We Got Dressed.

I know that usually these outfit posts would be called something like "Mom Style" or "Fashion [insert day of week]" but I just feel like those titles are a little too ambitious for the kind of outfits I'm posting.  So I'm simply calling it "We Got Dressed".  So yes, I'm wearing the same chambray skirt that I've worn in at least two other posts...but trust me, it is a step up from the jeans/yoga pants, tshirt, and flip flops combo that has become my daily wardrobe.  Of course Miss Lyla is dressed to the nines most every day, and this day was no different.

Lyla's wearing:  halter dress-The Children's Place (a hand-me-down from Aurora),
ruffle leggings- Gymboree, patent bow flats- Baby Gap

I must admit this wasn't what I wore most of the day (yoga pants and a v-neck t-shirt were much more practical for my morning walk and my afternoon on the sofa, nursing a bambino).  I put this outfit on right before Andrew got home from work.  We then went to get iced coffees and go for a little walk....and I ended up taking my shoes off and walking in my bare feet.  Classy.

Mama's wearing:  plaid shirt/leather and macrame belt/chambray skirt (shortened)- all vintage,
basket weave wedge sandals- Seychelles (thrifted)   Dada's wearing:  pocket polo shirt- Paper Denim & Cloth,
shorts- J. Crew, flip flops- Havaianas

Can I just say--my husband always looks so handsome!  He has to dress business casual for work.  On this day he wore that shirt to work (with pants and desert boots) and just changed into the shorts for our evening.  I refer to him as "dada" in that caption because that's what Lyla calls him...yep, as of last night she officially says "Dada"!  Not gonna lie, it brought a [happy] tear to my eye to hear her say it.  And just a couple days before Father's Day?  That girl knows how to put on a show!

**We're doing our first link up to Small Style on Mama Loves Papa this week!  Click the link to see the other mini-fashionistas!

xo

Jayme

Spare a click for our efforts to look pretty?

Lyla's Vintage Nursery

Lyla's nursery was put together with a small budget but a big amount of creativity and love.  It is a mixture of vintage knick knacks, handmade decorations and a few store-bought items.  Looking through these photos, I realized the only item I actually purchased was the area rug!  Everything else was made by me or gifted.

TOP LEFT: Aqua dresser (DIY here),  purple toy trunk-handmade by Lyla's uncle (Amanda's hubby),  vintage "L" tote bag, garden painting by me,  handmade curtains (DIY here), floral mini mural under window hand painted by me

TOP RIGHT:  handmade wooden "L" (DIY here), vintage framed print, gifted stuffed animals

BOTTOM LEFT: gifted crib, Lyla nameplate handmade by Lyla's uncle's girlfriend, mobile by Tiny Love, area rug from Target

BOTTOM RIGHT: gingham crib bumper, floral sheets, cute stuffed animals (ALL gifts!) 

LEFT: hanging tissue paper pom poms (DIY here), gifted glider chair, vintage dresser (refinished by my mom), handmade shelves (by Amanda's hubby), decorated lamp (DIY here), triangle bunting made by me, canvas bins from Target, vintage knick knacks

RIGHT: little owl handmade by Amanda, dresser runner handmade by me, vintage ceramic baby shoe

purple shelf (reused/repainted), vintage wicker baby doll pram, vintage baby playsuit and sweaters, vintage ballet shoes (they were mine!)

I had so much fun putting together a bright, eclectic room for Lyla and I can already tell she loves! I was determined not to just go out and by all matching bedroom sets and accessories. I love that a lot of the items have a story behind them--and so many were made or bought by people who love her so so much.

xo
Jayme

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Buttoned Up

I'm still trying to figure out this whole "mama style" thing.  The main concern is really practicality.  i.e. Can I nurse Lyla easily? ('cause once she decides she's hungry, it's all over.  Gotta get that boob out ASAP.)  So my options are: low cut shirts that can be pulled down OR button ups that be unbuttoned (duh).
I never was really a fan of traditional button-up blouses seeing as I've always considered my style more "bohemian" rather than "preppy."  But I think I'm turning over a new leaf.  I like the way a button up blouse looks put-together.  And I'm even becoming keen on the preppy aspect of it.  I like doing it in an exaggerated way-- here, with a pastel striped men's button up, diamond stud earrings, slightly structured chambray skirt, tights and flats.

