A Night with the Nats.

It feels like a long time (minus the announcement of the birth of Angus) since I curated any sort of familial events on this blog. Of course I love the sartorial spin my blog has, but I do enjoy putting some of my other passions on here, namely my family and the fun things we get to do together. There has definitely been a reduction in fun times, but now that the reason for the fun times diminishing has been solved (my pregnancy, cough, cough), we can get back to the business of making memories. ;)

Rex was barely two months old when we brought him to his first Nationals baseball game (April 2007).  CW was around a year old, but that is owing in part to her birth date in September (she was born *just* at the end of the season in 2008).  Of course Mr. Dina was all gung ho to get lil Gus to his first game some mere two weeks after his birth, but my influence held some sway and Mr. Dina saw the ridiculousness of that request.  I gave in last week, Tuesday, when Gus had made it to a much more sturdy age of five whole weeks. 

This photo cracks me up.  If you open it up, you will see the insanity that is us at a planned event.  Starting from the left back, you will see Rex at the picnic table with the very friendly Deena (no joke) who had insisted on competing with him in a round of Angry Birds space (she on her phone and Rex on my Kindle--moms, take note, that KINDLE IS THE BOMB diggity for keeping kids amused).  Deena works at the park and from what I gathered she was on her break.  How awesome of her to be so sweet to my pumpkin.  If you have kids in this area and have not made it to a game yet, I insist you go, the park is uber-friendly to the children.  In fact, Deena mentioned that on Sundays kids get to run the bases after the game and get autographs (maybe we can get Jayson Werth's autograph after his hand heals?).

In front of the picnic table you see CW cuddling with her new Nationals stuffed animal. 

And then there's Gus and me.  He is feeling me up!  In his Bjorn!  How cheeky!

I am dressed (can't not tell you, right, lol?) in my postpartum "my it's sticky outside" best.  The visor (oh, yeah, I own a visor!) is team gear, the tank is J. Crew, the shorts are Mimi Maternity (still have a few pair I admit to letting linger in my dresser), and the shoes are Miss Trish of Capri for Target.

So you know, I had no idea how awesome this shot was until I got home and could zoom in on the individual happenings.  I think CW cuddling Mr. Nat made me laugh the most followed by how *inappropriate* Angus was being. 

Handed down from Rex, Angus was good to go with his Nationals skull cap.  He made quite a few fans that night, btw.  The folks sitting right next to us kept cooing at him. 

The little red pants, which are a perfect shade of red for the Nationals, are from J. Crew's Nature baby line.  These cutie pie pants were given to me by my sweet on-line Personal shopper.  I let her know that day that she helped us with Gus's outfit...unfortunately for little baby boys, most companies make three colors in their baby pants, navy blue, grey, and brown.  Yawn!

Okay, that's all.  We had a great time, and all of us made it back to the car in one piece.  I think waiting a few weeks for Gus to go may have been the key.  :)

BTW, the Nationals lost.  Sigh.  Of the games that week, ours was the only goose egg of the bunch.  We have all summer though to make sure Angus sees some winning!

OOTDs: Searching for Comfort. (Wherever I Can Find It!)

I am so not going to bore you with why I haven't published since Thursday, but I will ask you to take a look at this article on why those of us with baby are susceptible to a condition known as a suppressed immune system (you know if that's your thing--learning about stuff like that). I finally got over the nasal infection only to be walloped with a mild flu. I have been asleep in bed for the past two days. I suspect I will be going back to bed in exactly two hours. Fun!

What has helped me get through this? My Kindle Fire and episodes of Portlandia and Storage Wars on Netflix Streaming. Thank goodness for technology. :)

I have quite a few outfits of the day to get through that I have been meaning to publish for a while now.  This will be short and sweet, with just a quick look at the items in the outfits along with where I was going.  They ALL were comfortable.  At this point if anything pinches, rides up, or makes me feel like I am going to hurt if I wear it longer than twenty minutes, I nix it as a possibility.

