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!  

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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Linking up:

Symptoms of the "Man-Flu"

I'm over at Houston Moms Blog today talking about signs and symptoms that your husband may have the man-flu.  Let me know if this sounds like your guy when he's sick!

Thoughts for Thursday :: Birthday Wishlist {& Ideas for Last Minute Mother's Day Gifts}

I say "last minute" Mother's Day gifts, but let's be honest.  Most of our husbands don't even realize Mother's Day is this Sunday unless you've been constantly reminding them.  I have no doubt that when I remind Jason of this Saturday morning he will frantically leave the house for a few hours in search for something to give me.  I'll make it easy for ya honey!

And on top of Mother's Day, my birthday is this Wednesday too...poor Jason!

Tory Buch Moore Thong Sandal

Men-Sized Watch :: Kate Spade New York Gramercy Grand 

Kendra Scott anything :: you can never go wrong with new Kendra!
I'm loving her magenta and coral pieces right now including this magenta necklace pictured above.  

Moraccanoil Dry Body Oil 
I've heard from other bloggers including Pretty, Shiny, Sparkly how awesome this dry oil spray is.  It smells great and I perfect for me since I need all the moisturizing I can get these days with by expanding belly!

New Perfume :: Perhaps a new Jo Malone fragrance like Sakura Cherry Blossom


Finally, just some new {maternity} clothes and shoes.  I feel like all of my shoes need replacing!  And I need a closet fairy to come and organize all of my clothes for me since I'm now wearing a mix of maternity and regular stuff it's out of control! 

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

Jack's Mickey Mouse Clubhouse 2nd Birthday Bash

Since I went all out for Jack's First Fiesta last May I decided to go easy on myself this year {especially since I'm pregnant and tired} and have his 2nd birthday party at The Little Gym - his most favorite place in the world.  I still may have gone a little crazy with some of the details, but was proud of myself for somewhat keeping it low-key.  

Picking the theme was easy since my son is slightly obsessed with all things Mickey Mouse.  He gets very excited if the Clubhouse comes on TV and loves his stuffed Mickeys at home, always wanting to sleep with them or dance to the "Hot Dog" song.

One way I cut costs on the party this year was not hiring a professional photographer.  I would have loved to so I didn't have to worry about this on party day and so the images would be better quality, but it seemed to push the "low-key" party theme over the edge so I skipped this.  For this reason, please forgive my iPhone quality pics!

I'm also majorly kicking myself for not getting a picture of our family together..me, Jason and jack.  I didn't even get one with just me and Jack.  I'm a party planner at heart and major people pleaser, so during a party or any event I'm hosting I'm so worried about everyone else's comfort and needs that I forget about pictures I want to take and other special moments.  #momfail

Activities:

The Little Gym provides you with a few coaches who take the kids through a ton of activities.  It takes the pressure off the parents to entertain them.  This was the best part just watching Jack run around with pure joy on his face.

Me and my mom who helped a lot during the party!

Food & Drinks:

Besides skipping a photographer, the other way I cut costs was on the food.  I REALLY wanted to serve hot dogs since that just perfectly fits the Mickey theme, however since the party was from 3:30-5 with lots of activities I figured a full meal was not necessary.

I had all of Jack's favorites: fruit, cheese and goldfish!  I simply served a fruit platter, cheese platter, some "Mickey trailmix" I made using pretzels, peanuts and Reeses Pieces and goldfish.  We had cake and cookies too.  The Little Gym takes care of the drinks for the kiddos so I requested Jack's favorite: apple juice.  And finally just had water bottles for the adults - a major departure from our beer and sangria at Jack's first party!

Decor:

I'm so happy with how the decorations turned out.  I stuck to all the traditional Mickey colors: black, red and yellow.  I found some great polka dot table covers on Amazon and then just used pieces I already had at home for serving.  I surprisingly already had a ton of red and yellow items from Jack's First Fiesta.  I also loved framing some of my favorite Jack pictures from the past year in a few yellow and red frames I already had!

One of the best parts of the decor was the HUGE Mickey and Minnie balloon art pieces I ordered from a local vendor.  I saw her advertising on Facebook months ago and just tucked it in the back of my mind for Jack's party.  She was so affordable and delivered everything to the party venue!

They have now taken up residence in our living room and Jack gets so excited every time we walk by them.  

Party Favors:

For the favors I individually wrapped these precious cookies.  I had enough for all the kiddos and adults who attended.  I also made treat bags for the kiddos that included Mickey items like bubbles, bracelet and a puzzle.  Super easy and inexpensive!

And that's it!  Let me know if you have any questions about anything I used.  I tried to link everything for you below.   There are a few things I wish I would have done and a few other regrets since I'm a perfectionist, however the most important thing is that Jack had the best birthday and he sure did!  Hot dog!

Vendors I Used and Recommend:

Venue:  The Little Gym
Invites, Printables and Sign:  KellyJo Studio
Subway Art Printable Sign:  Party Sparkle
Printing done at:  Kinko's {Now FedEx Office}
Birthday Cake: Maureen's Gourmet Bakery
Cookie Favors:  Clem's Bakehouse
Balloon Characters:  Chelsea's Balloon Art
Jack's Mickey Shirt:  Tagged by Tiff
Table Covers:  Amazon
Food Trays:  HEB Grocery
Party Favors:  Mickey Bubbles and Puzzle from Dollar Tree, Mickey notepad and crayons from Party City, Mickey bracelet from Target
Other shops used for materials and decor:  Party City, Target, Michael's, Hobby Lobby

Follow my Mickey Themed Party Pin Board for more ideas! 

