Five on Friday: Laughter is the Best Medicine

Welcome Friday!  It's been an interesting week to say the least.  Rather than dwell on everything that went wrong, you just gotta laugh through it.  So let's have a little chuckle or two...or five together today!

--ONE--

What sort of idiot backs into a parked car?  Me!  Even worse, my stepbrother who was talking to me right after the accident said he thought it was time I got a car with a rear view camera.  Too bad my car already has one! HA! 

--TWO--

I ordered a sweatshirt on Instagram during a flash sale (final sale, no returns since it's personalized) and requested for the thread color of the monogram be plum if available or turquoise as shown on the sample. 

I received the sweatshirt yesterday and it wasn't plum....or turquoise...

I'd be able to handle just about any color...navy, red, black, gray, green, even orange, but instead I got my all-time least favorite color in the entire world...PINK!   Maybe I'll learn to embrace the pink.  Or maybe someone with the exact same size...and exact same monogram wants to buy this from me?

--THREE--

Guess what I was up early emailing my pediatrician yesterday morning?  Pictures of Jack's poop.  That's a fun email to read with your coffee.  I'll spare you a picture on this one. 

--FOUR--

I saw a full-on duck fight on my way to work on Tuesday.  I honked, drove up very close to them, even got out of the car.  Nothing was standing in their way.  It went from the grass to the street and one of the little guys was so bloody!  There was even an audience of other ducks standing around watching.  Maybe it was a duck Ultimate Fighter Competition. 

--FIVE--

This week we reached a milestone of sorts in that Jack started crying and noticing when I leave for work in the morning.  It makes me feel good and very sad all at the same time.  I'm happy he wants me around and misses me.  But, as I'm sure all working moms feel from time to time, it makes you feel sad and very guilty for leaving your little one each morning.  One day this week I was sitting at my desk, staring at all of the pictures of the little guy I'm surrounded by and cried.  I questioned what I was doing.  Was he sad that I'm not with him?  Am I going to miss major milestones in his life while away at work?  God must have heard me, because within the hour, our nanny texted me this picture.

Yup, he was torn up that I wasn't there. 

Have a great weekend!  We have a busy one ahead of us.  Jason's company holiday party is tonight...yes holiday party!  Since he works in the hospitality industry and December is super crazy for them, they push back their celebrations until now.  Merry Christmas! I'm also getting a much needed hair color (I've been finding way too many grays lately) and we will be watching the Superbowl with some new friends. 

Bassett Baby Planning Open House

Last weekend I attended the grand opening of Bassett Baby Planning's new office.  My friend and Pi Phi sister, Nina Bassett, aka the baby chick, is the amazing owner so Jack and I wanted to show our support and congratulate Nina and her awesome team.  We were also attending on behalf of Houston Moms Blog since we work with BBP on the blog.  We ended up meeting some great people too. 

If you are in Houston and a new mom or pregnant you must go and check out Bassett Baby Planning to see their long list of services - baby planning, birth and postpartum doula, massage, sleep training.

And speaking from experience last weekend, the office is beautiful and so cozy! 

Jack and Hadley...only 1 week apart!

I love the way Jack is looking at Hadley.  I can't stand the cuteness.

Nina and Kelly (owner of Houston Moms Blog)

Five on Friday: Nannyless and "Iced In"

What a week! Our nanny was on vacation this week so it's been a little hectic around here. Fortunately for me (and mostly for Jason) my job is pretty flexible so I took on Jack this week 100%.  I had my mom watched him most of Monday and Thursday morning so I could get some uninterrupted work time in. Other than that I've been working from home and taking Jack to the office with me.  We even snuck in a little trip to see Jason at work. 



It's been nice to have so much time with my little guy, but not as productive as usual. Needless to say, I'm ready for things to go back to normal next week.

Here is a quick (and late) Five on Friday.  Have a great weekend!

--ONE--

Eeyore was always my favorite character on Winnie the Pooh.  He is a glass is half empty kinda guy just like me.  High hopes, low expectations.  I couldn't resist  these PJ's that I found at Babies R Us.  Jack didn't enjoy this near as much as I did...you should see the outtakes. 