This is one of my more dressy outfits of late.  I wore this one to go out with the family a recent weekend night.

Top: Liz Lange Maternity.  I wore this to the George Mason Basketball game, too.
Skirt: Mimi Maternity.  This has a large elasticized waistband to make it work at all stages of pregnancy.
Shoes: J. Crew Quorra high heel oxfords.  I love that these can be worn in the winter, although the cut-outs make them summer-appropriate too.  (FWIW, it wasn't that cold that night...really hasn't been here at all.  Winter was officially a no-show this year.)
Necklace: J. Crew from Fall 2009.

It was cold enough for a topper, though, so I pulled out my J. Crew Double Cloth Carlin Coat in Blackberry.

Mr. Dina's bday may have been a few weeks ago, but it took us until last week to go to dinner to celebrate (the very yummy Lebanese Layalina in Arlington--he actually proposed to me there all those years ago).

Dress: Liz Lange for Target.  This was bought during CW's pregnancy, so it is a summer dress.  Guess what?  The temps in the 60s that day made this more than appropriate, especially with the cardigan.
Cardigan: J. Crew Jackie.
Shoes: Anthropologie Schuler and Sons Chiseled Wedges.
Earrings: J. Crew Snow Sparkle Earrings.

Better view of the outfit.

I also was making a really stupid face (like I was in the last photo, but that one was less stupid).

You can see the bracelet here too (J. Crew Sunset Charm Bracelet).

I recall feeling nice this day, no yuckiness, etc.  Maybe a preschool run day?  Ugh.  Can't remember.  LOL.  I should probably just stay on top of the ootd posts, huh?

Top: Motherhood Maternity smocked bubble print tank.
Cardigan: J. Crew Soft Tee Cardigan.
Pants: Duo Maternity Cords.
Necklace: J. Crew Glass Bead Ladybug Necklace.
Shoes: Target Merona Meadow.  These are a mary jane style with a slight heel and a darling rosette "buckle" on the strap.

This was my Valentine's Day outfit.  I decided that although I LOVE the heart throb shirt, I didn't want to go over the top and "in your face" with my V-day ensemble.  :)

Top: J. Crew Tissue Pintuck Tee.  This is one of those tops that J. Crew makes that can stretch, stretch, stretch.
Shirt: J. Crew Tartan Tuxedo Shirt.
Pants: Duo Maternity Jeans.
Shoes: J. Crew Lula Bow Ballet Flats.  LOVE the Lulas!
Necklace: J. Crew.

I even wore red lipstick!

Valentine/Lumberjack. by dinagideon featuring j crew jewelry

I did create a polyvore of this outfit.  I felt it was a great mix of lumberjack and sweetheart.  {Snort.}

This was last week on the preschool run. It got up to 70 that day.  It was pretty incredible.  I even managed to fit in a walk at a local nature preserve, and after 2 miles, I felt it, but the sun felt wonderful.

Top: J. Crew Jaspe Pullover.  I loved the blue version so much that I bit on the grey as well.  I think these will be cozy comfy options for pregnancy, and for post pregnancy will be the perfect tops for traveling (ugh, long car rides and/or plane trips).
Shirt: Old Navy Maternity Ruffled Button Down.
Shorts: Motherhood Maternity Bermudas.
Necklace: J. Crew Carnation Necklace.
Shoes: J. Crew Piera Ballet Flats.  These stood up to the walk in the park well.  :)

Another view from inside, colors are more true to life here (the outdoor shot was a bit washed out).

This was worn this weekend for church.  We had also intended to go to a movie but because my slow as molasses butt was not walking fast enough, we got to the theater too late and every. single. seat. was filled up (not really, but you know my kids--as mature as they are--can't sit in seats away from us--there were only single seats left...ergh).  And my big belly didn't elicit gasps of "help a sister out," either.  LOL.  Nah, I understood.  ;)

We ended up going to Dairy Queen instead, which was a definite plus in my book.

