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Friday, May 29, 2015

Five on Friday :: Maternity Wear, Monograms, Baby Clothes & Boy Names

Happy Friday!  Between the flooding and Jason starting a new job this week I am very ready for the weekend.  Are you doing anything fun?

ONE - I snapped this pic yesterday as I was getting a dress hemmed at my tailor.  I have a full maternity style post coming up next week, but I'm loving this dress from Gap and it's currently on major sale!  It runs true to size or even a little large.  It's so easy to throw on and go and keeps me cool with these rising summer temps. 

17 Weeks

TWO - I started going through Jack's baby clothes this week.  I saved EVERYTHING and assumed we would be all set if we had another boy.  Although we sure do have lots of boy clothes, I'm quickly realizing that the seasons are all off!  Most of Jack's newborn clothes are so summery since May in Houston = Hot, Hot, Hot.  The little one is due in November so while it could very well be warm, you never know and we may require some cooler temp clothes.  As if I needed an excuse to shop!

I may or may not have already purchased a few things from Gap during a 30% off sale recently!  I am so drawn to navy and more classic pieces this time around rather than the brightly colored, animal pieces.   



THREE - The hunt for the baby name continues!  Jason and I just aren't seeing eye to eye on names.  And bless his heart, he is trying so hard to get on board with some of my picks!  Feel free to leave suggestions on boy names.  I'm leaning toward unique/less common/hippie names and Jason...well, let's just say Jason was the one who chose Jack which just so happened to be in the Top 10 boys names the year he was born.  For some reason I'm also loving Irish names - funny because neither one of us is Irish - ha!

Can you tell I'm getting the itch to monogram the heck out of his name?!?!


FOUR - And speaking of monogramming, check out what Jack scored from Two Magnolia Lane recently!  I am dying over the swim shorts and Jason is obsessed with the Dopp Kit...hello baby "razor".  It's really the cutest thing ever!  Be sure to follow Two Magnolia Lane on Instagram and Facebook.  They are the best place for gifts and their prices are so reasonable!  And before you know it, it will be time to order all of those cute Halloween and Christmas PJ's.


FIVE - Jack graduated from his class at The Little Gym yesterday.  This summer he will move to the bigger kids class and then this fall he starts preschool a few days a week!  I can't even wrap my head around this. 

I normally don't attend his classes because they are during the week while I'm at work.  It's a great activity for his nanny to participate with him to get them out of the house and socializing.  I was lucky to be able to attend yesterday and he was so excited to show me what he's been working on.  And you could not have found a more excited kid to receive his medal yesterday during the awards ceremony. 


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Wednesday, May 27, 2015

Pregnancy #2 Update :: 16 Weeks


Read my first trimester update HERE
Read about my 16 week update from my first pregnancy HERE.  

How far along: 16 weeks
Size of Coffee Bean:  4.57 inches, 3.53 ounces (according to Pregnancy App)
Fruit/vegetable comparison (according to Baby Center):  Avocado
Gender:  Another Baby Boy!
Showing: oh yes!
Maternity clothes:  100% Maternity pants and 80/20 in tops and dresses 
Unglamorous body changes:  Just continuing to get bigger and lovely stretch marks on my tummy...two pieces will never be worn by this girl ever again!
Sleep:  Okay - I'm up several times a night to pee
Movement:  Small flutters every once in a while
Food cravings: Mexican food, lots of ice water, Hamburgers, Sherbet, unsweet iced tea
Anything making you queasy or sick: No
Wedding rings on or off: Engagement ring is on, but my stack of other two rings is too tight when worn together. 
Mood: Rather emotional
Best moment this week: Spending lots of time with Jack and Jason during the long three-day weekend even if much of it was spent stressing over storms!
Strange experiences: Can't think of anything
Milestones:  Made a few decisions about coffee bean's nursery.  It always feels good to get some things decided on.  I also bought a few (tiny) things for him.  Just because I'm having another boy doesn't mean I can't buy him things!  Shoot - half of Jack's closet is monogrammed so unless we plan on doing Jack #2, he will need some things to call his own. 
Looking forward to: Our next ultrasound to check on the babe the first part of June

Thoughts:  I so don't want to come off as ungrateful as I know so many women are struggling to conceive and would give anything to be pregnant.  I just haven't enjoyed this pregnancy as much since I'm so dang self-conscious about my body and extra weight I'm carrying.  I haven't been psyched to do pregnancy updates or take pregnancy pictures because I feel like I already look 30 weeks pregnant.  

