Everette Is One

This past weekend we celebrated our greatest blessing with her first birthday party! Everette's most favorite treat is ice cream, and with her birthday falling at the very end of August, we felt like it was a perfect match. We kept the snacks simple, and stayed with southern staples such as, pimento cheese and crackers, chick-fil-a nuggets, watermelon and chips and guacamole. We topped it off with cookies, ice cream and the most yummy strawberry cake. 

Two of our sweetest friends volunteered to photograph, and video the party for us so we could simply host and enjoy, and what a gift that was. I didn't touch my phone for 2 hours, and knew they were handling it beautifully. 

The day was filled with lots of special people including our precious neighbor who baked the cake, a new friend who created the cookies, all grandparents, and both of Everette's great grandmothers.True to the woman she is, my Granny drove 5 hours solo to be there, arrived early to help me set up, refilled the table throughout the party, passed out ice cream, and cleaned my kitchen afterwards. Even at almost 80, she is still serving me. What a gift she is. 

In the days leading up to Everette's birthday I was a bit sad, but by the day her party rolled around I couldn't wait to celebrate her. Our home was filled with so much love from family, friends and all her baby buddies, and while Everette may not ever remember the day, I know I'll never forget it. Happy first birthday my little love! 

Our First Year

Tonight at 12:37 my very first baby turns 1. I think I am still a little bit in denial, because I honestly don't even know how we got here so quickly. When I think back on all the things we have experienced this year, it does seem like maybe it's time, but to think I've only known her for 12 months, seems impossible. I understand now why Mamas refer to their babies as 12 months, or 18 months, or 22 months for as long as they can, because truly every month something changes. 

It feels similar to the week leading up to your wedding, where you are busily getting things ready, and if you stop to think about what you are actually getting ready for, you can't even believe that it's going to happen? At the same time my brain keeps recalling exactly what I was doing in the days leading up to Everette's birth, and I had no idea we were so close to meeting her. 

The past 12 months have been the most exciting, exhausting, precious and humbling of my life. We have both grown together and learned so much. That sweet baby has changed my body, my hair, my brain, my life, but most of all my heart. Before she arrived I wondered so much what she would look like, what would her temperament be like, what would her little voice sound like? It's still absolutely incredible to me that those long legs that I kiss a million times a day, were the ones kicking me on the inside, and every time I hear her get the hiccups, I can almost feel it again from her being in the womb. 

I would love to know how many hours I have spent nursing, especially in odd places. The car, the beach, Starbucks parking lots along I-40, tucked away in guest bedrooms during holidays. How many miles have we rocked in that glider in the middle of the night, and early in the morning, and in the afternoon? How many times have I gone to bed wondering if I am getting this right, or reading about the next developmental leap, or what to worry about next. How many hours of sleep have I not gotten over the past 12 months? Research says parents lose the equivalent of 44 days in the first year of a newborns life. I believe it. 

But, no amount of research could tell me what it was going to feel like the first time I saw her. The first time she was laid on my chest and we locked eyes. What it would be like to bring her home from the hospital, or listen to her cry for what felt like forever sometimes, or the way she could instantly fall asleep if I laid her on my chest. I'm fairly convinced that your newborn sleeping on your chest is one of the best feelings on this side of heaven. 

We have celebrated every season and holiday, the very first Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Valentines, Easter, and 4th of July. We introduced family members, first foods, baby sign language and have been on all sorts of adventures. We've created and changed feeding and sleeping schedules and when she says Ma-Ma I think I can physically feel my heart growing larger. 

And so it's birthday time. It's almost time for a new season, both figuratively and literally. In just a couple of weeks it will be fall again and I will have a one year old, but until then I will bask her babyness a little longer, and try to mentally record all the things I never want to forget. The way the inside of her neck smells, and the way her hair is wet from it resting on me at night when I lay her in her crib. The way her babbles wakes us in the morning and how she claps her little hands almost all the time. How she loves to wave at strangers in the store, and repeats bye-bye the whole way home. I want to take pictures of all of these things in my mind, because I know long after this season has come and gone, I'll look back on it fully aware that these were some of the very best days of my life. 

