Daddy's Blinded by Love

Bliiiiiinded by the liiigggghhhht!! Revved up like a Bennett, another runner in the night. Oookay, so that lyric worked out much better in my head, than it did when re-reading it. But nevertheless, I have no alternative intro, therefore it shall stay.

So, I don't know if it's custom or if people just do it or don't, but I decided to get hubs a little gift with the arrival of his first born son.  Not that his son is not more than enough gift himself, because he absolutely 100% is more than that and beyond. But I just felt like I needed to commemorate the occasion, and say a little personal thank you to hubs for putting up with me for the last 9 months ... and for the TREMENDOUSLY amazing helping hand he has been during this rough transition home (big Bennett blog debut & birth story details to come! ~ promise!)

Shane is my absolute best bud, and sharing this experience with him has been amazing. I can't imagine going through it with anyone else ... or having the ability to remain standing on my own two feet without him by my side. He's my rock. My truly better half. My over indulged dose of optimism. And just Shane ... which is more than enough (que tears ... damn hormones).

Sap aside ... Bennett and I ventured to find him what we thought was the perfect gift. A brand new pair of shades, so he doesn't get blinded by our love ;0) Wahahahaha! Yes, I did indeed see this on a Pinterest post from a wedding reception ... but I thought it could be repurposed here right? 

Plus, I've kind of started a fun tradition with the boys and sunglasses.  When hubs went on his bachelor party to Vegas with all the fellas, I sent him with a surprise package with specific instructions of when and how to open.  Now, to my understanding as I've heard the rehash from his friends ... it did not go down exactly as I'd planned.  Probably my own fault, because I did tell him to wait until the first night to open it ... not taking into account the first night occurs after the first day.  And well with those boys and Vegas I'm surprised it happened at all ;)

I wish I could find the original poem ... but basically I wrote them a rather humorous (or at least I thought so) poem and sent each of them a little something from me.  A pair of black knock-off ray bans (similar to the ones above) and a funny bachelor party koozie with Shane-versioned quotes from the movie: The Hangover.  The sunglasses and koozies made it into several pictures from the weekend and it was a fun way for me to say thanks to the guys for being such good pals to my hubs ;) So, I'll chalk it up as a win.

Next, our July 4th celebration was spent in our living room chillin' with our favorite little man.  Hubs was getting a bit stir crazy and I think all of the social media posts about his buddies celebrating one of the best holidays around put some extra wind in his sails. He ran downstairs dressed like a 4th goon and Bennett, my mom, and mom-in-law laughed hysterically. Lucky for me ... I had purchased Bennett a fresh pair of aviators and some sweet American flag swim trunks long before Thursday ... so I knew we had to take advantage of the photo op.

Seriously ... I can't handle the cuteness. 
OHH.
EMMM.
GEEEEEEE!!!

Long winded story to make the point ... this is just one of the many reasons why sunglasses were chosen as his daddy gift.  So here's what hubs got to open ... I think they're mighty fine!

Men's Prada Linea Rossa Polarized Sunglasses

But, even better news ... if he ain't 100% smitten about them, Sunglass Hut has a SWEET return policy and will allow him to bring them back within 90 days to exchange, return or even get a full refund.  So that makes me a happy camper! Plus ... when I originally picked them in the store the ones I liked had a tiny scratch on the lens ... and I KNEW this would not fly with Mr. Shane. So, I asked if she would mind calling a few of the other local locations to see if anyone else had a pair.  Lucky for me ... they did ... but because of the "hassle" which it was not at all, she gave me a $50 off coupon. SCORE! 

I also added in a little car kit. And another awesomeness ... they refill the lens cleaner for free ... FOREVER. For-ever-ever. And, the kit I got him has the sunglass cleaning solution, a micro-fiber cleansing cloth, comes in a very swaggified manly case, and since they're an aviator style - a mini screw driver so he can tighten those bad boys as needed. 

Whooop whoop!  Bennett and I are so lucky to have him in our lives ... and wanted to make sure he had a little token to know just how much we appreciate him! 

We love you Shane! Muah <3

Just. Shut. Up.

Anyone who knows my husband at all knows music keeps him alive. He lives his life singing to a never ending sound track of the most random songs. And most often, songs that he ends up making up his own lyrics to, because although the boy's got rhythm and can actually carry a decent tune ... lyric memorization is NOT his strong suit. Nevertheless, Maggie and I love him for it (and Bennett soon will too). Most times we laugh, sometimes we correct him ... but almost always we inevitably end up singing along ;0)

Sometimes however ... when it's entirely too early, or after a long day (I know my college roommates hear me on this one), or when we simply want some quiet time. We offer a hugely dramatic eye roll ... hubs smiles to himself and pipes down. Don't get us wrong ... we love him and his songs ... but sometimes we ladies like quiet time and hearing "I ate the walrus" belted at the top of his lungs in lieu of "I am the walrus" is just not suitable.

