Bi-Weekly Progression: Wk 9-15

I am showing a definite baby bump now! My neighbors have started to notice and ask if I'm pregnant. Hehe. It's funny when they say, "I've been wanting to ask..." Cuz you know...it's a questionable subject when you ask an acquaintance. They could've just put on some weight!

I just started week 16. We'll be finding out the sex of our little babies in a short couple of weeks. I'm excited and nervous all at the same time. We're crossing our fingers that we're having at least one girl. ;o) Almost all of my friends have boys. It's CRAZY! Anyway, the sun is out and the humidity hasn't returned...yet. Enjoy your weekends!

Week 14: Sweet Little Lemons

I'm a little behind with taking these weekly photos and posting them... Oops! Anyway, I had an ultrasound a couple weeks ago. The twins are growing fast! According to this chart, they're the size of lemons this week. And they're finally starting to look human! (A few weeks before this, they looked like penguins. Haha.) It's simply amazing that there are these little humans growing inside my belly. It's so unreal. Don't you love how they're positioned like they're sleeping in a bunk bed?

Maternity Wear

With an ever-changing (growing!) body, it's been a challenge trying to find clothes that fit and will keep me cool in this summer heat. I've definitely gotten to the point where my bump looks like a baby bump and not like I ate a huge lunch. Glad to finally have reached that point!

While Old Navy was having an additional 30% off sale a few weeks ago, I went ahead and ordered a few maternity basics. I bought their regular, fold-over cotton skirt a few years ago, and loved how easy and comfortable it was. My only problem was that it started pilling. I went ahead and got their maternity version anyway since it was super cheap. I figured I wouldn't be wearing it that long anyway. I've worn and washed it a few times already, and it seems to be holding up well. Their Jersey-Stretch cotton tanks are awesome. I love the long length and the higher neckline. I don't have to worry about flashing my increasing chest. Eeks! I was pleasantly surprised by the fit of their Denim Leggings. They fit like a glove! I had tried on a few capris and jeans at the store, but was sorely disappointed by how big they were. But these jean leggings seriously fit well. Gotta love pants with stretch!

ON Maternity Fold-Over Skirts

ON Maternity Jersey-Stretch Tanks
ON Denim Leggings

I've also been shopping at Forever 21, H&M, and Target for cheap tops and dresses. I lucked out at the Old Orchard F21 and found that they had 2 racks of maternity clothes! I picked up a tank for under $5 and a strappy summer dress. I used to steer clear of billowy blouses since I thought they just added more volume. But I found a blouse at H&M last week (non-maternity!) that was super cute. The husband even approved! On my last Target trip, after I picked up the boring stuff (toilet paper, shampoo...), I cruised on over to the clothing section before checking out. I scored a non-maternity dress from the Juniors' section. It feels good to still be able to fit into normal clothes!

Target Xhilaration Juniors Dress
Here are a couple fun, maternity clothes that I found online. I'm all about prints!

Topshop Maternity Floral Maxi
Top from Lilac

Summers = Stovetop Clambake

Ah...Joanne of Week of Menus must know how to read my mind! I first discovered stovetop clambakes last summer, and have been wanting to try it out ever since. I feel like summer is halfway over, and I've barely done any summer-ish things. I've been avoiding the heat and staying indoors since it triggers my pregnancy-induced migraines. (Sigh...when is the 2nd trimester bliss going to kick in?!) Eating a boiling pot of goodness would sound absolutely DELICIOUS right now if it only wasn't 100+ degrees outside! What's with this nationwide heat wave that's going on?! It's been darn right ridiculous, and the end is nowhere in sight! Anyway, feast your eyes on this pot of loveliness. What's on your list of summer to-do's?

Source: weekofmenus.blogspot.com via Cindy on Pinterest

Pinterest Love: Creative Party Decor

Gosh, I love Pinterest! There are so many creative and inspiring parties out there! I love how there are a million and one ways to use paper to decorate a party. You can make pinwheels, garlands, cupcake toppers, tags, pom poms, flags...the list can go on! Using paper is such a simple and affordable way to dress up a party. Using paper plates to decorate a background? Genius! I never would've thought of using them to represent bubbles! Using a shower curtain for a background? Seriously clever. Have some diapers and ribbon on hand? Make a diaper garland! Ah...the ideas are endless.

Source: lisastorms.typepad.com via Cindy on Pinterest

Source: lisastorms.typepad.com via Cindy on Pinterest

Source: pinksugarphotography.typepad.com via Cindy on Pinterest

Source: hostessblog.com via Cindy on Pinterest

Source: blog.amyatlas.com via Cindy on Pinterest

Source: hostessblog.com via Cindy on Pinterest

Source: fiskars.com via Cindy on Pinterest

Source: hostessblog.com via Cindy on Pinterest

Source: hostessblog.com via Cindy on Pinterest

Source: hostessblog.com via Cindy on Pinterest

Paper Goods from a Paper Doll Birthday

Here are the rest of the paper decorations that I designed for Charlotte's 1st birthday:

Real Parties: A Paper Doll 1st Birthday

I first posted about this adorable, shabby-chic birthday invitation I designed here. My client, Pauline, did a fabulous job planning Charlotte's birthday party. She had a professional photographer from Elizabeth + Rich Photography document her baby girl's big day. A cake designer from The Ultimate Cake Off show designed the cake based off of my invitation! Doesn't the cake look awesome?! She also had custom cookies made in the shape of the paper dolls. Here are a few photos from the party:

Summers = Corn on the Cob

Joanne of Week of Menus just posted a recipe for mouth-watering ELOTES! This reminds me of my trip to Cafe Habana in NYC. Their elotes are to die for! Every recipe I've tried from Joanne has been delicious. I'm going to have to try her elote recipe one of these summer days. Doesn't she make it look SO good?!

Source: weekofmenus.blogspot.com via Cindy on Pinterest

Oh my...she also has a recipe for Warm Elote Salad.

Source: weekofmenus.blogspot.com via Cindy on Pinterest

On being away...

The husband and I are finally beginning a new chapter in our life. We have been waiting (not always so patiently on my part) to start a family. There was a lot of disappointment and sadness, but now I can gladly put that all behind us. Although we knew there was a good chance, we were shocked to learn we were expecting twins. We are both so happy, but equally worried/scared/freaked out by what's to come. Most of our friends have children so we've been exposed to the many sides of parenthood.

It's been a rough few months with the endless migraines and all-day sickness. I'm hoping that with the end of the 1st trimester, I'll be feeling better soon. I've been trying to take weekly pictures of my baby bump, but it's been hard. I don't know how those fashion bloggers do it...especially with taking self-pictures!