Color Love

We finished painting the nursery recently and I couldn't be more in love with this yummy color! She has  a lot of pastel pink and green in her bedding so I didn't want anything that was too overwhelming. I loved this color because it's so bright and cheery and I think it will go really well with the other colors.

Excuse the fan - we bought a simple white one and have to install it this week.

 Another wall.

This is the inside of her closet. Can't wait to get in there and add lots of shelves and storage compartments.

I saw this in PB Kids the other day...and I about melted. So.Stinkin.Cute.


I will post more once the nursery is closer to being finished. It won't be long now!!! 

Thank You

A big thank you to my coworkers who threw Harper and I a shower last week. We couldn't feel more blessed and boy did she get some oh-so-precious goodies! Here are just a few pictures from the shower:

 My aunts surprised me at the shower! I was so excited to have them there and be my "Mock-Moms" since my mom couldn't be there.

 My team and I. I can't thank them enough for everything! 

Definitely enjoyed all of the yummy treats.

Now it is time for a much-needed long weekend and we have lots going on! My mom is coming in tomorrow and we are going to visit my best friend in Tulsa. I finally get to meet my precious godsons and I couldn't be more excited to get lots of practice in. I hope everyone has a wonderful and safe weekend! 

Cereal and Bananas

Today I am counting my blessings and one of the best I will ever know is my too-good-to-me husband. He puts up with my prego mood swings, my constant worrying, my "ocd-ness." And you know what? He loves me regardless. 


He didn't get home until late tonight (around 7:30) only to find his wife relaxing and already in her pajamas. He had stopped by the store on his way home to pick up something to eat because I had eaten a very early (senior citizen style) dinner. I text him as I usually do with a random craving request for cereal and bananas. He left his phone in the car and didn't get them. I, of course told him it wasn't a big deal because we have other cereal and I know how exhausted he was. I went upstairs to take a shower and came down to snuggle up on the couch and watch American Idol as we always do together. He was gone. I called his cell and he said that he would be right back. And you know what he had when he got home?


Cereal. And bananas. 


Yes, he is amazing and I feel so blessed to have a man who takes such great care of me even on the days that I probably don't deserve it.  I can't thank you enough for everything you do for me and for always being there for me...and for cereal. And bananas.

25/26 Week Bumpdate

I was bad about doing a 25 week picture so this will be for both.

How far along? 26 weeks.

Total weight gain: 20 pounds and counting. Baby girl is getting bigger.
Maternity clothes? All maternity pants and only a few of my regular shirts and dresses.
Stretch marks? none yet.
Sleep: Leg cramps, tossing and turning from my right to left side, and the numerous bathroom trips. At least we can say I am preparing for all of the late night feedings.
Best moment this week: Last night we were watching tv and Rick was able to see my stomach moving and see her kicking. We are also in the third trimester now!
Miss Anything? I had a sip of Rick's coke yesterday and it was the best coke I have ever tasted. 

Movement: All the time and I love how active she is.

Food cravings: This is so random but I have been craving these apple chips from Whole Foods this week. I think about them far more often than I'd like to admit.
Anything making you queasy or sick: Not today.
Gender: Think PINK.
Labor Signs: No thank goodness.
Symptoms: Back and leg pain,side pains from stretching, and starting to feel tired again.
Belly Button in or out? Just barely in.
Wedding rings on or off? On.
Happy or Moody most of the time: I couldn't be happier or more excited!
Looking forward to: My coworkers are throwing a baby shower for Harper and I this week. Can't wait!! 

Harper loves Target

I know it. You know it. When it comes to Target, we are all fans. When you are looking for some cute steals, that is the place to go. Even though my "steals" add up rather quickly and my list gets longer by the second I hit any non food-related aisle. I was browsing recently and I found a few musts for Harper. Yes, I am training her early to love it just like her momma does. 

I loved everything about this little set. I love the little cupcake that says "daddy's sweetie" and I love that it comes with pants to mix and match. Sold!

How could I not get the matching bib? 

