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Life Lately

This little lady came to stay with us for the first half of her spring break. Do you have any idea how cool that makes me feel when a tweenage girl wants to spend her spring break with me? We had so much fun! We made breakfast together, took a few naps, went to see The Hunger Games, took the pup to the dog park, did a little shopping and finished off the trip with a day at the beach. There was even a trip to the ER thrown in there, thanks to a super fun ear infection for my girl – don’t worry, she was completely healed a couple of hours later. It’s a miracle! All in all, I’d say it was a successful start to Grace’s vacation, which she is finishing with her adorable little girlfriends at yet another beach. I hope she knows that she’s living the good life.

P.S. Doesn’t that maxi dress make me look HUGE?!?!

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Sweet Moments

Seeing our handsome little boy wave at us during the ultrasound.(I can’t believe I’m breaking my own rule of showing people the inside of my uterus, but he’s so cute!)

Feeling his little hiccups and ninja moves all day and night.

Saying his name over and over, because I just can’t get enough of that sweet sound…Westley…Westley….

The look on Drew’s face when he felt Westley move, eyes wide with shock and awe. It was beautiful.

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westley & me

Baby registries are for those essentials that a mom feels she absolutely needs when the baby arrives, but wishlists are for those little extras that make life with a baby (or bump) complete. I’ve put together my own little wishlist for Westley and me, which includes adorable little additions such as baby leg warmers and a super cute owl night light. And what little boy can live without a Radio Flyer? And that owl hat…I die. I’ve also added a few things for myself, because a mommy-to-be should pamper herself, too, right?

Click on the photo to see this wishlist on Pinterest and to get links to where these lovely items come from.

P.S. You should know that I swoon over anything from BabyGap. Just giving you fair warning.

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Dear Baby

I have two more for you…

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3.13.2012

Dear Baby,

You’ll figure this out soon enough, but I have a slight addiction to all things Harry Potter. I’ve read the books many times, seen the movies more that I can count, and I listen to the audiobooks regularly. Harry Potter’s world takes me on a magical adventure that I can’t wait to share with you. I’ll be reading the books to you before you can turn the pages by yourself. Need a little noise while you play? No worries, that’s what the audiobooks are for. And you better believe that you will be dressed up as a little Gryffindor for your first (and maybe second or third) Halloween.

Just thought I’d give you fair warning.

Love,

Mom

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3.17.2012

Dear Westley,

We saw your beautiful face yesterday and you are a BOY!!! We are so unbelievably excited! I cried happy tears because I can’t wait to raise a little gentleman. Your name is Westley McCorvey Davis. Has a nice ring to it, don’t you think?

It didn’t take me long to feel the pressure of raising a boy. Boys grow up to be men – men who provide for their families and love faithfully and unconditionally; men who care about the fragile world that we call home, taking care of it and nurturing it. That’s a lot of character building right there. And if you become a wonderful man just like your dad, I couldn’t ask for more. He is amazing, as you will soon find out.

For now, I will practice saying your beautiful name over and over, and dream of the most adorable little man outfits I’m going to put you in. There’s no getting out of that for a few years, so just bear with me.

Love,

Mom

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Minty Fresh

Cardigan: F21 // Dress: Francesca’s // Belt: came w/ Target blouse // Necklace: J Crew Knockoff via Ebay // Pumps: Shoe Station

I absolutely adore this necklace! What a statement piece! I got it for $20 on ebay. It’s a total knockoff of the $150 J.Crew version, but I’ll take it. Who said my standards were high when it comes to large pieces of jewelry?

As soon as this necklace arrived in the mail, I went searching through my closet for the perfect outfit and decided that a nice color-blocking action would be perfect for it’s first spin. I believe this gem will be lighting up my casual St. Patty’s day ensemble as well. Hooray for affordable knockoffs!

P.S. That’s a 17-week baby belly right there. Almost halfway!

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This Man

Can I just take a moment to talk about this man? The one in the picture making me breakfast? Thanks.

This man is going to be the most amazing father. I see the love in his eyes when he looks at my ever-expanding belly. I feel the worry in his movements when he takes the place between me and cars on the road during our walks. I feel his excitement for the future and our child and it is wonderful.

This man isn’t perfect. He has flaws, just like the rest of us. But most importantly, he is kindhearted (underneath that sometimes rough exterior) and he cares about the world that we live in.

He is the most beautiful, loving man I’ve ever known.

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So this is what a small waist looks like?

This was one of my very first outfit photos from a couple of years ago. I’ve been looking back on all the pictures I’ve edited using my beloved Picnik, which is closing in April. I’m on a mission to find a new photo editing website that will fit my needs, since I use Picnik all the time.

BUT LOOK AT THAT TINY WAIST!!! My waistline was the first thing to disappear during this pregnancy. Even before my belly got bigger, my waistline expanded. I blame it on things moving around in there and finding a new place to live, which is cool, but…will I ever get this back? I’ll damn sure try.

