Five on Friday (aka the only day I blog lately)

Hi Friends!  This week has been all about the party planning!  After work (and once Jack is asleep) I've been tackling little projects which has replaced by blogging time :(

ONE - Last Friday we took pictures to celebrate Jack turning one.  Maca from Studio Ainsley was amazing as usual with tons of fun ideas and beautiful shots.  I had a couple of ideas too so all in all poor Jack ended up with several outfit changes and lots of poses.  We rewarded him with a giant smash cake at the end!

And the result...perfection.  I can wait to see the rest!

TWO - If you follow me on Instagram, then you may have seen last Friday when I posted a request to help find a rug for my grandmother at Target.  The rug was sold out online and was listed as only available online, yet we knew certain stores carried it.  Within hours of posting, I got word that a store in Little Rock, AR had the rug!  Perfect.  We called the store who did in fact have it, but would not ship to Houston because of company policy.  Long story short - the virtual stranger who messaged me on Instagram ended up going to Target, buying the (huge) rug, taking it to the UPS store and shipping it to Houston for me!

Wow - what kindness!  That shows you the amazing power of social media.  I delivered the rug to Grammy yesterday and it is perfect in her new apartment. 

I know this is a lot of work for a little Target rug, but when you lose your husband of 61 years and move into a new place all within a 2 week span I think you deserve any little thing you want! So happy that we were able to make it happen for her. 

THREE - I may have gone overboard for Jack's 1st birthday party - exactly what I did not want to do.  I mean nothing crazy like a Real Housewives of Beverly Hills child's birthday party, but still - he is one.  Do we really needs games, custom coloring books, and a full meal for 50+ people.  Seriously.  Lord help us all when he gets to an age to actually appreciate it and make requests. 

FOUR - Really Chelsea?  It's a problem!  But what can I say, I love celebrating a holiday, decorating my house and matching my little dude (while he still lets me).  Shirts by SaSea Decor and Seasonal Board by Home Grown!

FIVE - Jason has his work cut out for him in the next month.  May is Jack's birthday, Mother's Day, my birthday and our 5 year wedding anniversary! I told him he is off the hook for our wedding anniversary.  I'd rather spend the money together on a weekend getaway or something for the house. 

He's not off the hook for Mother's Day and my birthday though! What do you other mommas typically do for mother's day?  Last year Jason gave me a spa gift certificate which I've sadly never used!  Although it's to such a nice spa, it's in town and I can never seem to carve out the time for me. 

My solution - I'm trying out Massage Envy this weekend.  I've never been, but there is a location about 2 minutes from my house so finding one hour for a massage is much more doable.  I can't wait to report back and tell you about my experience.  In the meantime, if you are in Houston, check out Massage Envy Houston's Facebook page.  They have been doing a lot of Mother's Day Giveaways and promotions lately!

Five on Friday :: Ombre-ish, Bueller, Bluebonnets & Bunnies

ONE - I went in last week for a hair trim and to go ombre.  Unfortunately I didn't book my appointment correctly and was scheduled for color rather than highlights.  I wasn't able to get the full ombre treatment, however, so I wouldn't leave disappointed my colorist basically just painted on some ombre-like color.  Next time I'm due in, I will book my appointment correctly...sheesh!

This was after just one wash.  I was told it will lighten up a bit after a few washes {it has}. 

And speaking of hair, do I have a a future Ferris Bueller on my hands?  I couldn't resist...one of my favorite movies of all time!

TWO - Bluebonnet heaven!

THREE - I thought Jack would be terrified of the Easter Bunny.  I should have known he would view him as a giant stuffed animal or "friend" as we call them.  He kept hugging and kissing him. 

 

Sidenote: Jason and I are definitely spoiled by good photographers now.  We were about to strangle the poor teenager's neck who was working the camera at the mall.  She missed so many great shots of Jack!  I thought Jason's head was going to explode. 


FOUR - Speaking of bunnies, I got this little guy this week from a lady in the area who was making them for a steal! Check her out online at 1710 Designs.

FIVE - Because we clearly don't have enough professional pictures of Jack, we are planning to take his one year photos this afternoon complete with a smash cake!  Fingers crossed the weather works in our favor as we've already rescheduled once.  Typical first child - we've captured just about every breath he takes with professional photography.  If we ever have a second child, I'm sure they will be lucky to get an iPhone pic!

Our photographer Maca of Studio Ainsley has some amazing ideas for the one year shoot which will complete our First Year of Life Series. She is even letting us crash her house for the shoot!

Hope you have a wonderful weekend!!!

Easter Basket Blog Hop

I'm linking up with Darci today for an Easter Basket Blog Hop! 

I'm so excited for Jack's first Easter this Sunday.  Even though I realize he doesn't grasp what's exactly going on, it's important to me to celebrate all of his firsts.  I already discussed what I planned to fill his Easter basket with here, but below is the finished product!

Basket from Pottery Barn Kids

Jellycat Bunny

Easter Bib from Magpie's

Pirate Hooded Towel

Easter Plate

Tickle Tickle Peter Rabbit Book

Touch & Count Peter Rabbit Book

This spoiled boy has already received several other baskets from family members...it is seriously out of control! What a lucky little boy!