Blouse: vintage Brooks Brothers, navy patent belt: vintage, chambray mini: vintage,
grey tights, navy flats: vintage Etienne Aigner

 I CAN'T WAIT for bare leg season!!  And sandals!!  Hoping to collect a ton of pretty vintage blouses and dresses that are breastfeeding-friendly.

xo
Jayme

Week 35: Old School

Well well well….look at this girl here.  She has finally gotten “big”. 

Andrew keeps giggling at me and my round belly. “I think the baby had a growth spurt!” he says.  When I lay on my side I can feel the weight of the baby pulling at my stomach.  And I’m walking a bit more slowly (and cautiously!) these days.   I’m one step away from the pregnant-lady-waddle.

All this strain on my body makes for an increase in anxiousness about d-day getting here sooner rather than later.  I certainly wouldn’t consider my current state completely uncomfortable….but I’m a  little nervous to get to that point.  I don’t want my hubby to have to deal with me if and when I get to that point.

But you know what?  The aforementioned “d-day” brings a whole other list of anxieties.  The thought of going into labor is SCA-RY.  Truly my one and only expectation for giving birth is to deliver a healthy baby.  I’m not ashamed to use pain medication.  I won’t be upset if the doctor tells me I need a c-section (though obviously I’d prefer NOT to have surgery).  Yes, I said doctor.  Like at a hospital.  No mid-wife or at-home birth for me.  I’m going old-school (well, I guess an at home would really be OLD school…I’m talking….past 100 years old-school).  The anticipation of labor and facing the unknown is enough for me.  If it takes a whole team of nurses, doctors, IVs, epidurals and the likes to get my baby out safe and sound, then so be it (but please cross your fingers that by some miracle of God it is naturally pain free and sets the record for the quickest labor EVER!).

In these photos:  Levi’s jeans, Steve Madden clogs, vintage red button up blouse

xo

Jayme

--CLOSED--VINTAGE Feature/Giveaway: A Wild Tonic

So it's pretty obvious that both Amanda and I have got babies on the brain (her being a mama to an 8 month old and me being 8 months into my first pregnancy).   But let's not forget our other obsession...VINTAGE.  This week we're featuring a super lovely vintage shop: A Wild Tonic.

An artfully chosen selection of vintage clothes, accessories and housewares.  The curator/owner, Lauren, has a keen eye for detail--collecting vintage shoes with unique details, quirky vintage goods for your home, classic hats with oversized accents and much much more.  With my growing baby bump in mind, I went window shopping for my faves:

LAVENDER FIELDS Purple Floral Carpet Bag:  Love the oversized button and suede flap on this ultra-pretty bag.                         

CLASSIC GRUNGE Black and Orange Floral Dress :  Add some Doc Martens and you have grunge revival perfection.  (And roomy enough for a baby belly!)

FOXY LADY 1960s Brown Cut Out Wedges: I have never seen anything like these shoes!  The cut out wedge (lined in gold!) and chain detail speak for themselves.

Let's get to know Lauren of A Wild Tonic:

What does your life outside of Etsy/blogging look like?
I live in central New Jersey with my folks and my sister. I sometimes feel like a freeloader but my family is awesome and it works out really well. My boyfriend and I have been together for about a year and a half. He’s really very supportive of my Etsy endeavors and is always encouraging me, helping with photography, taking trips with me to shop, and way more. I’m really thankful to have him around. I work full-time at a photography company, which is way more stressful that you’d think (seriously). I enjoy my job although it’s hectic—how could you not love looking at pictures of smiling kids all day? It’s impossible.

Describe yourself (or ask someone else to do it!) in three words.

Genial, spirited, hungry. First two from my boyfriend, last one from me. ;)

Fall piece you can’t live without: Leather boots, without a doubt! I’ve been searching for the perfect pair of tall riding boots for seemingly ever. Hopefully, I’ll find a pair soon.

Most recent fashion-related purchase: “The Handmade Marketplace” by Kari Chapin—an amazing read.

Any pet peeves?

I hate when people talk in superlatives. Like, “Oh, you ALWAYS say things like that,” or “He NEVER does that.” You are technically lying, if you think about it.

Bad habits?

Talking in superlatives. Haha!

Desert-island food?

Pizza, hands down.

Three bands/singers you can’t get enough of:

Neko Case, Nicki Minaj, and Creedence Clearwater Revival. I’m weird.

