words sans wardrobes: top 11 in 2011

Wow. What a difference a year makes. This was an exciting year for me, but I’m certain that 2012 will be even better. I would like to thank all of you for supporting words & wardrobes, especially through my moments of periodic posting. It means more to me than words can explain. I wish each and every one of you a happy and healthy new year and hope 2012 is everything you hope for. With that said, here’s a look back at eleven highlights from my 2011:

I celebrated a milestone birthday.

I met designers Robert Rodriguez, Jason Wu, Tracy Reese, and Rebecca Taylor…plus author Kate Betts.

I finally attended the annual fashion show of my favorite local nonprofit organization.

I divulged a secret. The response was overwhelming.

I announced the soon-to-be new addition to the family (only three months—or 96 days--to go! Eeek!)

I celebrated the first anniversary of words & wardrobes.

I was nominated for CBS DFW Most Valuable Blogger, won Pop Goes the City’s Show Us Your Style Contest, and was featured on CNN.com.

I took a much needed vacation to New Orleans (where I discovered a budding interest in photography).

I had a fight with a glass coffee table (and lost), which isn’t necessarily a highlight, but was kind of hilarious nonetheless.

I confessed my dreams—and what I need to do to make them a reality.

I called out brands for the lack of diversity in the fashion industry.

From a new baby to a new business, there are exciting things on the horizon for me in 2012. I hope you'll join me on the journey...

wee wardrobes: twenty-five

In case you missed the announcement on Twitter, my maternal instincts were correct—the little one doing gymnastics in my uterus is a girl. Even though I was pretty sure from the beginning that it was a girl, I can’t believe I’m going to have a daughter! I’m excited…and terrified…and all of these other things that I almost can’t put into words at the moment. She’s not even here yet and I feel like my life has changed in so many ways…and I like it. Now, without further ado, here’s what’s been going on with me and The (Baby Girl) Bump.

My estimated due date is: Thursday, April 5, 2012. I am 25 weeks pregnant today and have 15 weeks remaining.

According to WhatToExpect.com, the baby is the size of: an eggplant, at nine inches and 1.7 pounds.

So far, I’ve gained: 18 pounds. I gained a bit of weight at one point, but I think I’ve hit a plateau because I haven’t gained much of anything over the last few weeks.

My sleep habits: are actually bearable at the moment. Other than the countless number of trips to the bathroom, I don’t have any complaints in the sleep department.

My eating habits: include cup after cup of Sonic ice, much to the disappointment of my OB—and my dentist. I already had a long-standing love affair with Sonic ice before my pregnancy, but it has since turned into a full-blown obsession, especially since it seems to be the only thing that gets rid of the metallic taste I mentioned three weeks ago.

My exercise habits: er, no comment.

My wardrobe: is now something I complain about on a daily basis. I still despise the idea of buying clothes for such a temporary stage, but my collection of accessories is definitely growing.

The baby’s movements: are getting stronger and a few of her kicks have actually stopped me in my tracks, but despite her karate kicks, I can’t deny that I still get giddy every time she moves. Every. Single. Time.

Micah: will be going to a Big Sibling class in January or February. I think it will be fun for him and help him get a grasp on the changes that will be coming soon.

I feel: like a Dalmatian. Between the acne on my face and the breakouts on my back, I have more spots than all 101 Dalmatians combined and I sometimes half-expect Cruella de Vil to come for me in my sleep. I mean, pre-pregnancy, Neutrogena wasn’t beating down my door begging me to endorse their skincare line or anything, but then again, twenty-five weeks ago, Micah couldn’t play connect-the-dots with my bacne.

One thing I really miss is: my pre-pregnancy wardrobe. This whole ‘dressing the bump’ for cold weather is a bit frustrating, considering the fact that I’ve struggled to dress my ‘non-bump body’ during past cold weather seasons. Winter is not my friend. Boo.

One thing I really look forward to is: decorating her nursery. I think The Boyfriend and I have finally decided on a theme, so I’m ready to get started on it.

