Ready For Spring - Walt & Whitney Update
Embracing my Mom Bod + My Favorite Two Piece Swimsuits
My body has changed since having twins, yes I'm naturally small, but my body isn't like it was. Things have widened and sagged, and none of my bras, swimsuits or jeans fit. I honestly haven't weighed myself since the babies were born so I have no idea what I weigh.
Life Lately
Walt & Whitney | 12 Months
ONE YEAR! My babies are officially a year old! I love them so much I could eat them up. This past year has been filled with MANY smiles and MANY tears.
- The first few months were filled with extreme anxiety, sleepless nights (well I still have those), and trying to figure out how to raise three kiddos. I gave up breastfeeding after a week, spent lots of time in my hometown for extra help and went back to work after 3 months. I am EXTREMELY grateful for my mother and the rest of my family and friends for helping us. Our village was strong and still is.
- When people say, "Oh my goodness, I want twins!". I look at them like they're crazy. I know that sounds mean, but this is NOT easy. It's the hardest thing I've ever done. It has put extreme pressure on every aspect of my life, but it has taught me, changed me, and molded me into a stronger person.
- We had a very simple first birthday party with close family and friends. You'd think I would go all out, but I really didn't have the energy to plan it and I didn't care about going big. No invitations, no balloons, no elaborate decorations. I bought two simple cakes from HEB, finger foods (meat, cheese, fruit, nuts) and had custom cookies made by ShortBread Baking Co. Not having to cook was a GAME CHANGER! I remember at Turner's first birthday running around like a mad woman trying to prep everything and cook, and I did not want to repeat that. The only thing that took time was making the pom pom garlands and a ONE sign, but making them was so much fun!
Walt & Whitney - 11 months
LIFE LATELY:
- I am dragging my feet in planning their birthday party for a couple of reasons. 1.) My life is INSANELY busy right now. 2.) Every time I start to plan in my head I get completely overwhelmed with all the things I want to do and shut down. Planning a birthday during Christmas is not fun. There are days when I think about going ALL out, and then other days when I think they'll be lucky if they get a cake.
- Last week Whitney and I took a quick overnight trip down south to visit my parents. When we got home Alex said "Do you want to see what the boys and I did this weekend?" He proceeded to show me pics of them at Catch Air (an indoor play park), which he took them to on Saturday night. Then Sunday he took them to breakfast, grocery shopping at HEB, and then to a kid's birthday at Mt. Playmore (another indoor play place). I couldn't believe it. Alex said they all had a great time, but he was definitely tired.
- I totaled my van (which I had bought a year 1/2 ago after totaling my last car, and replaced the transmission 6 months ago for $5,000 because we thought we would drive it forever...UGH!!!). All three kids were with me which was very scary, but thankfully everyone was OK. We bit the bullet and bought a new Toyota Sienna and I'm in LOVE!
Choosing To Take It Easy This Christmas
I Started a YouTube Channel!
It's official! I'm a YouTuber. It's taken me years to pull the trigger, but thanks to Alex, my blogging buddy Erica and some inspiring women I decided to take the plunge. A few months back Alex tried to talk me in to it but I was hesitant with all that was going on in my life (new job + baby twins)...however it seemed like the message was not going away. I would listen to podcasts or friends talk about blogging, seizing the day, business owning, chasing after dreams and for some reason YouTube kept coming back to me. I finally got tired of making excuses and did it, and I'm so glad I did. Alex is a huge YouTube fan and willingly volunteered to do the editing (which takes up the most time), so I'm thankful to partner with him on this.
I can't wait to talk with you about the things I love...fashion, motherhood, travel, home decor and more! There will be lots of dancing and outtakes. I'm hoping to post once a week, so please subscribe and follow along!
Are you a YouTube fan? What types of videos do you enjoy watching?!
When You're Mommy Shamed For Working
Oh goodness, it got me all stirred up again. Most of the comments made me feel guilty and selfish for working, but then I had working moms and even stay at home moms stick up for me.
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| Photo: Laura Morsman Photography |
Walt & Whitney - 6 Months
SIX MONTHS! We've made it halfway, hallelujah! Time has not flown by...it's slooowwwlllyyy krept by BUT we are happy, alive and grateful.
- Sleep deprivation is still a very real struggle due to Walt waking up at least twice a night.
