pregnancy update: 25 weeks

truth be told friday marks 26 weeks.  i've intentionally posted these updates about a week behind the actual mark to simply give myself time to reflect.  that aside, this means i'm nearing the last trimester and the end of this 'honeymoon phase' of pregnancy.  it seems very surreal!  in fact at my last doctor appointment i was handed a brochure for tips and information on counting kicks which apparently is something you do in that final trimester. turns out it was my last appointment before i get to that point. yikes!! 

though we didn't do a lot on the baby front this month we did manage to take care of a couple big items.  first and foremost we named our son.  baby sobo's name will be carson taylor sobotka.  taylor is a namesake and we had a couple to choose from which made the middle name easy.  coming up with a strong first name on the other hand was certainly a challenge.  had we found out we were having a girl it would have been different - in fact, we had/have a name picked out - it just seemed so much easier.  we've been 'practicing' using this name for awhile and feel confident.  hopefully he likes it! (naming a person is an incredible task!)

second - we found a daycare provider and are really excited about her.  this was a tremendous relief given the fact that we had an ideal budget in mind, we both work nearly 30 minutes away from our home, and we have high expectations. our provider checked all the necessary boxes which sincerely puts me at ease and will make going back to work so much easier when the time comes. 

here's what else:

feeling:

-more organized - i've created a list for a list for nearly everything; including christmas stuffs (when you have a december baby i feel like this just comes with the territory) 

-calm - maybe it's the baby's movements or the fact that fall is almost here but i'm feeling far less anxiously lately

craving:

-pizza hut cheese sticks

-starbucks pumpkin spiced lattes - i can almost assure you this has less to do with pregnancy as it does with the recent chills in the air

avoiding:

-eggs - i was made physically sick two days in a row after eating them :( 

daddy update:

-at my request he's been reading to the baby a couple times a week - carson apparently likes it because he seems to be exceptionally active during those times

-thinks the babe will be a ginger like his mama

-entered carson in his first family contest (without my knowing) and....carson won! in our competitive family it was naturally protested, to no avail.  bragging right remain in tact! 

living in:

-a mix of what's left in my closet with room to grow and maternity wear 

-heels continue to be my go-to work shoe 

longing for:

-a night of sleep on my stomach

-a nose that's not so obnoxiously sensitive - seriously! 

sleep inspired: under $100

converting a guest room into a nursery meant converting the office into a guest room.  so over the past weekend cody and i made the change. 

when it comes to preparing for a newborn i’ve learned that the ability to spend is almost endless and while I don’t mind splurging on certain things here and there a guest room was not an area that i was thrilled about incorporating into our baby-prep budget.  in fact, until we started on the room i had almost no idea how I wanted to decorate or what existing pieces might work well in the space.  i knew that i needed to keep it somewhat masculine (a nod to my husband who politely lets me decorate the rest of the house a touch more feminine) and that the walls should be painted a deep blue.  with that, and that alone, we started.  for less than $65 (thanks for a menard’s rebate) we transformed our powder-blue, brass accented, seriously outdated office into a tranquil and inviting guest space.  i couldn’t be more pleased with the result. 

i can honestly say that this has been my favorite affordable house moment to date.  here’s a rundown of the expenses:

new light fixture - $51

paint & supplies - $31

lamp & Lamp Shade - $17

décor & bedding – $0 – already owned

savvy shopping : a short list

each year as fall approaches i anxiously await the first chill so that i have a (legitimate) excuse to update my wardrobe with long sleeves, jewel tones, and warmer fabrics.  i think this excitement and anticipation goes back to my early school days when i longed for august and the ability to go 'school shopping' with mom.  fall has always meant the start of a new school year; a sense of rejuvenation.  and having a few new outfits made me feel confident and ready.

not much has changed in terms of my sentiments about fall time although my urge to go on a mini shopping spree has certainly waned as i've gotten older.  this is primarily due to the realities of life and the fact that my tastes tend to be for more expensive, timeless pieces that don't always fit into my 'clothes' budget line item.  naturally instead of settling for cheaper versions (often leaving me wishing they'd last longer and spending just as much over time) i developed a small listing of tried and true resources for making my dollars go a little farther. 

here they are.  just in time for school shopping!! ;o)

thredup - this online buy and sell gem is a goldmine for all things relevant, trendy and designer.  i've ordered from them several times and love that they also have things for kiddos.  it will no doubt continue to be a favorite!

vinted - this consignment marketplace is super convenient and easy to use regardless of whether you are buying or selling.  i've sold several items.  while you do have to be a bit more selective if you're looking for a cheap, trendy piece this is definitely the place to checkout.

tradesy - if you're wanting a steal on stylish designer finds look no further than tradesy!  i recently bought a tory burch crossbody - with tags and bag included - for a fraction of the retail cost.  i definitely go this site when i'm looking for new shoes and have yet to be disappointed with quality, fit, or price.

amazon - you simply can't beat it!  i'm planning a prime upgrade before my little mister arrives because aside from shoes and accessories this site has EVERYTHING!

and a bonus:

@hagglekat - here's an insta bonus for all of you who want a daily feed of the hottest steals in the designer world.  this user posts daily pictures of items that are on deep discount and provides you with the cost and details.  i haven't found myself impulsive enough to pursue the deals but i love nearly all of the items.