HELLO
Mom to Iris. Wife to Todd. Our little family lives at the foothills of the Ozark Mountains in Fayetteville, Arkansas. We love it here and I love sharing little bits of our life.

© 2014 sarahfortune.

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Articles written by: Sarah

Pregnancy Blog: 17 weeks (16 weeks, actually)

Today I’m 17 weeks pregnant… I think.

17 Weeks

I’ve started wondering if there’s a chance that when I see my doctor next week she’ll just say I’m having a big baby and that my due date/weekly progression hasn’t actually changed. While the ultrasound technician said to go by my new due date, I know my doctor could say something different at my next check-up. All in all it doesn’t really matter – most babies aren’t even born on their due date. Now that I’m pregnant though, each week seems like a HUGE milestone, so I really like counting them just right.

Another reason I’m thinking that my baby might be jumbo is because, well…
I was a chub. I weighed just over 10 pounds when I was born. Yowzers. Emphasis on the “ow.” And to top it all off, my mom gave birth to me completely naturally. She likes to remind me that she didn’t have so much as a Tylenol. Just to let everyone know, as grateful as I am, I will not be following in her footsteps.

My dad actually wrote about my birth experience for an old Memphis paper called the Dixie Flyer. For this, I am also grateful. It captures my debut in such a raw, sweet way. I hope one day I can do the same for my baby girl.

(click images for larger view)
My Birth Story (by my Dad)

My Birth Story (by my Dad)

Pregnancy Blog: IT’S A…

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girl

GIRL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Today has been intense for sure. We’ve had so much rain that it actually started to flood the streets, yards, and even some buildings. So of course it’s a perfect day for an ultrasound! Todd and I went in for my second ultrasound this afternoon and even though it’s still early, the technician said she was “pretty darn sure” we’re having a little girl! Of course there’s always a chance that it could be wrong, but the little one was in perfect position for us to take a looksie. We’ll confirm at our next ultrasound appointment when I’m further along, but for now I can’t help but get excited about some PINK.

During the ultrasound she moved around like crazy, sucked her finger, kicked my insides, posed for some pictures, and kind of waved to us. I loved it. And yes, I cried. Boy or girl, I’m just so happy that so far everything looks great. I’m actually measuring further along than I thought by almost a whole week. My due date is now October 6, which just so happens to be… my birthday!

I’ll post a weekly update at some point, but now that I’m technically 16 weeks and 5 days I guess I’ll be missing my 16th week post! Works for me. That just means we’ll get to meet our little girl that much sooner!

xoxo
mama gill <-heh!

Pregnancy Craving: Vintage Baby Clothes

Right now almost everything I’ve purchased for the little one can fit into this teeny tiny suitcase.

Vintage Baby Clothes

I like thinking about the days, years from now, when it will seem like all of its belongings will barely even fit in a bedroom. Especially if he or she is messy like me. It makes me feel a little bit better about not being able to pass up just a few vintage finds. Here are the pieces I’ve collected so far…

Ruffle apron dress w/ embroidered detail
Vintage Baby Clothes

Vintage Baby Clothes

Suspender set that makes me think the little one should be holding a giant German beer

Vintage Baby Clothes

Vintage Baby Clothes

Polka dot dress with eyelet trim

Vintage Baby Clothes

Vintage Baby Clothes

My little sailor jumper

Vintage Baby Clothes

Vintage Baby Clothes

Pink apron style onesie

Vintage Baby Clothes

Vintage Baby Clothes

Yellow submarine jumper w/ ridiculously dorky matching hat

Vintage Baby Clothes

Vintage Baby Clothes

Turtle onesie

Vintage Baby Clothes

Vintage Baby Clothes

Last but not least, this fun t-shirt that once belonged to Todd

Vintage Baby Clothes

Vintage Baby Clothes

I’m sure there will be much more to come, especially once we know what gender to prepare for. Till then, I’m attempting to travel light.

xoxo


Vintage Baby Clothes

Pregnancy Blog: 15 weeks

15 WEEKS

Here I am, writing my 15 week pregnancy blog post, secretly sitting very comfortably in my first pair of maternity jeans. At least I hope no one has noticed.

I’m not wearing them out of necessity just yet, but my-oh-my are they comfy! It’s straight up difficult going back to buttons & zippers after I pulled these mamas up. You see, earlier this week I dragged my mom (who literally MOVED to Fayetteville one hour earlier) to the local Rhea Lana sale. I still don’t quite understand the whole thing, but basically it’s a huge consignment sale that happens a couple times a year. You have to get a pass to enter ahead of time, stand in line to get your hand stamped, and then it’s a free for all once you’re inside. Last night was a pre-sale for mom’s-to-be, aka a hormone convention with a million women pushing each other to get to the good stuff first. It was intense.

I did make it out alive with a bassinet (thanks Mom!), some decent maternity clothes (hellooo comfy jeans), and the cutest vintage baby moccasins I ever did see (perfect for a boy OR girl).