--TWO--

This picture sums up my week. 

--THREE--

Jason and I finally went on a date night - just the two of us last Saturday.  My dad and Karin babysat for us.  We saw Lone Survivor at Studio Movie Grill.  I know, not your typical happy date movie, but Jason was dying to see it so I sacrificed.  The movie was great, but very intense.  You need tissues.  And an extra glass of wine afterwards to decompress.  Jason went to school with Marcus so this especially hit home to him. 

--FOUR--

If you are staying in this evening like we plan to do, check out Shark Tank on ABC. The owner of Freshly Picked Moccasins that we are such a fan of will be on! 

 

Jack showing off his Freshly Picked Moccs...only shoes he will tolerate

--FIVE--

And because today was an ice day in Houston (most school were closed) Jack and I decided it was best not to leave the house, even though Jason did for work and said it was fine.  Jack is still in his pajamas and has had a great day playing.  It's a shame this kid doesn't have any toys.  Baby's first "snow" day!

--BONUS--

Just had to fit one more random thought in.  I went to the "Breaking Down the Barre" class last night at my local Pure Barre Studio.  It was a great way to make sure I was doing all of the moves right and great encouragement to keep it up!  The class is free and is occasionally offered at all PB studios.   

Matching Your Mini

 

 

Catch me over at Houston Moms Blog today talking about how Jack and I coordinate our clothing {yes, it makes me want to vomit a little too}!

Five on Friday: Valentine's, Hunters, and Lots of Loot!

Linking up with Darci and the girls for Five on Friday!

--ONE--

We've had several fun mail days this week!  It always gives my afternoons a little boost.  We received a new Citrus Lane box for the month of January and a Baby K'Tan Cloth that I won from Bassett Baby Planning!

Speaking of Bassett Baby Planning, if you are in Houston, plan to attend their open house to celebrate their new office tomorrow from 10am-2pm.  Jack and I will see you there!  More details about the event over at Houston Moms Blog. 

--TWO--

Who else is gearing up for Valentine's Day?  Having a kiddo gives me a great excuse to go all out at the holidays even though Jack is too young to appreciate it!  Our mantel is almost done and I've ordered a couple of cute shirts for Jack from Nolafionnah (love this shop!!!).  Maybe I'm just excited for Valentine's Day so much because I love red...and our house seems bare post Christmas. 

If you are looking for some cute shirts for you AND your little one, check out Hello Apparel (posting sometime today) and SaSeaDecor on Etsy.

One - Two - Three - Four
 

Sidenote:  so, so mad that the cute Old Navy PJ pants I was about to order me and Jason are sold out!  Darci posted about them earlier this week.  I seriously had them in my shopping cart yesterday and then decided to wait and order tomorrow.  Lesson learned.

Has anyone seen cute VDay PJ's bottoms (for adults) anywhere else?  If you see any at your local Old Navy let me know!

--THREE--

Speaking of Valentine's Day, Jack was the model for Studio Ainsley's Valentines Day Mini Sessions Ad!  Such a cute little cover model.  It's not too late to sign up for these 15 minute mini sessions on January 25 at the Studio Ainsley Studio in Downtown Richmond (so cute). 

Mini Sessions are perfect for quick little holiday photos.  You will be in and so fast your little one won't even know what happened and you will be left with a handful of amazing images at a great price. 

Call today to book your session!  832-344-0010 and tell them Jack sent you!

--FOUR--

Jack cut two more teeth this week for a total of 4!!! Just when I thought his little grin couldn't get any cuter...

--FIVE--

Ashley shared her cute Hunters on her blog today that she received for Christmas.  I also was given the exact same pair by my husband...we actually plotted this together!  I wasn't sure how much I would really wear a pair of Hunters, but they are so cute and I always yearn for them on rainy days.  Seriously, how many cute pairs do you see on blogs and Instagram lately?  I must be the exception because they looked awful on me and the fit wasn't great.  LOVE them on Ash, hate them on me.  Anyone else experience this? 