- We started buying diapers and formula this month and WHOA! Talk about a budget buster. Our new phrase might be, "Put it on the credit card."... kidding and kind of not kidding.
- Work and planning my local blogger event has kept me VERY busy, and by Tuesday of every week I feel like it should be Friday. Most nights I don't get to bed till around 11pm, and I'm passed out in less than a minute.
- I'm so excited to have 6 month photos of the babies taken by my good friend and Austin photographer, Laura Morsman, next weekend!
Walt & Whitney - 5 Months
Every month we hit with these babies is a huge milestone and accomplishment to me. FIVE months Alex and I have survived raising twins + a toddler. That may sound dramatic, but it's how I feel.
Life lately:
- Sleep deprivation and going back in to the office every day has been a killer this month. I'm back to about 5-6 hours of broken up sleep a night. It's times like these I wish I drank coffee!
- Here's an interesting fact, Alex and I haven't had to buy formula or diapers YET! We bought a few cans of special formula when Whitney was super gassy, but other than that we have been gifted formula that has lasted us until this point. It's been through coupons and samples from our pediatrician. We have been tons of diapers and wipes from family!
- Alex has been super great about watching the kids when I've had an event to attend. Watching all three is VERY hard....you've got to be ready for lots of crying, fussing from Turner, and never a moment to yourself. I'm extremely thankful for his support of my hobbies and blog.
Walt & Whitney - 4 Months
Back to Work: Thoughts On My Twin Maternity Leave
Tomorrow I'm officially heading back to my full-time marketing job. I was beyond blessed to be able to stay home with Walt and Whitney for 12 weeks and be payed for that time off. It's sad that is rare in our country. I got to spend countless hours holding, feeding, rocking and playing with my babies and I'll forever be grateful for that time. I didn't sleep much, received tons of help from family and friends, went on many afternoon walks, cried a lot and took lots of weekend trips to my parents. I will miss their sweet faces, naps on my chest, newborn smell, smiles and giggles.
I'm a tad anxious about heading back to work, not so much about leaving the kiddos, but being able to perform and be on the ball. Lack of sleep is very real, so I don't want it to affect my work or business decisions (Walt still wakes up every 3-4 hours). I also know that I will have to take more time off due to sick babies (it's inevitable), Walt's laser treatments for his hemangioma, and monthly check-ups. Not to mention I will likely be getting sick more often (I was sick a ton the first year I put Turner in daycare). I think every working mom worries about the push and pull of motherhood and work and keeping a good balance.
When my maternity leave ended with Turner I was devastated about leaving him, but I'm much more ready to get back to work this time around. I'm looking forward to having a hands-free lunch everyday, socializing with other adults, and putting my marketing skills back in to action. I'll also be able to work out during my lunch break, and I'm so ready to get back in to shape. As a second time mom, I know my babies will be fine at daycare. They will be loved, and at the end of the day won't hate me for leaving them. Now, don't get me wrong I would love to spend some days of the week with my babies, but financially that is not an option for my family. I wrote about my decision to go back to work on Austin Moms Blog months ago, and it was the most controversial article I've ever written. The comments from stay at home moms were nasty, and made me realize how real and RIDICULOUS "mommy wars" are. To each their own is what I believe. We all parent different and that's OK! The post barely scratched the surface of why I was going back to work, but if I had known what a reaction it was going to cause I might have done a bit more explanation...but then again, I don't owe those judgmental women anything.
I think the hardest part in the beginning will be getting everyone ready and out the door in the mornings. Wish me luck with this new transition. I know it will feel a bit rocky at first!
Baby Swaddling + Giveaway
Once my babes grow out of swaddling, I'll use them for blankets, car seat cover ups, burp rags or for changing when I'm out and about. It's always good to have one handy in your diaper bag. They are also perfect for newborn photos! You can buy these in sets, but I also like that you can buy your favorite patterns individually. See all the patterns here!
GIVEAWAY! I'm excited to be giving away 2 of the new black & white muslin swaddle single blankets (you choose your favorite designs) to one lucky winner! Easy entry on Instagram here.