I have worn this tunic before recently (in the red halfway down that post), but clearly it is being stretched to its limits now (but still is fine, yay for soft jersey knits!).

Tunic: Boden Terazzo Tunic.
Leggings: J. Crew.
Shoes: J. Crew Dreamweaver Ballet Flats, Size 9.5 (quickie review at the very bottom after the next photo).

I love ballet flats and wear them constantly.  I was drawn to these for the same reason I was drawn to the Quorras in outfit #1--they are summery with the cut-out/weaved fabric, but are perfectly fine in less warm months too.  (Can be worn with thin socks, if need be.)  I chose to get my true size of 9.5 and they fit beautifully right out of the box.  I have a feeling they will be a bit too narrow for some of you though...I anticipate you could stretch the shoes, though, fairly fast.  These seem to be made from a softer leather.  The footbed and sole are leather, as well, so more worth the price than other flats of the same price made from man made materials.

Okay, that's all.  I feel it would be a minor miracle if I actually post tomorrow, but who knows?  :)  You all have a great night!!!

A Ton of Pea in the Pod Coming Your Way.

Yeah, let's just keep the "theme" posts going since I clearly am unable to post outfit of the day posts in any sort of timely manner.  :)  (And I can't even blame this pregnancy for this, have been doing this since nearly the day this blog was born.  Whatever.  Seems to work for me.)

Okay, there are so many outfits to highlight, so let's just begin...

Quickly, though, the main thing that ties all these outfits together is that they were purchased from either Pea in the Pod, Mimi Maternity (now defunct part of the company), or Motherhood Maternity.  These three (now two) maternity outlets are sort of the American woman's dream mall store to turn to upon learning there is a bun in the oven.  I like them, but really had no choice of other brands six years ago when I was pregnant with Rex.  It was only after Rex and into the pregnancies of CW and Gus that there really were more options for those of us not in NYC and all the chic maternity boutiques.  (There was Liz Lange for Target, but again, not every mall has a Target, so for a great majority of women, these three are literally it.  And for every Pea in the Pod, there are far more Motherhood's, as the Motherhood Maternity is the least expensive option of the three.)

And to that end I say "thank goodness" for the newer offshoots of bigger brands, like the Loft Maternity, Boden Maternity, and the Gap Maternity.  Yes, you have to buy all those on-line, but now that the vast majority of the US is connected on-line, suddenly women can look beyond the two biggies. 

(Although I will say if you are in a bigger city the Gap may have a maternity section at your local baby Gap, the one here in NOVA is located at Fair Oaks.  This is LITERALLY the only shopping I do at the Gap anymore, btw.)

Okay...quick merchandise history lesson done...17 photos to go (!)...

Outfit #1:

Top: Pea in the Pod, Erge Burnout Top.  This is a size small and runs really long.  I think I bought it when pregnant with CW.

No head, slightly different view.  Besides the top, only the pants are Maternity, by Duo.  These are a recent acquisition, bought at another mall store that hasn't forgotten us pregnant ladies, J.C. Penney.  (Although I think women forget about them as an option, especially when there is one of the "big" two at their local.)

Non-Maternity:

Cardigan: J. Crew Merino V-Neck from 2009, Size Medium.  I haven't pulled this cardi out in a long time, but it was perfection with the tee.
Boots: Madewell Suede Hightower boots, Size 9.5.  I waited and waited for these to come down in price...bought them on Monday when they went down to around $100 with the 30% discount.  (They still are on sale and all sizes are available.)  I really like the look of these and find them to be super comfortable.  Be warned, they are a pull-on type of boot and the shaft of the boot runs narrow and short.  These are in no way knee high on me...if they were the thinner part of the shaft would hit at my knee and fit perfectly.  This, however, is more about me, I have freakishly long calves and all boots are like this on me.  They do have an extended size, but those are much much more expensive, so only buy those if you are sure you need them.
Necklace: J. Crew Bubble Necklace in Papaya.  I have already done a review here.  Love this necklace.  Way more versatile than I thought it would be.

