little clothes and soft blankets make laundry day awesome

 

 There's gonna be a little person in them soon- hip hip!

Happy Friday everyone! We're laying pretty low this weekend with not many plans. Except the plan for cinnamon rolls. But I don't think that counts. 

See you in October - or Monday :)

Awkward and Awesome Thursday!

Shoes: Vera Wang for Kohls, Jeans: UO, Sweater: c/o Chicwish, Glasses: UO

Awkward

- The poor, awkward, soon-to-be father who was left alone in the waiting room with me.  
"Soooooooo .... you're pregnant too." 
"Um, yep. Yep I am." 
"Good ... that's good."
Please, almighty clipboard. Please let my name be next. 
- Leaning forward and having my belly easily rest on my legs. The best way to feel ginormous and sweet relief at the same time.
- Baby Registries. Here people! Buy me stuff! I kind of despise them.
- Sitting at a desk all day causes burning shins and swollen ankles. Funny, I thought that was from walking. Welcome to the lose-lose portion of pregnancy!
- Walking full-speed ahead towards the check-out line at Walmart. Clearly, not browsing for anything. One of the associates stops, looks at me and says "OK, I found it. The mango salsa is on aisle 9." Of course I'm thinking this guy is kind of a nutbag ... but I say, "Great. Thanks". Only to realize the woman behind me says thanks too. And the nutbag-turned-not-nutbag-but-actually-a-helpful-associate gives me the "your poor brain must've up and died" look.
Actually ... yes.
- The fact that I KNEW I'd be producing milk at some point. But having a "what the CRAP is going on down there?!" moment, pretty much every time it happens.

Awesome
- Women who don't tell me their birthing horror stories. I love it when they don't tell me those.
- Giving someone the stare-down until they give me their seat. My bump is passive aggressive.
- Running out of my favorite body-saver Shea butter and being pleasantly surprised by the fact that I don't have to order it online and wait 7-10 days anymore. They have a store! yay! I don't live in Idaho! yay!
- Root beer? Since when?
- Waking up in the middle of the night as per usual. And then hearing the rain outside the window. Sleep is somehow always easier after that.
- Actually having good stuff to make packing his lunch that much easier. It's the simple things.
- The weekend. Where whole afternoons can be spent in bed talking. And talking and talking. So glad I didn't marry somebody boring.

midwives, hypnobirthing, and my ever-growing cantaloupe at 32 weeks

  Boots: Unity from Famous Footwear, Leggings: Target, T-shirt: Hanes, Jacket: H&M, Scarf: c/o Denj Glasses: Target

*hello down there. {This picture's twin found here. The fact that I thought I had a belly back then is laughable.}

I went to my midwife appointment yesterday, which always makes me happy as a clam. I've been getting to go every two weeks now {as opposed to waiting an entire MONTH ... torture} and it's always so exciting to see my little boy growing healthy and strong and right on track. And not that anyone cares but me ... but his heartbeat is definitely the cutest thing I've ever heard. Go little heart!

Monday night, we also went to our first Hypnobirthing class {the method I'm choosing to use for a natural birth}. It was so informative and I left feeling empowered. A large part of Hypnobirthing is learning to bring yourself into a state of total relaxation ... something that sounds simple but is actually taking a lot of practice for me to conquer. {surprise, surprise} It's funny though. Whenever I DO manage to bring myself into that relaxed state ... THAT'S the time when baby boy loves to get the most active. Almost like he's already got the "Hey mom! mom! mom! mom! mom! mom! mom! mom! mom! mom! mom! mom!" thing down pat. Or maybe karate chopping is just his thing ...
It is.

In other news ... I'm 8 months pregnant. Whoever said you're knocked up for 9 was lyin' folks. Cause it's 10 months round trip. That's not to say that anyone's gonna be complainin' if he decides to show up at 9. Are you listening baby?

gray hair

brought to you by age and wisdom {ha}

also, dry shampoo

these ladies in georgetown

This weekend, I had the absolute pleasure of meeting Tania {of What Would A Nerd Wear} and Megan Nielsen {THE designing and sewing mommy wonder}. We met in Georgetown for a yummy brunch at Cafe Bonaparte {so charming by the way ... highly recommend!} I went out on a limb and ordered their poached eggs with hollandaise sauce.  A surprisingly delicious change of pace, after all these years of waffles, maple syrup and bacon. {I like what I like}
It was the best afternoon. These girls are lovely on these here internets, but even better in person. Tania is the essence of grace and friendliness. Her polka dot skirt was a real hit with the gents that day {cause she's just that soopa spicy}. And Megan was bubbly and completely charming.  Plus I could have listened to her gorgeous Australian accent forever.

