June 2012 | Dearest Lou

Nautical with a side of polka dots

Hey friends,
Just a quick warning that this post is all over the place.

Sorry I've been lacking on the outfit posts lately. These pictures were taken on Thursday so I was exactly 18 1/2 weeks along. Belly keeps getting bigger and bigger and I feel SO HUGE. I know I will look back and read this when I'm further along and think I'm crazy but my tummy has never been so big and round. However, I wouldn't trade this bump for a flat tummy any day, I love the fact that I am carrying our little boy.

So last Thursday when we found out the gender I was completely in shock. I have been calling the baby a girl for months now and it was so weird to think that I had a little boy with his little boy parts inside of me haha. As the week went by, the thought of having a little girl sounded more and more strange and now it just makes sense. . WE ARE HAVING A BOY<3

On that note, earlier this week I had the opportunity to visit with my friend Whitney. I hadn't seen her since she was about 8 months pregnant and it was an absolute delight to meet her little Arlo. I hadn't been around any baby boys lately and he was just the cutest thing ever, he was all full of smiles and chunky rolls! I wish I could describe into words how much love I felt between the two of them and how wonderful it was to witness it (;
 -Baby boy is moving as I type-

That's the other thing I was going to bring up, I can now feel baby move every once in a while! It is usually only during the wee hours of the morning but it's the coolest sensation ever! I can't wait until I can feel him moving and kicking more frequently.
Shirt: Delias || Necklace: F21 || Skirt&Belt: Thrifted || Shoes: Borrowed from my mama

PS: Today is the last day to enter the Group Sponsor Giveaway!

It's a. .

We are over the moon with excitement <3

Kind of recently. .

1 Wanted to buy this dress but too much $$ 
2 Thrifting day/ ice cream with Dani 
3 Baskin Robbins banana split for two(;
4 I'm addicted to salad 
5 Adorable drink bucket @ Kandice's wedding reception
6 My food @ Kandice's wedding reception
7 Jacey and I being ballers
8 LOVE this picture of baby brother
PS If you're reading this baby brother we miss you );

Maternity Series >> 18 weeks


Shirt, Skirt, Shoes: Thrifted || Earrings: F21 || Rings: c/o Grandma Carol, F21, & wedding ring

Sponsor in July

July is almost here which means I'm currently filling up sponsor spots. Advertising on Dearest Lou is a great way to get your shop or blog out there. If you have a shop, fashion, lifestyle, or mama blog that you think fits the readers of Dearest Lou I would LOVE to hear from you (;

My featured spots are already filled up for the months of July and August. You can read more details here on my sponsor page. If you have any additional questions or are ready to purchase shoot me an email at dearestlou@gmail.com. I look forward to the possibility of working with you. 

Also, if you already are a sponsor and would like to continue an ad swap or renew for next month, please shoot me an email as well! 

*Keep in mind that in order to QUALIFY for a swap you must have a minimum of 400 followers on gfc or bloglovin.

June group sponsor giveaway

Hello Friends! I'm so excited to be hosting my first group giveaway here on Dearest Lou. This month there are 4 lovely prizes up for grabs and there will be 4 lucky winners. In order to qualify for each of the prizes you MUST follow the entry rules and then you can do the additional entries if you want a higher chance of winning. You can enter 1 giveaway or all 4 it is completely up to you (; The group giveaway is open to all Dearest Lou readers thru June 30th. Winners will be announced July 1st.
Alyx from Every Day is A New Adventure is giving away a set of custom business cards, any 8x10 print from her shop, and a package of German goodies! Alyx's giveaway is open ONLY to readers with a US mailing address.

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Gentri from Gentri Lee is giving away a large ad space for the month of July! Gentri's giveaway is an international giveaway.

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Daryl from Roots, Wings, and Other Things is giving away a custom blog design package. The package includes a custom header/banner, background, layout restructure, custom welcome portrait, & navigation links. Daryl's giveaway in an international giveaway.

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Megan from And Here's to you, Mrs. Robinson is giving away a 300x200 ad space for the month of July! Megan's giveaway is an international giveaway.