These will be perfect for the fall/winter. Plus anything that you can accessorize with a fab hat is a yes in my book. :)

And we can't get forget about Mom. I bought a very similar pair last summer from Target and wore them completely out. 

I'm told that I should get used to the baby always looking cute and me not so much because I will be too busy getting her ready. Well, if that is the case then I will make sure she looks pretty darn cute! :) 

24 Week Bumpdate

I think this is our first family picture! We spent the weekend in Galveston with Rick's family relaxing. It was much-needed.

How far along? 24 weeks.

Total weight gain: 18 pounds! Goodness we are growing!
Maternity clothes? All maternity pants and only a few of my regular shirts and dresses.
Stretch marks? none yet.
Sleep: Lots of leg cramps along with the tossing and turning.
Best moment this week: Every day is fun as she is still moving and dancing around.
Miss Anything? Cokes still. My sweet hubby bought me caffeine-free coke, however I just hate to drink them. I know they won't serve any nutritional purpose for myself or Harper.

Movement: Yes!!

Food cravings: Currently? Hmmm...today I was craving a grilled cheese.
Anything making you queasy or sick: Not today haha.
Gender: Think PINK.
Labor Signs: No and want it to stay that way.
Symptoms: Still with the back and leg pain.
Belly Button in or out? Just barely in.
Wedding rings on or off? On.
Happy or Moody most of the time: I couldn't be happier or more excited!
Looking forward to: Starting in June we will be going to the doctor every two weeks. We are getting closer!  

Easy as...Trail Mix

We had a meeting the other day and it was our turn to bring the snacks. My coworker brought this trail mix and I was hooked! 


Warning: It is quite addicting. Don't say I didn't warn you.


 And to top it off, what's better than a snack that doesn't involve baking but just throwing all of the ingredients together? My kind of recipe! Here is what you will need:


1 box of Cheez Its
1 bag of pretzels
1 bag of chocolate chips
1 bag of peanut butter chips (The one that my coworker made was with butterscotch chips, however I can't get enough peanut butter these days and that is what I used)
1 box of raisins (you could also substitute cranberries, craisins, or whichever you prefer)
1 bag of pecans


Throw all of the ingredients together in a big bowl or baggie and voila! You could add in several other things as well like marshmallows but I chose to skip them this time. We are headed to Galveston this weekend with Rick's family and I thought this would make a great snack. Enjoy!

23 Week Bumpdate

How far along? 23 weeks.

Total weight gain: 13 pounds and growing!
Maternity clothes? All maternity pants and a few of my regular shirts and dresses.
Stretch marks? none yet.
Sleep: Lots of tossing and turning.
Best moment this week: All of the movement from Harper! Two different nurses told us that we had a very active baby and I now know what they meant.
Miss Anything? Cokes and coffee even though I never drank coffee. It's funny that it sounds so good to me now.

Movement: Yes!!

Food cravings: I can't stop thinking about sweets. Seriously, it's sad. The past few days I have had the random thought of sprinkles, a banana smoothie, and my mom's homemade peach cobbler. I think I will have to splurge soon.
Anything making you queasy or sick: Not today haha.
Gender: Think PINK.
Labor Signs: No and want it to stay that way.
Symptoms: Still with the back and leg pain.
Belly Button in or out? Just barely in.
Wedding rings on or off? On.
Happy or Moody most of the time: I couldn't be happier or more excited!
Looking forward to: Our next doctor's appointment on Tuesday! 

Double Blessings

This post is long overdue. My very best friend, Jennifer gave birth to two of the most precious babies in February and I couldn't be happier for her, her husband, and their precious family. She had two twin baby boys, Carsen and Conner. They are beautiful and healthy. She is the most wonderful mom and I am taking in all of the advice she has for me. 


My mom and I are going to visit them at the end of May and we are so excited! Not only will I be meeting my godsons for the first time but this will also be great practice before Harper comes. Jennifer and Scott prayed for these miracles and their prayers were answered...twice. God is so great! 

It doesn't get any sweeter than that.