Walt & Whitney - 2 Months
Hello 2 Months! The second month with these babes was quite difficult due to gas, fussiness, and not much sleep. Thankfully I had lots of help from my family, and took many trips to my hometown on the weekend to get some extra rest. Many times during a rough day, I would tell myself...If you can just make it till Friday, you will sleep! I'm finally starting to become semi-comfortable with handling both of them on my own, most days I don't have a choice...but now I don't necessarily dread it. I don't dread the babies, but I dread the stress, 2 babies crying at the same time, anxiety and the lack of sleep.
We had our first family outing to dinner (hello pizza buffet), which was insane. Both babies were fussy and crying, so they had to be held. Turner was great, but kept standing on the bench of the restaurant. There wasn't anyone around, and I didn't have the hands or patience to discipline him, so I just went with it...choosing my battles at this point. On the way home Turner was trying to talk to me from the very back, but I couldn't hear him over the screaming babies. At one point he yelled "STOP IT!!!" to the babies, haha. First time he's been annoyed by their crying. Turner doesn't have much interest in the babies, except a few kisses every now and then.
Between the hours of 6 and 9pm is the most stressful time. Trying to cook, play with Turner, hold babies, feed babies, give baths, put Turner to bed (such a long process), and the babies to bed takes a TON of work. Alex and I barely have time to look at each other, let alone have a conversation. We need a date night desperately.
Sleep:
Adorable outfits by Rainy Lain
- Our sleeping situation is very odd right now. Alex sleeps in our bedroom, and Whitney is in our closet in a rock n' play...might sound crazy to you, but it's dark, quiet and Alex doesn't have to hear her grunts. Walt sleeps in the nursery in a rock n' play, and I sleep in our guest bedroom. I close the door, but can wake easily to Walt crying when he's ready to eat.
- Walt sleeps 3-4 hours straight on a good night, and Whitney has a great 4-6 hour stretch.
- After thinking about it for quite a while, I've decided that I'm going to split up their cribs. I will move one crib to my guest bedroom, and leave one in the nursery. It's going to be a major change. Currently we have a queen bed in our small guest bedroom, so we'll have to sell that, and buy two twin beds. One for the nursery and one for the guest bedroom, since we want to have a place for our guests. They say to keep your babies on the same schedule, but I when one sleeps WAY better than the other, I'm not going to wake that one up.
- Naps are a bit up in the air...they tend to take a long morning and afternoon nap. If I'm lucky, I can get them to nap at the same time, this has only happened about twice all month.
Eating:
- Whitney is on a heavy formula for reflux/spit up, and Walt drinks a gentle formula for gas. They are drinking 4-5 oz. per feeding, which can be every 2-4 hours.
- I use Dr. Brown's bottles, and feel like my life is revolved around washing bottles.
- Clothing - 0-3 months
- Diapers - Size 1
Likes:
- Baths if the water is just right
- Being carried in my ACK Baby Wrap
- Tummy time
- Car rides/car seats...I'm in SHOCK. Turner would immediately calm down when we would drive around with him. These babies aren't having it. Stop signs and red lights are my worst enemy, seriously.
- When the other one cries. I swear Whitney could be as calm as ever, and if Walt starts fussing or crying, she immediately joins in. This makes feeding time extremely difficult and stressful.
Fun Facts:
- Walt:
- We took Walt to a pediatric dermatologist for his hemangioma on his nose. He was prescribed a topical and we will do a few laser treatments.
- .He's starting to get chunky and I'm LOVING it! Turner was always so tiny (in the 2 percentile or less category for the first 2 years), so the thought of seeing some baby rolls makes me giddy.
- You know when this kid is pooping. Turns bright red and grunts so loud, you would never know Whitney pooped...lady like manners ; )
- Whitney:
- We found 2 more hemangiomas, one on her butt cheek and one at the top of her head. Although these are growing at a much slower pace than the one on her arm.
- She is very strong, and holds her head up much more than Walt. She's great about looking me in the eyes, and I could look at her cute little face all day.
Is Your Life Instagram Worthy?
If you are on Instagram you likely follow some accounts with amazing photos. If you are a mom than you know of those accounts of moms who make life and their kids look AMAZING! Don't get me wrong, I definitely think it's OK to post positive and beautiful aspects of your life. I enjoy following those accounts, and I'm guilty of it as well. However, lately I've been sucked in to the thought of only posting pics of my kids that are "Instagram Worthy". You know what I mean...kids dressed in boutique baby moccasins and outfits that cost more than anything I would wear. 95% of my kid's outfits are generic clothes from Carter's that aren't special in any way. My advice to anyone struggling with this as well as myself, don't worry about keeping up with the Joneses. Be yourself on Instagram, and show the true side of your life whether that be ugly or pretty. My favorite IG accounts are those of people who share their REAL stories. I feel connected to them because I can relate.