Another blog you follow regularly:

I love Huzzah Vintage’s blog because there’s always amazing content. http://huzzahvintage.blogspot.com/

What made you decide to start a shop?

After I graduated college, I realized that I had a lot of “things” that I didn’t necessarily use anymore. I started to sell some of it at yard sales and on eBay. One day it hit me that I should sell my thrift store finds on Etsy. I started shooting and listing, created a blog and a Twitter account, and before I knew it, some of my old favorites became new favorites to my buyers! It was a win-win!

Significance of your shop name?

A Wild Tonic comes from a line in “The Great Gatsby.” I thought it would make an interesting name for a vintage shop.

"
The exhilarating ripple of her voice was a wild tonic in the rain."

Favorite item in your shop right now?

Probably the Vintage GEOMETRIC Grey and Brown Heels (http://www.etsy.com/listing/61757017/vintage-geometric-grey-and-brown-heels). I love them but they are just a little bit too small on me.  : (

*To get to know more about Lauren, check out her blog:
http://www.awildtonic.blogspot.com

or to get quick links to her shop, blog, and twitter:

http://flavors.me/awildtonic

Loving what you're seeing?  Well readers, it's your lucky day!  Lauren is offering 15% off your purchase at her shop for all our readers!  Just use the code "MISKABELLY" and you will be refunded via paypal once you make your purchase.
AND  there is a $20 gift certificate to A Wild Tonic up for grabs, to one lucky Miskabelly reader!

Here's how to enter:

1. Follow our blog! Once you become a follower, just leave a comment below, telling what your favorite item from A Wild Tonic is.
2. Follow Miskabelly (@miskabelly) on twitter…and again, just a quick comment to let us know you did (with your twitter user name) and share what your favorite item from A Wild Tonic is.

3. If you’re already following the blog and our twitter—simply leave a comment, telling us what your favorite item from A Wild Tonic is!

4. Once we tweet about the giveaway, you can re-tweet to gain an extra entry!

Multiple entries are allowed (if you want to follow the blog, AND our twitter AND re-tweet  go for it!).  This contest will run through next Sunday, November 21st.  The winner will be chosen through a random number generator. 


Good Luck!!

Manda & Jayme 

Week 32: Playing Make Believe

This past weekend was my baby shower.  After a long (and lovely) day full of family, friends, cupcakes, presents and hugs, Andrew and I came home with all our baby loot and dumped in the nursery.  It was pretty surreal to be handling the packs of diapers, tiny socks and soft blankets…as I folded them and put them in their drawers.  The next day I had a newfound jolt of energy and desire to continue my “nesting” (which I had kinda put on hold for a bit).  I even took the plunge and ordered some fabric from an etsy shop, to make curtains for the nursery (DIY blog to come!).

I keep doing this thing lately where I try to imagine she’s already here.  I’ll be wrapping some packages for our shop (which involves taking over our living room floor with tissue paper, boxes and tape) and I’ll pretend Baby C is fast asleep in her nursery.  Do I need to be more quiet?  Will I really have the energy to go about my daily work when I’ve spent the night up with a baby?  Or Andrew and I will be spending the evening at home… he’ll be playing video games (sorry babe, I’m outing you!) and I’ll be trying to fight boredom, searching for new blogs to read or browsing twitter.  I imagine baby is here and snuggling her on the couch while we watch daddy play his games. 

It is truly impossible to really know what our lives with be like once our baby girl gets here….but I can’t help but anticipate pure bliss.

This week’s photos are taken in the nursery.  It’s just a little sneak peek at the final product!  The dresser is an antique (or just really old), re-finished by my mom, with vintage glass handles.  The knick knacks on the dresser are mostly items from my baby shower (Amanda decorated in all vintage baby stuff—and I got to take home anything I wanted!).  My dress is the “boho mama” dress that I got in Vermont this summer.  It was originally floor-length, but I thought it looked too costume-y, so I hemmed it short (admittedly I made it a little too short.  tights are definitely required with it now).

In these photos:  vintage 70s dress, earrings from Target, tights and boots (both unknown)

Belly’s lookin pretty big huh?  Today marks 8 months—so I still have 2 more to grow!

xo

Jayme

Miskabelly Vintage Re-Design

As most of you know, our original etsy shop (which is still going strong!), Miskabelle, was our first venture into selling and blogging about vintage clothing.  On the Miskabelle blog, we had (and hope to have in the future!) entries where we would take a vintage piece that had a great print, or a rich fabric or unique detail, but was a little off and redesign it into something more wearable.