It's so great when you can pick up with someone like you've known them for ages. Making connections with women like this is exactly what I love about this whole blogging thing.

Awkward and Awesome Thursday!

Boots: Hunter, Leggings: Target, Button-up: c/o Panache, Blazer: Nordstrom, Glasses: Target

Awkward:

- Leaving my cart for a bit to go grab an item down the aisle a ways. I come back, toss the item in my cart while looking at my list and keep moving down the aisle. Only to look down and see someone else's purse. Sure, just inconspicuously grab your stuff out of someone else's cart and walk quickly back to your own ... head down. Move legs .... move! move! move! That's normal. I'm sure the security camera footage on that one is fantastic. 

- The most uninhibited little boy coming up to me in a check-out lane, "Can I touch your baby?" and gave it a little pat. It was actually really sweet. The awkward part was when the mom saw where he was and loudly ushered him away like I was a giant germ or something. And then we stood next to each other ... in a longgggggg line.

- Our neighbor's afternoon delight. We're gonna leave it at that. It was slightly traumatic. And now I know to close my windows at about 3:00.

- Realizing that jerky is probably not the best snack to bring to church. Here let me just yank on this piece of meat and breath on you with my teriyaki breath. Isn't that nice.

- Walking out of a restaurant restroom w toilet paper stuck to my foot. Really? THAT just happened. 

- Trying to get stuff out of our bottom Tupperware cupboard.  It's like a dance. An awkward elephant grand-plié dance - where you can't breath. And your knees crack when you stand up again. It's lovely. 

Awesome:

- The older lady that came up behind me and said ... "It's a boy in there isn't it? That little sucker is straight out the front." I'll just ignore the fact that my belly is now a "sucker" and give her props for excellent baby-prediction skills.

- The little day-trip we're gonna take this weekend. Between work, an evening class to prepare for the GMAT and playing in his football games, I haven't hardly seen husband all week. And I am NOT sharing this weekend.

- Having enough energy to do Walmart AND Target in one sitting.  It's a pregnancy miracle!

- Texting my Grandma. Never thought I'd even say those words.

- AND because an awesome list is not complete without the mention of food ... this week we're gonna go with waffles. Because syrup is dang delicious.

so long summer

I went on a walk around the neighborhood this morning. 

Until my Braxton Hicks told me that was quite enough. 

It was cool and crisp and cloudy. And amazing.

Fall starts on Friday! oh happy day.

Guess this means I should start thinking about what to wear for Halloween?

I'm refusing to be any form of a basketball ... or a pumpkin.

Guess that leaves me with "beached whale"

girls day out

Yesterday two mommies, two mommies-to-be and three little munchkins loaded ourselves up in the car and made our way to Lucketts for a little girl's day out. First we stopped for lunch and three of us experienced our first Vietnamese cuisine. Courtesy of Miss Patience and her expertise on all things delicious. And then we headed on to the Luckett's Store. Where all your antiquing dreams come true. 

Can you believe I'm in the "Mom Club" now? Weird.

weekend

 Skirt: Gap, Belt: Thrifted, Blazer: H&M, Shirt: F21, Necklace: c/o LeMode Accessories, Glasses: Target

It was a slow, semi-pathetic weekend over here at the Poulton house. Husband had a minor procedure done on his toesies so there was lots of time spent chattin' it up in the bathroom while he soaked his feet in an Epson salt bath. {Somehow the bathroom is always where we have our best conversations. We just love it in there SOOOOO much.} We won't mention the fact that the removal of his bandages and a look at his toes caused immediate sweating, nausea and a ghostly pale face. Because we have full faith that husband's stomach can handle ALL things. Even birth. Right? Right.

The rest of the weekend was spent around our table, and on the couch, rock-paper-scissoring each other to see who was gonna be the one to get dinner out of the oven - the one who can't walk, or the one who has no center of gravity. That, and Dr. Dan {that's husband} discovering new ways to conquer my acid reflux at 4 in the morning. {2 glasses of milk, and 2 glasses of water people - acid reflux gone, PLENTY of trips to the bathroom here to stay}

On a less-pathetic note, our bathroom conversations did produce this gem from husband:

You know, sometimes I just sit back in my chair at work and smile cause I'm so happy that's he's coming. I just want to meet him so bad. Sometimes I think that if I ever lost my job, or something really really bad happened ... it would be OK. Cause I'm so happy. I just love our family so much.

