10 Weeks to Go!

This pregnancy is flying by! So far it’s been really, really wonderful and also super weird. I mean, I’d be lying if I didn’t mention that it feels more like being over-taken by an alien when this boy  really gets moving than like a nice serene miracle of life moment. No complaints here, though. I am so grateful to get to be his mommy-to-be.

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My stomach has stretched past what I thought was possible and we still have 10 more weeks to go! This week our doctor told us that he’s on track to be a cute, chubby, healthy baby boy. We’re doing out best to prep the other “boys”, but I think that they are in for a big surprise! Poor little dogs won’t know what hit ‘em.

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Things I Love: Spring Edition

It’s finally spring! At least, it is today. It might snow tomorrow. St. Louis weather is finicky! But, no matter what the weatherman says, I’m already preparing for spring. Our winter coats have been pushed to the back of the closet and I’m trying to decide what the best pair of flip flops for these pregnant feet will be this summer.

Here are a few products that I’m enjoying that are helping me celebrate the beginning of warmer, sunnier weather!

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  1. Contigo Water Bottle – We bought these in a two pack at Costco and haven’t looked back. I love that this water bottle has a straw. I’ve found that having one leads to me drinking much more water throughout the day.
  2. LaCroix Lime – Again, purchased in a giant pack at Costco, this is a recent favorite. It’s the perfect drink to pour into a pretty glass with a slice of lime and drink on the patio after work. Since I’m off the cocktail wagon for a few more months it’s nice to have a drink that still feels fancy!
  3. Gentle Leader – Without the gentle leader our boys are beasts to walk. They only weigh about 20lbs each but when they aren’t being gently lead it’s hard to keep them on the path. Having one of these for each of them makes going for a quick walk a more enjoyable and frequent experience.
  4. Simple Human Compost Bin – Our garden is about to yield it’s first round of produce and we’re stocking up on more fresh foods at the grocery each week. As a result, the composter is back in action after a sad, slow winter. This bin is pricey, but worth every penny. We’ve used it for over a year now and I’ve never, ever, even once smelled grossness in my kitchen.

What are your favorite things this spring?

Joyeux Noël

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Have yourself a merry little Christmas!
Let your heart be light.

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Here we are as in olden days,
Happy golden days of yore.
Faithful friends who are dear to us
Gather near to us once more.

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The people who walked in darkness
have seen a great light;
those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness,
on them has light shone.
(Isaiah 9:2 ESV)

Today

I wish it were cold enough for a snow day. How awesome would it be to be at home, in sweat pants, drinking hot chocolate, and napping on the sofa with this guy.

 

Turning 31

Last week I celebrated my thirty first birthday. Thirty. One. Dang. My darling husband took me away for a two day stay-cation to celebrate. To step back from life and breathe.

We enjoyed some fine cocktails at the rooftop bar. We sat in the sunshine and read books for hours. We browsed the record shop until we found just enough Yacht Rock to go home with.

Then we went home and eased our way back into real life. A slow birthday breakfast at my favorite local diner. Snuggling with the boys. Flowers, presents, and a home-made dinner with the man I love.

Blessed be the LORD,
for he has wondrously shown his steadfast love to me
when I was in a besieged city.
I had said in my alarm,
“I am cut off from your sight.”
But you heard the voice of my pleas for mercy
when I cried to you for help.
Love the LORD, all you his saints!
The LORD preserves the faithful
but abundantly repays the one who acts in pride.
Be strong, and let your heart take courage,
all you who wait for the LORD!
(Psalm 31:21-24 ESV)

This Weekend

This was a full weekend. There’s a lot going on right now, but we made time for the garden (cold-weather crops out! summer crops in!) and a few naps with the boys.

The Volvo 2012 National Meet Up was in St. Louis on Saturday!!! There were some pretty cool Volvos on display. My favorite was a yellow Volvo 100 wagon. Loved it! We enjoyed walking in the sunshine and getting to know other Volvo-lovers. The boys came with us and made a few friends of their own.

Saturday evening was spent in the park across the street with many of our favorite neighbors listening to some great live music and watching Happy Feet 2 on a big screen. Even Mayor Slay was there and stopped to chat with us for a while! The company was great, but I’d skip Happy Feet if I were you….it was weird. Still, no matter how cheesy the movie, sitting outside on a blanket eating fresh popped corn with friends always makes for a great summer night. Here’s to the start of a wonderful season!

Slow Fridays

Do you listen to Joy the Baker and Tracy from Shutterbean’s podcast on Homefries? You probably should. It’s hilarious. I love listening to Joy and Tracy, as well as Simple Mom while I’m working. Such entertainment!

Recently Joy and Tracy handed out a little homework to their listeners…blog about 5 of your favorite things. So, here they are! These are five of the things I’m digging right now.

My parents gave us this vase for our wedding. I think it’s just the most beautiful thing ever. It reminds be of our Dogtown neighborhood and Irish heritage, family, and spring. Right now it’s on our dining room table filled with roses from our garden and theirs.

I love these boys. They drive me crazy, but they are still my best snuggle-buddies. Yes, they have claimed the guest bedroom for themselves and are currently holding the bed hostage.

I can’t get enough! I’ve made Lemon, Chocolate with Mint Icing, and Red Wine Dark Chocolate with Blackberry filling. What should my next flavor be? I’m thinking maybe caramel….

I love where we live and I love the people we live here with. I’m thrilled that summertime is almost here and our patio will once again be filled with friends and neighbors and grilled chicken.

There are blueberries and chard and kale and carrots and…..well, there’s an entire summer’s worth of meals growing in our backyard and I love it.

Check out some of my favorite products this spring.

Meet the Boys

 

Hank and Ike are our boys. We know they are dogs, but if you knew them you’d know they have more than their fair share of personality. We love them. They are my best snuggle partners and what I miss most when we travel away from home.

 

 

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