Being (almost) 8 months pregnant I'm still trying to use a lot of vintage in my wardrobe but have been finding that not all of it works with my new body shape....so I figured, why not do a Miskabelly maternity-version "re-design"?

I snatched this dress up a couple weeks ago on a thrifting trip.  What drew me to it?  First off, I'm a sucker for shades of blue and purple and then the 70's-esque diagonal stripes, the little puffed sleeves....  The one big issue (besides the length--most vintage dresses I buy for myself, I end up shortening to above-the-knee) was the ever-popular trait of a lot of dresses from the 70s/80s--the slightly dropped waistline, with the billowy top.

After fixing the length, and moving up the waistline (empire waists are SO much better for baby bumps), I also decided I wasn't a fan of the high neckline (I like to show some collar bone!).  In order to accommodate all these things, I decided it would be easiest to just slice it down the middle and work with it as a button-up dress.  Here's how it turned out:

 A conservative granny dress, with a fun color palette re-designed into a baby-doll mini dress with a v-neck and buttons down the front!  Though it was quite the overhaul,  I'm kind of digging the final product.

Until next time!

xo
Jayme

Week 31: It’s all about ME

Sitting at my computer, I’m really stumped about what to write about this week.  Pregnancy is certainly far from mundane….I suppose it’s just SO far from mundane that I’m not sure what to share right now that wouldn’t scare some of our readers!  Body changes, mood changes, weird dreams, crazy thoughts… I’m honestly starting to forget what I was like before I had a bun in the oven—when my belly wasn’t constantly itchy from the stretching skin, when I didn’t cry at commercials [as often], when I didn’t wake up twice a night to go pee, when my biggest concern in the world was what to cook the hubby for dinner.   I feel like being pregnant has made me SO self-concerned.  It’s really all I talk about.  I’m constantly complaining to poor Andrew about my aches and pains.  Every little change in my body, I’m running to the computer to google if it’s normal.  So, I’m super anxious to have this little baby so I can cast all my [own] cares away and focus on her.  Even though it is kinda nice getting a little extra attention that comes with having a baby bump.

This weekend is my baby shower!  Amanda and my mom are throwing it for me—my one request was that I didn’t have to be involved in planning.  I loathe party planning.  From what I’ve heard it will be vintage-themed (of course!).  Keep your eyes peeled for Amanda’s blog entry, documenting the shindig!

xo

Jayme

 In these photos:  white tank from Target, vintage vest (for sale on Miskabelle), grey maxi skirt (thrifted, not vintage), black braided sandals by Dolce Vida, vintage/other jewelry

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Week 30: The Countdown Begins

So.  10 weeks to go.  Here’s the part where I start periodically saying, “I can’t believe I only have [fill in number here] weeks left before my due date!”

If you follow Miskabelly on Twitter you may have noticed my repetitive grumblings about being super distracted and unable to concentrate on my work at my day job (oh, and if you’re not following me on Twitter…click here to do so!).  It has seriously become a problem.  I’ve got baby on the brain like you wouldn’t believe!  It doesn’t help that this little girl is kicking and turning and poking at me all day long.  I love those little kicks—they let me know she’s doing okay in there.  But they’re also a constant reminder that I’ve got a baby on board and the desk I sit at everyday and the computer screen I stare out for hours on end are about to be a thing of the past (eek!).  Times they are a’changin’ around these parts.  As I get closer to my due date…and my last day at work, Amanda and I are busting our butts to get the Miskabelle/Miskabelly ball rolling.  We’re stocking up the shops, setting up more giveaways, looking for publicity and all this while we still are going about our regular lives and jobs.  It is a LOT of work.  And also a LOT of fun.  We’re building a mini empire for our baby girls.

This week I let Andrew in on some of the self-timer photo fun.  I love how we captured a moment, even with no one behind the camera!  That guy makes me so freakin happy—as you can see in the photos.

In these photos:

Jayme’s wearing- tan sweater (not sure of the brand?), leggings from target, bow socks from Target, vintage cowboy boots, vintage head scarf.

Andrew’s wearing- black polo shirt by Penguin, corduroy pants from Gap, Havaiana flip flops.

