There and Back Again

Don't you just love the fall weather we've been having? It's been gorgeous; the perfect blend of sunny and chilly.
The fun thing about fall is that, when it comes to clothing, you can start to get really creative with layers and rich colors. Knits, cords, velveteens, and all the other lovely textures entice in a way no other fabrics can. And guess what?
Now I can take full advantage of them (or at least, as my budget permits).
I've recovered from pregnancy and birth pretty well so far; I never got stretch marks, and by the time two weeks had passed, I was within three pounds of my prepregnancy weight. Now it's just a matter of toning everything up again. I've had great fun playing dress up with my old clothes, and eyeing new pieces for my wardrobe.
Our little Sean seems to grow and change every day. I love it when we make eye contact and he responds to what I say. His favorite things to do include looking out the window, "talking" to Daddy, and snuggling in Mommy's soft robe. Sometimes, when something tickles his fancy, he'll even give a couple little giggles, and I think he knows that I live for his smile.
Am I smitten? You betcha.
We are excited to be planning a trip to Philipsburg celebrate our anniversary in October. I am looking forward to having Sean with us, and hopefully he'll be proof enough to the lady at the B&B that we were not running away from home last year (as she asked us when we checked in; she didn't think we looked old enough to be married).
Last year we made such happy memories, and this year we will make more, I am sure of it. :-)

Pregnant, Petite, Peeker

*the woman in the above picture is not me. Ok, glad we're clear on that.
Well, I'm almost to the half way mark in my pregnancy, and am finally approaching that dreaded point that every expectant woman reaches: facing the prospect of spending a good amount of money on clothes that you think are cute now, but inevitably you will hate by the end of your term. Add to that being petite, and it's become clear that finding comfy- yet stylish maternity wear is going to be a challenge. Am I up for it? Do I pledge to avoid polyester tent-like dresses like the plague? And to keep wearing my (modestly high) heels? And to eat (mostly) right, stay active, and exfoliate regularly? Yes, yes, yes, and yes!
One of my main concerns has been my weight. When I was fourteen, although I never developed an eating disorder, I went through a phase of constantly weighing myself (3-4 times daily), and I know that I don't want to be neurotic like that again. I've always been slim-but-not-skinny, and given that and my healthy BMI, height, age, and maternal history, my goal for pregnancy gain is 20-25 pounds. So far, I'm right on track.
I'd say secondary to that is the concern of clothes. Right now, I finally fit the pair of CK sz 2's that were my too-big jeans prepregnancy. I already have a pair of maternity capris, and I plan on getting one or two pairs of jeans, three or four dresses, numerous tops, stretchy skirts, and the holy grail: a modest and relatively inexpensive swimsuit.
Ridge and I have finalized our choice for a girl name, so now we are prepared for either/or. My next ultrasound is next week, and we *might* find out the little M.'s gender. It's getting pretty tempting, and to be perfectly honest, I'm rather alarmed and appalled at the fact that we've succumbed so soon to the seemingly universal urge parents develop to check out their offspring's privates. Shame on us. Pervs.

Many of you might already know, but last Wednesday, our Jeep Cherokee was stolen. It was already having problems, and when it was found a couple days later, the engine was toast. We were able to get a '96 Ford Taurus on Sunday at the Creston Auction. Our mechanic, Mike Shelley, is going to replace the transmission, and then it will need only a few cosmetic fixes. We are so thankful to Jason Ferguson, for finding our Jeep, Dad Vestal, for letting us drive his Suburban while in limbo, Dad Mallery for bidding for us, Mike, for his expert advice and help, and most of all, to God, for making a way for us.
So that has been our life lately.
And now I need to fold laundry and unload the dishwasher.

Ten Things That Make me Happy

After seeing what Nicole posted on her blog, I was inspired to write about ten things that make me happy. There are lots more, but these are some of the biggies.

10. knitting

9. coffee (I'll take it up again after the baby's born)

8. socks!
7. 7 for All Mankind jeans

6. heels. enough said.
5. lazy mornings
4. de-luscious foods, like the fish tacos we had today. Mmmm
3. our baby (this is about what he or she looks like right now) :-)
2. his love
1. His love

The Woes of Seamstry

(Note: I am well aware of the fact that seamstry is not an actual word)

245
I held a Jewel in my fingers-
And went to sleep-
The day was warm, and winds were prosy-
I said "Twill keep"-

I woke- and chid my honest fingers,
The Gem was gone-
And now, an Amethyst remembrance
Is all I own-

Emily Dickinson again. This poem well expresses my sentiment of the moment. The bodice of my dress is giving me absolute fits. If, for one minute, I think I am in control of things, the next minute, there is surely something awry. It seems bent on gaping at the armpits. Naturally, this is easier to fix than it being outragiously tight, but it is still quite the headache.
I have consoled myself; however, with the fact that I have been able to construct a very complex and aggravating skirt. The hourglass runs very quickly, as the banquet is now only six days away. This is where the poster on Rayia's blog comes in handy. Hopefully, all will go well. At least I have my makeup figured out. :-)

What I Want to Look Like This Fall

Okay, so the hat with pom-poms is a little much. Anyway, I like the rest of it. You can't go wrong with pleated skirts, and the tights and sweater are adorable. By the way, if you like the lovely girl modeling this ensemble, check her out: Ellowyn Wilde. The cutest (and most enviably fashionable) dolls, ever.

My Latest Project

You may have noticed that I don't post pictures anymore, other than those I pirate from around the Internet. *blush* This is because our camera is currently at large. *sigh* So, when we do find it, there will be a barrage of photo documentation of my exploits. But for now, I can at least tell you.
On the 30th, the FHEA is putting on the annual senior banquet.
And this year, I'M A SENIOR!!! I'm sorry, I didn't mean to yell; I'm just really happy and excited. So, I'm making a new dress. It seems like any chance I get, I embark on another formal. Here is the pattern I'll be using:

Of course, it will look a little less *ahem* columnesque. Mine is soft gray shantung (I like shantung) and it will eventually have a spray of pink flowers & leaves across the bodice. I have a piece of filmy fabric that I will use to drape over the shoulders in a Grecian-style twist. Hopefully, by the time I finish, there will be a camera nearby.

Nicole let me borrow a pair of her shoes, but that's another story altogether.

Summer Dresses

I love these festive dresses. Perfect with a white cardigan, straw hat, and iced tea. A simplistic melon-flavored number a la Hepburn, courtesy of J. Crew.

A pretty poppy field by Anthropologie.
Ahhh.....now I'm craving summer. Well, I suppose it will come soon enough.

Familiar Feeling

Does anyone else ever feel like this?

They Have Arrived!!

Today my new shoes were delivered! They are just as lovely as I expected, and fit as though some dear cobbler had my particular feet in mind. I felt like Audrey Hepburn or Grace Kelly when I slipped them on! Now I am ready for Springtime, baby showers, or anything else calling for winsome whiteness. I don't think I've owned a pair of little white shoes since I was in Sunday School, but now I'd say I'm quite soundly smitten.

Pretty

I'm Falling

I would totally wear this. I mean, it looks completely feasible: loose jeans, boots, sweater, it all just goes together in the most realistic way. Refreshingly different from what is usually modeled. It's wearable. Find it at Anthropologie.