Good morning and happy Friday, everyone! Each Friday is starting to feel like a milestone, as I'm counting down the weeks until baby comes! Only 2 full weeks of teaching left, with one week of Easter break sprinkled in, until I'm on maternity leave. You better believe I'm correcting papers like a maniac so I'm all set to go when baby time rolls around!

As always, I'm excited to share with you a few highlights from my week. It's so nice to end the week on a high note!

FRIDAY FAVORITES

1. Mickey Mouse pancakes

Lately I feel like I'm not the world's most "fun" mom. I hate doing arts and crafts with the kids, and lately there haven't been many outings to the park since it's getting harder and harder to chase around a 1 year old with this big old pregnant belly. So when my daughter begged me for Mickey Mouse pancakes the other day, I jumped at the chance to make some fun memories, even small ones, with Pippa and Teddy before their baby brother arrives. It was such an easy way to make their morning special! You can find the pancake mold on Amazon here (<-- affiliate link), and the Mickey Mouse spatula here (<-- affiliate link).

2. New Shoes

A few months ago I was ordering a few maternity staples from Gap and Old Navy (love the combined checkout online, by the way), and found these adorable heels on mega sale. Even though I probably won't get any use out of them while I'm pregnant, they are super comfortable and perfect for looking dressy while still being able to chase around babies and toddlers because of the chunky, relatively low heel. Find them here (<-- affiliate link) - mine are in cognac, and they are 40% off right now. Full disclosure: I did have to size up, but I'm not sure if that's because my feet are swollen from pregnancy or they just run small.

3. Extra Teddy snuggles

This little guy has been super sweet, albeit a little clingy lately. Whether it's a normal phase to go through around 20 months, or he knows something big is about to change, I'm not sure. All I know is that I've been loving rocking him in the glider in his room singing songs, reading his favorite books, and snuggling before bed. The other night he kept rubbing his chubby little hands on my belly repeating, "Baby," over and over. Not sure he really has a clue that an actual baby is living in there, and will soon be living in his room, but we're about to find out! I think he'll do great as a big brother. He loves seeing babies out in public, and even "takes care" of Pippa's baby dolls sometimes.

4. Instagram + Facebook Stories

I know Instagram stories have been around for awhile, but I'm pretty excited about the addition of Facebook stories! I love the behind-the-scenes look into people's lives, and it's such a fun way to get to know the people you follow. There are so many fun ways to give a peek behind the curtain - recipes, funny things your kids are doing, reality-show-style confessionals, fun packages you got in the mail, showing off a new outfit - the possibilities are endless! You can find me on Instagram at @emilymkrause!

5. Beach weather!

It's almost beach season here in Florida! The weather has been in the mid 80s all week, and it feels amazing, despite the extra swelling it brings for us pregnant women. (I'm pretty sure I chugged over 100 oz of water yesterday and was still so thirsty. Also, wedding rings are officially off due to swollen hands. Sorry Justin!) I'm so excited to be having this baby at the end of April, so by the time school gets out for the summer, baby and I will be ready to hit the beach! With our new beach umbrella (<-- affiliate link) baby can stay cool and protected from the sun, and I'll have spot to nurse.

Speaking of beach weather, I'm looking for sunscreen recommendations! Every summer I get so overwhelmed by all the choices. I want to choose a brand that's safe and effective while avoiding tons of nasty chemicals. Also, I don't want to spend my entire paycheck on a 4 oz bottle of sunscreen, since we go through a ton this time of year. Looking for face sunscreen for adults, waterproof body sunscreen, waterproof kid friendly sunscreen, and probably some chapstick with SPF. Fellow mamas - what are your recommendations?

That's it for this Friday! What's got you smiling this week? Have a wonderful weekend!

Linking up with Carolina Charm and Hello Happiness for Five on Friday, and Andrea from Momfessionals for Friday Favorites!

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