So tonight I'll stay up until 12:37 and remember how one year ago my entire life was changed, and I may even go get her out of her crib and rock her. I'll probably cry when we sing Happy Birthday to her and after the party is over, I'll enjoy my slice of cake with a glass of champagne to celebrate, because becoming a Mommy was and is the single best gift that I will never take for granted. 

New Mommy Must Haves

There are so many things that you feel like you need when that sweet baby finally arrives, but don't forget about yourself during this exciting and exhausting time. All the sudden your life is consumed by caring for this tiny person you grew and birthed, and it's so natural to put yourself last on the priority list. Below are my top 5 must haves, just for you! 

1. A great show. You are about to be camped out on the couch for a bit, at first recovering, and then feeding around the clock. A great show that you can dive into and look forward to is the gift that keeps on giving. Bonus points if it's non baby related, lighthearted and a comedy. Stay away from the scary and emotional, because you know hormones. 

2. Cute and comfortable clothing. Simply something that makes you feel put together that is not pajamas, is cozy to be in, and easy to button, lift etc. Now is not the time for backless tops, sticky bras, and super tight pants. Just trust me on that one. 

3. Starbucks gift card. A seasoned Mama gifted us with one at our sip and see, and in the card wrote "just for you", and now this is my go to for anyone who just had a baby. It's the perfect little outing for you and baby, without you ever having to get out of the car. Maybe you will use it for coffee, or maybe you will get a milkshake. That's between you and the barista. 

4. Favorite shower products. As a new Mom, a nice long (read longer than 3 minutes) shower can make you feel like a new person. Splurge ahead of time, and stock up on your favorite body wash, exfoliate, and lotions. Something that smells amazing and instantly relaxes you. 

5. Play dates. Not for the babies, for the Mommies. One of the best gifts you can give yourself is time with friends, who are in the same season you're in, because they get it. When Everette was born, many friends of ours also had young babies, which means all you have to do is come over, because they have all the baby things at their house too. It's a win win for everyone. 

Yes, you need the diapers and onesies and pacifiers, but you need these things too. Probably much more than you realize. Self care is not selfish. You have to take care of yourself to take care of that precious baby, so here's to you! 

Coffee Talk

Hi friends! Happy Thursday! If we were sitting down and having coffee together today, here are a few things that might come up, so grab your cub! 

1. We would most certainly be having iced coffee, or maybe even a frappuccino because my goodness it is smoking outside! I read a post the other day that said, "who needs to go to the gym when I get to buckle, and unbuckle and buckle my child in and out of their car seat 10 times a day in this heat?" Accurate. 

2. I feel like over the summer our home as become a little more thrown together, and I find myself just shutting doors to avoid the clutter, but with fall on the horizon I'm itching to get organized again, starting with our pantry. I have a fun collaboration coming up at the end of the month so stay tuned! What part of your home needs the most attention? 

3. Over the last 11 months I have tried to fully embrace the Mom life, and now it's time I fully embrace the Mom car. Before I drove a mid size SUV and it fits me and baby just fine, but when you add my husband, or a friend it's a touch snug, so this week I traded and moved on up, and I gotta say I am loving it. 

4. Whatcha watching? I posted on my instagram story a few weeks back that we were searching for a new show to dive into, but it's so tricky because I feel like we have already watched the best ones. new baby life ya know? Lot of nights in and a lot of nursing sessions over the past year. I received a lot of great suggestions and we have really gotten into The Newsroom, but I'd love to know what you are binging these days? 

5. Everette's first birthday is at the end of next week, and I go between being wrecked about it, total disbelief, and just so excited to celebrate her. Emotional roller coaster of such bitter sweetness, but I am learning that is just how motherhood works. All aboard the hot mess express over here. I'll keep you posted. 

Baby Friendly

Before we got ever pregnant, people always liked to warn me how much the aesthetic our home would change once we had a baby, and to be honest some days it looks like amazon threw up all over my living floor, and most days our laundry room looks like a baby dry cleaners, but overall I feel like we have still been able to maintain the former look of our home, while adapting and making it baby friendly. Below are my top tips! 