I'm mostly just mad at myself for not working harder to lose the last 10 pounds I needed to lose from the first pregnancy, mad I'm not tall with a long torso, mad that I love food so much and mad that my work schedule and all of my commitments at home take away time I used on my first pregnancy to work out.  I know that if it's important enough, you will make time for it, however I always put my household and families needs first...and yes, I like to try and get 8 hours of sleep each night! 

I just keep telling myself that I'll have excellent "before" pictures to use for my amazing "after" pics I'm sure to get once Coffee Bean is born and I can get a program started.  Selfish rant over.

I'm so thrilled to be expecting, aside from my vanity worries, and can't wait to lock down a name and start making progress on the nursery and getting The Purifoy household ready!

This is probably the one and only time I'll post a comparison pic because they will start getting too depressing from here on out.  Read it and weep sister.  Oh to be pregnant with #1 again...in Belize, tan, rested and {more than} 10 pounds lighter...and I want my long hair back.  #debbiedowner


Tuesday, May 26, 2015

Pregnancy #2 Update :: First Trimester

11 Weeks

13 Weeks
14 Weeks

I totally failed at doing weekly updates in the beginning of this pregnancy.  For my first pregnancy, I started my weekly updates at 10 weeks so I'm a litle bhind this go-around!  What else is new?

As I write this I am almost 17 weeks and happy to be out of the first trimester.  I have much more energy (although I'd still love a nap after work every day) and my nausea is just about 100% gone. 

It's so funny how things change.  With my first pregnancy, I could not wait to start showing.  I loved wearing tighter pregnancy tops so it was obvious that I was expecting.  This go around I'm wishing my bump was so much smaller.  I even find myself exaggerating what week I'm actually in when strangers ask for fear of being judged for being so big so soon.  Maybe I"ll start feeling better about being big when I'm at the halfway mark. 

We already know the baby's gender and other health checks - all is looking good!  Hoping to do better about twice monthly pregnancy updates...weekly is just asking too much.

Come back tomorrow for my 16 week update! 

Last pregnancy first trimester updates to get caught up on:
10 Weeks
13 Weeks
14 Weeks
15 Weeks

Weekend Recap :: Crazy Houston Weather and Sleep...What's That?

Happy Tuesday friends.  This has been one of the weirdest weekends to date, but I'm happy to report from Houston that The Purifoys are safe!  I'm even at work right now...working hard, while getting a quick blog post in!

The crazy shenanigans began for us early Sunday morning when I was woken up by phone alarms saying that our neighborhood was under a Tornado Warning and to seek shelter immediately.  I never want to panic or react out of fear, but since Jack sleeps on the second floor of our house, we weren't messing around with this one and jumped into action.  Jason, Tucker, Jack and I all crammed into our laundry room since it's in the interior of our first floor with no windows.  We only had to stay "hunkered down" as we say in Houston for about 30 minutes, but at 6am on the weekend that was more than enough excitement.

Yes, we put our dog in the dryer during tornado watch so Jack wouldn't mess with him!

Naps were had by all on Sunday, but we managed to have a great day even grilling burgers for company that evening!

We all went to bed early Sunday night in hopes of a full 8 hours of sleep.  Too bad at 11pm our home alarm went off and woke up the entire house - including Jack.  He was so freaked out that I couldn't get him down until 2am.  So much for 8 hours of sleep!


Jason and I joked that Monday night would be our night of calm...

Good grief no!  It was the loudest, craziest storm I've ever been through in Houston and that is including several hurricanes.  Jason was supposed to start his new job today so I felt horrible that he wasn't getting to sleep.  His office is closed all day so at least he's getting some rest before his rescheduled first day tomorrow!

Our dog threw up twice in our bed, we lost power in the middle of the night, but precious Jack slept through it all!  Every time we had a loud crash of thunder, I'd check his monitor and he didn't even flinch.  I so desperately wanted to pull him in bed with us, but I wasn't about to disrupt a sleeping baby!