We can't wait to be parents!

xo

Jayme

P.S. We're starting from scratch on Top Baby Blogs (they reset their counters) and would LOVE if you would click twice to vote for us!  Our goal is to be on the front page someday.  :)

Week 27: Patience is a virtue

I found out I was pregnant in the Spring. Summer has now come and gone. Autumn is finally starting to show its face. Baby is expected to arrive in the winter. That means I will be pregnant during every season! That also means that pregnancy lasts a darn long time.

I had sort of a “moment” this past weekend. [Ok…so I’ve had quite a few of said “moments” since becoming pregnant and having my body be overtaken by hormones.] Getting dressed on Saturday morning I could not find anything I felt comfortable wearing. There I was, walking around in my skivvies, screaming bloody murder, rummaging through my drawers.
“I am sick of being pregnant!”
Yep, not even 7 months in, and it’s already come to this. Sounds so silly….so unfounded. In fact, I feel guilty for even thinking it, let alone saying it out loud. I am LUCKY and BLESSED to be pregnant. Andrew and I wanted a baby so badly and now we have a little one on the way! I am thankful. But I’m also impatient….
So I’m thinking of GOOD things about waiting another 3 months. Here’s my list:
1. More time to “nest”….that nursery needs a LOT of work! Tonite we are going to register for some goodies and maybe pick up some supplies for another DIY project.
2. More time to be pampered (seriously….I get foot massages from hubby on demand now!) and people in general are extra nice to us pregos.
3. More time for baby to grow and get nice and healthy so when she comes out she is strong and ready to face the world.
4. More time to mentally prepare….because as difficult as being pregnant is, I have a feeling being a mommy will be worlds more difficult.

xo
Jayme

In these photos: yellow H&M sweater dress, vintage necklaces, vintage belt, vintage loafers (for sale in our shop!)

Week 24 (6 months!): Getting the Hang of This

Six months sounds like a pretty big deal huh?  Three months left in the often talked about “9 months” of pregnancy.  Well, what most people don’t realize is that a full term pregnancy lasts 40 weeks….which is more like 10 months.  So in the realm of proper pregnancy countdowns, I actually have 16 weeks to go (unless the little lady decides to come a bit early…which would be SO okay with me!).

The days of morning sickness are behind me now (so weird thinking about those first couple months and how I thought I’d be sick forever) and I’m really starting to be able to actually ENJOY having a bun in the oven.  My skin has been awesome (though the makeup I haven’t been using to cover up break-outs is being utilized to cover the dark circles under my eyes—I feel lucky on nights that I only have to get up to pee once!), I’m really enjoying food (though still have only gained 2 pounds…weird?), and my “bump” is to a point where I’m getting polite smiles from strangers (and slightly off-putting looks from students that I see each day since I work at a university…nothin’ like being mistaken for a knocked up undergrad! ha). I’ve finally leapt into the process of “nesting”—which I will be sharing in on the blog (click here to see my first project, homemade ceiling decor!).  For my second project, I spent labor day weekend re-painting a dresser for the baby’s room and daydreaming of other ideas for my garden-themed nursery.  I've also been hearing talk of a baby shower being planned for me by my mom and sis….so much fun baby stuff going on!  So this is what everyone has been talking about--loving being pregnant and it being “the best” time of their life?  Not sure if I’m THAT in love with it yet, but at least I’m finally getting the hang of it.

 In these photos:  embellished tank top by Free People, vintage maxi skirt & a mish mash jewelry that I’ve had forever.  (Not sure about this outfit....a little gypsy meets renaissance fair.  Getting tired of looking at my summer wardrobe--SO looking forward to autumn clothing!) 

xo

Jayme

P.S.  Gotta give my weekly spiel... Pretty please click the link at the top of the page (you can vote once a day!) and help us move up the ranks on Top Baby Blogs.  Many thanks!

Week 23: What’s in a name…

I’m not ashamed to admit:  years before I even I was even planning on having a baby I would daydream of the perfect name for the non-existent little one.  When Andrew and I decided to start trying for a babe I even made a memo in my blackberry to keep track of names as I thought of them. 