Vintage baby moccasins

So far this past week has been pretty busy, but luckily I have more of my energy back now that I’m in the 2nd trimester. I’ve decided to keep an ongoing list of things that I’ve done since I’ve been pregnant, just in case the baby ever finds it interesting what they did and where they went even before they were born. Here are a few recent excerpts:

Little baby, this past week…

● You did your first tailgating & went to your first football game. Good job, you little Hog fan you! It was just the spring scrimmage, but it was televised nationally on ESPN, so I’m thinking it counts.

Arkansas Razorbacks spring game

● So far you’ve been to the Farmers’ Market two whole times! I’ve been craving lots of veggies, so this is perfect, but really the reason I love going is that we get to walk around our lovely town square where we always run into friends.

Farmers' Market

● You went to the batting cages. Don’t worry little one, we sat safely behind the nets, took pictures, and watched your Pop Pop hit some homers. I’m thinking baseballs being hurled at you isn’t the best idea until you can at least walk and defend yourself with a bat. We had fun watching our silly friends though!

Batting cages

● You went to see David Sedaris live at the Walton Arts Center (I was lucky enough to win tickets on the radio). I’ve always loved his books, so it was pretty funny to listen to him read his work in person. By the way, I’ve learned that you can start hearing this past week, so hopefully you covered your ears during a few of his funnier jokes.

David Sedaris

● We go to a different store every lunch hour just to stroll up and down the baby aisles. There are so many adorable things I want to buy you, but I’m trying to be good since at this point saving is most important. Besides, isn’t that what baby showers are for? Lucky for me, one of my besties got a big surprise that she is also going to have a little one not too long after you arrive! We’ve had fun talking about symptoms (or lack thereof), emailing links to nursery must-haves, and just talking about what in the world we’ve gotten ourselves into…

Omg

● Your grandma (let’s try to embarrass her by calling her Biggie Mamma, can we?) just moved from Memphis to Fayetteville to be closer to you once you’re born. In fact, we helped her unload her truck last night. And by helped, I mean watched & took pictures.

Mom & her new house

Next week I have an ultrasound scheduled, so there’s a chance we’ll find out if we’re having a boy or girl! I don’t know how people wait to find out. I can’t find out soon enough. Every old wives tale, baby chart, and quiz that I’ve done points to boy, but hopefully we’ll know soon! Keep ya’ll posted…

Pregnancy Blog: 14 weeks

Pregnancy Blog: 14 weeks

This week I’m a whopping 14 weeks pregnant. The days seem to be going a little faster now that it’s all out in the open. The first trimester was full of the unknown, excitement, and even worry. I would stress myself out thinking something was wrong, just simply because I didn’t “feel pregnant.” With the exception of a few waves of nausea and intense exhaustion, I felt like my normal old self. I’ve always been a worrier, an over-thinker, and I knew that I had to do something to change my worrying ways. Unnecessary stress was just silly and certainly not good for the little bean.

Even after reassurance from nurses and my doctor that everything was right on track, I still couldn’t relax. That is until, I spent the best 25 bucks of my life. Some people (hi, Mom) think I’m a bit crazy for doing this, but I rented a home fetal heart doppler from Stork Radio so that I can listen to the little heartbeat any time I want. At $25 per month, I can keep it until I’m ready to send it back. Even though I know there will always be things to worry about, I can at least check in on the little one any time I want. The constant 150 heart rate is currently my favorite song and I listen to it daily! I feel confidant that things are going great and that I can focus on the countdown to October.

Since now I’m really letting myself get excited, I’ve already started making a wish list. With the exception of a few vintage clothing items, I haven’t bought anything, as I’m holding out till we know if it’s a girl or boy. Still, I spend my lunch hours roaming the baby aisles and my nights searching online for sweet little somethings. Some of my faves so far are below (again, hi Mom – wink!).


Happy Whales Mobile via giggle.com
Pregnancy Blog: 14 weeks

Egg & Avocado onsies
Pregnancy Blog: 14 weeks

A simple white crib via Target
Pregnancy Blog: 14 weeks

Adorable wall decals via Etsy
Pregnancy Blog: 14 weeks

Vintage children’s books via Etsy
Pregnancy Blog: 14 weeks

Striped onesies via Boden
boden onesies

Baby changing bag via Boden
changing bag

Perfect Summer Maxi Dress via Boden
Pregnancy Blog: 14 weeks

Blue flutter tunic via Etsy
Pregnancy Blog: 14 weeks

Lauren Moshi baseball tee via Unbuttoned Maternity
Pregnancy Blog: 14 weeks

Behind Your Back Dress via Francescas Collections
Pregnancy Blog: 14 weeks

Ella Moss maxi dress via A Pea in the Pod
Pregnancy Blog: 14 weeks

Crepe handkerchief dress via Urban Outfitters
Pregnancy Blog: 14 weeks