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Click here to see if you are the winner of the Motel Rocks Giveaway!

June sponsor spotlight

 It's that wonderful time of the month where I introduce you to a few of the lovely ladies on my right hand sidebar. I asked my sponsors what their favorite thing about summer is. Be sure to check out all of their lovely sites, you won't be disappointed (;






























PS: Today is the LAST day to enter the Motel Rocks Giveaway!

Dancing in the Congo Dress

I got this gorgeous dress from Sugarlips Apparel last week and I absolutely adore it. I've actually worn it multiple times this week. I love all of the vibrant colors and tribal patterns. I decided to layer it with a light weight cardigan for modesty to cover my shoulders but the dress is gorgeous on it's own. This will be a dress I wear frequently until my bulging belly decides no more (;
Dress: c/o Sugarlips || Cardigan&earrings: F21 || Boots: Ti's ||Rings: Rue 21, Vintage, Wedding

Pregnancy

April 6, 2012

Today I found out we are pregnant. I went to the target pharmacy to go buy our birth control when I had a strong feeling to take a pregnancy test. It came out positive and I started crying. I had a full range of emotions overcome me at this point. I took another to verify it once I got home and it also came out positive. I then had a very special moment with Daryl that I will never forget and a feeling of peace overcome me as we sat down together and soaked it all in.

I knew something was wrong with me, I felt sick everyday and I was ALWAYS tired. I haven't been my normal active self in a while. Daryl has been so sweet since the moment we found out. We decided we would wait a while before sharing it with our families (just in case of miscarriage.)

April 20, 2012

Today we decided to take one last pregnancy test before announcing it to our families. It has been two weeks since our last two tests. It came out positive and we know that we're at least 4 weeks along based on my morning sickness.

April 21-22, 2012

Today we called Daryls family and shared the exciting news and we broke the news to my family over Sunday dinner. Everyone is so excited for our little baby. Now that we've told both sides of the family we want to set an appoitment so we can find out how far along we are.

April 23, 2012

Today we went to the pregnancy resource center to verify my pregnancy. We were guessing that I was 4 weeks along. However, to our surprise we found out that I'm exactly 9 weeks! I'm nearly done with my first trimester. We had our first ultrasound today and saw our little baby's heartbeat, hand, and leg. We've decided we're going to wait a little bit longer before announcing the exciting news to everyone. I'm so thankful that this is my last week of school.

Week 10 (210 days until due date) April 30, 2012

Dear Baby Harvard,

Exactly a week ago today we saw you for the first time. We saw your little heart beating and you were moving around like crazy. We were extremely surprised to find out we were 9 weeks along, who would have known? My nausea seems to be slowly going away, however you had mommy puking right before her final presentation for Professor Hongs class. I’ve been craving saltine crackers, anything Italian or Mexican, rice, and fruit, particularly oranges. Food is slowly starting to sound good again. You’ve made mommy really tired, we’ve been getting about 12 hours of sleep with an occasional nap here and there. We’ve told immediate family and a few close friends about the exciting news and everyone is so happy and supportive of you. There have been many prayers going out for you, morning, night, and sometimes in the middle of the day, from mommy and daddy.  We love you!

Week 11.5 (200 days until due date) May 10, 2012

Dear Baby Harvard,

I’ve been craving top ramen, passion fruit tea, and pizza. My appetite is starting to get back to normal and there are less foods that are making me gag. You have been a lot nicer this week and my morning sickness isn’t near as bad. We really need to find an OBGYN and start going to the doctor sometime next week. There is still no sign of an obvious bump but I’m sure you’ll make your appearance soon enough. Daddy and I have been looking for potential names for you. We have a few girl names that we adore but zero boy names we agree on. Next week we are going to tell close friends and extended family about you, we are so excited to share our little secret with them!
Mothers Day 2012:
Daryl surprised me with this cute little card he made. I loved that he dug through my arts and crafts box and made it all by himself. I didn't want to share the inside of the card since it is so sweet and personal but all I can say right now is that I love this boy so much. We also got to spend the day at my parents and they gave me a pre-mothers day present as well. I have the best family in the world and I couldn't have imagined a better mother's day then spending it with those I love most.