I've enjoyed sharing my story and getting advice from other moms on Instagram. I've been desperate for any tips that can help with getting my babies to sleep, get through gas pains, colic and more! With my first child I would google my questions and these days I just ask the amazing women online. During the days and nights that I find myself at my wit's end, I find so much strength through women encouraging me even if I've never met them.
What are some of your favorite Instagram accounts? I love following these amazing moms Kelsey, Jen, Indiana, Lindsay, Alexis and many more!
The Formula Feeding Miracle: Baby Brezza Formula Pro
Walt & Whitney - 1 Month
We made it to 1 Month! It hasn't been as difficult as I thought, but it's all due to the help of my mom and other family. My in-laws took Turner during the first week, and that was a lifesaver. Turner has been one of the hardest parts of the transition, because he is constantly wanting attention and needing our help (putting on clothes, going to the bathroom, getting food, bathing, bedtime, etc). My mom helped me with the night shifts, and allowed Alex to sleep through the night, then my mom and I would try to take a good nap during the day while Turner was at daycare. After 3 weeks, my mom went home and we were on our own. That's when it really got hard. We've had a TON of support from friends as well, and have had a few meals a week brought over to the house.
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| Adorable organic outfits by Rainy Lain |
- 2-3 hour stretches. Oh, I can't wait until they start sleeping longer!
- For the first 3 weeks they slept in a MamaRoo and RockaRoo, but now have transitioned to Rock n' Plays. I use a sound machine to play white noise.
- They both sleep in their room, and I don't use a monitor. I wait till I hear one of them crying before I get up. I'm such a light sleeper, so I wouldn't sleep a wink if I heard Walt grunting all night.
- The first week I breastfed them, the second week they had pumped breast milk supplemented with formula and by week 3 were drinking formula only.
- We are feeding them Enfamil newborn formula, but have switched to Gentlease since they have been so gassy the past week. Whitney is much more gassy and can barely get comfortable eating, and has a very hard time sleeping due to gas pain.
- Clothing - Newborn
- Diapers - Newborn
- Sleeping and eating (sometimes). What do most babies like other than these at this stage?
- Whitney takes a pacifier, Walt not so much.
- Taking naps on my chest
- The process of being swaddled. Walt usually grunts and tries to get out a few times during his naps, but I know that it ultimately helps him sleep better.
- Walt absolutely hates having his diaper changed, and has the highest pitched scream the second a wipe touches his bottom.
- Walt:
- My jumpy one. He reacts so easily to sounds, and throws his hands up constantly. He's also my grunter...constantly making noises.
- Might have torticollis, so we're watching him closely. I he has a hemangioma forming on the left side of his noise. I noticed it when he was 3 weeks old, which is about the same time Turner's began to form.
- Whitney:
- She has the cutest double chin, and I'm OBSESSED with her strawberry blonde hair.
- Also has a hemangioma like her brothers, but hers is on the bicep of her right arm
- I love putting tiny bows on her. I currently have RosieOutlookTX and TinyTurban bows. I only have a small window to dress her how I want, so I'm taking full advantage.
Life Since The Arrival of Walt & Whitney
Well, if you haven't seen my social media posts....Walt & Whitney are here! I wanted to pop in and give you a little life update. I can't wait to share their birth story with you...it's crazy! As I read over my last post before I went in to labor, it's crazy to think how life has dramatically changed since. I wanted to touch on a few topics I previously wrote about.
Preparation:
- Well, my bag was semi-packed when I went in to labor, but honestly I didn't wear anything in my bag except a pair of leggings and a nursing robe on my ride home. I brushed my teeth every day and took 1 shower but that was about it when it came to using my toiletries. I ended up wearing hospital robes the entire time because I didn't want to get my personal clothes dirty. I only had a few visitors, and I honestly didn't care what I looked liked.
- I've been using my Earth Mama Angel Baby products like crazy...thank you bottom spray and nipple balm for making me feel a bit better.
