Newborn Pictures

A very talented girlfriend of mine (and fellow boy mom) came over the week after Ellie was born to snap a few pics!  They turned out so well, I just had to share!  I'll treasure them always. 

I'm so thankful my friend captured Ellie in these precious early days. 

Her fuzzy hair.

Her turned up nose.

Her tiny pink lips.

Her soft cheeks and barely there eyelashes.

The way she slept through the entire shoot.

And how Andrew decided to hop in a few pictures at the end - you can just see how much he loves and adores her.  

It's crazy how fast time is flying - I can't believe these were taken 4 weeks ago!  

"In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven."

Matthew 5:16

Being Grateful

So very grateful for the beautiful blessings of this life, and for these three humans below.  

They bring me so much joy. We truly do have so much to be thankful for, and I strive to count my blessings on a daily basis.  

Wishing you and yours a very happy and grateful Thanksgiving! 

Gift Guide - For the Girls

It's my favorite time of the year!  The holidays are here and Christmas is just around the corner!  I have loved doing a Gift Guide series for the past couple years, and this year is no exception. First up in the series is the Gift Guide for the Girls!  I know some of these items are on my list, and others I'll be picking up for the special gals in my life!

1 - Thermal Mug (for gals on the go)
2 - Plaid Scarf  (gorgeous in person)
3 - Bath Oil (a luxurious treat)
4 - Tortoise Stud Earrings (classic and chic)
5 - Keurig Coffee Maker (on my list!)
6 - Monogram Necklace (on my list!)
7 - Canvas Travel Bag 
8 - Brush Set  (great value!)
9 - J.Crew Pajama Set
10 - Slippers (love these!)
11 - Cozy Gloves 
12 - Nars Multiple (many colors to choose from)


Have you started your Christmas shopping yet? 
What's on your list? 
:)

Maternity Pictures - Pensacola Beach

Time has absolutely flown by these past several months of preparing for baby, and then welcoming our new bundle of joy!  In the midst of the craziness and busyness, I have realized that I never posted our wonderful maternity pictures!  One of my childhood best friends who is amazingly talented, captured our family so beautifully and I am forever grateful for the memories.  

I can't believe that we now have precious Ellie here now!  

Here are some of my favorites from the bunch:

July 14, 2015

Pensacola Beach, Florida

Thank you John Dye for these - they will forever mean so much to me!

Fall Favorites Tag

Happy November y'all!  Fall is officially still in the air, and I'm soaking up every last minute of it before the dreaded "W" word (Winter) descends upon us all. 

So what's better than another fall-themed blog post? After seeing the Fall Favorites Tag on Jaclyn Hill's blog, and I just had to join in on the fun!  Fall is definitely my favorite time of year, and I absolutely love experiencing the real season of it while living in the Northeast!  The colors, the leaves, the fashion, the food - it's just the best!  So without further adieu....

- THE FALL FAVORITES TAG -

Favorite Candle - Bath and Body Works "Leaves"
This has been my go-to fall candle for years now - it's the perfect combination of apples, berries, and spices!  I pretty much burn it all Fall and Winter. 

Favorite Clothing Item - Plaid and Boots
I'm all about the plaid!  Button downs, puffer vests, ponchos, capes, scarves....you name it, I love it! :)  Also I can't get enough of my Frye boots - I got them as a push present when Andrew was born!  They are an investment item for sure, but well worth it, and will last a very long time!  

Favorite Lip Color - Revlon "Black Cherry" 
For a bold lip, I love this dark berry shade, and I always get compliments when I wear it!  If I'm not in the mood to be that dramatic, this is my next favorite :)

Favorite Drink - Starbucks Iced Chai Tea Latte
I am not a hot drinks gal whatsoever, I much prefer iced drinks, even in the colder weather!  This drink basically tastes like Christmas in a cup.  I love it so much. 

Favorite Blush - Tarte Amazonian Clay Blush in "Exposed"
I have quite the collection of blushes and not many hold a candle to this formula and color.  "Exposed" is such a flattering shade of pinky-nude with great pigmentation and lasting power. Highly recommend!

Favorite Fall TV Show
Scandal! I have to admit, I'm behind a season, but I love this show!  Such a good guilty pleasure.  Team Jake all the way!

Favorite Thanksgiving Food
Can I choose ALL the Thanksgiving Foods??  I seriously love everything about this glorious meal, especially the way my mom cooks it all.  I think my favorites would have to be Sweet Potato Casserole and Pumpkin Pie - a tie! 

Favorite Movie
Definitely Hocus Pocus.  A childhood favorite of mine, and still a favorite today.  But I have to say, as soon as Fall comes around the corner, I'm ready to start watching the "real" holiday movies like "Elf", "The Holiday" "The Family Stone", and "Christmas Vacation."  Yep, guilty as charged. Christmas movies and Christmas music both play a little early around this house :) 
  
What about y'all?   What are some of your Fall favorites?
Please share below!  I'd love to know :) 

Baby #2 - Weeks 38-39

How far along?  38 weeks

Baby Size: Baby is the size of a pumpkin.

