Date Night & Birthday Stripes!

This weekend was emotionally rough for all of the US and the world. The news of the shooting in Connecticut really affected my husband and I as I know it has everyone else. How could it not? However, Little M is too young to understand what is going on so thankfully it is not something we need to address with him, but our hearts are heavy with grief.
On Saturday we took him to his Oma's house where they were going to make gingerbread houses and paint pine cones and spend the night. Soon after that I got ready for a much needed night out to celebrate my birthday, which is this Wednesday the 19th. 
December birthday's are tough because there are Christmas parties going on and everyone is super busy but I had a great time with my husband, siblings, cousins and friends I hadn't seen in a long time.
Getting ready was a bit harder than I expected. The belly has grown so much and I didn't want to wear jeans. I had to "dress" it up for this occasion and I took to getting creative with what I had in my closet and that meant STRIPES!
So....here's what I came up with for my Birthday Outfit:
Striped shirt dress from Gap Outlet (non-maternity) bought a few months ago on clearance for $15 Gap Jean Jacket that I've had since 2000 ShaToBu Tights (only ones that fit over my bump!)  Animal Print Pumps and belt from Target Stella & Dot Sierra Necklace
Comfortable pumps, but I'm starting to lose my balance so I think I'll lay off the heels for a while
My hot date for the night! The Mr. and I needed an evening sans Little M.
I'm 31 weeks now and I'm in a total lounging mood. It's hard to get out of bed in the morning and my bump keeps bumping into everything and everyone! I even have to stand on Little M's stool in the bathroom so that I don't bump into the sink. 
As far as clothing goes, if you read this post, you know that times are tough. We are only doing one gift  under $20 this year and no additional shopping or gifts. We just can't do it. 
And the maternity shopping has been over with for a while now - I basically just bought tops and dresses in XL and on sale/clearance instead of the pricey maternity clothes. This also allows me to wear them after the babe arrives while I work my way down to my pre-pregnancy weight.
As far as my birthday goes, I got some FABULOUS gifts including a jewel encrusted skull wrap bracelet, a red envelope clutch (will show soon!) and I can't wait to taste the cake that Little M and the Mr. bake for me.
Here's to another year and another baby!