what to buy a 3 year old

Friends, I know I've been a little quiet, but I'm still here, still pregnant, and most recently very swollen in the feet and ankles. Everything feels so tight. I do not recall feeling this tight with the other two, but then again, moms are given that natural ability to forget those sorts of things once that precious bundle arrives.

A positive distraction has been the fact that my youngest is just around the corner from turning three, so we're actively planning his birthday bash. This is the first year he is really aware of what's going on and he's made some very specific requests - he wants a cake, a party hat, and candles. Oh, and he wants everybody to come. Melt my heart!

We did explain to him that people who come to his party may want to bring him a birthday gift, and asked him what kinds of things he would like to have. So, born was this list of what to buy a 3 year old, just in case you're in need of some ideas. I would like to point out that the list is wholly owned by my almost 3 year old, but the suggestions are mine from doing a little Amazon research.

friday favorites: let's go shopping

Hey Friends, it's Friday!! And I am looking forward to a low key weekend. I do have a hair appointment on Saturday and I'm pretty sure my Farmer will spend the weekend knee deep in hay, but I'm planning to rest and relax. Baby day is coming soon, right? Well, not according to my doctor's appointment on Thursday - Little Baby is determined to stay put and that means I'll most likely be sporting this bump for two more weeks. God's will is perfect. And so is His timing. Patience is a virtue, too. Okay, pep talk is for me - not you.

So, let's get to some favorites from the week. I've been extra click happy and have done a ton of online shopping, so I thought I'd share the things that have prompted me to click click click.

ONE

Not to long ago, I picked up my first pair of Ja-vie flats when they were having a $29 flash sale. I haven't actually worn them because I don't want to stretch them with my swollen feet and ankles, but I did try them on and walked around in them enough to know that I loved them. So, when I saw another flash sale was happening, I couldn't pass it up. I picked up the black cap/white flats on Thursday and cannot wait to wear these. I will for sure have the most comfy and cutest flats post-pregnancy and swelling a girl could ask for. Not sure how long this sale lasts, but head over and check it out if you've been wanting to try them!

 

10 best baby shower gifts

I must be thinking all things baby these days because today I thought I'd share 10 of the best baby shower gifts.

Before having children, baby shower shopping gave me anxiety. I had no idea what to get for the expectant mother and I often found registries overwhelming. Three kids later (one still in the womb) and I absolutely love shopping for mamas to be. I know exactly what I'm going to purchase. My gifts might not be the ones that get ooed and ahed over during the shower, but I walk away knowing the new mama will without a doubt use my new gift.

friday favorites: diapers, dresses, and dessert

Friends, I am so happy to see Friday. This here mama is dragging. I guess it could be third trimester fatigue OR quite possibly the 3 to 4 times I am up at night to empty my bladder... Plus, I feel like I've officially reached beached whale status when it comes to rolling over in bed - I swear there is a serious art to the process of getting comfortable while in your 9th month of pregnancy. Okay, enough of that! Let's move on and chat about a few of my favorites from the week!

ONE

My dear sweet co-workers threw me a surprise baby shower on Monday. I had absolutely NO idea it was coming. I was running late to our weekly staff meeting when I opened the door and found a room full of wonderful people, presents, and cake! This lady right here... is blessed beyond all measure.

 

boy or girl: 10 old wives' tales

Baby #3 is set to arrive in less than a month and we have no idea whether baby is a boy or a girl. We have chosen this route with all of our children and have loved every minute of the not knowing adventures. You can read more on the reasons why we chose this route in this post.

But for now, let's play a game! I thought it would be fun to list ten old wives' tales and see what the prediction would be based on those. And then, I would love to know what you think as well! Do share your guess in the comments.

friday favorites: the kitchen reveal edition

Hellooo Friday! Let's kick off the second Friday in August with a few favorites from the week.

ONE | I am thrilled to report that my kitchen remodel is complete! I love everything about it even if I do not love how long it took. Here are a few photos of how it came together.

getting things done and tbb asks

Well Friends, we are at most a little over four weeks away from meeting this little one, and I am so thankful to report that this weekend was an extremely productive one.

My sweet Mama came down and helped me take on the baby prep list. There's still plenty to do, but the crib is finally in place (no bedding yet) and the minor bathroom overhaul I wanted to do is complete (even if it turned out to be anything but minor).

I mentioned on Friday that our kitchen is being remodeled - the contractors worked on Saturday and we are super close to it being fully functional. When it's complete, I'll share my new cooking domain and my experience with remodeling. There have definitely been some ups and downs.

happy friday: wins for the week

Friends, I'm tired. I think the third trimester hit hard this week. Combined with another hectic week at the office, I am simply zapped. And as I look through the photos on my phone to see what might be worth sharing with you on this lovely Friday, I am coming up short. More than short. I have zero photos from the week. Zero.

So, I think I'll approach this Friday Favorites post with a few wins from the week sans photos.

ONE
We've made BIG strides in the potty training department with Little L. As a matter of fact, I'm a hair away from calling him fully trained. He's wearing undies all day long and staying dry. At night, I'm still putting a pull up on him but he's woke up three out of four mornings still dry. So, this weekend we will completely do away with any sort of non-undie. Can I just say how happy I am that I won't have two in diapers at a time?!

3 reasons to choose gender surprise

As most of you know, we are expecting Baby #3 in a short few weeks. What no one knows, not even myself or my husband, is whether Baby is a boy or girl.

More than seven years ago when we were expecting our first child, we made the decision to wait until Baby arrived to learn whether we'd be blessed with a son or a daughter. We have since taken this approach with all of our children and have absolutely loved it every time. We currently have two boys, and the entire family is anxiously awaiting to see what Baby #3 will be.

If you're currently expecting or hope to be someday in the future, I want to share with you three reasons to choose gender surprise.