I'm Back

Thursday, August 22, 2019

Having two babies 22 months apart is no Joke! My life has been a whirlwind lately, but I wouldn't want it any other way. My girls are a dream, they bring me so much happiness day in and day out. They are why I work so hard, to provide them with a life full of love, joy, and wonder! Pia June will be 3 in October and we just celebrated miss Willow Grace's 1st birthday last weekend. She was born in August, which I did not know until after prepping and planning her party, that it is national Peach month, so a sweet peach party was perfect! Our big girl started Pre-K this week as well. Time goes too fast.

Looking forward to posting more often.

Saturday, November 11, 2017

It may be the second week of November, but I am ALL about decorating for Christmas this year! The tree went up Thursday, it needs a little work. We have had this particular tree that we got from target the first year we were together, and that was 10 years ago!! Since we are in the process of trying to sell our home, we don't want to go out and get another one just yet. I love our tree anyways! It just needs some new lights on it, which can be done for next to nothing! I am going to buy a new tree skirt this year, I found this really cute one at Target the other day.

I am switching up my color scheme this year. I bought a pillow while in St. Louis last weekend, and it totally had got me all inspired for my new theme, which just so happens to coordinate with Jo + Chip's new line at Target. Say what?!?

Green, gold, and black all the way this year!

From top: wrapping paper ; ornaments ; wreath ; lumbar pillow
What about you, what are your favorite colors this year to decorate with for the most magical season?

Sunday, November 5, 2017

It's Sunday and I feel like this week I need to meal plan, well every week I have a goal to meal plan on Sunday,but life is messy, chaotic, and super busy so I tend to fail at actually carrying the goal out. Not today! Pia is napping and I am over here searching through pinterest to find our dinner menu for the week.I thought I would share with you all.

Monday: Broccoli chicken casserole

Tuesday: Vegetable beef soup

Wednesday: Shrimp and Grits

Thursday: Creamy Herb Crockpot porkchops

Friday: Fish tacos

Sources all found on my pinterest boards. Who else is meal planning this week? Send me your favorites!

Thursday, November 2, 2017

Fashion

I don't know about you guys, but I adore little baby clothes. I love styling my little girl. I recently found ZARA. I had heard of it before but never took any interest until I saw a cute post on Instagram and the dress was from ZARA, so I had to check it out!

I did purchase the dress along with a few other things. I got her this shirt and these ruffled shoes!

If you have not checked this site out, do so now!

I plan on putting this dress on her for our family pictures at the Christmas tree farm! I am thinking hot pink tights and a cute hat!

What are your favorite stores to shop for your kiddos? This website is definitely a go to for me now, along with old navy, target, and the Gap.

Wednesday, October 18, 2017

We had my sister takes some quick photos of us the other night. It was simple and fun. The weather was great. Pia was in a good mood and the golden hour was upon us. I love having family pictures taken. It is so magical to look back and see such sweet moments captured. Having a little one during photo sessions is something new for us, we have to get used to working around her schedule and timing is EVERYTHING. Questions to ask yourself beforehand: Is she fed? check Clean diaper? check has she napped? check snacks in tow? check These photos mean the world to me.Tips for a successful photo shoot with littles........ Keep it simple, Keep it fast, have distractions, bring snacks, blankets, a favorite toy, and heck maybe the grandparents

Sunday, September 24, 2017

This is my favorite season by far. Crisp air, leaves falling, s'mores, friends gathered around the fire, cider, Hocus Pocus, Tricks and treats, football, pumpkin patches, hayrides, caramel apples. Ahhh the good stuff. I absolutely love and adore Fall. This weekend we visited another pumpkin patch and although it didn't feel like Fall much, we made the most of it by having fun! Also I have been able to check a few other items off my Fall Bucket list. Hocus Pocus with the girls went down this weekend as well. We ate butternut squash soup and laughed our butts off at Snap Chat filters. Drank some good wine and treasured the little moments. This weekend was something to be thankful for. Spending time with family and friends, introducing my daughter to new things, I just love it.
Today, I am taking it easy at the best place on earth...HOME.

The coziness of home is something to not take for granted. I feel so blessed to look around and see all that God has given to us. This place makes my heart go BOOM. I hope ya'll feel the same way about your HOME.

