Confessional Friday

No intro today, just straight into confessions. I've got some things to get off my chest.

I confess ... Guys, I'm just gonna put it out there. It's been a tough year. A really frustrating, seemingly long strand of bad news month after month and to be frank - I'M OVER IT! I'm a rainbows and butterflies kinda gal. In the sense that I usually flutter through life with very little anxiety. And this year well ... no so much. I'm working damn hard to get back to the rainbows and butterfly mentality. I feel like this year I've been constantly on the edge of my seat waiting for the apocryphal other shoe to fall. And in 17 days I turn thirty; and once I turn thirty it's a new year in some books - so I'm just going to assume all the shoes have fallen and go back to rainbows and butterflies. Consider yourself warned. Smiles and exclamation points all day. (throwback from my birthday last year when I was thinking of all things happy. Rainbows and butterflies.)

I confess ... Uhhm about the above I'm all butterfly comment. I actually am not because confession #2 - I HATE butterflies. Like legit do not like them. Real ones are pretty and I can totally admire their transformation and beauty - but butterfly decor? FOGEDDABOUTIT! Like I dislike them almost enough that Ree Drummond's obsession with them and her accent in using them in her cookware line is almost enough to make me think we couldn't be friends. But who am I kidding. I love EVERY single solitary thing about her, other than butterflies - so we're still friends Ree. And you'll always be my jam, don't you worry.

I confess ... Shane and I drink coffee every morning. We've long been BIG fans of simple Folgers Classic Roast + Coffee Mate Italian Sweet Cream. However, I've been trying to cut out sugar (cancer and health and things) so I've been playing with different natural creamers and less "sweet" flavor. And it's got me bored with our normal coffee. Shane reads these posts and his mouth is probably hanging wide open right now thinking DON'T MESS WITH MY COFFEE WOMAN! But, I'm more thinking I want to be able to have more options vs. just a one pot shot every morning. Insert Nespresso or Keurig. Something where I could do some flavored coffees and if I don't like them I'm not committed to a whole pot type deal. I'm still toying with the idea and would love some suggestions. But that's what I'm thinking. (sidetone: photo is from this winter and it's hot chocolate, not coffee. Lord help me if this child were to drink coffee)

I confess ... Bennett headed back to school this week and they sent home a sweet little kisses and tissue goodie bag with the sweetest note. Long and short, it was reminders to pray instead of worry. One of my favorites: "As the day goes on and you wonder what they're doing, PRAY! Ask your heavily Father to protect them. Psalm 91:14 ~ The LORD says, "I will rescue those who love me. I will protect those who trust in my name." It has since replaced my Exodus 14:14 verse that has been hanging in my kitchen since the diagnosis. The entire note warmed my heart, but this one hit home. Am I the only mom that legitimately wishes you could be a fly on the wall ALL OF THE TIME while you're children are at school? Not because I can't be separate from them, but because I love seeing them in their element. I'd love to know the interactions they're having. Just a day in the life. Le' sigh. Motherhood ain't for the faint of heart.

I confess ... when Mom and I were in Chicago a few weeks back I purchased a new pair of sneaks. They are so comfy and dare I say one of the most favorite pair of tennis shoes I have ever owned. I know, bold statement. But I really really like them - if you're in the market for a new pair I'd recommend giving them a shot.

I confess ... I just can't love the Instagram story thing. I love Snapchat, and use it often. But I am way more selective on Snapchat than I am Instagram - so I'm annoyed at some of the stories I am susceptible to on IG vs the people I choose to follow on Snap. Why does the world constantly need to mess with good things? Remember when you had to have a real life college.edu email address to have a Facebook account? Those were the days ...

I confess ... Lainey's hair is headed to that dreaded mullet baby phase. While I didn't mind it so much with Bennett because I would soon chop it off, I realize I'm forced to deal with little misses for much longer. I'm a bit "stuck" with what in the world to do with it. Any pointers from seasoned mamas? I feel like it's constantly greasy because it's so fine. And on days when it doesn't curl it basically just looks like a ratty mess. And keeping a bow or something of the like in her hair is close to pointless. Consider me stumped.