- I decided to put the babies in their Rock n' Plays the first night home in their room, but honestly I felt like they were way too small to be in them. The next night I put them in a MamaRoo and RockaRoo which has been much better. I've turned them on a few times at night, but during the day they nap in them (without movement) between feedings. They sleep for longer stretches during the day (3-3 1/2 hours) than at night...of course.
- Breastfeeding: Oh goodness....I will write a whole post dedicated to this, but I lasted a week. It honestly wasn't a tough decision to stop, because I was miserable. I've decided to pump instead, and I've had to supplement with formula when I don't make enough for each feeding. I'm pumping about 4 oz. every 3 hours, and the babies eat 2-3 oz. every 3 hours.
- Turner loved meeting the babies, and has been super sweet. He pretends like he is a baby tiger or cat every time he is around them and rubs his face on their foreheads. I don't blame him, because the babies' faces are so stinkin' soft! My in-laws were in town the day after the babies were born and offered to take Turner home with them to Dallas for a week. At first I was hesitant, because I didn't want him to think we were shipping him off or abandoning him. But the first night we came home from the hospital was crazy. Turner was super hyper and all over the place, and I immediately knew that it would be an easier first week at home adjusting to the babies if Turner wasn't home (sounds mean, but it's true). He has a blast with his grandparents anyway, so I know he is well taken care of and getting much more attention than we would be able to give him right now.
- Alex and I have been doing really good together at home, even though we both have cabin fever. He's been a huge supporter when I've broken down multiple times, and given me multiple back massages when I'm so tight from breastfeeding. At night, I find myself clinging to him (I'm always the big spoon...and now I don't have a belly keeping me away). He's been able to sleep at night thanks to my mom getting up with me during the night to help with feedings, and then will watch the babies more during the day so my Mom and I can nap.
- My mom has been with me since the babies were born, and her help is more than I could ask for. I'm so thankful for her support, help, and comfort. I think most women find comfort in their mother's being there for them after the birth of a child. Thinking about her leaving terrifies me. She will be staying with me for another 2 weeks, and I'm extremely grateful for her taking the time off of work to be with me and the babies.
- I'll be sharing the twin's birth story on my friend's podcast, The Birth Hour, next week and will let you know once it's live.
- Alex and I actually got to go on a date when the babies were a week old. We wanted to try out the new HopDoddy location in Round Rock, and my Mom didn't really want to go and said she would stay with one of the babies. We took Walt because he had just eaten....poor Whitney got left behind on our first outing. Walt slept through the entire dinner (the advantage of newborns).
- I've taken a bath almost every night and done by hair while my Mom is here. I don't go many places other than the doctor, but it's nice to feel normal. When I was getting dressed to go out with Alex, I thought my body was smaller than it was and tried to put on some non-maternity jeans. Big mistake. I've dropped 25lbs., but my body is still not back to it's pre-baby form (obviously and that's OK). I forget how much my hips shift. I'll be wearing lots of leggings and my maternity jeans for quite a while.
- I've received so many messages from friends and family and even strangers on Instagram about helping with the babies. I am beyond grateful for everyone's support and kinds words. I was having a few rough days ago, and I posted a photo to IG about my struggle as a new mom and experiencing the baby blues. I received an outpour of encouragement, and it definitely helped brighten my spirits!
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| Leaving the hospital |
35 Weeks {Twins}

Top - Maternity Countdown Tee
How Far Along: 35 Weeks (this is a week late so I can give you a full update on my 35th week of pregnancy)
Babies Genders: Boy (Walton) AND Girl (Whitney) #WaltandWhit
Due Date: February 8, but will be induced on January 26th at 38 weeks if I don't go in to labor prior
Things to Note:
-
Had my 35 week appointment, which included an ultrasound, 45 min.
stress test and visit with the doctor. Both babies are still head down
and Whitney was moving like crazy! They didn't measure for size and weight, but the ultrasound tech guessed they are probably around 5lbs.
- My induction date has officially been scheduled for Tuesday, Jan. 26 at 7pm. If I go in to labor prior my sweet neighbors said they would watch Turner until family arrives.
- I had an in-home breastfeeding course taught this past Sunday by Stork Maternity Consulting and it was great. I'm praying that I can successfully breastfeed these babies (we can't afford formula)!
