Jack: 15 Months!

Length:  32 inches
Weight:  24 pounds 5.5 oz.

Head Circumference: 18 inches

Size 5 Diapers

Wearing: A mix of 18, 24 month and 2T clothing

Size 5 shoes

Measurements taken at 15 month appointment

Milestones this month:

• Cruising around furniture especially to chase Tucker
• Starting to pull up
• Walking assisted so much better and faster.  You even seem to enjoy it!
• Climbing
• Holding cups by yourself - you've been doing this for months, but lately you seem to have much more control over it.

Things you like this month:

• Your blankies - when you just see it your whole face lights up
• The Little Gym
• Standing at the door waiting for dad to get home
• Being outside

Things you don't like this month:

• Being left in the church nursery
• Being told "no", you've even started slapping us if you don't get your way!
• Watermelon and green beans
• Waiting too long for your food to be prepared when you are in your highchair

Weekend Recap: End of Summer "Blow-Out"

We had a good, long weekend.  We were lazy bums and didn't get that much accomplished, but I got to spend a lot of time at home with Jack so no complaints from me!

SATURDAY

Jack and I had Little Gym and this time, Mimi joined us!  Jack wasn't exactly feeling it since it was the first day of the fall classes and there were lots of new faces around.  My shy boy takes a while to warm up to new people.  After class we headed to Stride Rite to get him some "high tops" to support his ankles at the suggestion of his neurologist since we are still getting the walking thing down.  I wish I had my camera ready to snap a picture of Jack's face when we put those shoes on him.  Shoe lover just like this mama!

SUNDAY

We really did not do much aside from normal chores - grocery store, laundry and a nap! Jason was hurting a little bit from his night of football watching with friends the night before so we all took it easy.  I had to get up early the next day so we called it an early night.

MONDAY

For my day off, I rolled out of bed earlier than I do for work...what?!?!  Luckily it was for something fun, otherwise I would have been pretty upset.  I was modeling for a friend's new website.  Allison has an amazing Etsy Store and is expanding what she currently sells into clothing in the coming months.  Her first item is a great pair of one size fits all patterned leggings.  Me, Shannon and Ashley were her models for the day.  Trust me, I'm no model and am not trying to pretend to be one! 

I think Allison was going for a "real people can wear these" look.  Plus between Shannon (Size 0) and me (Size 10) we really proved that the leggings will amazingly fit all body types!  We had a blast except for the fact that we were dripping with sweat because we were wearing leggings, sweaters, and boots in the August Houston heat!

We shot at several different spots around Houston, but the "drippy wall" was by far my favorite!  I can not wait to see all of the shots that the amazing photographer, Paige of Awake Photography captured. 

After the photo shoot and some lunch, Jason, Jack and I headed to our friend's house for their son's 2nd birthday party.  They had some kiddie pools setup in their backyard so I dressed Jack in a swim diaper and swim outfit.  He was feeling shy (surprise, surprise) so he ended up pretty glued to me most of the party.  About an hour into it I picked Jack up off of my lap and realized I was soaking wet.  I was hot and sweaty but this was like "wring me out" wet.  I looked at my drink and Jack's cup and nothing had spilled.  I was wearing animal print so you couldn't actually see anything...

I didn't know what it was until I smelled it.  Hello diarrhea.  Needless to say, we didn't stay for cake. 

Two lessons learned - 1.) Swim diapers suck and 2.) Animal print is amazing

If I had been wearing a light color, it would have majorly uped the gross and embarrassing factor. 

Our friend Sarah put it best saying that Jack just wanted the party to be the official End of Summer "Blow-Out."  Well played Jack.  Well played. 

I'm linking up Lisa and Bella for Weekend Recap

Biana and Meghan for Weekending

Meg for Mingle Monday

Five on Friday: Short Hair Don't Care

Happy Friday friends!  And even better...hello long weekend!

ONE

I haven't had my hair cut or colored since April which for me is a long time...especially when you are plucking the grays!  On a whim, I decided to go shorter and lighter.  I didn't even tell Jason - or anyone - what I was doing.  My inspiration was Ali Fedotowsky (yes, the former Bachelorette turned E! News Corespondent).  Straight it looks very "poshy" but when I curl it I should be able to recreate this look:

Another inspiration pic of the straight version...

I have lots of similar images pinned on my Hair Loves pinboard if you are looking for a similar cut.  Am I weird that I always grow my hair in the summer and cut it for the fall/winter.  No more ponytails for me!

TWO

I'm excited for fall TV to get started (although I'm not hating what is currently on - Hello Below Deck and Jersey Belle).  The show I am most excited for is The Voice with my girl Gwen Stefani!!!  To say I was obsessed with Gwen and No Doubt during my junior high and probably high school years would be an understatement.  I was equally as obsessed with her now husband Gavin Rossdale.  My room was covered in No Doubt and Bush posters, I even named my car Gavin.  OBSESSED.  I rocked the bare midriff a la Gwen and learned to play Glycerine on my guitar.  You get the point. 

Rumor has it that Gavin will be Gwen's partner during the season so needless to saw I will be glued to the TV two nights a week this fall!

What fall shows are you most excited about?

THREE

My first Stitch Fix box was delivered this week.  It was so fun to try on everything I received.  I only ended up keeping 1 of the 5 items.  I'm watching my spending so I was being super picky.  Everything but one item fit me great and I loved all 5 items.  My only complaint is that the items were all a little summery and I'm trying to transition into fall pieces.  Even though it will remain hot in Houston for awhile, I still like to dress like it's a different season.  Full review post coming next week!