My ‘wee wardrobes’ Want of the Week is: Dr. Seuss’s Beginner Book Collection [Amazon, $27]. I had so many Dr. Seuss books when I was a kid, so this would be perfect for Micah and the baby to have.

wee wardrobes: twenty-two

If you follow me on Twitter, you may have seen me mention that I’ll be making some changes to words & wardrobes in the near future. I’ve been working hard on this new ‘venture,’ hence the lack of posts, but I’m excited to share with you guys soon. Anyway, another week, another update. I’m kind of amazed at how this pregnancy seems to be speeding by—April will be here before I know it. But for now, let’s talk about Week 22.

My estimated due date is: Thursday, April 5, 2012. I am 22 weeks pregnant today and have 18 weeks remaining.

According to WhatToExpect.com, the baby is the size of: a spaghetti squash at one pound and eight inches.

So far, I’ve gained: 15 pounds. I’m really hoping that the weight gain is due the baby growing and not due to poor eating habits on my part.

My sleep habits: are still okay. At this point, I’ve come to accept that tossing and turning is just part of my nightly sleep routine. I’m used to it. A few weeks ago, I was waking up around four in the morning and realized that maybe I was going to bed too early (and by early, I mean the same time as Micah…which is 8 o’clock. Yes, this pregnancy has turned me into a 30-year-old living in a 70-year-old body.). So I started staying up a few hours later, which kept me from waking up in the middle of the night staring at the ceiling and counting sheep.

My eating habits: are back to normal after Thanksgiving Thursday (plus two days of leftovers). But is it bad that I’m already counting down the days until Christmas?

My exercise habits: are still nonexistent. My body feels heavy, so I feel lazy. And it’s getting cold out.

My wardrobe: is all about loose-fitting tops. Pre-pregnancy, I wore fitted tops and tucked-in tops, but those are a no-go since my abdomen is now the shape of a mini basketball. These days, it’s all about baggy.

The baby’s movements: now involve using my bladder as a trampoline. Yeah, not a good feeling. The flushing toilet has become the soundtrack of my life. And I’m pretty sure that at this point, I could single-handedly keep Angel Soft in business.

Micah: is very affectionate towards my belly. It is the cutest thing. He’s always rubbing it and kissing it and asking, “Is the baby moving?” I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: the kid is going to be one awesome big brother.

I feel: apprehensive. I still have a while before my due date, but I’m actually nervous about giving birth this time around. I don’t know if it’s because this pregnancy is so much different than my first (so I’m expecting labor and delivery to be completely different too) or if it’s because I do way more research on pregnancy now that I did when I was pregnant with Micah. Either way, I expect the feeling to pass.

One thing I really miss is: my pre-pregnancy taste buds. Since I was about six weeks pregnant, I’ve had this weird metallic taste in mouth that affects everything I eat and drink. It’s one of the worst side effects of pregnancy (I had it almost the entire time I was pregnant with Micah) and I envy any pregnant woman that doesn’t have to deal with ‘metal mouth.’

One thing I really look forward to is: the spring. I know, I know. Winter isn’t even here yet (it was almost 70 degrees in Dallas today!), but I am seriously dreading the forthcoming cold weather—as usual. Perhaps my early April due date has something to do with my eagerness to bypass the snow and ice of the upcoming months and welcome April showers and May flowers.

My ‘wee wardrobes’ Want of the Week is: a Birthday Keepsake [Birthday Keepsakes, $10]. I bought one of these and framed it for Micah shortly after he was born and it’s been hanging on the wall in his room ever since. It has your baby's stats on it, plus facts like news headlines the week your baby's born and a 'Best of' section for your baby's birth year. It’s neat to have a memento of the time when your child was born and I can’t wait to get one for Baby #2.



[JEANS: Target; TOP: Old Navy; SHOES: Bakers; BRACELETS: Forever 21; CLUTCH: Thrifted; NECKLACE: New Orleans Flea Market]