All in all, we came out so lucky.  Many people lost power for much longer, had major flooding inside their home and were even stuck on freeways and flooded roads {especially all of those leaving the Rockets Game last night...thank heavens I don't like basketball}!

My heart goes out to everyone dealing with the chaos.  We are supposed to get much more rain this week so it's not even the end.  They are now starting to report deaths around Houston, destroyed homes and lots of destroyed cars.  Praying for everyone!

Being in the 'burbs helped us with the flooding, as much of the major stuff is inside the loop, however we are getting lots of reports {being in the country} of crazy critters in people's homes and yards.  So far our neighborhood is reporting lots of snakes, gators, lost deer running around and even drowned bats?!?!

Funniest moment of the storm craziness goes to my friend Erin, who despite being devastated that her house had taken in over 3 inches of rain in every room including lots of gross critters, she posted the best picture of her dog floating around their house in a raft so he wouldn't jump on their bed!  Gotta love people who can laugh through extreme devastation.   And for children who can sleep through it all like her two precious kiddos!

Highlights of the weekend :: It wasn't all craziness


Saturday - Errands at City Center including Kendra Scott and lunch at Yard House, long naps had by all!  Jason and I watched American Sniper
Sunday - Grilled burgers, made Red, White and Blue Trifle, had mom and LE over for dinner
Monday - Fun trip to Target with Jack and Mimi, lots of homes projects tackled

Friday, May 22, 2015

Five on Friday :: Anniversary, Hair, Shopping & Selfie Sticks!

Happy three-day weekend!  We had originally planned to get out of town and head to the beach, but since the weather forecast is calling for rain the entire weekend I think we are going to stay home.  Way too much trouble to pack everything up just to stay inside.  Not sure what we will do now, but I'm confident it will include grilling some burgers (major pregnancy craving) and eating out a bunch! 

What are your plans?

ONE


Our six year wedding anniversary just happens to be tomorrow!  Is it sad that we have no real plans to celebrate since we planned on being away, but I'm sure we will figure something out...even if it's with the Jackster!  By the time our wedding anniversary rolls around at the end of May we are kind of exhausted from celebrating Jack's birthday, Mother's Day and my birthday that all fall just a few weeks before! 

Jason's last day at his current job is today and first day of his new position is this Tuesday so to say May has been busy is a major understatement.  I think grilling burgers at home {in our comfies} actually sounds like a stellar wedding anniversary celebration!

TWO


I'm over on Houston Moms Blog today talking about 5 occasions you should splurge on professional hair and makeup in honor of our new sponsor Blownaway, a new service to Houston {also in Dallas and Atlanta, I believe} that comes to YOU! 

THREE

Last Saturday I attended a baby "sprinkle" for one of my dear friends who is having a little boy next month.  I love her {and her hostesses} creativity on this one!  The theme was all things Nerds and Smarty Pants.  Think math equations, Periodic Table of Elements, textbooks and lots of glasses!  This is how they are decorating the nursery too.  I should have done a better job at taking pics. 


We were having too much fun with Allison's selfie stick and our nerd glasses.  And the favors were nerds in a little science flask!

FOUR


I'm obsessed with this striped maternity dress from Gap.  It's so comfy and I really love the "Midi" length so for us shorties, we don't have to worry about dragging on the floor or getting it hemmed.  I love it so much that I ordered it in Navy too!  I ordered my standard size on this one and it fits great with belly room!

Jason hates when I wear maxi dresses because he thinks they aren't very flattering on me, but until he can be the pregnant one, he doesn't get a say!  Love you honey!

Gap is doing 40% off all regular priced items this weekend using the code SUMMER.  If you are shopping maternity like me, don't miss this Gap/Rosie Pope collaboration dress either!  Perfect for work!

FIVE


Finally, if you live in the Houston area and are looking for something to do tomorrow, Carolina Creek Christian Camp is having their annual Open House Camp Day from 10am-4pm, rain or shine!  This is a great day to meet the staff, tour the camp and if you are brave enough, try the water park, zipline and other fun activities.  My mom and stepdad had something to do with this camp {wink, wink}...they founded it themselves so Jack has had a spot secured since before he was born.  Whenever he gets old enough I know he will have a blast...especially if he gets to stay in the new Monkey cabin!



