forever21 find

I've had a bit more time for playing and shopping this month (gotta love August recess).

The other day I was at the mall and popped into Forever21, hoping to find a blouse I spotted on Pinterest. (Have you ever tried to find something specific in that store? It's near impossible, kind of like H&M. I realized after plowing through several racks that I would do better to call with the item number to confirm it's even in the store before wasting anymore time.)

But, alas, all was not lost. I discovered a whole table of striped cardigans and sweaters, and left a very happy customer. I probably should be cutting down on the horizontal stripes at this point in my pregnancy, but who can resist when they start at $12.90? So I thought I'd share my fab find before they disappear.

Here's a small sampling, but there were adorable cardigans in all combinations and also v-necks with wide rugby stripes -- way more than you'll find online. Bring on the fall!

28 weeks

Yep, another distorted belly photo. I can still see my feet over my belly, but it takes some effort. (And no, our carpet isn't turning green, but the lighting sure makes it look like it.)

Observations:

- baby will now push on me from two sides at once -- like he's doing a full-body stretch -- makes he realize he's getting pretty long

- getting achy in my legs and hips during the night, tempted to find a chiropractor

- still running, surprised myself in California by running 5 1/2 miles one morning by myself with no music -- I think it was just nice to have a new trail and no humidity ;)

- throwing up every once in a while -- totally my fault because I'll get caught up and forget to eat before my stomach freaks out

- no idea what my current weight is -- I figure I'll let the doc break the bad news at my appointment today rather than get on a scale here at home (ignorance is bliss...right?)

- no swelling or other issues, as far as I can tell -- hoping that means it will be a non-issue like last time around

- can't believe my due date is less than three months away, it's finally feeling real and I'm already feeling urges to "nest"

playing catch up

So I'm making my way around the interwebs again.

My blogging died off while in California -- not for lack of trying but because my parents still have DSL and while it works fine for streaming video and surfing the web, it does not work fine for uploading photos. That post about Chad's first day back took like three days. Not even kidding.

I took so many photos I can't wait to share. Even if just so my mom can relive the whole trip. ;) We had a great time and were definitely spoiled by our hosts.

In the meantime, I just found out about NieNie's latest miracle, which I missed while "out" of the blogging circuit. Funny how that makes me so happy and I don't even know her.

It's such a nice reminder that miracles still happen and inspires me to keep expecting one (or two or three) for our family as we continue the job hunt.

chad is home: updated w/photos

We snapped a quick photo with Chad before his official release as a missionary. This was hours after meeting him at the airport, stopping for a late lunch and visiting grandparents so we were all feeling a little bit worn out. Still, it was a such a fabulous day and we're enjoying our time with him out here in sunny (yet dry!) California. More photos to come.

***

I decided to add the highlight reel from our day down below. Tanner, Jackson and Christian had cute matching "tie" shirts we put together before heading to the airport, along with missionary name tags, just for fun.

From the airport we went to IN-N-OUT Burger, where Christian scarfed the "vegetarian" burger we were supposed to share (I ended up ordering another -- don't think for a minute this pregnant lady didn't insist on eating lunch). After that we took Chad to see the grandparents -- both Wiley and Sellers -- before he went to be released as a missionary.

Once home, we all went for an early evening swim and teased Chad about his farmer's tan (unavoidable when you aren't allowed to swim for two years). Needless to say, we all slept very well that night.

trying to wait....patiently...

it felt like he was the last one off the plane...of course

Tanner was so happy to be reunited with his big brother

Dylan thought he might be taller than Chad by now...wishful thinking

Grandpa Wiley met us at the airport too

Chad thoroughly enjoying his burger (?)

24 weeks

I saw the cutest picture on pinterest and I thought I'd try and copy it to document this pregnancy. Yeah, not sure it's going to work. I wonder if someone was holding the camera up above her? Hmmm. I couldn't seem to get the angle right now matter how hard I tried.

Either way, here's a 24-week photo:

Observations:

- baby kicks me all the time, nothing painful so far -- it's just fun to know he's active

- I've thrown up more this trimester than in the first, but still, only a handful of times so I can't complain

- belly seems bigger already than last time, but it's hard to tell

- still able to run 3x or so per week, thanks to a patient running partner

- a random lady at the park this weekend asked me when my due date was so I guess I'm looking pretty obvious at this point

- gag reflux still an issue, certain smells get to me like they never have before

- struggle feeling like eating -- often hungry but hard to find something that sounds good

- and I never realized I have such veiny feet

We've been scrambling to pack up all morning. Well, Christian has been having a "Go Diego Go" marathon off and on while I bustle around him.

I walked about of the kitchen earlier to see that he'd moved the suitcase and was now jumping over it. Crazy kid.
We're on our way to California this afternoon for my brother's homecoming and I don't think I've ever been more excited to leave DC behind me -- between the frustrating budget battle on Capitol Hill and the never-ending disappointments we've experienced lately in our personal life -- I could almost be okay saying good-bye forever. Anyone need a young lawyer with lots of prior litigation experience out West? He comes highly recommended.