Today, my favorite wiener friend decided to have my back and told dad to shut up enough for the both of us.  And, thanks to Instagram's new video gig I happened to be playing with ... I caught the entire scene on tape. Hysterical laughter later ensued. Oh happy day ... it really is all about the little things :0)

Thanks Maggie ... I feel ya girl!

Lucky for her, Maggie is going to get a much needed break before we turn her world upside down. She's got just a few days left of being star of the show before she's not only wanting to tell the hubs to shut his pie hole, but she'll have a baby to contend with as well!  Uncle Max (my baby bro) is the best and has offered to hold the fort down while we're away.  He's going to keep Maggie content until it's time for her to meet her new little brother! 

And officially ... as of today ...the wait is finally over and we're all prepping for the big show that is set to begin tonight.  Little man has officially passed his due date and if yesterday's Ultrasound was correct, he's going to be a good size baby. We're scheduled to head to the hospital this evening to begin the induction process. BUB should probably be joining us sometime late Friday evening/early Saturday morning.  Ohmigoodness, I am so excited/nervous/anxious I can hardly stand it!

Thank you already to all of you that have been sending your love and well wishes. I woke up today to a completely full screen of good luck messages and texts and it was the absolute BEST way to start my day!  Shane and I are constantly talking about how lucky we are, and feel so blessed walking into this with so much love and support.  And we have all of you to thank for that.

So, that's it for today. If you need me I'll be impatiently patiently waiting until it's time to head to the hospital ;0) 

Two Piece Tuesday

A couple of things to note before we get started today:
1. It is officially Baby U's due date and he is no where in sight (unless your talking about that watermelon in my belly)
2. Because of #2 I am still pregnant ... extremely pregnant
3. Little man loves me, and he's just not ready to meet everyone else
4. His daddy and I have sent him an eviction notice however ... and unless something happens on it's own beforehand, induction is scheduled to begin Thursday night, so we will officially be parents THIS WEEKEND!
5. Be on the look out next week for his big debut post!

Okay, on with today's post.  Yes, it's true bikini season is officially here. As always the season of too much skin, too little clothes, too hot of temperatures, too much water, and hopefully enough booze to match seems to sneak up on us entirely too soon. As I re-read that sentence I noticed used the word "too" entirely TOO much and if I were a clever enough blogger with a topic as easy as TWO piece swimwear .. I'd be able to successfully intertwine the two topics ... alas, I am not. And have exactly zero witty words to make you laugh at this intro.  So, I digress.  Sorry to burst your bubbles.

Moving on ... it's swimsuit season. Pardon me as I sulk in my 9+ month pregnant body while I scan through the latest issues of "best beach bods of 2013" and come to the realization that I'll probably have to wait until 2014 to be back on that list 

*WAHAHAHA ... que hysterical laughter now*

Nevertheless, I enjoy reading the do's and dont's of this season's bikini trends ... and imagining which ones I think I would partake in this season if I were anywhere near bikini ready.  Here are some faves that would be on the top of my purchase list if I were planning to attend this month's boat trip ... and if I considered myself a hi-fashion bikini connoisseur (which I do not). Let's be real, if the bathing suit doesn't come from Vicky Secret's or Target it's not very likely to adorn this bod.

1. Trend Numero Uno: Fringe and Cut Outs

The Seafoam Fringe Dolly Bandeau Estella Bikini

• LOVE the color
• LOVE the fringe and that cross pattern at the top
• LIKE the cut-outs -- still not 100% sold on this trend 
• Bandeau tops are my friend

2. Trend Numero Dos: Color Block 

Neon Coral Colorblock & Stripes Bandeau Bikini

• LOVE the colors
• LOVE the straps with the bandeau - looks like it would be a good fit for most gals
• LOVE the price!
• LIKE the color-block trend (it's a current hit or miss with moi)
• DISLIKE the fact that this swimsuit is sold on a website called "IM HAUTE" - errrr say whaaa?

3. Trend Numero Tres: Crochet

Crochet Flounce Crop Top Bikini

• LOVE the cut, this would be a great pool volleyball top
• LIKE the fact this hits the crochet trend while still avoiding it at the same time ;) 
• DISLIKE - okay, to be honest this is a trend I just can't seem to get into. Crochet to me is such a waste of money, because I feel like after one wash it never looks the same and/or it's really challenging to be sure to not cross the ever pesky "baring too much" proverbial line

4. Trend Numero Cuatro: Color Block (again)

Block Party Bikini

• LOVE the color block in this suit
• LOVE the longer torso top -- but this can get tricky with different figures

5. Trend Numero Cinco: Graphic One Piece

Jail Bird One Piece Swimsuit

• LOVE the colors (I know, its number 2's twin sister)
• LIKE the cut-outs - again, they're growing on me ... but still a hit or miss
• DISLIKE maybe the fact that it's from Volcom? But, I could totally wear it and rock out to Avril's old school "sk8er girl" for a day and be okay with it.