Back they went!  Don't feel too sorry for me...I exchanged them for a new pair of Toms which I will live in this Spring and a new wallet!




Kate Spade Wallet



Toms Nepal Canvas

Meeting Motherhood: An Ebook About Motherhood

 

One of my new favorite bloggers Nicole over at Nicole Joelle just launched her ebook last week!  I had the opportunity to read it already and I immediately thought 3 things:

-  I wish Nicole and I lived closer because we could definitely be real life friends
-  I wish I had read this before having Jack
-  How the heck did she find the time to publish an ebook with an 8 month old?!?!?

Nicole writes about her experience being pregnant, having a baby, and that awkward yet wonderful time of jumping into motherhood.  I loved reading this because I could relate on so many levels {just today I can relate to the October 15 entry...I am too that mom...gross}! 

If you are pregnant, just had a little one or are thinking about it, this is a must-read.  As an added bonus the purchase of her ebook also comes with some great printables (her website has some free ones too as a thank you just for stopping by)!  I just printed off the "We Love" one for my house. 

I hope you enjoy.  Let me know what you think!  #meetingmotherhood

Get the ebook here!

Five on Friday: Weight Loss, Anthro, TV, FitBit and Bump Watch

TGIF Friends!  Time for some Five on Friday. 

--ONE--

 

I'm blogging over at Houston Moms Blog today!  Go check if out after reading this post.  I'm talking about what I'm currently doing to get my fat butt a little less fat.  Skip down to #5 to read why this is is so necessary these days. 

--TWO--

Fun find alert from Anthropologie!  This tunic is so cute, comfy and forgiving.  Usually when I fall in love with a piece at Anthro it ends up being over $200 so I felt lucky with this one.   I wore it with leggings and tall boots. 

--THREE--

The Golden Globes AND the season premiere of Girls is on Sunday night! Who will be watching?

--FOUR--

I started using a FitBit Zip yesterday that my mom put in my stocking and it is awesome!  You wear it to track your steps, calories burns and distance walked, but you can also sync it to your computer or phone.  This is a perfect way for my competitive self to get moving more.  I just set Jason's up for him to start using today.  Let the competition begin!

--FIVE--

If you follow me on Instagram, sorry for the repeat story, but yesterday I headed to Target on my lunch break for a little pick-me-up and I was asked how far along I was by the lady working at Starbucks. 

People!  Don't you know that unless a baby is being pushed out you do NOT assume that someone is pregnant.  I acted like it didn't bother me and lied and said I just had a baby...there was people overhearing our conversation and I was trying to minimize the embarrassment on everyone's behalf and get out of there, but I did hop on over to the home goods aisle and shed a tear.  I also then justified buying some Valentine's decorations for myself :)

Now hop on over to Houston Moms Blog and read what I'm doing to ensure this doesn't happen again!

Maybe this was just God's sick way of trying to get me out of Target so much. 

Jack: 8 Months!

Where your hands are usually these days even though I've bought you every teether on the market!

 

 

Length: 28.5 inches

Weight:  20 lbs
Head Circumference: 18 inches
Based on measurements we took at home, aka very unreliable

Milestones this month:

• Teeth!  You now have two!
• Eating more fruits and veggies
• Shaking your head no
• Drinking out of a sippy cup.  You are still getting the hang of this.
• Giving lots of hugs and open mouth kisses
• Wearing 9 and 12 month clothing

Things you like this month:

• Raccoonie as we call him...your Jellycat Raccoon
• What Does the Fox Say song is still a favorite
• Playing peek-a-boo
• Pears, apples, peas and sweet potatoes are your favorites right now

Things you don't like this month:

• Being in the car too long
• Carrots and bananas
• Being on your tummy.  You just hate this position even though you are so much stronger.  You have no interest in crawling so I'm thinking we might just skip that and go straight to walking!
• Fireworks

Special memories this month:

• Your first Christmas
• Playing Jesus in our church's Christmas Pageant
• Becoming shy around strangers and reaching our for me or Dad
• "Girls day" at Nordstroms with Mimi...I know you aren't a girl, but you are turning into a great little shopper
• Crying in Target after seeing another child crying
• Screaming in fear during some loud applause at your Dad's confirmation ceremony.  It was the cutest face and sound.  So different from anything you've ever done.  My mellow little man is turning very sensitive.