Jump on the blog hop train and tell us what's in your Easter Basket! 

 

Jack: 11 Months!

 

 

Length: 31 inches

Weight: 23.2 lbs.
Head Circumference: 18.25 inches
Size 4 Diapers
Wearing 12 month clothing, some 18 month tees and pajamas

Milestones this month:

• Giving high fives
• Saying Dada
• Standing unassisted for longer periods of time
• Although you already know how to flip over, you are doing this nonstop and so much stronger these days.  You are so close to crawling and very stable using your walker. 
• Starting to throw temper tantrums when you don't get your way
• Sleeping on your belly
• Doing 360's on your bottom (over and over)

Things you like this month:

• Yogurt Melts
• Giving kisses
• The mall Easter Bunny
• Bath time
• Car rides
• Dancing
• Getting your hair brushed
• Feeling different textures
• Watching people try to juggle

Things you don't like this month:

• Getting dressed
• Diaper changes
• Getting face wiped
• Anyone to touch your ears...probably from all of his ear infections
• Twinkle Twinkle Little Star

Special memories this month:

• Bluebonnet pictures
• Your first BBQ Chicken experience
• Celebrating Dad's birthday
• Your one-on-one time with your dad dancing after your baths each night
• Visiting Grammy & Vic at their new apartment.  Little did we know it would be the last visit you would have with your great grandpa Vic.  So special.

Dear Jack,

My little baby is almost a year old!  I look at you these days and see a little boy and not a little baby.  I'm so proud of you and love spending every second I can with you.  Basically I'm pretty much obsessed with you and so is your dad.  You are starting to grow on Tucker too especially since you throw him half your food at meal times!

You are showing us that you will do things in your own time.  You are so observant and smart.  You are also extremely photogenic and such a little charmer.  Boy are we in trouble in years to come!

I'm already missing our cuddly, snuggling days as you would rather sit independently now than curled up with mama.  That's okay because even when you are sitting independently, you will reach over to me and give me the sweetest (and wettest) kiss.  That's the best!

Love you sweet baby,

Momma

Finding the Perfect Nanny

One of the most asked questions I get since becoming a mom is what we do with Jack while I'm at work {nanny} and how we went about finding one. 

Read all about my experience over at Houston Moms Blog today! 

And thank you for all of the sweet messages and prayers for my grandfather.  He passed away last week.  We had a beautiful service and family time this weekend and are all doing well.  I've appreciated my "quiet time" from the blog, but can't wait to jump back in and catch up. 

Quiet Time

Hey all.  I am going to take a short little bloggy break for the next couple of weeks just for some quiet time.    I didn't want you to think I gave up on blogging!

My grandfather suffered a massive stroke over the weekend and is currently in hospice care.  He and my grandmother had just moved into a new assisted living community in my neighborhood this past week and were excited about their new chapter.  I was excited for them to be so close and am feeling guilty for not seeing them more often.  I am so thankful that I took Jack to see them just last Monday, the day they moved in.  It was the quickest of visits just to see their new place and drop off some fresh flowers.  Anyway, I'm using this time now to give lots of prayers to Vic that he is in peace and pain free and all of my family including my grandmother and mom. 

Talk soon,

Five on Friday: Short & Sweet

Happy Friday!  Here is my short and sweet version of Five on Friday...

ONE - I can't believe my baby is 11 months old as of yesterday. 

TWO - We are going to try and take some bluebonnet pictures tomorrow.  If you don't live in Texas, let me tell you that Bluebonnet pictures in the spring are a must!  Our state flower starts popping up this time of year in fields and along highways.  Yes, we will be that family pulled over on the side of the road snapping pics.  Fingers crossed for nice weather {it's currently a 50% chance of rain, but I'm thinking positive thoughts}

THREE - If you are local, Houston Moms Blog is hosting their first ever playdate!  It's during the day on a Tuesday, but luckily for me, the location isn't too far so I plan to take the morning off and join everyone.  Sign up here!

 

FOUR - We decided not to paint the wood high chair for Jack's pictures and birthday party.  Thank you for all of your feedback.  Jason is thrilled because that would have been on his to-do list this weekend!

FIVE - My boys are covered for Easter outfits, but this mama needs something new and springy.  Any suggestions?  I don't want to spend much since Jack's First Fiesta is currently sucking me dry!  Preferably something that will be nice enough for church, but casual enough for lunch and egg hunts later in the day.  I know that's kind of a tall order....

 

Hope you have an amazing weekend!!!

 

Easter Basket Goodies

I'm so excited this year to be able to make an Easter Basket for Jack (even though he won't remember).  I ordered his basket from Pottery Barn Kids (currently on sale) and am so pleased with how it turned out.  I'm also super happy I went with the smaller size.  It's still a very generous size that Jack can grow into.  I can't imagine how huge the large must be. 

 

I've collected a few things so far to fill it with including:

Eggs
Peter Rabbit Books and here
Easter Plate
Monogrammed Easter Outfit by Nolafionnah
Bunny PJ's (Thank you Ashley for this find), also comes in pink

And I still plan to pickup a little stuffed bunny to complete everything!  Maybe a Jellycat?

 

What do you plan to fill your kiddo's baskets with?