Weekend Recap :: Jack's Birthday Weekend

Friday

I took the day off on Friday so I could do some last minute party prep and other things I just haven't had time for.  It ended up being a super busy day.  I had to make a Target run, where I was SO tempted to purchase the Lily Pulitzer Hammock and stand that they happened to have in stock.  The hammock is gorgeous and would look killer in our backyard, but it's a lot of money for something I realistically wouldn't use too much.  I could justify it since Mother's Day and my birthday are both next week, but I passed.

I ran to the grocery store, dollar store, threading lady, and also made time for a mani/pedi.  It was much needed!

I was able to make it home with an hour to spare before our nanny was off the clock so I used that time to make a dinner I've been craving : Ina Garten's Weeknight Bolognese.  Yum!

Saturday

Saturday I was up early since our cookies for the party were being dropped off at 7am.  Talk about service ya'll!  I was so bummed when my two favorite places for sugar cookies were unable to complete my order.  I used my neighborhood Facebook page to look for someone else at the last minute and scored big time!

The rest of the morning was spent playing with Jack and getting ready for his party and our house-guests who arrived around noon.  Once they arrived I sent Jason to pickup lunch for everyone.  We got Jack down for a short nap then it was party time!

All about his Mickey party will be posted tomorrow! 

After the party, we came home to unload all of Jack's loot and everyone rested...meaning Jason and others took a nap while me and Jason's mom entertained the kiddos.  What is wrong with this picture???  Pregnant lady does all the work!  #momproblems #typical

We went to Rudy's for dinner for two reasons.  1.) I was not about to cook after hosting a party and 2.) Jack LOVES this place.  He had a blast eating BBQ, but his favorite part of the meal was splitting some chocolate pudding with his momma.  He is so my child!


Sunday

Sunday was Jack's actual birthday.  The plan on Sunday was to have a lazy morning at home before going to the later church service.  Jack loves playing in the nursery at church plus I wanted him to get his special birthday blessing that our church does.

Well, all of those plans sounded great until Jack woke up screaming at 1:30 a.m. and then was pretty much awake the rest of the night.  I was up and down those stairs trying to console him and get him down more times than I can count.  All in all I got about 3 hours of sleep and was beat.  I was also worried that Jack might be sick so we opted out of church.  I was so bummed, but one of my pet peeves is not exposing others to a potentially sick kiddo. 

Sunday morning even though we had company, Jason and I took turns napping.  We were both so tired.  After our guests left, and we laid in bed a little longer, we got out of the house for some fresh air.  We took Jack to get some birthday ice cream thinking he would love it.  He wasn't so much a fan of the ice cream, but still had fun.  We did a quick grocery store run and then spent the rest of the afternoon outside in the backyard letting Jack play with his new toys and relaxing.

Thankfully we all {Jack included} got a ton of sleep that night and all woke up Monday morning feeling great. 

Be sure and stop by tomorrow for Jack's Mickey Mouse 2nd Birthday Bash!

Happy 2nd Birthday Jack Grayson

Dear Jack,

I can't believe you are already two.  I feel like we were just having your First Fiesta!  You are the sweetest, most caring little boy I've ever known and I can't wait to see what another year will bring all of us. 

We are gearing up for your Mickey Mouse themed birthday party because you just love Mickey Mouse Clubhouse.  I never thought I'd be one to throw a Disney character-themed party until I saw your love for Mickey.  We are having your party at one of your favorite places, The Little Gym, where you have been going since before learning to walk. 

At two years old you love Mickey (of course), animals, cars, trucks, trains, airplanes, puzzles and books.  You rotate between your favorite stuffed animals, but right now your favorite is Mr. Shark, or "kark" as you call him.  Your favorite books these days are Goodnight Moon, Llama Lllama Red Pajama, The Quiet Book (still) and Little Blue Truck. And you still are never without your blankie, or "mimi" as you have started calling it. 

You are wearing 2T and 3T clothing and size 5-6 diapers.  You are Mr. Personality at home, but sometimes get a little shy in new places or with large crowds.  We love that you aren't sad going to the church nursery anymore.  You love your "Nana" and she just took you to the Downtown Houston Aquarium for a birthday celebration this week where your favorite animal was the white tiger.  You loved to growl at it and announce to everyone when it had to "pee-pee." 

You love being outside - whether it's a walk to the neighborhood park or just playing with chalk or bubbles on the driveway.  You also love your brother, Tucker or "Kucker" as you call him.  He hasn't quite warmed up to all of your poking and proding yet, but I'm sure you are growing on him. 

You love to eat chicken, mac & cheese, avocado, cuties and strawberries.  Although you love eating fruit, I'm having a harder time getting you to eat veggies these days.  You still love bath time and your bedtime routine.  Although you are giving us a hard time on your daytime nap, you are the best sleeper at night so I can't complain too much.  You generally sleep from 8pm-7am everyday. 

We love you so much Jack Grayson!  This year I'm so excited for you to start learning to swim, start preschool in the fall and become a big brother!  What an exciting year you have ahead of you.  I hope you stay a mommas boy...please, please, please.  Happy birthday my little pumpkin! 

Love,
Momma