Dear Jack,

This has probably been my favorite month yet with you.  Selfishly I love that you love your mommy right now.  You give me a huge smile anytime I enter the room and act like you missed me when I get home from work each day.  You give me huge hugs, hold me tight when you are tired or not feeling well and sloppy open mouth kisses. 

I know you won't always be this in love with me so I'm soaking up every minute of it including dressing us like twinsies!

Love you baby boy.  You make my life so complete.

Love,
Momma

Sometimes You Need A Little Happy

Sometimes when things aren't going your way, you need a little happy to pick you up!  Plus, our house is looking super bare since we took down all of the Christmas decorations. 

All of these are great reasons why I'm loving {and wanting} the "Happy Everything" plate from Coton Colors.  Are you familiar with them?  I wasn't until just last month when I stumbled upon their stuff when getting Jack's Santa pictures taken. 

I would love to display this plate at my kitchen sink where I spend way too much time washing bottles and pumping parts. 

I love that there is a velcro piece at the top of the plate so you can change out the attachments for the season or holiday to make it a truly year round piece!

 

You just pick your:
-  Base size{small or large} and color {neatural or multi}
-  Stand {black, white or black/white pictured above}
-  Favorite attachment {Big or Mini}

I recently spied one of my fave bloggers with this plate in her kitchen via Instagram and it looked great!  Why couldn't I have learned about this pre-Christmas????

Five on Friday

 

It's the first Five on Friday of 2014!  I better make it a good one.  Happy New Year friends.  I hope you have all recovered from the holidays and are looking forward to what this year will bring us. 

 

--ONE--

I'm not one to do a long list of resolutions at the beginning of each year.  I'm a constant work in progress no matter what time of the year, however I do like to take advantage of this time after the holidays to recommit myself to getting healthier and {finally} dropping the baby weight.  I'm about 10 pounds from my exact pre-pregnancy weight, but about 22 pounds total from my ideal weight.  My goal is to drop those last 10 pregnancy pounds by the spring while I'm still nursing and then tackle the final 12 pounds after May when I plan to stop nursing.  You'll have to check out my progress of getting started next week over at Houston Moms Blog. 

Ashley and I are doing a fun little daily plank challenge.  I jumped back on the Weight Watchers train {me and Jessica Simpson} and I'm trying to get as many classes in at Pure Barre that I can fit into my schedule.  The hardest part is that 5am alarm.  Gotta get those 100 Club Socks!

--TWO--

Image via The WiseBaby

I'm looking for a Jenny Lind Style Wooden Highchair {I know, me and the rest of the world} for a fun little restoration project.  I've sent recruits all over Texas looking at local antique shops, posted on Craigs List, scoured Ebay, etc.  Anyone have one they would like to sell me?  Any other suggestions on places to look? 

--THREE--

I was sad to say goodbye to my fabulous Target holiday pillows so to make me feel better I said hello to new ones!  Here and here

--FOUR--

Did you read that last month Kate Winslet had a baby boy and named him Bear.  This was what I wanted to name Jack so badly, but Jason ended up winning that battle.  Needless to say I'm a little jealous.  Don't worry, I have two other unique backups in case we have another boy one day. 

Happy 8 month birthday to my "bear" today.  You are getting way to close to 12 months!

--FIVE--

Speaking of Jack getting closer to ONE, I've been thinking more and more about his 1st Birthday Party.  I'm curious what most people spend on 1 year old birthday parties.  I know these can easily get over the top.  Please leave a comment about your experience.  I need some limits so I don't go crazy on this little guy. 

Party time!