Those Moments

While I am loving pregnancy and enjoying every step of the way, I am counting down the days to meeting my little girl. I am counting down for all of the what-makes-life-worth-living moments to come. Moments like this...

I am ready for that first glimpse of her, that first time holding her and just showering her with lots of kisses. It's funny because I can imagine the moment, but yet I know it will be more than I could ever dream of. My parents always told me growing up that I would never fully know just how much they loved me until the day I had children of my own. I now know what they meant by that. It's an indescribable feeling to love someone more than anything whom you've never even met. But I do. With even more than my whole heart. So while I will cherish these next three months and all the moments that come with them, I am ready to meet you, my little love. 

Where Oh Where

I saw this dress and was immediately obsessed. And with Cinco De Mayo coming up, what better time to invest in this pretty?! Prego or not, I would wear it all of the time. What a perfect dress for summer too. Dress it up with a cute pair of wedges or throw on a pair of sandals and go. Now if only I could find it...

If you have any ideas of where to find this dress or where to find one similar, I would looove to know! 

22 Week Bumpdate

How far along? 22 weeks.

Total weight gain: 12 pounds. This week baby girl is expected to weigh about a pound - yay!
Maternity clothes? All maternity pants and a few of my regular shirts and dresses.
Stretch marks? none yet.
Sleep: I am becoming a little uncomfortable sleeping. The back pain this week has been no fun.
Best moment this week: Harper is moving constantly and I love every second of it. I am just hoping Rick gets to feel her soon.
Miss Anything? Not this week.
Movement: Yes!

Food cravings: One of my go-to's during pregnancy is lemonade, particularly Simply Lemonade. I add a little water too it(it's too sweet without) and it's so refreshing. I find myself craving it. I am also on a chicken salad kick.
Anything making you queasy or sick: Nothing that I can think of.
Gender: GIRL!
Labor Signs: No and want it to stay that way.
Symptoms: Still lots of back pain and leg cramps. I also feel like I can feel my stomach stretching out which is a great thing though because it only means Harper is growing!
Belly Button in or out? In.
Wedding rings on or off? On.
Happy or Moody most of the time: I couldn't be happier or more excited!
Looking forward to: I am so excited to get her nursery going! I have lots of ideas to share. 

To Cut or Not to Cut

I am seriously thinking about cutting my hair. With it getting hot outside and a looong pregnant summer ahead of me, I just don't know if I can keep the length I have. Plus, I was given "fine" aka THIN hair (lucky me) and the longer it gets, the harder it is to manage. Now I have had short hair before but it has been a while and my hair takes forever to grow. I'm getting it done on Saturday so I guess I better decide quick! Here are the styles I am loving...

I love her. She is so gorgeous and I love the messy look.
It's Heidi Klum. Need I say more?
Lauren Conrad always gets it right. This is a super cute look on her and I am seriously thinking about stealing it.

Thoughts? Are you in for a short "do" this summer?

21 Week Bumpdate

How far along? 21 weeks.

Total weight gain: 11 pounds! I think Harper is growing by the day.
Maternity clothes? All maternity pants and a few of my regular shirts and dresses.
Stretch marks? none yet.
Sleep: I am loving my snoogle and it definitely helps. Although, I wake up in the middle of the night and either Ringo is curled up with it or Rick.
Best moment this week: Feeling Harper kick and move. There is no better feeling than feeling your baby move.
Miss Anything? I have never wanted a Coke so badly. I also miss being able to eat rare steak.

Movement: Yes and I couldn't love it more.
Food cravings: I am probably the pickiest pregnant eater. With this being my first I am definitely nervous and have to make sure everything is "baby safe." Unfortunately, that isn't always easy when it comes to eating out so my cravings are very random.
Anything making you queasy or sick: Not today haha.
Gender: Think PINK.
Labor Signs: No and want it to stay that way.
Symptoms: Back pain is getting more and more intense, heartburn, and leg cramps.
Belly Button in or out? In.
Wedding rings on or off? On.
Happy or Moody most of the time: I couldn't be happier or more excited!
Looking forward to: August 24th.