Thursday, September 21, 2017

Thursdays are a day I savor. I am off work, I get to spend time with my babe, and soak in all the goodness of life.

We typically will run errands, listen to music, dance, eat, shop, play, and of course dream.
Sometimes we clean, but not often. I have learned to go with the flow a little more than what I used to. I can stand toys being strung about and little signs of P all over the house. It makes me feel warm inside, like this is home, this is life. We had a good day today. We went to the Farmers Market and picked out some pumpkins and mums for the porch, although it did not feel like Fall here today. Highs were in the 90's...felt like 100's. P and I were sweating the entire time. It was a short trip.

Tuesday, November 1, 2016

Twas' the night before....

October 7th, 2016 I woke up for a doctors appointment to have my blood pressure checked as I was diagnosed with Preeclampsia a few weeks prior. My life the last month of pregnancy was bedrest and doctor visits. My blood pressure of course was elevated, I never had pressure issues until now, so the anxiety of it all always made it worse when I was going to the doctor. I felt so out of control and defeated. I attempt to be healthy 85% of my life, and throughout this pregnancy I made sure to exercise and eat rather healthy, besides weekly wings and fries, oh and ice cream, but the ice cream is nothing new for me. The doctor told me to monitor it at home and to call before the end of the day with my readings It was about 3:30 pm and my husband was just getting home from work and all day I had tried to think of positive things, to keep my mind occupied with thoughts other than my high pressures. I took it right as he got home and it was higher than it had been, so I repeated it and it still was high 160's/100's. I called my doctor who suggested I go to labor and delivery triage to be monitored (nothing new for me as I had been sent there about weekly for monitoring for the past month). I was scared, I was 36 weeks and just wanted to make it until 38 to deliver at least. I was worried for our little girl, I wanted her to be healthy and ready to come into the world on her own and not forced in. I knew however at this point we had a scheduled c-section for 10/14, exactly one week from this day. I just wanted to make it until then, my doctor was out of town, I did not want anyone but her to deliver my babe, so we needed to wait until my scheduled date. I was pleading with God, the doctors....please let everything be ok and we can deliver in 1 week from now. Monitoring went as usual, my pressures came down after hanging out for a bit at the hospital, labs were drawn and waiting for those to come back pained me. Lab work indicated that the preeclampsia may have gotten a little worse and was heading in the wrong direction, the results got me a one night admission with repeat labs in the am. My hubby was so annoyed that they would possibly send me home in the morning, he discussed with the doctors that this whole process was taking a toll on him, myself, and that if our daughter would be ok, then if we could just stay until we deliver, whether it be tonight, in the morning, or move it up to Wednesday when I hit 37 weeks. He just didn't want me to be sent home, just to worry and end up back in the hospital again. I believe the Lord was speaking through him, giving him insight into his plan. We had gotten settled into our room for the night, my parents and his parents had been with us just in case we were going to deliver earlier. Once settled the grandparents left to go get pizza and bring us back some. I hadn't ate since like noon. They arrived back at 10 pm and I ate a few slices of pizza and then got settled for sleep. Hubby was just drifting off to dreamland when the doctor on call came in to chat with us... as she was chatting my pressure took...it was high 150's/90's. She stated if they stay like this I feel we will deliver you in the morning if not sooner if things get worse. Well sure enough my next pressures were high as well. The nurse called the doctor and they ordered BP medicine to give me IVP. Two doses down and then they decided to start a Magnesium drip, the one thing I didn't want, like really did not want at all to happen. At this time it was 2:30 am, they moved me to labor and delivery because of being started on Mag and they had to now insert a catheter, I told my parents to leave and my hubby had went somewhere to get coffee. The insertion of the catheter did not feel right, being a nurse I knew my patients never were in this much pain from a catheter insertion. I didn't feel right, I kept telling my nurse I don' feel good and at this point my hubby was back with coffee in hand. I looked at him and said I don't feel good at all. My nurse then told me to switch positions as she could not get my baby on the monitor, then two more nurses walk in and at this point- I am asking what is going on, what is wrong???!!!??? Two more nurses come in and then a rush of doctors and nurses come running in. I am naked and they keep telling me to flip this way and that way, next thing I know my butt is in the air and they call a code, my pressures are 70's/30's my baby's heart rate has dropped to 60, and they yank all the monitors off of me and rush me down to the OR for an emergency c-section. I have chills and an upset stomach just typing this story out. By far the scariest night of my life. As we were leaving the room I just stared up at my husband, couldn't speak, just looking at him in fear, he calmly states it is going to be ok with a look of complete fear upon his face, he just kept muttering it's going to be ok. I will tell you in that moment, I thought "this is the last time I will see my husband, I may die, my baby may die. " Once I was in the OR, it felt like forever for the delivery to occur. I just kept hearing shouting from various team members "where is anesthesia? are we going to do a spinal?" In my head I just kept thinking No freaking spinal, just do a general and get her out for goodness sakes! An old highschool friend was on the OR team and she grabbed my hand and told me I had the best people working on me and that they were going to get my baby out safely and I was going to be ok too. God sent so many Angels in the form of the St. John's staff that night to care for me and my baby girl. The next thing I know I woke up and the doctors told me, my baby girl was alive and well heading up to the NICU to be cared for. She was born on 10/8/16 at 3:38 am 4 lbs 14.7 oz, 17.9 inches long. Ohhhh the sweet sweet feeling of relief, my surgery was over and I had a healthy baby girl. Praise you Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! Your plans are far better than our own. I remember getting wheeled into the room after it was over, met by my hubby, parents, and in-laws. Tears filled my eyes as did theirs, we all were relieved that mom and baby were ok. The events that happened after birth were not easy and rough to get through. I developed a fever of 103 for a full 24 hours, nothing would bring it down and I was receiving several doses of antibiotics, they drew labs to see if it was an infection, tested me for malignant hyperthermia, all negative. No reason for my fever that could be found. Since I was febrile, I couldn't see my daughter until it cleared, so I went an entire day without seeing her since she was born, that about killed me. This birth was nothing like I had planned it to be. I never pictured it going down this way, but the outcome was fantastic and I am so thankful for the staff who cared for me and my daughter while in the hospital. Angels of God's army sent specifically to Pia and I. My daughter being in the NICU for those first 7 days of her life was a complete blessing as she received outstanding care and attention. The nurses/doctors who cared for her did such a wonderful job and the teaching they gave my husband and I, just so thankful for it. October 8th, 2016 the scariest but most blessed day of my life, forever grateful.