I confess ... my gift list for weddings, showers and such is embarrassing. I'd made it literally MONTHS ago and found it the other day and almost died. If I owe you a gift, you can rest assured I have not forgotten. I just don't actually know when you will receive it. Sorry.

I confess ... because of this less sugar thing, I haven't baked in a long time. I need to get back to that. It's always gotten my creative juices flowing and I really love it. I think I'm due for a batch of cinnamon rolls soon. Those are always a fun day. I think I'll wrap with that. Because cinnamon rolls are basically the epitome of rainbows and butterflies. :)

Happy Labor Day weekend gang!

Snow Day!!

Growing up in Southern Indiana/Kentucky I can barely remember a winter without being out of school for at least one snow day a year. It was always one of the most anticipated parts of going back to school for spring semester. So, when we moved to Nashville last year and everyone kept saying how snow days RARELY happened here I couldn't help but feel a little sad for my little ones.  Thinking that they may not know the joy of waking up and thinking you've accidentally overslept only to walk downstairs to a happy mommy baking cinnamon rolls and looking out the windows to see a world of white awaiting your brand new Christmas snow boots made my heart hurt a little.

So, last night when they were calling for winter weather I felt like a little kid again anticipating morning. And when we woke up ... it was just as I imagined. Bewilderment and excitement overtook my little man.

SNOOWWWW MOMMY!!!!

Now granted, it was only a light dusting and really nothing to be super excited about. But down here in the south a light dusting mixed with the ice that had fallen prior is more than enough to shut down the city. And you guessed it ... SNOW DAY!!!  Lucky for us, we got a good snow day last year when we first moved to Nashville AND we've already had one this year too! Wahoo for snow days!

Moreover, this year's snow was also a big one because it was Little Lainey's first snow at 2.5 months old! Bennett had his first snow day in 2014 back in Louisville when he was only 5 months old.

Here's a look at this years. We started out with blanket forts and snacks while baby sister took her morning nap. Little man was in heaven and told me "no gulls awowed mommy! (no girls allowed)" I was just in charge of supplying him with more apple juice and popcorn!

Maggie joined him too because blanket forts are awesome, and he had snacks. Maggie basically hit the toddler jackpot because she now eats every time Bennett does.

And once little miss woke up from her nap we dressed up and headed outside! Preparedness and snow clothes shout out to our big cousin, Brody, and Aunt Jessica for giving us awesome hand-me-downs! Score!

 Everybody's bundled and Lainey's here too! (she's the fuzzy little blue ball!)

 Snow Angels are a must!

 And "Popsicles" aka icicles are on tap for snacking.

 Lainey was having so much fun she fell asleep :)

But her awesome Fancy Pants toboggan made sure to keep her extra cozy. And thanks to my large nose for photobombing this photo. Sheesh.

 SNOWBALL FIGHT!

 Uh-oh mommy the door is frozen shut! (Parent fail ... dear Shane, we desperately need a shed for our children's outdoor toys. Note that for your honey-do list. Thanks.)

 It's "swip-er-wee"

 This is so fun!

 But I'm a little cold.

 Naturally, hot chocolate time!

 Oh wow!

 I want all the marshmallows mommy.

The weathermen are calling for more snow come Friday and the Seigel kiddos are staying with us this weekend while they're parents have an anniversary getaway. So we could be in for some serious snow play! Can't wait!

Signing off to bundle up under the blanket fort and watch a movie with that handsome guy and his baby sister! Stay warm folks!

October Photo Dump

I realize I promised you a baby reveal, but I just haven't been able to compile all of the awesomeness that is our newest bundle yet. I blame the sleep deprivation + medication fog. In the meantime, as I was uploading pics of our newest little from my phone I realized there is still so much more from October that I want to share. So rather than section it into several different posts, I'll just do a photo dump recap and then come in fresh next week with all things BABYYY!

October started off with a visit from PaPaw and GoGo to help us finalize all of our projects we wanted to complete before baby arrived. Everything from cleaning out the garage to changing feet on chairs. Here, PaPaw and Bennett are power washing the driveway and back patios :)

I pray that I am able to help my children in the same way my parents have been able to help me over the years. It is such a blessing I too often take for granted. Love you mom and dad. So very much.

