery? The nursery is 98% complete! The rocking chair that I ordered will be delivered by Monday or Tuesday and I need to finish ironing the panels that came for the windows - I will share photos when both of those things are in place! 

Mood? Energetic - today! We'll see about tomorrow... 

Showering Carter Jane with LOVE! 30 weeks

About three weeks ago our family and friends put together the cutest, pinkest Baby Shower to celebrate the expected arrival of Carter Jane.  This is already one LOVED and lucky baby girl! 

Here is a photo my husband snapped of me before the shower - He wanted one too! so.cute.

The Baby Shower was held at the Theatre Arts Center in Chalfont, where my youngest sister takes dance and musical theatre.  All of the pretty and pink details were fab!

Look at that cake! It was the most delicious chocolate chip pound cake from Lochel's Bakery in Hatboro.  

 My sister created one of my favorite pregnancy snacks - a trail mix bar! 

  Baby K and Carter are due one week apart! We keep joking that if there is a full moon maybe we'll run into each other at the hospital!

Carter's Great - Nana! 

 Adorable Xander - CJ is going to have so.many.boyfriends. 

Parents - to - be! 

My niece Brooke stealing the show, so excited for her cousin's gifts!

babies.babies.babies. How sweet is baby Chase!

My husband holding a very special gift, a onesie to represent my all time favorite donut shop, Yum Yum Bake Shops.  Shoot... now I want to go pick up some donuts!

 So many gifts, so many adorable outfits, blankets and personalized items! 

I have two really cute personalized gifts to share, one from Etsy and one that was hand made... those will be revealed when the nursery is complete!

Carter's Nana & Grandma

Handsome Mr. Everett!

 CJ's Great - Aunt Wendy!

Many thanks to all of our family and friends for showering Carter Jane with so much love! We cannot wait for her arrival and are counting down the weeks!  

25/26 week baby bump

I started writing this blog post.. well, 6 weeks ago.  Time is just slipping away! I'll be updating to my current week today... but I wanted to share the little bit that I had started writing a few weeks ago.  

How far along? in the photo above: 25 weeks {as of today I am 26 + 4}

Gender? It's a GIRL! My sweet baby Carter Jane 

Nicknames? CJ, baby Jane. 

Total weight gain/loss? Well... at my last appointment at 24 weeks, my Doc turns to me and says "did you really gain 10 lbs since your last visit?" Unfortunately yes.  So I took some of his advice and subbed protein and fruits/ veggies where I would typically have carbs.  This has definitely helped and since weighing myself this morning I'm up a total of 17 from day 1 instead of 21! Hopefully this was just a "growth spurt" although I'm a bit scared of the rest of the weight I'll gain. no.more.bagels.for.breakfast. <--- that was my downfall, my go-to when I was VERY nauseous in the beginning of the pregnancy.  

Maternity clothes? The cute top I'm wearing in the photo above is from Target, I got it in cream and also in grey color-block.  I picked out my dress for my baby shower - can't wait! I'll share those pictures in about a month :) 

Sleep? My legs have been telling me when it's time to wake up lately.  

Best moment this week? Over the past two weeks the best moments have been watching my stomach move.  Insane! The first time I saw her move I was sitting on the couch watching tv.  I think I stared at my stomach for 15 minutes after wanting to see it again! My husband has also felt her move and it's the cutest thing! 

23 week baby bump

Soooo I missed weeks 21 and 22. OOPS! Time is flying and I've been busy with some projects I've been working on the side.  Since I've been MIA here are my past two weeks in pictures: 

 

{attended a baby shower, birthday celebrations, new items for our home, date night with the hubs, I put together some fresh florals for my Valentine's, and some shopping trips to Home Goods, Babies R Us and Target]

As of today I am 24 weeks + 2 days.  Here I am last week with a 23 week photo: 

                      {I really need to stop taking these photos at the end of the day - tired.eyes.}


How far along? 23 weeks  

Gender? Definitely a GIRL! My sweet baby Carter Jane 

Nicknames? CJ, baby Jane. Is it weird I already have nicknames for her and she's not even here yet?! 

Total weight gain/loss? 11 pounds since my last doctors appointment 4 weeks ago.  I have another today.  I think today will be a game changer in the weight department.  I feel huge!

Maternity clothes?  Yesterday I purchased two tops from Target while I was looking for a new lamp for our house.  I definitely like the more body conscious tops/ tanks with ruching at the sides.  I picked the two tops up without trying them on - 1 ruched and 1 baby doll style. Woah, the baby doll style does not work for me, makes me feel bigger than I am.  They have some super cute knit dresses out too, I wish it wasn't 1 degree outside so I could start wearing them with slip on sneaks or dare I say it, sandals!

Sleep? I haven't been waking up AS early as I was sharing with you all during my last blog post around 20 weeks.  So that's good.  Since I'm up multiple times a night having to go to the restroom, sometimes it's pretty difficult for me to fall back asleep.  I think they call this "training for when baby comes".  

Best moment this week? She's kicking! Well, not enough that I can share with my husband yet... Her kicks are VERY sporadic and sometimes I find myself staring at my stomach wanting her to kick again.  I hear from non-first time moms that will change soon.  

Symptoms? Emotional - I cried hysterically to the trailer of "The Theory of Everything".  Just to the trailer.  Take a look: ahhh. 

other symptoms: Mood swing-ish {sorry to my husband}, tired in the afternoons around 3-4pm it usually hits me.  

Food cravings? 

• Starbucks black tea/ lemonade unsweetened.  Very specific and very good! It's the most refreshing drink ever.  I wake up some mornings daydreaming about getting one.  
• Seafood.  I know I can't have a lot of it, but I've been indulging now and again.  My husband made one of our favorite guilty - pleasure meals on Valentine's Day... Peppered Shrimp Alfredo.  Delish! {Find the recipe HERE}
• Salads.  I guess that's not a bad thing! 

Food aversions? I've been getting better with eating chicken.  Nothing else in particular the past week or so, but sometimes that can change daily.  

Labor signs? x

Belly button in or out?In.

What I miss? Drinking multiple cups of coffee a day.  Decaf just isn't the same.  

What I'm looking forward to? Seeing CJ in an ultrasound on Thursday! Also my Mom and husband will be going with me so it will be fun to watch their reactions.  

Nursery? Well, we have the crib - yay! My husband, Darren put it together the day after it came as per my request nagging.  The nursery collection is growing.  I purchased a few things from Home Goods to pair up with some things I already own {two cute new mercury lamps with grey drum shades, three grey stitched baskets for storage}. They were typical Home Goods steals! I could literally spend an entire week's pay in that store.  I have to practice self control.  

Mood? Antsy! A friend of mine asked me yesterday if I was nervous / excited for Carter to come. Although we are no where near ready as far as having everything we need for her yet, I'm want her to get here already! I can't imagine how I'll be feeling at 30 some weeks.  Ha! 

I'll leave you with the CUTEST photo of my niece Brooke "organizing" her cousin Carter's clothing in the nursery.  break.my.heart.