Tomorrow is November 2nd, this was her actual due date, shes been with us now for 25 days. We love her so so much and she is an amazing baby. The saying we have for her is Shakespeare's " Though she be but little She is fierce." It pretty much sums her up to a T. The NICU doctor told us she could teach the other premies a thing or two, she just was so strong and conquered so much in such a short time. In the NICU they called her Perfect Princess Pia. Triple P. At home she has done well, we have been to the doctor twice for check-ups and she gained weight, all is well. She has scared mama and dada a few times with weird breathing noises and such. The anxiety and worry of being a parent, geesh now I know what my parents went through. You love this tiny little human that you and your hubby created so so so much and you just want to protect them with all that you are. Pia June, you are your mommy and daddy's heart. We love you so,

Mama and Dada

Kate Spencer Photography

Monday, September 26, 2016

Pregnancy is something spectacular, it is magical and rewarding. The kicks, the flutters that as a mama you feel daily are not only confirmation that this is real, a little tiny human grows inside of you, but also a reminder of the miracle that God has blessed you with. I have enjoyed being pregnant so so much. Life is more meaningful, cheerful, full of love and happiness. I am so excited to meet our little sweet P.

Pregnancy is also something that you can't control. I had a plan.... all was going as planned until a month or so ago, when we got told our little sweet P was 2 weeks behind in growth, but all else was well with her. She just was going to be tiny because we are tiny people. We still had to go to the high risk OB and get double checked, all was well at this appointment, just again a small babe who looking at her parents was normal. All checked out ok. However, my plan of going to 40 weeks, was now not really on the table as the doctors are following protocol and a baby that is labeled IUGR, will be delivered early. Out goes my plan, and having to accept that I would be delivering probably at 38/39 weeks. I also did not want to be induced, but that was looking like the new plan at this point, unless she comes on her own. One thing we found out pretty early is that she is stubborn, we had to have 3 different sonograms to get the right picture of her heart for the doctors, so my guess is that she will stick to what she has planned.