As I mentioned in my last weekly entry….I really thought my bun the oven was a boy.  And I must confess—we even had THE perfect boy name picked out (ok…and we even half-jokingly referred to my baby bump as that name a few times…).  [I’m not telling the name because we do still plan on using it if we have a baby boy in the future!]  SO we had to go back to the drawing board when we found out a baby girl was on the way.  There are sooooo many requirements when choosing a baby name (male or female!)…at least for me (a surprisingly over-the-top Type A personality…despite the fact that I also consider myself an artist/creative type which just seems so contradictory).  The name can’t be too common; it can’t be too weird; it can’t remind of me of someone I don’t like; it must sound good with our last name; it must be able to go with our chosen middle name; the initials can’t spell something derogatory…..etc. etc. etc. 

Well, we finally found the perfect name that suits our little babe (I’m not into the whole “we won’t know until we see them in person” thing—unless you’re not finding out the sex ahead of time.  I mean really—you think your baby is going to have THAT much personality in the first hour of its life that the name choice will be affected?  And furthermore—I think the person makes the name not vise versa).  I remember when Amanda was preggers and how awkward it was when people were hounding her to tell them the name she chose (because she was trying to keep it somewhat secret) and man do I sympathize now.  People just seem to be able to guilt you into revealing the name!  I also happen to be a pushover…so this is really a struggle for me.  So far I have told every single person that has asked.  And so far I haven’t gotten the best feedback.  I really really love our baby girl’s name--it’s not super common, it’s not super weird, and I feel like it just sounds like something Andrew and I would choose (I gotta say—Andrew thought of it!).  But the reactions!  People give polite smiles and exclamations of “Cute!”….but I’m still not convinced that anyone loves the name as much as we do….which has led to momentary doubts and twinges of disappointment/unsure-ness.  So silly!  Can I really expect that anyone will love the name as much as we do…or even love this little babe as much as we do?  So I’m sticking to my guns.  The name is set in stone—I mean, it’s just too fun talking to my belly and calling it by name to quit now.

Side note:  Our etsy shop launches TOMORROW!  We already have some pretty adorable vintage maternity and baby clothes posted, so feel free to shop!  And not sure I’ve mentioned before—but these weekly photos all feature vintage clothes/accessories.  I try to wear at least one vintage piece (even if it’s just a scarf or belt!) when coming up with my outfit.  It’s getting harder as my belly grows…but I’m committing to keep it up!  This blog is, after all, for vintage lovin’ mamas and mamas-to-be!

xo

Jayme

P.S.  If you see me, don't feel bad about asking about the name we chose (I really don't mind telling!).  But sorry folks, I won't be announcing the name until the little gal is here!!  Gotta keep the suspense up so you keep reading! ; )

In these photos:  vintage pleated clock-print skirt (worn as a dress) from Miskabelle—buy it now!, vintage white brass buckle menswear belt, cork wedge sandals from Charlotte Russe

Week 22: Time to get a little sappy

Well, I’m still basking in the joy of finding out that we are having a baby girl!  I have to admit that I was SURE we were having a boy…I thought my “motherly” instincts were right on.  So when the ultrasound tech matter-of-factly stated “Eez a girl.” (the tech is Russian and kind of unemotional/cold) I just laid there and said “Okkk.” I couldn’t even LOOK at Andrew.  I held back tears in the waiting room (we had a doctor’s appt. right after the ultrasound) and I just felt kind of strange.  Now I know, pregnancy hormones have certainly turned me into a bit of crazy lady but there was something really bothering me.  I didn’t care if we had a boy or a girl.  I was super excited just to be having a healthy baby.  But I guess a teeny tiny part of me was falling in love with the thought of having a mini Andrew running around.

Let me give you a little run down about Andrew, the hubby and daddy-to-be.  Andrew was my 9th grade crush.  Mousy little me, with my beanpole frame and oversized glasses swooned from afar for the handsome, blonde boy in my math class.  We had never spoken (we both were and are pretty shy) but there was something about him.  [He hates when I tell people about this] I even asked him to the spring dance that year (to which he turned me down for other sports-related plans).  In 11th grade I found myself yet again, in math class with the boy.  No intentions of pursuing him (though I had ditched the glasses and gained some self-esteem), to my surprise I found out he was now interested in ME.  We have been inseparable ever since.  Andrew and I often get described as the “perfect” couple…with the “perfect” life and the “perfect” relationship.  And I usually brush it off with an “oh, puh-leeze”…but really, it’s quite true.  In fact, shame on me for ever discounting the fact when people comment on how happy Andrew and I are together. 

