Thursday, January 31, 2013

Things I'm Loving Thursday: Valentine's Edition

A little wish list for Valentine's Day!




Source: etsy.com via Ashley on Pinterest

I'd love B, B, L!










Worries


I don't know if it's pregnancy hormones, Branner turning into such a big boy, or both. But, lately I have been plagued with worrisome thoughts. From going into labor with Leighton (not about actual labor; about it happening and not knowing what to do with B), to bullying (what if other kids are mean to them, or worse-what if they are the bullies?), to my kids riding bikes alone through the neighborhood (what if they got hit by a car?), to them reaching driving age (self explanatory), to accidents, their health (what if something bad happens to one of them?), our health (what if one of us were to get sick?), the health of our family members (what if one of them were to get sick?)—the list could go on and on—these little doubts and scary thoughts creep into my head and steal away moments of peace and contentment. I hate it.

I don't want to be a worrier. I have tried hard not to be one. It has worked for quite some time. I was being so good at pushing these thoughts and fears away and simply soaking in the moment. But, these last few weeks, they've been seeping back in through the cracks. Being a daughter, granddaughter, sister, wife, aunt, friend and (especially) mommy can be frightening if you think about the "what ifs." I don't want any of the joy I find in these roles stolen away for one minute because of worry, doubt, or fear. 

Moving forward, I need to make a conscious effort to live in the moment and enjoy what I have in front of me. This post is really just a reminder to myself of that. Worry less/Pray more...that's what I need to do!


Wednesday, January 30, 2013

Branner's Birthday Party: Space Kidets





The Saturday after Branner turned three, we had a little party at Space Kidets for him. He had an absolute blast! While he was not really in the mood to pose for pictures (hence the lack thereof), he bounced, jumped, ran, and played himself silly. 

This place is a mommy's dream because you are not allowed to bring anything but cake and favors. No drinks, nothing. They do it all: pizza, drinks, balloons, moving your things from room to room (bounce room, party room, FREE game room) during the party. It was truly the easiest, most relaxed party. 




Monday, January 28, 2013

Baked Tacos





Source: blogchef.net via Ashley on Pinterest

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Y'all can probably tell that this pregnancy has thrown me for a loop eating and cooking-wise if from nothing else but the lack of recipe posts here. I simply haven't felt like cooking lately. We've had a lot of spaghetti, a lot of baked chicken and veggies, and a lot of me making dinner for the boys and eating a bowl of cereal or something else. But, going forward, I'm trying to be better! I made these baked tacos last week, and not only were they super easy, they were super delicious!

Baked Tacos

1 lb ground beef (or turkey)
1/2 packet Trader Joe's taco seasoning (or brand of your choice)
8 oz can tomato sauce
16 oz can refried beans
1 c shredded cheese
1 pkg of Trader Joe's taco shells (or brand of your choice)
Toppings:
shredded lettuce
guacamole
chopped tomatoes
sour cream
salsa

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Sprinkle beef with taco seasoning and brown. Drain. Add tomato sauce and refried beans. Mix well and allow to cook until mixture thickens. Spoon mixture into taco shells and place in a 9x13 inch baking dish, standing up. Sprinkle cheese over meat mixture in each shell. Bake for 10-12 minutes. Garnish with toppings of your choice. Enjoy!



Thursday, January 24, 2013

21 Weeks

Post Pilates Workout, excuse the nastiness!

Well, I just finished my 21st week of pregnancy with our sweet baby girl. I have to admit, I'm tired. Which is weird, because I should have tons of energy seeing as I'm in my second trimester not my third. I guess having a super-de-duper active three year old will do that to you!

Weight Gain/Loss: +9 lbs.

Maternity clothes? Technically, I can still fit in my regular jeans. I'm only still wearing 2 prs of them (a cheapie pr of Gap jeggings & a pr of gray skinnies from AT Loft) because I do not want to stretch out or ruin my "good" jeans. All of my sweaters, loose cut tops, and leggings, and workout clothes are still fitting. I'm wearing several maternity tops (mostly thanks to my friend, Sara), a pr of maternity leopard skinny jeans, a pr of maternity black skinnies, a pr of maternity red skinnies, and a pr of maternity jeggings!

Sleep: It's a crapshoot. Some nights I get 8-10 hours. Some nights I'm up 2-3 times for no reason. Le sigh.

Best moments lately: Hearing Leighton's heartbeat at my appointment on Wednesday (140s-150 bpm)!

Food cravings: Bagels, egg salad, spinach salad, yogurt, cereal, sweets (Trader Joe's fat free brownies baking in the oven as I type).

Food aversions: Sometimes meat.

Gender: Pretty in pink!

Pregnancy symptoms: Round ligament pain, lower back pain, frequent bathroom trips.

Exercise: Still continuing with my regular classes at the gym: Total Strength, Cycle Strength, and Cardio Dance and still doing my prenatal pilates DVD for at-home workouts that I love.

What I miss: Champagne, red wine, raw sushi, medium rare filets.