I don't know if it was the stress of all the news, but I developed a terrible sinus infection, with bronchitis and had to go get antibiotics. Along with that, I have developed terrible sciatica pain and can barely walk some days, egh! Started checking my blood pressures, and they became elevated at home and then the doctors office noticed it at my last appointment. This led to a hospital visit and lab work for preeclampsia. Sure enough, I was diagnosed with Preeclampsia. Again not in my plan. So here I am almost a week later chilling on the couch, bed rest, and boredom. My sweet P will be taken even earlier now, it could be anyday or at the most 37 weeks. I am shooting for 37 weeks. My prayer is for 37 weeks, vaginal delivery over a c-section, but this is another twist, she is lying breech and has been for several weeks... so with her stubborn heart, she is more than likely going to stay breech, and mama will have to have a c-section. I gave up on my own plan, I am leaning into God's plan for this pregnancy and trying to relax and remain calm.

While pregnancy is both beautiful and challenging, it is important to keep your head up and take care of yourself the best you can throughout the entire 40 weeks. Remember our plans are nothing compared to his, he knows the paths ahead of us and cares for us. Let him lead.

Wednesday, January 6, 2016

Utilizing Pinterest for inspiration is quite effective! I love Pinterest, my hubby can attest to this. He may despise Pinterest to some degree because of my overall obsession.
Pinterest has allowed me, as a dreamer to dream BIG. I love it for all things home, style, recipes, and health.

I often use Pinterest as a closet. How I wish i could simply click on a picture and have that outfit show up in my closet, that is not what i am meaning here. I search my style boards for inspiration for weekly outfits. I often can find that I have something similar to what I have pinned and can formulate an outfit that is perfect! This outfit had me searching all over town for some leather leggings and I found them after many hours for a whopping 7 dollars! I now am seeking a shirt like she is wearing..

I use Pinterest daily for workout inspiration, here is a current workout I am doing for the month of January:

This is only my cardio/treadmill portion of the workout, I incorporate strength training as well, usually with circuits of targeted area workouts, with a mix of cardio heart rate pumping moves such as burpees, jumping jacks, speed skaters, jump rope, you get it. Pinterest allows me to utilize easily accessible workout regimens on a daily basis. so thank you Pinterest!

Another huge, HUGE reason I love Pinterest is for amazing recipes.
Just about anyone I talk to uses Pinterest for this reason! It's so fun and easy to find great new recipes. There is a plethera of ones to choose from. Here is a recipe I searched for and made this past weekend because I had a leftover hambone to use after Christmas dinner:

recipe courtesy of DamnDelicious, thank you!

So tell the men in your lives Pinterest really isn't that bad. We women may spend countless hours pinning away,but look what you get in return...

a stylish, fit mama with yummy recipes that you get to try all year long.

Saturday, January 2, 2016

Hey Ya'll, it is now 2016 and I am giddy as all get out!

This year is going to be an amazing year. I want to filled with the spirit, the Holy spirit to be alive within me 24/7. I want to savor the moments and enjoy life to the fullest. I know it is the time where we all list out our goals and big aspirations for the year to come. It can be a bit cliche but lets really just dream together. Let's become that person we want to this year, no excuses just do it!

Jesus is alive, he LOVES us and is coming back for us someday soon and that alone is enough inspiration to be the best you!

I want to be my healthiest yet.
This year is a year to celebrate, I will be graduating in less than 6 months from my Master's program and will become a real grown up girl with a grown up job with lots, LOTS of responsibility.

My husband and I are going to try for a babe for the third time in our lives, we have had two prior miscarriages and now we know some important health issues that I have to hopefully, God willing produce a healthy, happy pregnancy that will allow us to become parents of a healthy,happy babe!!