SO…back to the scene in the waiting room.  There I sat, being a brat, pouting about having a perfect baby girl.  I realize now it’s because I love my husband SO SO much.  I really thought he secretly wanted a boy and part of me felt like he was disappointed (not because he had any sort of negative reaction, just because like I said before…I am a crazy lady).  I loved the idea of having another Andrew around—with the big smile and the blonde hair and the broad shoulders…the silly sense of humor, selfless attitude, kind heart…etc. etc. etc.  But no worries--I have since gotten over it!  Andrew has assured me he is JUST as excited to have a little girl as a he would be to have a boy and the more we talk about her and pick out names and nursery colors the more anxious we get to meet her!  But I still hope she is just like her daddy.

(Speaking of all the things I love about my hubby…..another is that he agrees to photograph me each week for this blog—and he’s quite good at it!  This week he was working late so I had to resort to using a self-timer to take photos of myself… 190 pictures later (!!crazy lady, people!!), I luckily found a few that I could use here. )

 In these photos:  black stretch pencil skirt by Free People (which is totally going to become my maternity-clothes staple!), fuchsia tank from Target, vintage southwestern print shirt (worn as vest), vintage brown pixie boots

Thanks all for voting us back to #50 on Top Baby Blogs!  We feel the love (and hope it will continue!). ;)

xo

Jayme

Week 20: We’re Halfway There, Baby.

I’m feeling awfully pregnant these days.  Funny, because today marks the day that I have been pregnant for 5 months.  The baby movements have become more frequent—so much so that me and Andrew’s morning routine now includes laying in bed for a couple minutes with hands on my belly, greeting the baby before we get up.  I also must admit that I was quite shocked to see my round belly in these photos.  The change has been so gradual; I almost can’t even notice it when I look in the mirror.  So yes folks, this means I will stop whining about not having a baby bump from here on out.

This is probably the first summer in my life where I’m wishing the days away.  My knack for spending hours in the sun (so much so that my family would call me the “sun-worshipper”) has vanished.  The heat is no longer my friend…and I’ve accepted the fact that I won’t be developing any sort of tan lines this summer.  And then there’s the obvious—once summer is over, autumn is here and then comes winter…and then comes baby. 

While in Vermont this past week, I did a little vintage shopping to add to our Miskabelly inventory for the upcoming August launch.  Along the way I found the dress I’m wearing in these photos, as well as a floor-length, bell-sleeved, empire-waist dress from the 70’s that will be so super fun to wear this fall…totally bohemian mama-to-be.  So here’s to summer coming to a close, fun things to look forward to in autumn, and the halfway point to a winter baby.

xo

Jayme

In these photos:  vintage lavender crochet neckline dress, vintage stretchy belt, 

Seychelles wicker wedge sandals (thrifted) 

Week 19: A Little R&R

This is just gonna be a quickie update....seeing as I'm on vacation (finally!).  We are spending the week in Vermont, where Andrew's family has a house on Lake Champlain.  I think I can get used to this whole R&R thing.  All my nasty pregnancy woes seemed to have flown out the window.  My blue mood is lifted and I'm eating like a champ (which could also be the fact that Andrew's mom has filled the job of that "personal chef" that I have been wanting...at least for the week!  She stocked up on gluten free goods and has made us some delicious dinners.).  So at week 19, things are looking up for me!  Resting and relaxing does a mama-to-be good.

xo
Jayme

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In these photos: vintage tee (my mom's circa 1980), vintage men's leather belt, cut off shorts, Havaianas flip flops

...And Lake Champlain!

Week 18: Let’s Grow!

Let me just start by giving you a list of my frustrations for this week (yes, I have turned into a whiny baby):

Number 1-- While in an overly-optimistic state I declared “If I can’t eat all the things I love and am craving, I am going to learn to bake gluten free versions for myself!”  We all know the outcome of my previous attempts, but I decided to give it another go and bake some gluten free cinnamon rolls.  Um, yuck.  Just the thought of them now angers me!  After my first bite I found myself wondering who in their right mind would post this recipe online and say that it’s even edible.  Grrr… I ended up eating cantaloupe for dessert instead.  Cantaloupe?   What kind of pregnant woman eats fruit for dessert?