FOUR

 If you haven't read this article yet about being grateful for what you have, please do!

FIVE

I love this idea of putting your favorite Football team's schedule on a chalkboard in your home.  I don't even like football, but I like the excitement of cheering on your team and all the social aspects of football season.  Plus Jason gets super excited about it so I can get on board with that! On Sundays we all wear our Texans gear (even Tucker) and make yummy "football food."

That's it for me.  I hope you have a wonderful weekend!!!  Any special plans?  Not for us so I will just have to live through you!

--

Mid Week Muse: Comfy Cozy

Comfy Cozy by chelseapurifoy featuring sweat shirts

 

Top Row: 1/2/3

Bottom Row: 1/2/3

 

One of my favorite things about cooler weather is throwing on a comfy sweatshirt and jeans or leggings.  When I was at Nordstrom the other day I noticed the number of cute and polished looking sweatshirts.  You don't have to look sloppy to be cozy! 

 

It won't be cool in Houston for awhile, but my husband likes to keep our house super cold so I can still get some wear out of these now.  I can also use my upcoming trip to Colorado as an excuse for something new and cozy!
 

Thanks to Pampers & Pearls for hosting this weekly linkup!

 

 

Taste of Tuesday

For today's Taste of Tuesday, instead of posting one recipe for you I'm simply linking to all of the great recipes I've been making lately that I've discovered through the blogosphere.  Thanks to so many wonderful bloggers I haven't had to crack open a cookbook in ages. 

Here's what we are eating this week:

Sunday - Spicy Tomato Burger, recipe via Red Gold Tomatoes.  Read more about this here. 
This is a great way to spice up your normal burger recipe.  I made a plain patty for Jack that wasn't so spicy and served with roasted sweet potato sticks. 

Monday - "That's a Wrap" Asian Turkey Lettuce Wraps for Emmy Night!
These lettuce wraps are delish and super easy.  Bonus that the rest of my house loves them too.  Lucky me there is usually enough for my lunch the next day too!

Tuesday - Taco Turkey Casserole for our weekly "Taco Tuesday" theme
I love this recipe from Megan of Honey We're Healthy & Honey We're Home.  Again, super easy and there will be leftovers for lunch the next day!

Wednesday - Sweet Corn and Zucchini Fritters with a big salad
Ya'll, these are to die for!  I made them last week as an appetizer when we were hosting Jason's family and they were such a hit that no one was hungry for dinner.  Thank you so much Natalie for sharing this recipe a few weeks ago!

Thursday - Black Bean Taco Soup with Guacamole for the Texans Game
I've made this a handful of times and I love that it is made in the crockpot.  Thursday afternoon/evening is a little hectic for us so I will be happy to have dinner ready to go when I get home.  This will be the perfect meal to eat with some other munchies like fresh guacamole for the Texans game. 

Friday - Pizza Night!
By Friday night, the kitchen is usually closed.  The routine is for Jason to either pick up something on his way home from the office or we order in.  Not super healthy.  We will see how the week goes and maybe mama can find the energy to whip up something a bit healthier for us!

Thanks for stopping by!  I'd love to hear what's on your menu this week. 

Linking up with Emily and Kate for Tuesday's Recipe Swap. 

Weekend Recap

Happy Monday!  Here's to an extra cup of coffee to get us going and have a great week!  We had a wonderful and productive weekend.  Even though I hate Mondays, I am loving seeing everyone's first day of school pictures and am looking forward to watching The Emmy's tonight.  I'm making "That's a Wrap" Lettuce Wraps tonight in honor. 

Friday

We are so predictable and ordered pizza for an easy dinner followed by some binge watching of Orange is the New Black before passing out from the long week.  We finished Season 1 and are now a few episodes into Season 2. 

Saturday

Jack had his last summer session of Little Gym.  He was so cute and it's amazing to see what a difference the classes have made for him.  His confidence level has sky-rocketed.  Our shy little boy was all over the place on Saturday - everyone but next to his parents!

We had a marathon grocery shopping trip, a nap and then Jason and I left Jack with "Pops and KK" so we could have a date night dinner at Ciao Bello for Houston Restaurant Weeks. 

 

The meal was fantastic, but having alone time with Jason was even better.  I've now had three Houston Restaurant Week meals - RDG, Cook & Collins and Ciao Bello.  I say that is pretty good for a busy mama!

 

I wore my Madewell Animal Print Shift Dress, Tory Burch Reva clutch and Stella & Dot Rebel Pendant.  Sorry for the terrible bathroom mirror selfie.  I was trying to hurry and take it before someone else walked in!

Sunday

We headed out for church, backpack in tow for the "Blessing of the Backpacks" during the service since school starts today for most everyone in our area.  Jack won't start school until next year, but we still brought his super cute backpack from Two Magnolia Lane.  Jack looked precious sitting up with all of the older kiddos and all of the backpacks. 

After church we had lunch with "Mimi and Papi" and my grandmother Grammy, who we have no nicknamed InstaGrammy. 

Afterwards, I ran a few errands while Jason stayed home with Jack.  When I came home just 2 hours later Jason had completely cleaned out and reorganized his side of the closet.  It looked so great so it inspired me to do the same!  I need to take pictures and write an entire post on this, but needless to say I was up past midnight working on my side which still isn't done!

I hope you all have a Happy Monday!

I'm linking up Lisa and Bella for Weekend Recap

Biana and Meghan for Weekending

Meg for Mingle Monday

Dear New Mom...

I'm over at Houston Moms Blog today sharing some advice for new and expecting moms.  I would love for you check it out and comment with your own advice!

Image by Studio Ainsley