I want to really be in tune with my body, and have a healthy pregnancy, my goal for the year is to eat healthy, clean, good for you foods 90% of the time and allow myself a few treats here and there. I am thinking Jeni's ice cream trips and some smashburger rosemary and olive oil fries with the mushroom truffle burger to name just a few, my mouth is watering just thinking of these foods. But healthy first and foremost. Sweet potato fries (my friend MB has made me addicted), and some chicken, salmon, greens, etc. One thing I need to really work on is decreasing and cutting out dairy. It will be hard, I know this because I practically fill my palate with all things dairy. This will take lots of prayer.

Lots of BIG things for this year, we also have a family vacation planned for August and if you know me at all, you know how much I love to travel.

Let's bring it 2016!

Praying for us all to have an amazing, spirit filled year!!

Wednesday, August 19, 2015

The last glimpses of summer.....

a family pool party, a trip to St. Louis, a play date with my nephews

Summer is ending here. School begins in less than 72 hours and I am anxious about this year, it's my last year. I don't know if this anxiety is normal or not, but I am freaking out about it. I keep saying 9 months until I graduate, if I graduate, if i make it. It's going to be a tough year, I am gearing up for the rough waves ahead.

new couch in our living room, the brown will go in media room eventually

why didn't I put the handle down,,,arg!

jumpin' and dreamin'

Saturday, August 8, 2015

As I had mentioned before, my 29th year is all about savoring moments together with family, friends, and all others in whom I come in contact with. I don't want to miss being in the moment. I want to be all in no matter what it is I am doing this year. Its like a year long celebration of a decade of my life. You may think I am crazy but it means a lot to me. I love life and sometimes I forget to live it. I am too wrapped up in things that don't matter, worries, and anxieties that drag me down from having the JOY that I am freely given by being a child of God. I am currently reading Radical by David Platt it is sooo good. It has me thinking a lot about how I live my life and what matters most. It truly fits in with my motto of my year: Savor. I also came across a devotional book called Savor and I am excited to purchase it asap. I know I had seen this floating around like a year ago but God put it in my path for this year and that just gets me pumped because he is guiding me at all times, every step of the way and he will provide. God and I together we are going to Savor this year like no other. It's Saturday and I am going to make some Zucchini bread, and some of the most amazing peanut butter cookies that a friend gave me the recipe to. They are the best Peanut Butter Cookies in all the land, 100% truth. I also prepared a home made lasagna yesterday that is waiting in the fridge to be baked for dinner tonight, hopefully I can get the hubby to eat Alfresco with me tonight. Summer is fading too fast and we need to... get this,Savor these last summer nights together outside on our porch.

pictures gathered from my Pinterest boards, click on over to my boards to see more inspiration

Thursday, August 6, 2015

First of all I absolutely love hosting a party. I love the decor and the planning. I love crafting with my people. I love my people and loving on them means throwing cute little parties whenever you have something to celebrate.
I also love babies and showers for babies. Every babe is a miracle born inside a mother's womb and so their arrival deserves to be announced and showered with love.

Nicole is my sister-in-law, but can we just subtract the in-law because thats so formal and thats not me. I love her as my sister, period. She is beautiful on the inside and out. She is an amazingly good mommy to her three boys (Samuel, William, and now Henry). Her mothering is so worthy of praise, she loves her boys and the intricate detail in which she cares for each of them in their own ways, puts me in awe of her. I love her and who she is so much. I love her mothering skills and am thankful I have her to look up to and go to when I have my own babes, so much so that I try to talk her into being my go to baby-sitter after there born. I would find so much comfort knowing she would be watching and caring for my babes just as she does her own. So, Nicole if you ever read this please take me up on my offer, wink wink!

Henry, oh Henry the first time I saw you and held you, my heart became full. Your so sweet and your hair is just awesomely cute. I didn't get to see your brothers like the way I got to see you, and that stinks, but all is well, wounds are healed and God knows what he is doing through and through. I am so thankful for relationships now and forever more. You are precious and I felt kind of like Elizabeth did when she saw Mary, holding you made something inside me leap for joy, praying for God to place a miracle babe in my womb one day, someday soon, please Jesus, please.

I held the shower at my house with the help of Mama, Rae,Debbie, Shelley and her sisters. My brother, Aaron kept the suspense going and I think him for that. Surprises are my favorite.