6. Trend Numero Seis: High Waisted Bottoms

High Waisted Floral Bikini

(sad news : no one can seem to find this beaut online : apparently it was sold on HM, but must be sold out)

• LOVE the colors and floral pattern - so girly!
• LIKE the high waisted bottoms, I just don't have the body for it, so that's why I can't personally get into it. But I LOVE the retro fashion, and girls that can rock this ABSOLUTELY should! So fun.

7. Trend Numero Siete: Ruffles

PilyQ Pom Pom Ruffle Bikini

• LOVE the top! It's so fun, and those little pom poms take me back to crafting at summer camp.
• DISLIKE the bottoms. I think I'd pair the top with something a little more plain.

So there you have it ... Summer 2013 Bikini Fashion from yours truly. Whew, after all that and staring outside at the beautifully HOT weather, I'd say it's about time for a bowl of ice cream ;0)

A Letter to Bennett

Bennett,

My heart is bursting as I write this letter. I haven’t even met you and you have already left the biggest impression on my heart.  I once heard having a child was like watching your heart walk outside your body, and I could never fathom such a thought. But boy OH BOY little BUB … is it ever TRUE!  Of course obnoxiously through social media your daddy and I have already introduced to everyone that you will soon be joining our world…but the thought that you get to be our little tag along forever and always in such a short time, is such a happy thought! Your daddy and I are constantly talking about what you would look like, if you will sport daddy’s nose, my lips, my crooked pinkies…you name it – we’ve discussed it. And as we continue to wait for your big debut, the only thing we can do is talk about how we will scour every morsel of your being to learn the next thing! But let me tell you this … regardless of what genes your sporting … to us: YOU ARE PERFECT.

There were times in these past 9 months when it seemed that time was at a standstill {this very moment being one of them ;0)}.  Sometimes I think meeting you will never come.  But knowing you’re about to take your first breath makes every kidney stone, every medical scare, every moan and groan, every everything 100% worth it (and yes I really mean that).  We know life will be different with a baby in our house.  We know it's going to be a whirlwind, but we are ready.  And a family of 4 (I’m including your big sister Maggie – I can’t wait until you’re old enough to pull her tail…hehehe) sounds fabulous!  I promise we won’t stop smooching on you and holding you. And I promise and vow to spend the rest of my life showing you just how special you are. And how very much we love you.

Your daddy and I should likely apologize in the letter as well, because you’ll soon see that we are absolutely smitten over funny outfits and random trinkets to adorn you in … and will likely laugh at your expense and take too many pictures. But I promise it is ALL out of love, and you will have SUCH GREAT photos for your senior banquets and wedding videos – so I’m sure our apology will turn into your later “Thank You”.  And if not, well then at least my photo album can keep us smiling when your daddy and I are old and grey … and you’re out exploring the world.  My heart is so full Bennett.  I am in awe of you … every finger, every toe, every wrinkle, every EVERYTHING. 

Before we welcome you into this world I want to wish you the best {and I should tell you, every time I see the clock at 11:11 I make a wish ... I'll teach you this same game ;0) }. I want to wish you the world.  I want to wish you all the love. I want to wish you:

• a sense of humor and wit, it will take you far
• the understanding and importance of family
• the quality of leadership
• the ability to understand what's right and wrong
• the capability to drive a stick shift and be good at it (girl's think it's hott and your mommy can't do it)
• the knowledge to speak a 2nd language
• the best group of friends to support you
• the opportunity and want to travel and explore the world 
• the compassion of your daddy
• the heart to love like your Grandma Penny
• a winner's spirit with the capability to accept and learn from mistakes 
• the drive to want to try new things (x4)
• a sense of rhythm  to dance like your daddy (yo momma ain't got none)
• a brilliant brain and entrepreneurial spirit like your Papaw John
• days of happiness and laughter
• the ability to cook like your Sissy
• that you always know how very much you are loved
• the ability to find joy in new experiences and to embrace change
• the thoughtfulness of your Grandpa Mark
• the quirkiness of your parents and the ability to laugh at yourself
• a love for athletics
• better jokes than your daddy ;0)
• THE WORLD!
• and a heart to love without boundaries

I could go on for days little man, wishing you a lifetime of love, happiness and joy mixed in with a little bit of life's funny moments and quirks, but I think you get the idea. Your daddy and I can't wait to meet you sweet boy ... so don't be shy ... come on and join us already!~

Until we meet,

Your Mommy