And I am again reminded that I rock at picking husbands. I KNEW he was the one. {And yes. I did just turn that into a "I was right" moment . It's my specialty}

fresh faced

Head on over here today, where I'm walking through each step of my daily beauty routine. That "before" picture gets to be in TWO places on the internets! Yaaaay.

Happy weekending you guys! I think we're gonna take one last summer dip in the pool tonight and let this belly do some floatin. It's too bad cannon balls are out, cause me and my little basketball would win every time.
Stay tuned for a fun giveaway and lots of winners announced!

Awkward and Awesome Thursday!!

Shoes: c/o Ruche, Jeans: 7 for All Mankind, Shirt: Target, Vest: H&M

Awkward:

- Living in a neighborhood that feels private enough to go outside in my bathrobe to check the mail. A purple bathrobe mind you. That adds about 489384092 lbs. That's how private it feels. And then having every neighbor and their dog suddenly make an appearance. I tried to be confident about it, I did. So confident that I started running as fast as my pregnant body would carry me, burst through the front door and dashed to the blinds to do a status check. The running helped distract from the robe, I'm sure.

- Plumbers that live up to every bit of their plumber reputation. Pa-lease, would you get that thing out of my bathroom. Yes sir. Your bum.

- Doing a harmless teeth check in the car mirror. {It's my car alright? Free reign.} Only to have Doris in the next car over giving me the "You are no southern belle, are you?" look. That's right. I had spinach for lunch. Drink it in, Doris. Drink it in.

- A belly button that wants to be Mt. Vesuvius for Halloween.

- Placing a urine sample {TMI?} in the little "sample receiving" door they have at the doctors. Only to have a nurse open it at exactly the same time on the other side. "Oh hi. Uh. Here's my pee."

Awesome:

- The upcoming weekend! Where there's no such thing as husband working late.
- The daily walks I've been taking. They're supposed to loosen up my hips. But they're kind of just perfecting my waddle. Which is getting really sexy you guys. Mmm. Husband loves him some waddle.
- ohmygosh mandarin oranges. Had three whole cans in one sitting, and did not come up for air once.
- Crunchy peanut-butter on a spoon
- And more food. That I won't bother with here. Peace out, I'll be in my kitchen.

"Why are Mormons so cool?"

This was the subject line of an email I received the other day from a theology student researching the relationship between theology and aspects of popular culture. Specifically the relationship between our faith as members of the LDS church and the way we engage in culture, the world, style, etc. I typically don't publicly respond to my emails, but this one really piqued my interest. So if you'll indulge me, I'd like to share my two cents on the subject real quick.

For starters, the LDS Church has 13 Articles of Faith {short descriptions that explain our foundational beliefs}. The last of which states: "If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things." A diligent effort to be put toward seeking after the beautiful things in life is an applicable and encouraging thought, whether you're religious or not. I've always had a soft spot for aesthetics in my own life. Back when I was a little girl I had a ridiculous penchant for dramatic ringlets and red nails. In high school I tried my hand at interiors and went on a chalkboard-paint frenzy in my bedroom and then gave Thanksgiving place-settings a go-round. In college I explored my personal style further, chose to study Graphic Design and gained a greater appreciation of the arts. Until recently, I had never questioned whether this had anything to do with being raised in the Mormon faith. But then came this question from the email: 

So, what are your thoughts on the nature of the relationship between your faith and your church upbringing and the way you engage culture, the world, style, fashion, design, etc?

So much of modern day media, world views and culture can be used to tear down and distract from the lovely things in life like family and relationships, or in my case, creating {or trying!} something beautiful through design, style, etc. But the encouragement from LDS church leaders to engage ourselves in ways that enlarge our capacity for happiness {and seek out those things that are "virtuous and lovely"}, has I'm sure, inherently influenced my decisions when it comes to becoming involved in the world of design and style.

The LDS Church widely supports and encourages creative minds; something that I got to experience on a daily basis during my time at BYU-Idaho {a private LDS university}. Whether through seminars, galleries, out-of-class demonstrations, or just daily assignments, I was always grateful {and encouraged!} for the opportunity to learn from the work of both professional artists and students, as we each strove to perfect our craft. The design program there was challenging and rewarding and will certainly influence my endeavors as a designer down the road.

Additionally, LDS values have always encouraged a developing and sharing of personal talents. In my case, I don't necessarily consider getting dressed or blogging to be a personal talent {we all do one or the other!}, but for me it IS a fun form of personal expression and creativity. How wonderful is it for an individual to have something that allows them to create and learn from everyday, whether their talents lie in aesthetics or car mechanics? Blogging has certainly opened up opportunities and new paths for me to pursue other talents that I had wished to develop further, like photography, graphic design, styling and interior design. All of which, I consider to fall under the category of "virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy."