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Thursday, May 21, 2015

Thoughts for Thursday :: Loving Lately

Happy Thursday!  I just wanted to share a few products with you that I've been loving lately.  As you will see below, I get most of my recommendations from fellow bloggers, so I wanted to pass along what I've tried and love! 




Milani Baked Blush :: I've been using my Milani blush nonstop these days in the color Berry Amore.  To me it's a dupe for Mac's Stereo Rose baked blush. These are a fraction of the cost of Mac's blush, but very similar.  I find them at my local CVS.  The color payoff is awesome and stays on all day.  The packaging is great too with a mirror included at the bottom of the compact. These were recommended to me by Meg of Meg O. on the Go!  She has the best drug store dupes on her blog and YouTube Channel! 



Honest Organic Body Oil and Moroccanoil Dry Body Oil :: I've been loving body oils lately for my growing belly.  I picked up the Honest Co. oil at my local Target.  I love it because it not only feels great, but does not have a strong scent.  Cocoa body oils have been way too strong for me lately.  I also love the Moroccanoil body oil when I want more of a scent for the day.  This smells great and as recommended by Kristina of Pretty, Shiny, Sparkly pairs great with the Nest fragrance White Sandalwood. 



The Baby Chick Maternity Tees :: Local baby guru and friend Nina Bassett just launched a new site for moms called The Baby Chick.   She also owns Bassett Baby Planning in Houston for you local mommas.  Be sure to follow the awesome blog, but I've really been loving this "Shopping for Two" maternity shirt.  It's so soft and comfy that I've not only been wearing it around the house and running errands, but grabbed for it at our recent Houston Moms Blog event paired with skinny jeans and black wedges.  I've worn it so much that I think it's time for me to get another one - maybe the It's a Boy tee!



Getting Beach Bag ready :: {Bag by Sarahjanes Oilcloth, Inspiration by Shay of Mix & Match Family}
After reading Shay's post about her pool bag essentials I wanted to get mine ready too with updated sunscreen (all of mine was so old and way past expiration) and other essentials.  I'm all set and just ready for the weather to cooperate this weekend for Memorial Day - it's not looking hopeful :(
 


Peonies :: It's that {short} time of year again when peonies are in season and Instagram is taken over by images of these gorgeous flowers in everyone's homes.  Guilty as charged.  I wasn't thrilled with the dark purple color that was the only color I could find, however they ended up looking perfect in my house!  Trader Joe's for the win!

What are some things that you are loving lately? 

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 I'm linking up today with Annie and Natalie today for Thoughts for Thursday. 


Thoughts for Thursday

Thursday, May 14, 2015

Thoughts for Thursday :: Favorite Target Finds Lately

If you read my blog regularly, you know that my love for Target runs deep.  Where else can you run in for diapers and end up with a cute dress, Starbucks in hand!

Lately they have been killing it.  My poor wallet!

Bonus :: You can get 25% off all Women's Clothing using the Target Cartwheel App until 5/16/15.  It made my new denim vest only $24.99! 

Women's Floral Crepe Shift Dress, $24.99

I love this dress!  I am a huge fan of Merona shift dresses.  I bought one last year and still wear it tons.  I saw this pattern in the store and fell in love.  They didn't have my size, but I ordered online and love wearing it to work, church and to weddings (below).  I just sized up one size since I'm pregnant, but this is not a maternity dress.  



Merona Embroidered Neon Floral Pattern Tote, $24.99

Love these colors for summer!  Can't wait to use as my purse for travel this summer. 



Merona Striped Tote with Neon Beaded Tassels, $29.99



Women's Denim Vest and here, Both $29.99

I love a denim vest with maxi dresses in the summer!  I've been wanting one, but didn't want to spend a lot.  Merona and Mossimo both have versions at Target stores now.  I opted for the Merona with the lighter wash simply because that is what my store had in stock. 


Have you had any luck at Target lately?  If so, do share! 

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 I'm linking up today with Annie and Natalie today for Thoughts for Thursday. 


Thoughts for Thursday

Weekend Recap :: Mother's Day!