This outfit was worn on Thursday night for a Thai dinner out with the family.  Amazingly, Mr. Dina and my dad offered to both drop the kids off at preschool and pick them up from preschool (respectively), so I was able to spend the entire day asleep or resting.  I have been sleeping really poorly lately (major leg and hip pain owing to the weight of Gus), so I desperately needed a day off.  :) 

After I had gotten enough rest, I totally had a spa bath and full make-up session.  It felt wonderful.  I even did Heidi braids (can't see them here).  LOL.

Outfit #2:

This is from early December, by the way, and from this point forwards all of the outfits are in chronological order, so there should be some belly growth, too.  :)

Dress: Motherhood Maternity, Size Small.  This is one of those dresses that are meant to be worn with a top under it, and I usually pair a button down with them, however...all of my pregnancy button downs are HUGE on me (even now, not just back then in December).  I anticipate being able to pull them out soon, but they look ridiculous on me currently.
Top: J. Crew striped tissue turtleneck tee, Size Extra-Small.  This is from the fall and I bought it for around $9 on sale.  Definitely does not fit now but in December fit just fine over the belly.  I think J. Crew's tops are ridiculously oversized...
Tights: Assets.
Shoes: Clarks Artisan.  Yummy!

My belly is so teeny there.  I love it.

Kids really wanted to be in this shot, btw.  They come running now.  I think they like posing with the belly, honestly.


Outfit #3:

I wore this on a date with Mr. Dina to sushi (not all sushi is off the table during pregnancy...as long as the salmon is frozen before they thaw it, salmon sushi is okay...as is uni--sea urchin--just so you all know).  We also went to a movie.  The dress wasn't the best for the movie, but I wasn't insanely uncomfortable, either.

Dress: Pea in the Pod, Size Medium.  This is a really short, silk, Asian-inspired dress.  I am glad I have it, but I definitely will sell this one upon not being pregnant.  I am going to sell a lot, but this one definitely.  I think I have gotten enough wear out of it.  I believe I bought this one with Rex.
Cardigan: Anthropologie, Decorating Committee Cardigan, Size medium.  This is such a fun cardi, love having it, even if I only get to wear it once a year or so.
Tights: Assets again.
Shoes: Ancient pair of Sam and Libby Heels.  I can tell they are ancient because they have that big chunky heel that was popular in the late 90s and early 00s.  I definitely take care of my shoes, but really, I should just purge some of these.  (I have started the process, btw, now onto the Goodwill.)

I love how sweet Rex looks here.  Such a cutie.

Another belly shot and another cutie pie pic from my first-born.

I publish this because I like the face I am making.  Really, I do.  LOL.

Outfit #4:

We were headed to Bethesda on New's Years Day, so I put on a fairly summery frock (paired it with a short khaki jacket--not seen).  It was warm-ish here that day (in the 50s), so I felt comfortable.  You all have seen this dress before, here in this picture.  I was pregnant (more fully pregnant--around 32 weeks, btw) with CW in that shot.

Dress: Pea in the Pod, Size Small.  Love the print and the cotton fabric.  I actually can get away with this one as a sundress non-pregnant, but haven't yet tried it.  Maybe I will this summer and then sell it.
Tights: I don't remember, but these have been around for a while...
Shoes: J. Crew Metropolitan Suede Ankle Boots, Size 9.5.  I have had these forever, too.  They get more comfortable the more I wear them.  They were really painful the first time I wore them out.

Hand on hips.  The top is smocked and has a high neck, so is really hard to pair with a cardigan.  It really is best on warmer days with sandals.

No belly shot, but you can see me cradling it here.

Outfit #5:

I promise you will see my head.  The first two you don't, but trust me, the faces I was making were just plain stupid and not even in a "cute" way.