Because of our beliefs, we choose to abstain from participating in a few things {drinking, smoking, immodest forms of dress, swearing, etc} which does limit our participation in certain aspects of popular culture, but certainly doesn't hinder us from seeking out the very best that culture has to offer. It just makes it a little easier for all those lovely things we seek out in life to bubble right to the top.

And because I'll never be able to say anything nearly as eloquently as our inspired leaders, I leave you with this lovely:

Thanks for reading this BOOK of a post. Thoughts?

too beautiful not to share

Never in my life would I have imagined a food truck to be inspiration for a wedding. But would you look at this beauty? Bravo ladies!

Images via

the dinner that turned out to be scrumptious, the feet that have a lot of walking to do

pants: UO, shoes: c/o Blowfish

The other night, we went over to a friend's house for a truly amazing dinner. Said friend is the kind of super-woman who apologizes when she forgets to make homemade brownies and instead has to make them from a box. I on the other hand, am the kind of woman who feels like Betty Crocker herself when I make brownies from a box. Toting them around, still hot in the pan, "Lookie what I diiddddd .... I'm the best cook everrrrr"
I'm my biggest fan.
So you will understand my victory moment when I took a bunch of random vegetables from our fridge and made something not only edible out of them, but truly scrumptious:

Zucchini, onions, baby carrots, and boiled russet potatoes mixed up in a bowl with extra virgin olive oil, minced garlic, Parmesan cheese and a little lemon pepper. Baked at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.

BAM.
In other news, I have a lot of errands to run today ... so the above is my before picture. The after picture will probably look something like an elephant is trying to wear my shoes. That will be fun.

thirty weeks

 Boots: Unity, Pants: c/o WindsorStore, Top: H&M, Blazer: F21, Watch: Stolen from Husband, Purse: c/o LeMode Accessories

At thirty weeks:
- I'm dying to meet him and secretly hoping he comes just a little bit early.
- I'm craving homemade tortilla chips with extra salt. And dried apples.
- Baby boy is being good and keeping his head down. And I have the sore ribs to prove it.
- All pillow talk is consumed with predictions of what we think he'll look like and the things we're most looking forward to. Like bath time and family naps. And letting him be neked. Because that's what wood floors are for.
- My midwife is loving on my big awesome veins. The feelings are not reciprocated.
- An exercise/birthing ball is way better than any couch. 
- I'm getting to be a good breather. And husband, a really fantastic masseuse. I repay him by managing to be showered by the time he gets home. He's so spoiled.
- I'm getting HIPS! For the first time in my whole life. It's a little painful, but boy those babies are gonna be awesome to have around when all this is over. 
- Iron supplements are the worst thing to ever happen to my intestines 
- We haven't purchased a single thing for baby's nursery yet. This probably means something.
- Clothes are beginning to be a problem. Hope nobody minds if I start showing up in paper bags next week.
- When sleeping happens, it's AWESOME. But most of the time, I just lay there.
- That's OK though. Nighttime is usually when baby kicks the most. So I rub him, and he kicks back. It's like a secret language.

7 Weeks till full term! Oh baby boy, we can't wait to meet you.

happy birthday little brother!

E feeling baby move

I can't believe you're 12 today! You grew up the second I moved out to college and I'm still so sad I missed all the good stuff. Tys and I are both so proud of you and the amazing young man you're becoming. We both think you're the coolest kid on the block and Tys thinks you're the best guy to have around for jokes on the golf course. Happy Birthday Mister E!! Hope it's rockin sockin! I know you're gonna be the best uncle in the whole world! Our own little E can't wait to meet you :)

sometimes it's about the food

oh the gluttony

Labor Day Weekend

My family came up from NC for the long weekend and oy we had a blast. Shopping, movies, food, air and space museum, late night games. Wish our long weekend had been longer.

Pregnants get their very own special pregnant chairs in certain stores. Except I think the personnel was worried that I wasn't using my pregnant chair privileges appropriately, because they kept coming back to check and see if I was "still finding everything OK"

Actually no. I'm still in this chair. That you gave me. To sit.

 In other news, my sister discovered how to style blog.

And we found a Cafe Rio. Which we, former westerners, were a teensy bit excited about. Like brother-in-law Jordan, whose salad transformed into his own personal Disneyland.

And then we went up to visit our beautiful DC temple. 

 

And Skyped our long lost sister in Utah

We will miss you guys! And jilly we can't wait for your little bum to get the heck out here! Next time you see us, there will be THREE!!