Sorry for the late weekend recap.  This week has just flown by!  Hope you are having a fabulous week and had a great Mother's Day!


Friday 

Friday afternoon I left the office early to take Tucker to the vet.  He had a few little episodes over Jack's birthday weekend that made us a little nervous given his age of almost 12.  I thought it was just anxiety from having houseguests, but wanted to rule out anything else major after some of the horror stories my MIL told me.  Turns out he is fine...great, actually.  And Jack had a blast at the Vet's office seeing all of the "ruff ruffs" as he calls dogs.

Earlier in the day, Jack had a painting session with his nanny to make Mother's Day gifts for me and his "Mimi."  



My husband spoiled me by leaving the office a little early and picking up Zoe's Kitchen for dinner - which has been a hardcore pregnancy craving of mine (particularly the chicken kabobs with rice and fruit)  Yay for not cooking! 

Saturday

Our plan for Saturday morning was to take Jack to the neighborhood carnival, but he woke up super congested and not looking great so we decided to keep him inside in case it was allergies.   

Saturday afternoon a stylist from the new BlownAway App came over to the house to do my hair and makeup for a wedding we were attending  later in the day.   Although I love getting my hair and makeup done, I wouldn't normally have this done just to attend a local wedding, however this was given to me in order to review the service for Houston Moms Blog later this month.  Don't mind if I do then!  I'll save all of the pictures for the review post.  

Once we were all primped and ready, Jason and I headed to the wedding and reception and had a great time.  We left Jack at home with his nanny because no one wants a screaming toddler ruining their vows!



Sunday

Mother's Day on Sunday started off a little rough with Jack waking up early, not feeling well.  My husband would have let me sleep in, but it's hard to sleep when you know your baby is in the other room not feeling well so we all got up!


We did breakfast at home and Mother's Day presents! 





Since Jack seemed to pep up and didn't have a fever we went to church at 11 since we hadn't been in several weeks.  Afterwards instead of braving the Mother's Day lunch crowds with a cranky toddler we headed home and Jason just picked up some burgers I had been craving while Jack napped.

We spent the rest of the day just hanging at home and doing a quick grocery store run which was actually quite amusing given the amount of dads on grocery duty that day! 



Monday

On Monday I took the day off of work to have a "girls day" with my mom to celebrate Mother's Day and my birthday.  Before we met up I had a doctor's appointment just to check on Coffee Bean.  Since we weren't doing an ultrasound or anything exciting I went by myself.  It eventually ended up being a super positive appointment with affirmations from my doctor that my swelling and weight gain are not worrisome, but what did have me (and the nurse) worried for a very long 5 minutes was finding Coffee Bean's heartbeat.  It took way too long and made me a nervous wreck! 

After the appointment, mom and I headed to the Galleria where we literally shopped til we dropped.  We hit Gap Maternity, Destination Maternity, Nordstrom shoe department (twice- ha) and of course the Nordstrom Cafe for lunch...yum Cilantro Lime Shrimp Salad!  #spoiled


Sidenote: why oh why am I obsessed with pink all of the sudden?  I've always strayed away from it, but lately can't get enough - especially mixed with black!  Maybe since I will be a forever boy mom, I'm learning to play up the girly?

Tuesday, May 12, 2015

Coffee Bean's Gender Reveal

Last week we learned the gender of our second baby, Coffee Bean as I'm referring to he/she.  We didn't have all the pomp and circumstance like we did last go-around with special dinners and gender reveal cakes.  Ain't nobody got time for that with a toddler and two busy jobs!

I found out via a nurse over the phone and then just called Jason at work to tell him the news.  Since we opted for a blood test this time around the gender news also came with other news regarding the baby's health.  All good!

To say we were a little shocked is an understatement as our guts (and that stupid Chinese Calendar) were telling us the other way around, but honestly we can't imagine it any other way.

So without further ado, baby #2 is a BOY!

Jason gave us this special book about brothers for Mother's Day.  It's perfect since it is about two little brothers with a little dog!  You can see Jack had many reactions to learning he was going to have a little brother - he really has no idea what we are talking about, but it's fun anyway.    He points to everyone's belly now and says baby.  Don't take offense if he does this to you...promise he's not calling you fat!