Once October arrived and I put out the Halloween candy, we saw this nearly every time we looked down in the kitchen. Little man pointing to the counter top with a mischievous grin: "candy please!" or my favorite "candy corn punkin" ... or on Halloween he got several Snickers bars and referred to them as "Sniffen Bars" :). LOVE.

Another familiar scene is to find Bennett with a slinky, towel or other similar object draped around his neck coming up to you saying "I'm da doter" (I'm the Doctor).  Said object is his stethoscope. He then places his hand .. often on your belly (because he was checking the baby) and says "Sounds pretty good!"

 And because the October in Nashville was relatively warm ... we wore shades when necessary.

 And we ate yummies and danced our hearts out at Oktoberfest in Downtown Nashville - Germantown!

And on a particularly warm day when Bennett's very pregnant mommy had zero energy we went out to water the mums and ended up watering ourselves. Because I was too exhausted to parent and throwing his clothes and shoes in the dryer seemed like a much better alternative than telling him no. They're only little once right?!

 And game changer, we learned there is a Chic-fil-A (sort of) right down the street from us!  It's actually in the student cafeteria of the college, but they take regular cash so we plan to take full advantage. Now, it doesn't have a play place or ice-dream cones ... but it does have nuggets that my boy will eat - so this is a HUGE win. Especially when it's nice outside and we get to have picnics!

 You've already seen his Halloween recap - but here he is again, our little train conductor. This was at a friend's Halloween party ... we took a photo before:

 And after the party :) I think it's safe to say he had a good time.

 And we had one more final visit from GoGo while Daddy was out of town for a few days. This time we tackled and prepared  any and all last minute things we needed to do before baby. One of which included assembling the bassinet. Last go round, my sweet gal pal, Jessica, let me borrow her co-sleeper that was designed specifically for C-sections and it was an excellent addition while B was still sleeping in our room. However, this go round we up and decided to move to Nashville, so picking up all of my friends items became a bit more complicated (BOO!). So, Penny came to the rescue and purchased us the Halo Bassinest  and it's a real dream. Even better, she assembled it for me while I sat in the chair and ate cookies. Thanks mom :)

 We received the cutest outfits for our littles to wear from The Pine Torch ... Mariana was a dream to work with and was so patient with me while she helped me bring my vision to life!

 I wanted a jersey type theme that would be relatively gender neutral. So even though they are blue add in a pink bow or accessory to the onesie and it's plenty girly. They also rep some super cute numbers on the back. I plan to take some pics in them soon and promise to share.

 While GoGo was still here we celebrated her birthday before she headed back to Kentucky. Cinnamon Rolls with a birthday candle make the world go round :) Happy Birthday GoGo!

 And then on her way to the highway we made a quick pit-stop at the park to see the train car that is parked there. And had a quick chat about the chipmunks playing in the park. Oh my heart. Two of my very favorite people.

 Choo Choo! This kid loves trains. (note: this is not active, only display!)

 And soon after GoGo left Sissy and Poppy came to play + get in some final snuggle time while little mister was still the only little!  Sissy joined us for Fall Fest at Bennett's school. We climbed + jumped  + slid in/on every inflatable we could until it was time to go home.

 And we made a quick trip upstairs to Trick or Treat for some more candy!

 And because we were feeling the "you're only gonna be the only one for a few more days" guilt ... we may or may not have gotten ice cream *several* times in October.

Then, we prepped for all of our peoples that were coming in to help with B. Household survival guide to the rescue! Complete with what TV channels are his favorite to where his snacks are located :)

 And we officially crammed another car seat into the back of our car which made things REALLY real.

 And the morning of our final day as a family of three (Even though we didn't know it yet) ... we went to get pedicures so all our toes would be extra pretty for baby! Hehehe.

 And then we snuggled on the couch until the contractions got too strong, and we had to have friends come stay with B while we headed to the hospital to get things checked out. And several hours later ... we had a baby!

October went by so fast, and was such a fun and jam-packed final month preparing for our newest arrival. Can't wait to share how our November began with you soon!