Number 2-- In my 18^th week I have turned into a paranoid/emotional wreck.  I lay awake at night thinking of all the horrible things that could happen to me or to Andrew (the hubby) or the baby….pregnancy complications, birth complications, after we bring the baby home….yadda, yadda, yadda.  I’m sure it’s mostly hormones (and my normal-self’s tendency to be a worry wart anyway) but dang is it stressful.

Number 3-- Last but not least—I WANT A BIG OL’ PREGNANT BELLY ALREADY!  I have got some pretty shocked reactions from people when I tell them I am at 4 ½ months.  I get to hear stories of how “huge” they already were at this point in their pregnancy… and comments like “Wow, you’re lucky.”  But really?  Am I?  It’s not very fun to feel apathetic about food.  AND my wardrobe has become so limited because I’m constantly trying to hide the little bump I have (not only because I don’t want people who DON’T know I’m preggers to think I’m getting chunky, but also because I’m half embarrassed of my lame excuse for a baby bump in front of people that DO know).

But alas, I need to shut my pie-hole because today on one of my twice weekly trips to the post office to ship Miskabelle goods, I had my first real mommy-to-be moment.  As I put my packages down on the counter, the post office attendant asked “Are you expecting?”  WHY YES I AM!  Now, this is not the same post office attendant who watched me heave in a trash can a couple weeks ago (if you didn’t catch that blog, click here!).  But I did have a sneaking suspicion that she had heard through the grapevine about the incident.  But when I suggested  that was why she asked, she claimed she hadn’t heard (so yes, I had to relay it to her).  So jeez, maybe I DO have a “real” baby bump!  Needless to say, I shall remove Number 3 from list… NOW I just need a gluten free personal baker/chef and some kind of tranquilizer.

In these photos:  vintage head scarf, CC California ruched tank, vintage beaded necklace/jewelry, grey skinnies by Tyte (haha...yep, that's what you get when you shop at Ross Dress for Less!), vintage navy flats

22 weeks to go!

xo

Jayme

Week 17: Milestones

17 weeks.  Kinda feels like when you turn 17 years old.  Exciting because you’re one step closer to good things to come (turning 18/being considered an ‘adult’/freedom to buy naughty things that you probably wouldn’t buy anyway/ability to cash in that lotto ticket and get back the 2 bucks you spent on it) but not any kind of noted milestone in pregnancy (end point of morning sickness/start of a new trimester/halfway mark/finding out the sex of your baby/HAVING your baby). 

But hey, I can’t complain!  Here are a couple of exciting things that happened this past week:

     1.  Pretty sure I felt the first baby movements.  It felt like tiny bubbles (not the gassy kind…) near the surface of my stomach.  At one point I even had Andrew (aka Hubby) put his hand on my belly and he felt it too! 

      2.  Had a doctor’s appointment today where we got to hear the baby’s heartbeat again (and I got to drink a large glass of what tasted like flat orange soda, for my glucose blood test…keep your fingers crossed—I have been eating a LOT of Skittles and Sour Patch Kids lately). 

It was great to hear the heartbeat but it’s still pretty strange having a little baby growing inside of you and not getting to see it for weeks on end.  After spending the weekend with my niece (Aurora, 5 months) I came home feeling sad.  I missed her and I missed my sister (her mama) and I missed MY baby….?  Yep.  I know it sounds so incredibly weird, but I just had this strange longing to see my baby, hold my baby, listen to my baby cry…. but alas I have 23 weeks to go before this will become a reality!  I’m trying to focus on the now--the last summer Andrew and I will spend as a ‘couple’ rather than a ‘family’.  But we have been married for 4 years now and dating for 6 years prior (eeks!  that’s 10 years together!) and are so ready to welcome this new little babe into our lives to form our own family. 

Not sure if it’s the heat or the hormones, but I’ve been just a bit down in the dumps lately.  I am certainly grumpy!  Poor Andrew had to deal with my complaining while he graciously took these week 17 photos (I might post some outtakes later of me scowling and being a brat—NOT cute).   Today I will spare you:  Here’s the bump at 17 weeks…and me being a proud mama-to-be—which I ‘spose is exciting enough for me…no milestone needed.

                     

In these photos:  vintage silk print scarf, white tank from Target, vintage peach maxi skirt, fringe wedges by Sam Edelman (courtesy of hand-me-downs from sis!)

xo

Jayme

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