Total weight gain/loss: Around 38 lbs.

Maternity clothes? Living in soft tee shirts and these jeans.  

Stretch marks? A couple :(

Sleep: Still sleeping really good, thank goodness.  But Andrew is still dealing with some anxiety at night - so we are up with him at night some. Hope I can get some good nights of sleep before baby!

Best moment this week:  Halloween parties with Andrew, and an amazing breakfast and pedicures date with my girlfriend!  

Miss Anything? I really miss my old body!  Ha! 
Movement: She is moving, and I can still feel her pretty high.  And daily hiccups. 

Food cravings: Pumpkin Bread!

Anything making you queasy or sick: Nope. 

Have you started to show yet: Yep.

Gender: GIRL!

Labor Signs: Braxton Hicks all the time.  Groin pain and lower back pain. Got checked again at the OB this week -1cm and 30% effaced, same as last week! 

Belly Button in or out? In, barely. 
Wedding rings on or off? Off - more swelling in my hands and feet this week. 
Mood? Ahh, a mix of emotions!  Nervous about Andrew's sleep regression and anxiety, but hopeful that it ends soon!  And so excited to meet baby girl! 
Looking forward to: My baby shower dinner with all my girlfriends from the Mom's group!  I can't wait!  

How far along?  39 weeks

Baby Size: Baby is the size of a watermelon.

Total weight gain/loss: Around 39 lbs.

Maternity clothes? Ugh. Yes.  And I'm so tired of them. 

Stretch marks? Yep a couple on one side. 

Sleep: Andrew is back on track with his sleep and separation anxiety - thank you Lord! So we are getting sleep again...just in time for a newborn to arrive!  HA! 

Best moment this week: My baby shower over the weekend!  Visiting Daddy at work. And my 39 week appointment (hopefully my last one)!        

Miss Anything? I can't wait to order sushi and Jersey Mikes subs literally the day after she is born!  
Movement: She has dropped!  Feeling movement very low!  

Food cravings: Sweets, all day long. Powdered donuts specifically, yes please. 

Anything making you queasy or sick: Nope. 

Have you started to show yet: Yeah, kinda. ;)

Gender: GIRL!

Labor Signs: Groin pain, and Braxton Hicks a lot.  At my 39 week appointment yesterday I was 1cm and 30% effaced, same as last week! 

Belly Button in or out? In, but just barely. 
Wedding rings on or off? Off - hands and feet are still a little bit swollen. 

Mood? Eeeeek!  So excited!  Feeling good! 

Looking forward to: One last week (hopefully!) of being pregnant!  A fun birthdayday party at the orchard this weekend, and my parents arrival on Sunday!  

**Well, I obviously never got this post up, because little Miss Ellie decided to come 4 days early!  This post was supposed to go up the day she was born!  ;)  I think the day at the orchard - specifically the hay ride that we took the kids on - put me into labor!  She was born less than 18 hours later. Ha!  Pic from the day:

  

So even though Ellie is here now, I still wanted to document the last 2 weeks, just so I could look back and see my thoughts, emotions, and progress! Thanks for following along with me over this wonderful journey!**

Lalabu Soothe Shirt

I've always been a big fan of baby-wearing.  What's better than holding your baby close to you, calming them down in a comfortable and loving way, and also being hands free to stay busy and active?  When Andrew was a baby, I loved using several different wraps and carriers.
They were great!






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BUT, when Ellie was born, and I was given the chance to try out the Lalabu Soothe Shirt,
I was so excited!  The concept of a stylish shirt that you can wear, that can also hold your baby was genius to me;
I loved the idea of no wrapping and no tricky assembly required.
The Lalabu tank also works great as a nursing top, so it can be worn, used, and loved for many months even after the baby outgrows the pouch.

The first time I put the tank on, I could not get over how comfortable and flattering it was!  I was just 1 week postpartum, so I loved the wide waistband that "sucked" me in.  The soft and thick material is just perfect for layering or wearing alone.  Ellie was awake when I carefully put her in the front pocket (which takes less than 30 seconds), and within minutes, she was fast asleep.  I loved the fact that she immediately felt secure and safe, and it was a perfect fit!  I have since worn the Soothe Shirt almost every day for taking walks, running errands, and relaxing at home.
Because I'll be chasing after a toddler now too, the fact that I can soothe Ellie in a hands-free way is so practical and essential for me.

If any of y'all are new mommies, mommies-to-be, or simply know someone who is expecting a baby, be sure to check out the Lalabu website and Soothe Shirt!  
Also, you would be supporting a great cause!  Lalabu gives 2% of all sales back to moms in Africa (where Lalabu learned baby-wrapping techniques), supporting mom entrepreneurs through micro-finance!




Happy Friday, loves!  Hope you have a fabulous weekend!
We are gearing up for a few days without my parents (eeek!); wish us luck!


Because I can't help myself, here's a new favorite pic of the little one:
Thank you Amy for capturing this!