Eli Thursday

24 weeks

This was Eli's first time on a swing, and he loved it! He couldn't stop looking all over the place, trying to figure everything out. The only reason we left was because it started to rain on us.

I love seeing the world through his big, blue eyes. Everything is new and interesting and amazing to him.

Eli Thursday

23 weeks

 The past few weeks he has been figuring out how to sit up on his own. He can't get up there himself yet, and sooner or later he topples over, but I can tell he loves to be able to play like this instead of laying on his stomach.

I just can't handle how much older he looks sitting up like this. Aren't they supposed to stay tiny forever?

Life lately in iPhone pictures

One of my favorite things about having a smartphone is being able to snap a picture whenever the occasion arises. Here are just a few recent ones I've taken:

We moved Eli from the pack-n-play in our room to his crib in the nursery. Bittersweet for sure, but he is sleeping better and that is worth it! // I've been making homemade yogurt. This bowl is sweetened with raspberries and granola. It is really easy, and so much cheaper than buying it!

Silly faces at the grocery store. He pulled this face as soon as he saw me trying to get a picture of him smiling. // Cousins hanging out at Barnes and Noble. Starting the book addiction young! ;)

This is what I am doing approximately every 10 seconds. I just can't help myself, not with this squishy man cub around! // Kayaking with my family. Sad to see the lake so low! 

We went for a walk in the rain, and every time he saw me peek at him underneath the umbrella he would laugh his head off. Little goof. // I could eat curry every day, and last week I got pretty close to doing just that. YUM.

So I jumped on the Stitch Fix bandwagon

I have a problem. You see, I am not good at shopping, and it always frustrates me every time I go, but I do like having cute, nice clothes. I decided to try out Stitch Fix for fun, and thought I'd share my experience with you. 

Basically, the idea is that you fill out a fashion profile with your sizes and preferences, and then they send you 5 pieces of clothing based on that. You keep/buy what you like, and send back what you don't in the prepaid envelope. Seems like a good idea, right? I thought it did! And while the idea is fun, I must say the prices were a little lot more than what I usually spend on clothes. 

Anyway, here's what I got in my fix. Also, please enjoy my super fancy pictures taken with my good friend... the self timer. ;)

Ohara Faux Wrap Tie-Waist Dress

$68

I didn't hate this chevron print as much as I usually hate chevron, but I still wasn't a very big fan. It was also just a little shorter then I like my dresses to be. It's pulled down pretty far in this picture, but it rode up pretty far whenever I moved. Also not a huge fan of the fit; the waist was almost at the widest point of my post-partum belly. Pass.

Trinidad Chevron Print Henley Blouse

$48

Again, not a fan of chevron. I also didn't like the fit of this one at all. Actually, there was pretty much nothing I liked about this top. Pass. 

Colibri Bird Print Tab-Sleeve Blouse

$48

I liked this top more than I thought I would, but it is something I would only buy if it were really cheap. I love bird prints, but wasn't a huge fan of this particular one. The fit wasn't stellar, but I did like the length. Pass again.

Nolan Ankle Skinny Jean

$58

This is all you are going to see of these pants. folks. I refuse to post a picture of anything above the knee! While I was able to somehow squeeze myself into these, it was only after considerable effort. I think Jimmy Fallon wore them better than I did. Actually, I'm sure he did. PASS.

Renee C. Graphic Print Split Back Blouse

$48

I really loved this top. I love the colors, the cut, the pattern, everything. Well, everything but the $48 price tag. That's almost $50! Fiddy dollas, people! That's why I'm so torn on whether to keep it or not. I'm a total cheapskate I guess, since I rarely spend from the $15-$20 on shirts, especially now that I have a baby. But I love it, so... maybe I'll have to be wild and crazy and splurge. Maaaaybe. If I hadn't already paid the $20 stylist fee that can go towards a purchase I made, should I decide to keep anything, I would probably send it back, albeit reluctantly. But it would "only" be $28 more after than $20, so... Hmmmm.

I have until tomorrow to decide... what do you think? Yea or nay?

Bottom line: It was fun to do once, but unless I know it will be less expensive I probably won't do it again. Unless maybe someone uses this link to get their own Stitch Fix, 'cause that will give me $25 towards my next one. ;)

Eli Thursday

22 weeks

I got here just in time to see Eli's eyes droop shut and his head fall into Dallin's hand. He always fights sleep, but apparently daddy's singing won in the end. 

On babies, blogging, and balance

Lately I've had a hard time finding a good balance on this blog. As much as I love posting about my little man cub, I don't want baby pictures to take over completely, although it is just a fact of life that there will be plenty of baby talk since that is my full-time job now, after all. However, there's a lot more I want to write about. I just don't seem to have the time. And when I do have a second to sit down and write (with both hands, a rare luxury lately), by the time I've gotten my thoughts collected enough to form a coherent sentence I need go change a diaper or nurse or keep Eli from chewing on certain items that shouldn't be chewed on. (Note to self: no more taking shoes off in the living room.)

I have so many unfinished drafts saved that I want to work on, and thoughts in my head I want to write down. You know, I didn't realize just how much good it does me to write frequently until I no longer had the opportunity to do it whenever I had something to write about. It's kind of a bummer. I think one of my problems is that I take too darn long to write posts and overthink it too much. I need to just write and post without worrying too much about whether I said things just right. Better a post that is 75% good than a post that never gets finished at all, right?

That being said, here are some non-baby related things I want to write about:

• I got my first StitchFix today! Short review: I was excited to get it and not so excited to see the prices. Oy.
• Dallin and I celebrated our birthdays at the end of May and the beginning of June (they are only a few days apart which is kinda fun). I always have a hard time finding presents for him but I totally nailed it this year. I want to share what I got for him because it really provides a lot of insight into the kind of person he is. Hahaha. ;)
• Dry shampoo has changed my life. For realz. 
• I'm about to start my first real furniture refinishing project using DIY chalk paint. I just need to wait for a Saturday when Dallin can keep an eye on Eli.
• I have discovered the world of super cheap wholesale clothing on Amazon. One of my current favorite shirts cost about $4 with free shipping. I figure that kinda evens out the StichFix price tag... right? (I wish!)
• I've always got plenty of thoughts about feminism but I might just keep them to myself. I will say this, though: I love being a Mormon and a woman. 
• I've been trying to add a little more greenery to our yard and house. It's kind of hard because plants don't last long under my neglectful care. I think I found some that might survive my black-kiss-of-death thumb, however, and this makes me happy!
• My clothing choices have been much more bold lately. I'm wearing colors and prints I never would have dreamed of wearing a few years ago, and I absolutely love it.

And here's a picture of purty flowers. 'Cause wildflowers make me happy and I can't write a post without including a picture.

Eli Thursday

21 weeks

This kid seriously loves glasses. You never know when those chubby little dimpled hands are going to reach up and swipe them! Stinker.