Sunday, January 20, 2013

For Sale, Size 24m/2T

I am cleaning out Branner's closet since we are having a girl! I've already sold tons on Facebook, but there are still some great things left. Everything is in excellent condition. I accept PayPal, and shipping is $5 (more for multiple pieces purchased). Please email me at ashleykirby81 at gmail.com if you are interested in purchasing. Prices are firm. Here's what I have in 24m/2T sizes:


Polo White Hoodie
Size 2T
$7
SOLD!

OshKosh B'gosh Cream/Tan/Turquoise/Orange
Size 24m
$9

Gap Navy Lined Windbreaker w/ Hood
Size 2T
$15

For Sale, 18 Months

I am cleaning out Branner's closet since we are having a girl! I've already sold tons on Facebook, but there are still some great things left. Everything is in excellent condition. I accept PayPal, and shipping is $5 (more for multiple pieces purchased). Please email me at ashleykirby81 at gmail.com if you are interested in purchasing. Prices are firm. Here's what I have in 18m size:

Columbia Green Fleece Snowsuit
$10
**Feet covers pull back so child can walk**

iplay Cricket swimsuit with built-in swim diaper
$8

iplay Fish swimsuit with built-in swim diaper
$8

Polo Light Blue/White Checked One Piece
$7
SOLD!

Polo Blue/Navy/Yellow Plaid One Piece
$7

Joe's Jeans Pocket Detail

Joe's Jeans
$10
**Priced cheap because there is a button missing on one side of the adjustable waistband inside. Super easy fix for someone that can sew! These are a steal!** 

Velani Classics Smocked Car JonJon
$18
**New With Tags**
SOLD!

Shrimp and Grits Bulldog Longall
$25
SOLD!

For Sale, 12 Months

I am cleaning out Branner's closet since we are having a girl! I've already sold tons on Facebook, but there are still some great things left. Everything is in excellent condition. I accept PayPal, and shipping is $5 (more for multiple pieces purchased). Please email me at ashleykirby81 at gmail.com if you are interested in purchasing. Prices are firm. Here's what I have in 12m size:

OshKosh B'gosh Shortalls
$8
Levi's Shortalls
$9
SOLD!

Penguin Onesie
$15

For Sale, 9 Months

I am cleaning out Branner's closet since we are having a girl! I've already sold tons on Facebook, but there are still some great things left. Everything is in excellent condition. I accept PayPal, and shipping is $5 (more for multiple pieces purchased). Please email me at ashleykirby81 at gmail.com if you are interested in purchasing. Prices are firm. Here's what I have in 9m size:

Ralph Lauren Red/White/Blue One Piece
$2
**Has very small stain near leg that will not show when on**

Ralph Lauren Dusty Blue/White/Light Teal One Piece
$7

Petit Ami Blue Embroidered Bubble
$15
**New With Tags, Retails for $36**

OshKosh B'gosh Shortalls
$8
SOLD!

Ralph Lauren Striped Outfit
$11
**Perfect to wear to church or a wedding!**

Ralph Lauren Light Blue/Navy/Red Striped One Piece
$5

Carter's Fish Print Romper
$2
**Great to wear home from pool!**

For Sale, Size 6 Months

I am cleaning out Branner's closet since we are having a girl! I've already sold tons on Facebook, but there are still some great things left. Everything is in excellent condition. I accept PayPal, and shipping is $5 (more for multiple pieces purchased). Please email me at ashleykirby81 at gmail.com if you are interested in purchasing. Prices are firm. Here's what I have in 6m sizes:

Nursery Rhyme Plaid Fish One Piece
$3

Ralph Lauren White Lacrosse Bear Printed One Piece
$9

Ralph Lauren White Velour One Piece
$9

Genuine Baby by OshKosh (from Target) Frog Embroidered Overall Set
$5

Children's Place Madras Shorts
Size 6-9m
$4

Puma Navy/Blue/Gray Striped One Piece
Size 6-9m
$5
 
Old Navy Brown Jacket
Size 6-12m
$4

Gap Navy/White One Piece
Size 6-12
$7


For Sale, 0-3 Months

I am cleaning out Branner's closet since we are having a girl! I've already sold tons on Facebook, but there are still some great things left. Everything is in excellent condition. I accept PayPal, and shipping is $5 (more for multiple pieces purchased). Please email me at ashleykirby81 at gmail.com if you are interested in purchasing. Prices are firm. Here's what I have in 0-3m size:

LL Bean Infant Hi-Loft Fleece Coverall
Size 0-3m
$15
**Never worn, Retails for $49.95**

Ralph Lauren White Terry Robe
Size 0-3m
$15
**Never worn, Retails for $50**
Ralph Lauren Coral/Navy/White Striped One Piece
Size 3m
$9

Little Me Monkey Footie
Size 3m
$4
SOLD!

Ralph Lauren Red/Navy Striped Hoodie & Pants
Size 3m
$9

Vitamin Baby Sleep & Play
Size 3m
$3
SOLD!

Vitamin Baby Sleep & Play
Size 3m
$3
SOLD!

Little Me Light Blue Teddy Bear Embroidered Footie
Size 3m
$5
SOLD!

Little Me Light Blue Paw Print Embroidered Footie w/ Cardigan
Size 3m
$6
SOLD!

Little Me Light Blue Teddy Footie
Size 3m
$4
SOLD!