1. Slipcovers. Before Everette was born our sofa and love seat cushions were made out of a really beautiful textured white fabric. We bought that furniture when we were engaged, and it was still in pristine condition, but I knew I didn't want to be that Mommy that gets upset over spit ups and spills so we removed that fabric, packed it away for now, and had the furniture slip covered, and it has been amazing. 

The slipcovers were made for the furniture so they fit perfectly, they are incredibly soft, and super cost effective. All I do is unzip the cushions, and literally throw them in the washing machine for a crisp fresh look. No fuss or frustration and before with our previous fabric, I always noticed guests were nervous to sit down and get comfortable, but now friends, babysitters and grandparents cozy right up, which is the goal because we want our home to be inviting to all! 

2. Neutral necessities. It's no secret that baby's have a lot of gear. Swings, rock and plays, walkers, highchairs, toys, etc and as much as you use these items, who wants to be constantly pulling them in and out? Not me. When we were shopping for baby products we naturally gravitated towards items that were more neutral, and would blend in well with the colors and style of our home. This allows you to have what you need out and about, but keeps you from feeling like it's a constant eye sore. 

3. Baskets and blankets. If you came over right now and walked in our living room, there would no doubt be a blanket or mat on the living floor and a plethora of baby toys spewed throughout. Our rug is not the softest for that baby skin (something I never considered when we purchased it 5 1/2 years ago, but something I will absolutely consider next time) so we always have a blanket down for Everette to scoot around on. We also have 6 grey baskets that we store her toys in and when we are done, we toss them in the baskets and hide them in the built ins. The living room goes from a baby play yard back to normal in less than 1 minute. 

4. A quick clean. I touched on this in the previous tip, but at the end of the day after Everette has gone to bed, but before we go to bed, we do a quick sweep of the down stairs and put everything back in the cabinets, fold up the blankets, tuck the high chair away etc. Yes, we are just going to drag it all out again in the morning, but I rest better knowing everything is back in its place and I don't wake up to a mess. Takes less than 5 minutes and is a total game changer. 

5. Live in it. Have you ever seen the sign that says " Excuse the mess, the children are making memories"? Yes, I value a tidy home, and yes I prefer things a certain way, but we live here, and I spend more time at home now than ever before, which results in more dirty dishes, more laundry, and just more messes, and that's OK. That is the season of life that I am in, and I'm embracing it. Homes are meant to be lived in, not treated like a museum. So our hardwood floors have countless scratches from the high chair and walker, and our counter tops have what feels like a permanent film on them from puffs and bottles, but our. home has never been filled with more love, and love covers a multitude of sins. 

Comfort Food

Happy Friday friends! It seems as though the rain will never stop, and I don't know about you but it has me craving all the comfort food. Last week, some of you reached out and asked for more recipes, and these are some of our family favorites. They are easy and delicious and I hope your family loves them as much as mine. Here's to a cozy weekend! 

Spaghetti Sauce 

Ingredients: 
1 1/2 lbs. ground beef 
1/2 chopped onion 
1 1/2 tsp. garlic salt 
1 1/2 tsp. chili powder 
25-30 oz. tomato sauce 
8-10 oz. water 
1/4 tsp. pepper
3-4 bay leaves 
2 tbsp. worcestershire 
1 tsp. oregano 
1 small can tomato paste 
dash of salt and pepper 

Brown and drain ground beef. Add onions and brown. Add in worcestershire, garlic salt, chili powder, oregano, salt and pepper. Add tomato paste, sauce and water. Cover and simmer for 2 hours longer, stirring occasionally. 


Beef Stroganoff 

Ingredients: 
3 lbs. lean stew beef 
1 can golden mushroom soup
1 can french onion soup 
3/4 cup of red cooking wine 
4 oz. sour cream 

Combine all ingredients in a covered casserole dish at 350 degrees for 3-4 hours. Serve over broad egg noddles.