Dress: Mimi Maternity, Size Small.  Honestly, this company of the three "big" ones was my favorite.  They ran a bit edgier, and were less expensive than Pea in the Pod.  Also, Motherhood runs really big, so often there size extra-small tops were too big on me.  Mimi was just the right fit.  Clearly they weren't the right fit for everyone else, though.  Sad!  This is a poly-blend and is darn comfy. 

CW is holding Rex's Saints pillow pet.  This was a Sunday that they were going to play in one of their playoff games.  Unfortunately for my favorite Saints cheerleader (she has a cutie pie toddler cheerleader outfit), they are done for the season.  (Mr. Dina is the most sad, obviously.  I am sad, too, as if they had made it to the Superbowl I could have visited one of my best friends in the whole world, who happens to live fairly close to Indianapolis.)

We were headed to church that day, btw.

The rest of the outfit is non-maternity.

Jacket: J. Crew Velvet Bella Jacket in Leaf Green, Size 4.  Definitely not doing up in the front, but still "fits" in the shoulders.
Tights: Assets.
Shoes: Madewell, Handbook Pumps, Size 9.5.  Oh, man, the first day I wore these (not here, fwiw), I almost keeled over from the pain.  However, now that I have worn them a bit more, they are more comfortable.  They are really cute, though, and worth the work.  They have sold out--except size 9--on Madewell, but they are worth the sale price (I got it with around 30% off extra) of around $90.  They also have a chunky heel (like the Sam & Libby pumps in the Asian dress outfit), but a much more modern cone shape.

There's my head making a fairly non-stupid face.  :)  Glasses can bring out the crazy face in me, not sure why, but when I take photos with my glasses, I often look silly.

Outfit #6:

We were headed out to dinner as a family, again.  (But remember, this post covers two whole months, so we don't go out that much.  Promise.  Hand on heart.  I make a mean casserole, fwiw.)

Dress: Pea in the Pod, Size small.  I bought this while pregnant with CW.  I have a very distinct memory of wearing this on the first day back to school two weeks before I gave birth to her.  I definitely did not have to wear it with tights, fur-lined boots, and a long cardigan.  It was cold the night I wore this.
Cardigan: J. Crew Soft Tee Cardigan, Size Small.  This is such a cozy cardi, wrinkles like crazy, but often just the perfect topper.
Tights: George (Wal-Mart), Size 3.  THE SADNESS.  After my LONG LONG run (sorry for the pun, btw) with no tights getting holes, etc., these awesome pair of tights bit the dust.  But not because the tights suck.  It was the boots fault!  As much as I love these boots, the zipper did catch on the tights as I was taking the boots off.  Having said that, I am thrilled to report that the boots fit perfectly now.  You can read more on that saga here.
Boots: J. Crew, Charley Shearling Wedge Boots, Size 9.5.  ON SALE.  RIGHT NOW.  They were 30% off extra yesterday, but will likely make it to the next 30% off again.  I (shh) re-bought as I am WELL within the 60 day return policy.  I didn't pay a ton for them initially (had received a 30% off), but um, $125 versus $275?  Yep, I will re-buy and return.  Since I rarely do this, I feel like I can get away with it this time (and you all do it, too, I know you do...you all admit it constantly over at the mothership).  :)

I did a review of the boots here.

Haha, look at Rex in that photo.  Love the look.

Rex perked up when I took off the cardigan.

For those of you following my story on the Rex front (was having issues with discipline in December), it is all coming around.  The book "The Explosive Child" has been a godsend.  Seriously.  I can't say that it will always be wonderful and he still gives us issues, but with the emphasis being on working with Rex to learn how to better communicate what he is feeling, there has been a major mood shift in the house.  (And school!  And out and about!)  It takes time and a WHOLE lot of patience and understanding and loss of pride on my part, but omg, so worth it.

Okay, you all made it to the end.  If I had "virtual" star stickers to give out, I would hand one to each of you.  LOL.

I promise...the next theme posts won't be as involved.  I just waited far too long to get around to these.  ;)