The other day I was so exhausted after work and just had to rest. I swear our dog knows what is going on because he snuggles up to me more now than he ever has before. I worry sometimes about him with a newborn as he is a typical jack russell and has soo much energy. However, this picture reassures me that he is going to be such a lovebug with Harper.

A Few of My Favorite...Brands

Man oh man am I having fun with all of these little girl clothes! I already have a few items for Miss Harper and I had to share the brands with you. Of course if you have any that I have left out, please feel free to share!

This little cherry romper is from Janie and Jack and it was a must. Everything in that store is to die for. I would almost tell you to stay away because it is that dangerous but the clothes are just too darn cute. They get me every single time.
What's an outfit without a matching hair accessory. That's not even a question ;).
A very reasonable place for baby clothes is Carter's. I am a sucker for anything that has a cute little picture on the booty. I also love that it comes with not one but two tops, one for mommy and one for daddy. Too cute!
Kissy Kissy is a more expensive brand but they have the best onesies and sleepsacks. The best is that some of the sleepsacks even convert to onesies. Harper will be so warm and cozy come fall and winter time with these.
How cute can you be?! These little socks are from Mud Pie Baby. They have many different styles and are perfect when the baby is too little for regular shoes.

What are your favorite brands? I'd love to hear!

Nursery Inspiration

We have so many fun choices and decisions to make and we are just getting started! We have lots of ideas but I want to wait until the nursery is fully finished to show you what we have decided. So for now, I will share a picture of Harper's bedding. I found it at Pottery Barn and it is the Penelope collection. It was love at first sight when I saw the little birdies. I think there are so many colors you can incorporate into the room using this bedding and it just makes me happy!

What are your nursery "musts?"

20 Week Bumpdate

*One of my very best friends and I at a

crawfish boil this weekend.

How far along? 20 weeks.

Total weight gain: 10 pounds - the doctor told us our baby girl is right on schedule weighing in at ten tiny ounces.
Maternity clothes? All maternity pants and a few of my regular shirts and dresses.
Stretch marks? none yet.
Sleep: I am starting to become uncomfortable when sleeping. I purchased a "Snoogle" this weekend and I am excited to start using it.
Best moment this week: Finding out that we have a little Miss on the way!!
Miss Anything? Cokes still and cheese too.

Movement: Yes!!
Food cravings: Waffles. I had Eggo waffles for the first time in years this morning and they were mmm mmm good!
Anything making you queasy or sick: I got a stomach bug earlier in the week and couldn't eat hardly anything. I lived on saltines, chicken broth, and jello for a few days which was not fun at all.
Gender: A sweet baby girl, Harper Mackenzie.
Labor Signs: No and want it to stay that way.
Symptoms: Back pain, leg cramps, and round ligament pain.
Belly Button in or out? In.
Wedding rings on or off? On.
Happy or Moody most of the time: I couldn't be happier or more excited!
Looking forward to: I always look forward to our next doctor's appointment. I love hearing about Harper and making sure everything is as it should be.

Happy Easter

I hope everyone has a very Happy Easter! We are having a very quiet and lazy Easter Sunday, which is just what we needed. We have had a wonderful weekend with friends and family and couldn't ask for anything more. I have to leave you with a picture from our weekend. We babysat Rick's goddaughter yesterday and she wanted to "practice" before the Easter bunny came to see her.

If you look closely you will notice my husband is wearing bunny ears. Warms my heart to think about him with our little girl. Have a wonderful rest of the weekend all!

Introducing

Miss Harper Mackenzie Sweatt!! Yes, our sweet angel is a baby GIRL!!!!

For months and months I was told, "You're having a boy!" People told me that because I was carrying low, it meant I would have a boy. I just kind of had it made up in my mind that a girl wasn't even an option.

Fast forward to Monday, April 2nd. Rick and I are with the ultrasound technician. She is explaining to us that baby looks good and everything is as it should be. Then, the moment we have been waiting for. The moment that will determine if we will talk about Gi-Joe, and cowboys, and spaceships or if we are headed down the path of pink, princesses, and tutus. "Do you want to know the sex?" Rick and I both looked at each other and said, "Yes!"...."IT'S A GIRL!!!" Cue the waterworks for this momma. Rick said that he will never forget that look on my face or the light in my eyes at that exact moment.