Week 12 (196 days until due date) May 14, 2012

Dear Baby Harvard,

I think we can safely say that the morning sickness is gone! I’ve felt a lot more energetic the last few days. We have a list of doctors in the area and I think we are going to go with whoever can get us in first! I’m really anxious to hear your heart beat and maybe even get another ultrasound! We’re almost done with the first trimester and food is starting to sound and look good again. I’m not craving very unhealthy food but a good variety now. Not much has happened since the 11.5 week update but I’m sure next Monday I will have a lot more to report. Your aunt Tiana refers to you as “mini” since you are a mini me and Daryl. I absolutely love it!

Week 13 (189 days until due date) May 21, 2012

Dear Baby Harvard,

Last week was a total success. There was only one day where I wasn’t feeling very good but other than that I am feeling great! We went to visit the doctor and your heart beat is healthy and strong at 165 bpm! Your dad makes fun of me for always wanting an ultrasound every other day just to ensure that you are okay but we got what we wanted last Friday and a few pictures of your cute self! Comparing the 9 week picture and the 12 week and 4 day picture you’ve grown SO MUCH! You use to look like a little bean and on Friday you were a little over 2.5 inches! We’ve tried to get together with as many close friends and extended family as possible and everyone is so supportive of your arrival. I can’t wait to announce it to the whole world but it has been so nice being able to talk about it openly with friends! Today we are craving Italian food hopefully when daddy gets home we can go on a date to Spaghetti Factory or Brick Oven Pizza. We have an appointment with the doctor tomorrow and I’m excited to hear your heart beat once again! Your dad and I love you very much!

Week 14 (182 days until due date) May 28, 2012

Dear Baby Harvard,

I don’t know how you do it but I’m always so freaking tired and have little energy. We need to get on some kind of workout plan in order to give us that daily boost that we need in order to get us through the day! Today we’re going to go out to lunch with Hillary and tell her the big news! I’ve been wanting to tell her for a while now since she was a huge part of mine and your daddy’s life the past year but we’re now finally getting around to it! I’ve been eating a lot more now but not near as much as I should. I feel like I have a bump but your dad still says I’m crazy. I think we will be taking our pregnancy announcement pictures sometime next week which I’m excited for! Hopefully  my belly is sticking out a bit by then because as of now everyone doesn’t believe you’re in my tummy! We love you!!
Week 15 (175 days until due date) June 4, 2012

Dear Baby Harvard,

Your Aunt Ti came up with a better idea than the pictures we’ve been taking the past couple of weeks. Since I’m now starting to show we’re going to take a picture of this here bump every week in the same tight shirt until you arrive. It looks like we are going to have to postpone our photo shoot but I’m sure we will be announcing your arrival sometime at the end of this week or early next week! I can’t believe there’s only 175 days left and everyone gets to find out your gender soon. I’ve been reading lots of other pregnancy blogs and for some reason our bump looks like their 10 week pregnancy announcement picture. I’ve gone Dr. Pepper and Hot Cheeto crazy the last week but not over eating or consuming caffeine for your safety. We love you!!

Week 16 (168 days until due date) June 11, 2012

Dear Baby Harvard,

I’m hoping that we will finally get our little maternity photo shoot sometime this week. Nearly all of our friends and family know of you but none of my blog readers do. It’s been so challenging to not write or say anything. I could have sworn that I felt you move last night when your daddy and I were watching a movie but I have no idea. I hope I get to feel you kick or move and know for certain sometime later this week! This week you are the size of an avocado! Can you believe it? We love you so much!

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We were really busy at the beginning of this week and didn't snap a picture of my belly but it really doesn't look any different from week 15. I will still post 2-3 outfits a week throughout my pregnancy and will do my weekly pregnancy updates on Mondays. Let me be the first to congratulate you if you read and made it through the end of this post (;