Bring on the matching brother outfits!

And no name yet, but I promise once we figure it out, I will announce it.  We aren't ones to keep the name a secret...I've gotta monogram the crap out of it!  

Friday, May 8, 2015

Five on Friday :: Things I'm Loving & A Few Busts

Happy Friday!  Jason and I are super excited today because we just learned Coffee Bean's gender!  I plan to announce it next week...I know that's just mean of me!  We still need time to tell the rest of our family and let it sink in.  Hope you have a wonderful weekend!

I wanted to share a few things that I've been just loving lately. 

ONE:  Beauty


Rose Salve Lip Balm
This stuff was raved by Shay of Mix and Match Mamahttp://www.shullfamily.blogspot.com/ so I added it to my shopping cart last time I placed a Nordstrom order and now I love it!  I primarily use it on my lips but you can use for cuticles or any dry spots on your body!  Don't worry mom...you may find this in your Mother's Day gift (she is obsessed with anything rose and I know would order it if I didn't tell her that)!



Clinique "Pop Lip" Color & Primer
I'm loving these new lipsticks by Clinique because they are moisturizing and have great color pay-off.  They are not long-lasting, but do their job and stay on long enough.  I have Love Pop and Cherry Pop.  My next buy will be Bare Pop!  

TWO:  Tech



iPhone 6 Plus &
iPhone 6 Plus Case by Rifle Paper Co. {Transparent Clear Rosa}
Jason bought me a new iPhone last week.  I totally didn't need one, but he negotiated some sort of deal when he was getting himself a new phone so why not!  I opted for the larger iPhone 6 Plus thinking I would enjoy the larger screen for images, Instagram, YouTube and Facebook...all the essentials for a blogger.  It honestly took some getting used to, but now I LOVE it.  If you don't have a tablet that you use often this is a great compromise.

And on top of loving my beautiful gold phone, I'm loving this case by Rifle Paper Co. recommended by Kristina of Pretty Shiny Sparkly.  I love that you can still see the beautiful phone with a little extra pop, just perfect for spring.  

THREE:  Baby

Honest Bowtie Diaper Print
I mean, how can you not love this adorable print on a chubby toddler bum!  I bought mine at Target.

FOUR:  Clothing




Denim Jacket
My denim jacket is a few years old from Old Navy (regular sizing), but now that I'm pregnant have been putting it in heavy rotation lately with maternity tops and dresses.  It's perfect to pair with spring tops when you are in a chilly store or office.  Mine is a super dark denim so it looks great with black pants, dresses, or even lighter denim on the bottom.  Would also look amazing paired with white pants.  

FIVE:  Office


Day Designer
My Day Designer has not left my side since I started using is on January 1.  I actually left it at home a few days ago and felt lost the entire day without it.  Couldn't love it more and highly recommend! 


And what's a favorites list without a few busts ::

Clinique All About Eyes Serum De-Puffing Eye - this product was raved about from Kate of The Small Things Blog.  As a toddler mom and now expecting, I'm always tired so the thought of a cooling eye pen seemed perfect!  Although, the roller ball does feel good when applying, it doesn't do a thing for de-puffing in my opinion.  Jason even tried this one a few times when he had some eye bags and thought the same thing.  Seems like a waste of money!

The Dry Bar "Morning After" Shower Cap - I purchased this shower cap on a whim without reading the reviews on sephora.com.  After using this for a few weeks, I can confirm that the negative reviews were 100% accurate.  This shower cap is great for totally covering your hair, but poorly designed.  The lining on the inside does not dry completely (I tried everything except drying it in my dryer after each use because that seems excessive).  After just a few uses, it started to smell like mold and went in the trash! Waste of money. 

Lilly Pulitzer for Target Cover-Ups - I was able to snag a few Lilly Pulitzer for Target cover-ups that I was coveting through a LFT Facebook page, however once I had them in hand they weren't that great.  The print, colors and material were all great.  The fit was HUGE on the kaftan and looked like I was wearing an old lady nightgown.  I'm sure all of the other Lilly for Target stuff is great, but if you are frustrated that you haven't scored a coverup yet, don't waste your time.  Luckily I was able to sell mine!



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