Which leads me to one of my biggest pregnancy pet peeves of all time – bigger even than people rubbing my belly or asking the same questions over and over. No, pregnancy is NOT a free pass to eat whatever you want. I think that is one of the biggest mistakes an expectant mother can make. Now is the time to eat healthier than you’ve ever eaten before. Load up on fruits, veggies and whole grains. Give that kid the best start they can get to a healthy life. Bonus: expectant mothers who put the right kind of calories in their bodies and manage their weight gain properly are more likely to lose the weight faster after delivery.

With that, I will step off my soapbox. Goodbye.

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My Favorite

I say, “You’re my favorite.”

He says, “I love you, too.”

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Life Lately

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Not too much has been going on in my little world lately. Just trying to stay focused on the tasks at hand, like getting my iron up (what else is Five Guys for?), working part-time and going on daily walks with the guard dog.

I’ve also been in awe of my ever-expanding waistline and cooking up some pretty delicious concoctions In the kitchen (usually).

Bonus: Drew installed a composting bin in our backyard last weekend! We love that we will be less wasteful, while giving back to the earth. We hope to grow our very own little organic garden soon, too. Let’s all think happy thoughts about that. I tend to have a very black thumb.

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Dear Baby

I’ve been writing these offline since I found out I was pregnant. Thought I would share them with you and continue to post as the urge hits me.

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12.11.11

Dear Baby,

We’ve been trying to make you a reality for four months. So this week, when I finally saw two pink lines instead of one, I was jumping up and down for joy…and then I sat down because I pulled a muscle. I’m overwhelmed and excited. You, our little sweet pea, are the only thing on my mind right now. Holding a conversation is difficult, because the only thing I want to scream is, “I’M PREGNANT!” But of course I can’t do that. Not yet.

Your dad is in denial. I don’t think he’ll believe you’re in there until he hears your heart beat or sees your picture. And that’s okay. We all process things differently, little one, and you are definitely something to process.

I don’t feel you yet. No morning sickness, no kicks. But I know you’re there, bonding with me already. I can’t wait to go through this journey with you.

Love,

Mom

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12.23.2011

Dear Baby,

Your dad and the rest of our family are so happy you are on the way! I can just imagine how spoiled rotten you will be. We finally spilled the beans a couple of nights ago, after we found out that your dad has to have surgery before Christmas and we will be staying home for the holiday. We knew telling our loved ones would be the best early Christmas present ever! Some screamed, some cried, some didn’t even believe me, but I assured them all that you are safe, secure and completely loved.

While you are only the size of a blueberry right now, I feel the effects of you all over. I’m tired and cranky and have never been so bloated in all my life. I’m still not sick but the thought of certain foods are really throwing me for a loop. It’s possible that I now hate avocados…that can’t be right. I really, really HOPE that’s not right.

Merry Christmas, little one. I hope you enjoy the food and the fun.

Love,

Mom

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1.25.2012

Dear Baby,

We finally saw you a couple of weeks ago! You looked like a tiny little blob, but you wouldn’t stop dancing and doing aerobics. I’m a little worried that you’re going to be just as hyper as me. Please be like your dad instead. Seriously.

Since we saw you, you’ve grown quite a bit. You are already the size of a lime and getting bigger by the minute. I don’t feel you dancing, but I feel you in other not-so-awesome ways. But it’s cool. I’ll get through this for you.

You should see how much I’ve been reading! I’m already working really hard to get ready for you, but I’m also scared out of my mind. See, you’ll learn this about me someday but I’m an obsessive planner. I need to be ready for anything and everything in advance. But I’m starting to realize that no matter how many books I read or items I register for, I’m not going to be completely ready for you. Ever. I’m going to have to learn to take it one day at a time and roll with the proverbial punches. Is it possible that you will be the one to finally teach me patience?

Let’s chat on my 29th birthday. It’s coming up and I’m so happy you’ll be with me as I celebrate!

Love,

Mom

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2.18.2012

Dear Baby,

My 29th birthday was a couple of weeks ago, which means that I am officially the age I will be when I meet you. I feel really old, like I may not be able to keep up, so take it easy on me, k?

I have a gut feeling that you are a girl. That you will wear cute little cardigans and dresses and let me braid your hair and paint your nails. I’ve already picked out the most adorable bathing suit for you if you are, in fact, a little lady. You will definitely need one because we live 45 minutes from the beach and will be going there all the time. Your dad and I love being outside, enjoying nature. We can’t wait for you to explore the world with us.

We find out what clothes to buy in just a few short weeks. Until then, surprise me with a kick or two please. I can’t wait to feel you!

Love,

Mom

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3.04.2012

Dear Baby,

It’s a beautiful sunny day and I’ve been sitting outside, reading my beloved books and enjoying the sunshine. Sitting outside got me thinking about you and our future together. There are so many things we can’t wait to do with you. So many wonders of this world that we want to show you.

We want to take you to Disney World. We want to camp in the Grand Canyon with you. We want to introduce you to the best music and movies ever made, which were way before our time and yours. We want to wake you up at five in the morning to surprise you with homemade pancakes and a day trip to the beach. We want you to be there with us when we spend an entire Sunday in bed watching tv, or outside reading in the sunshine.

Our lives will forever be yours. We will always be there for you, and we hope that you will always want to be there with us.

Love,

Mom

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