*I love that she is "smiling" at us in this one.

As you can tell, we are over the moon. Let the baby girl planning begin!

Summer Staple

Prego or not, I believe maxi dresses and summer just go hand-in-hand. About two years ago I didn't even own a maxi dress and now...I can't have enough of them! Yesterday I needed some form of exercise which these days means walking but I was certainly not in the mood for the gym. Hello retail cardio! And yes, you certainly can burn some calories walking around your favorite mall or store.

Am I the only one who can have a mood lift just by perusing the aisles of Target? I especially love this time of year as the new spring/summer items are out and the Easter candy aisle is pure heaven for this sweet craver. I was looking at all of the new spring clothes when I saw them. Maxi dresses! Here are a few of my favorites:

This one comes in other colors and is so comfortable.

This was in the maternity section of Target but it is a must-have.
I saved the best for last! I love these colors and it had spring written all over it. There was another pattern that had more pastel colors but you put purple, turquoise, and coral together and consider it sold. Happy shopping!

Are you ready?

Baby Sweatt will be! How cute is this?!!

I found this on Etsy and had to have it. Not only for the baby, but my ultimate Texans fan husband will go crazy when he sees this! I figure I can get an adorable little bow to match if baby is a girl. You can buy yours here.

And of course I had to get one to represent Momma's alma mater as well. Go Cowboys!

Easter Excitement

I am really excited about Easter this year! We don't have any specific traditions other than spending it with family but it is always a fun/relaxing time. Thanks to Pinterest, I am going to try lots of Easter ideas and I am excited to see how they turn out!

Bunny Bait! With pretzels, Rice Chex, white popcorn, vanilla melting candy, spring sprinkles, and Easter M&Ms, I'd say this is bound to be yummy.
I love the idea of an Easter egg tree. It is so pretty and would look great anywhere in the house.
This is a kid-friendly snack to have besides all of the candy. Who doesn't love Goldfish?!
This is one of my personal favorites. I have never been a fan of Peeps but I am now. This is so easy to do and looks oh so cute!

What are your Easter plans?

Think Pink or Bet On Blue?

Ya'll I can't even contain my excitement! We are two(weekends don't count because let's be honest - those all fly by anyway) short days away from finding out if baby is a boy or girl. EEEK! Soon I can reveal our names and start shopping, shopping, shopping. It has been SO hard to not buy for this little babe but I definitely have a list of things to go back and get when we do finally know.

Pinterest is only adding to my excitement. Here are a few favorites if we are having a baby girl:

Baby girls and ruffles just go hand in hand.
Jamie introduced me to a store in the village, Doodles. It is seriously THE cutest store for babies/kids. This outfit was one of my favorites that I saw there.
Piggies.Need I say more?

And here are a few of my favorites if we are having a boy:

I was so excited to find this blanket because it has my husband and our (possible) future son's name written all over it.

I'm a sucker for seersucker. This is another Doodles favorite.

Polo baby you are my weakness. I know he would grow out of these in an instant but don't you know I'd take a million pictures of him in these during that instant?!

My personal guess is a boy. When we had our first ultrasound, my husband and I both immediately said "that's a boy,"when we first saw the baby. Several people have also told me that I am carrying low and that is usually the sign of a boy.Boy/girl - it makes no difference to me as long as he/she is healthy. This is probably the only time you will catch me saying, "Come on Monday!"

18 Week Bumpdate

How far along? 18 weeks.

Total weight gain: 8 pounds.
Maternity clothes? All maternity pants and a few of my regular shirts and dresses.
Stretch marks? none yet.
Sleep: I am definitely not as tired as I used to be which is so nice but I still love me some sleep.
Best moment this week: Realizing that we are almost half way and our little one will be here before we know it.
Miss Anything? Caffeine and a Saturday afternoon mimosa. I also had a random craving the other day for coffee, which I hardly ever drank even before I was pregnant. Weird.

