Name That Bump

Despite such a bad rap, empire-waist, babydoll and baggy tops and dresses are back with a vengeance (did they ever go away?). A quick look at store racks at the mall will tell you they are very much in style right now.

Although I always thought it was kind of cute and very flattering on some people, I sort of avoided that style because I could rarely pull it off. It would sometimes make me look pregnant when I wasn't or like I had gained a few pounds when I hadn't.

That was of course, until last week when I noticed my regular clothes getting tight, and when trying on my maternity clothes (that I've kept from first pregnancy) realized I was not big enough for them either - Ahh, the dreaded "big lunch or baby " stage.

So I went out and bought a whole bunch of these tops and I love them! Since I'm both pregnant and gained a few pounds I don't care if they make me look just that. They're very cute and comfortable - exactly what I need to get me through another month or so. Way better than my husband's t-shirts I wore at first last time. It only made me feel frumpy. Oh well, you live and you learn.

An added bonus is that once I outgrow these tops, I'll be able to use them again after I have the baby. Sure, I'll look "pregnant" then, too, but hopefully the newborn in my arms will give away that, instead, I just had a baby.

These cute tops can be found at Banana Republic and Victoria Secret. I also found a cute shirt at Ann Taylor :0)

One Year Older and Wiser, Too!

I had a fabulous birthday yesterday! It started out with me and Ian sleeping in. How great is that?! Most days I'm up early (kind of) with Ian and still wishing I could sleep another 5 more minutes. He must've known, and it was his way of saying "happy birthday, Mom".

My parents were here visiting from Utah - we had fun birthday gift shopping for each other at the mall (My mom's birthday was only three days before mine) and my Dad was kind enough to watch Ian while we shopped. I had fun talking to everyone who called to wish happy birthday, too.

And of course, it wouldn't be a birthday without going out to dinner. This year's restaurant of choice: Red Lobster. Yup, I'm very easy to please, throw a couple of shrimp my way, and I'm happy :) Thanks hungies for always making sure my birthday is special!

It'll take a few days getting used to saying I'm 26 instead 25. 26, does that sound old to you?

Ian Will Be a Big Brother!

That's right, our little family is growing!

We're expecting our second baby next April.

Needless to say we're very excited and feel really blessed to be adding to our family.

We wanted to share the good news with everyone.

I found these funny comics online, and thought I'd post them here.

I remember Leslie posted some similar {baby tips} a while ago on her blog.

These are the "pregnancy tips" version of it.

First Day of Preschool

Monday was Ian's first day of preschool and he did very well. He seemed to really enjoy his first day and was excited to tell us all about it.

I stayed by the door for a few minutes after dropping him off and saying goodbye and I saw him playing and talking to the other kids. I left after making sure he was ok, and teared up as I walked to my car.

He's growing up so fast. Anyway, check out our cute preschooler.

Fun in the Sun!

We just recently got back from our family trip to Southern California. We stayed in a hotel in downtown L.A. and were able tour a few tourist spots while there.

We saw the walk of fame and hollywood and were part of the audience for a TLC TV show while there - Ten Years Younger. We might be on TV. And that's a big might.

Disneyland was cool. Even though Ian kept saying the rides were a little scary, he was a good sport and I could tell he had fun.


The beaches were beautiful and the weather was warm. That was our favorite part. We went to Manhattan Beach. Dustin and I took turns swimming (AKA getting clobbered by the waves) while the other one played with Ian in the sand. Only towards the end did Ian warm up to the water.

Unfortunately the swimming suit I had ordered online didn't arrive in time for our trip :( I got it at www.modbecatalog.com - and they sell very modest but stylist swimming suits. Lo and behold It was sitting just outside the door when we got home. Oh well, it's very cute and fits great... there's always next year :)

We had to get in one last trip before summer bade us adieu!

Girls Just Wanna Fun!

My side of the table ...

The other side of the table ...

Katie and Me

Last night a few girls from our ward got together for a "twilight girls night out" dinner at the Claim Jumper.

I had a lot of fun. Sometimes it's nice just to get a break from the routine.

There was never a dull moment and the girls happily blabbed the night away. I shamlessly copied these pictures from Susan's blog. Thanks Suze!

When I got home, Dustin and Ian had cleaned our CRV inside and out! Thanks hungies! That's what I usually drive, but I had taken Dustin's truck instead last night, so they could have the car seat. Ian was pretty excited that our "van" as he refers to it (probably because Grandma used to have a van), was clean. It was a pigsty, I admit. Dustin is definitely neater than me, unfortunately for him.

Notable Quotes from our GNO:

{... or do you want it now so you can spend the night with Edward?}

{Don't you go around looking at people at church and think - ooh, they don't match ...?}

{That's how we ended up with 5 kids ... I don't trust that thing anymore ...}

{My parents are 9 years apart and now they look the same age ... it's so not fair}

{I go, what kind of idiot pays $200 for a pair of jeans?? and he says ...but they work every time}

{Have you heard about the 'Potty Whisperer'?}

{so long, sucker!}

You girls are hilarious! We should do that again sometime :)

A Quick Note About the Recent Changes ...

As I disclose more and more personal information here, I've been debating whether or not I want to make it private and have friends sign up in order to read this blog. I don't think I want do it yet. So instead I've moved all posts from my old blog here, and then deleted the original. The only difference is that this one doesn't show our last name anywhere. I've enjoyed reading all your great comments on my old blog (yes! all three of you) and I'm sorry to have lost them on the transfer. Thanks for reading!