- My body is definitely showing signs that it is getting ready to go in to labor. Back pain, cramps, braxton-hicks...some days worse than others. It's a guessing game, but the doctor thinks I will have them before my induction date.
Weight gain: 45 lbs.
Symptoms:
- Braxton-hicks ALL the time
- Heartburn
- Sleepless nights. I wake up about every 2 hours, and either have to use the restroom or flip sides. My stomach is as hard as a rock, and the babies are so high it's painful.
Exercise:
- Danced at one of my childhood friend's wedding in 4 inch wedges. Honestly the wedges were super comfy, but I couldn't get very low and shake my hips like Shakira.
- Constantly wrangling Turner. I carry him a lot on my hip or sometimes on top of my belly, and put him in his car seat multiple times a day.
Clothing: Ugh...I'm getting super bored with my clothing options. I have 2 tunics that cover my stomach and bottom, and then a few loose dresses that I wear with leggings. Thankfully all of my shoes still fit.
Cravings: No specific cravings, but I'm taking advantage of eating out at restaurants as much possible before I don't have the chance for a while. Planning lots of lunch dates with girlfriends and family dates with Alex and Turner.
32 Weeks {Twins}
How Far Along: 32 Weeks (this is a week late so I can give you a full update on my 32nd week of pregnancy)
Tee: Maternity Countdown Tee
Babies Genders: Boy (Walton) AND Girl (Whitney) #WaltandWhit
Due Date: February 8, will deliver no later than January 25 which is when I'll be 38 weeks
Things to Note:
- I had my 32 week check-up on Friday, and my mom went with me for the first time. It was fun watching the babies on the ultrasound with her. At my 28 week appointment Walt was head down and Whitney was head up. Now they are BOTH head down, so that is great news. They are both facing towards each other towards my belly button, no wonder there is a battle constantly going on near my belly button.
- Walt weighs 3lb. 11 oz. and Whitney weighs 4 lb. 2 oz.. I can't believe I have 8 pounds of baby in me. My bump is measuring 38 weeks of a singleton baby. Turner was just over 6 lbs. at 40 weeks.
-Turner calls the twins' Whitney and Waltney. It really is the cutest, so I don't correct him anymore. I've been thinking about buying him a small gift to be from the babies when he comes to the hospital to visit for the first time. Any ideas?
- Big news this week! I found out that I will likely be able to take 12 weeks PAID maternity vs. the original 6 weeks I thought. I was planning on using 2 weeks of vacation to make it a total of 8 paid weeks, but now that I'm getting 12, I'm going to save the vacation days for a real vacation! My mom will be coming to stay for a few weeks after the baby is born, and Alex gets 6 weeks paid paternity leave. Thankfully Alex can split his up, so he'll take a week off or two in the beginning and then go back to work for a week or two, and then can come back home for a week. It's really flexible, and depends on what our needs are. I'm extremely grateful for that because I know so many moms are not in the same situation. I didn't get any paid maternity leave with Turner.
- I am planning on working up until the day I'm due, so I'm very thankful for a job that I can prop my feet up and work from home when I need to.
Weight gain: 40 lbs.
Nursery:
- Excited to officially be partnering with the Container Store to renovate the nursery closet! We will be getting started after the new year. More details to come! See the full nursery reveal here.
- I set up my 4Moms mamaRoo and rockaRoo in the nursery. So funny that I won both of these in separate giveaways. I'm so glad I kept them : )
Symptoms:
- Itching...oh the itching (particularly around my chest). I apply lotion 4-5 times a day.
- Heartburn...Thank the Lord for tums. Oh, and note to future pregnant self, oh wait, that's never happening again. Note to all other pregnant women, DO NOT drink orange juice if you have terrible heartburn. It's very painful coming back up.
- Calf cramps every once in a while in the middle of the night
Exercise: Christmas shopping, yard work, and chasing my toddler around count as my exercise these days.
Clothing: I've stopped buying clothes for myself, and have become obsessed with all things baby girl. I've discovered I'm a hoarder of leggings. I can't get enough of the adorable patterns, and I could never do that with Turner. Poor little Walt and his hand me downs...eh, he'll never notice, plus Turner had some pretty stylish outfits so he's fine. Whitney on the other hand will be sporting lots of bright leggings and headbands.





