Movement: Yes!!
Food cravings: Still on the sweets - cookies, ice cream, and cupcakes.
Anything making you queasy or sick: Still fish.
Gender: A week from Monday and we will know - counting down...
Labor Signs: No and want it to stay that way.
Symptoms: Back pain, heartburn, and leg cramps.
Belly Button in or out? In.
Wedding rings on or off? On.
Happy or Moody most of the time: I couldn't be happier or more excited!
Looking forward to: You can guess this one!

If it's a Boy Bedding

While we still don't know if Baby Sweatt is a boy or a girl, I stumbled upon the cutest bedding for a boy. I promised Rick that we wouldn't get anything too "froo froo" as he calls it and I wanted to make sure he loved it as much as I did. Guess what? He does! My mom and I went to Pottery Barn Kids (my new favorite) when we stumbled upon this....

So stinkin precious! I love the little fish because Rick is a big fisherman and if we do have a boy, he will be going with daddy as soon as he can hold a pole. They also had an adorable little whale pillow to complete the look. With this, I picture a cream colored glider and navy blue curtains. I also love the dark wood for a little boy. Can you tell I am dying to know? Boy or girl, this baby is so loved already!

A Little About Me

I came across this while reading another blog and thought it looked like fun!

A is for age: 26 and holding. :)
B is for breakfast today: Half of a blueberry bagel.

C is for currently craving: Sweets!
D is for dinner tonight: We are going over to my aunt's house for dinner but I am not sure of what we are having.
E is for favorite type of exercise: Right now - walking!
F is for an irrational fear: Anything involving baby. I am told this is "normal" for a first-timer.
G is for gross food: Fish. I used to love it but now it just grosses me out.
H is for hometown: Missouri City
I is for something important: My husband, family, and friends.
J is for current favorite jam: I guess I can blame my country fetish lately on the rodeo. Still obsessed with Crazy Girl by Eli Young Band and Dirt Road Anthem by Jason Aldean.
K is for kids: 1 on the way.
L is for current location: Sugar Land, Texas.
M is for the most recent way you spent money: On our little one. I can't resist the little onesies from Janie and Jack.
N is for something you need: More relaxation time. Where did spring break go?
O is for occupation: 2nd grade teacher.
P is for pet peeve: Mean spirited people and jealousy.
Q is for a quote : Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment.
Matthew 22:37-38
R is for random fact about you: I will admit it. I am a shopaholic. I seriously love clothes.
S is for favorite healthy snack: Bananas
T is for favorite treat: Sprinkles Cupcakes.
U is for something that makes you unique: I lived in NYC for a year and I think I am one of the few who didn't think it was glamorous...at all. Houston is the place for me!
V is for favorite vegetable: Okra! We tried grilling it last night and it turned out so yummy.
W is for today’s workout: Nothing because I just woke up.
X is for X-rays you’ve had: Teeth...I think that's it.
Y is for yesterday’s highlight: Celebrating St. Patrick's Day with friends and family.
Z is for your time zone: central

Your turn!

17 weeks

How far along? 17 weeks.

Total weight gain: 5 pounds.
Maternity clothes? Yes and my regular clothes as well. Going to mix and match as long as I can.
Stretch marks? none yet.
Sleep: I have been taking daily afternoon naps while on spring break and it is heaven. I could get used to these.
Best moment this week: Feeling baby move!!! It's only here and there but it is the best feeling.
Miss Anything? Cheese still.

Movement: Yes!!
Food cravings: This week I am loving all sweets - cookies, cupcakes, you name it and I want it.
Anything making you queasy or sick: I have been very picky lately - most things just don't sound appetizing to me.
Gender: April 2nd!!
Labor Signs: No thank goodness.
Symptoms: Back pain, heartburn, and fatigue. I also have random leg and back cramps throughout the night.
Belly Button in or out? In.
Wedding rings on or off? On.
Happy or Moody most of the time: I couldn't be happier or more excited!
Looking forward to: Have I mentioned April 2nd? :)