LYDS WAS HERE.

oh, hey, crapfaced blog.

2012-02-16T18:53:00.000-06:00

Sooo, my blog basically looks like a bit fugly and plain right now. I'm wanting a new look for the new season, so it's kind of "Under Construction" currently. Forgive me?

the best valentine.

2012-02-16T12:35:00.002-06:00

{BFFs.}

(this picture is old. she was tiny, sigh.)

Josh got me some pretty sweet gifts for Valentine's Day, but I'm pretty sure Tatum got the best of all. He got her the cutest card with a heart shaped pizza on the front and wrote her the following letter:

Tatum, You're so beautiful.
I can't imagine not having you.
You make me so happy and I love you so much.
I can't wait to see you grow up.
You're my perfect little daughter.
I love you.

I'm definitely saving this for her. She'll love it someday.

Tatum is so lucky to have him for a Dad.

And I think we're pretty lucky to have her for our daughter.

Lyds, Currently...

2012-02-13T17:05:00.005-06:00

I love Danielle's "Currently..." posts. I did one a couple of weeks ago for Chelsey's giveaway and thought it was a fun post. So I decided I'd like to implement it as a new feature on le blog.

Obsessing over... Blythes. I really want to get one soon. Or 50.

Working on... this blog post! That's a total cheater answer, but I can't think of anything else?

Thinking about... what Josh possibly got me for Valentine's Day. I'm dying to know. I seriously can't figure out what it possibly is! Also thinking about what on earth I should get him. I'm clueless. (I know the big day is tomorrow, but we're exchanging late, because the etsy seller he purchased from couldn't ship til that day.)

Anticipating... Meeting some of my online mom friends next month! We're getting together in Chicago for a Relay for Life event.

Listening to... the hum of a fan running on high, as white noise for Tatum's nap.

Eating... nothing. I am, however, drinking coffee. Typical Lyds.

Wishing, Hoping, Praying... For my friend Jessica's health. She was recently diagnosed with early stage breast cancer. She is one of my mom friends as well, and actually the reason some of us are getting together for R4L.

Have a great week!

Fit Friday: Let's Begin.

2012-02-10T17:59:00.001-06:00

In January, I posted about my goals for 2012 (Didn't everybody?). One of these being that I want to lose weight (Who doesn't?). So, I've decided to start blogging about this "journey" of sorts. Partially to hold me accountable, I guess + also because some people requested it, saying they thought it would be encouraging and things like that. And I'm all about helping you guys out, so I'm in. Let's begin!

---

These are obviously not the cutest photos, nor are they very..."revealing." I have some of those, but don't feel comfortable sharing them yet. Perhaps when I've shown some progress, I'll share those to compare.

Anyways.

I'm 5'6".

Pre-Baby I weighed 168.

At the end of my pregnancy: 195.

Right after giving birth: 173.

Currently: 180.

I am pretty overweight. 2009 is when I started gaining, and prior to that, I only weighed 120 lbs. It's hard for me to even imagine being that small and what I would look like, but I really hope to get there. All of this extra weight has put my body in pretty rough shape, so I don't just want to lose to feel prettier, but to just generally feel better.

I lost nothing in January. Lost nothing so far this month. I even purchased a WW subscription and haven't really used it. The only thing holding me back is pure laziness and that is RE-diculous.

I have so many reasons for wanting to get healthy and lose weight. I can't figure out why those things don't beat out my laziness...I need a Jillian moment. (Biggest Loser fans will know to what I am referring.)

I started doing the Insanity workout in January. I did it for a week, then the day before my rest day I pulled a muscle in my knee. So I rested on my rest day, rested the day after, rested the day again...And so on and so on. Being conscious of my diet and eating habits went out the window right along with that.

This post is pretty all over the place. But I'm just trying to write really open and honestly, so this is what you get.

Hopefully I won't be a big, fat (literally) failure like the typical New Year cliche. I know that I just have to do it. (Hello, Nike.) I have to make myself change, something has to click within me for true change to happen. But I have to make the effort in order for that to occur.

SO MUCH RAMBLING. BAH.

This was hard to post. Sigh.

*I don't know if this will be weekly, bi-weekly, whatever yet. So if there isn't a post on this next week, don't just think I'm being a loser. Thanks! : )

For Anyone Who Likes Cute Babies...

2012-02-07T19:50:00.001-06:00

This post is for you.

So far, San Francisco has been great. We haven't done anything "touristy" yet, and that stuff will probably be kept to a minimum this time, since we did some of it last year. Our big plans for this time around are to go to Alcatraz (beyond excited!) and to the Walt Disney Family Museum (beyond excited again!).

Basically we've just done some shopping + eating. Which I'm totally fine with. Because I love both of those things. : )

//Toms Shoes Giveaway Winner//

2012-01-31T19:35:00.000-06:00

The winner of the Toms Shoes Giveaway was:

Yay! Congratulations, SGT! : )

Currently:

2012-01-30T20:21:00.004-06:00

Obsessing Over: the television show "Parenthood." Like, I love it so, so much. I'd never watched it before last week. And I am now all caught up. It's just such a great show!

Working On: Cleaning the house and packing for our big trip.

Thinking About: Our trip to San Francisco! I'm so excited. A little nervous for our flights, though!

Anticipating: Yep, you guessed it...San Francisco! We're heading over there for a month.

Listening to: A snoring babe. She is her father's daughter. : )

Eating: Nothing! However, I did eat a GIANT plate of asparagus about an hour ago. Love asparagus.

Wishing, Hoping, Praying: For a safe and non-stressful morning and flight!

Linking up withThe Paper Mama for her Self Photo Challenge!

Tatum Style: Just Being a Diva.

2012-01-26T03:14:00.000-06:00

This outfit was what T was initially wearing when I took her 2 month photos. She hated every second of her life that was spent in this outfit. Things started out pretty okay, but turned ugly fast. And like I mentioned in her 2 month post, she is super impatient, so that's no fun.

I love this jacket. "We are all made of stars."

From this...

...to this. In 2 seconds flat.

// hat: Cute Kid Couture on Etsy // jacket: 77 kids // jeans: 77 kids //

I mean...being a baby is really tough. Tatum knows.

baby feets.

2012-01-25T03:42:00.000-06:00

Teeny, tiny, cutesy toes.

For now at least.

Unfortunately, she got my feet. : )

-----

I wanted to note that I'm linking up for The Paper Mama photo challenge for the week.

Tatum Auden: 2 Months.

2012-01-24T04:12:00.002-06:00

Weight: 10 lbs. 5.5 oz. (50%)

Height: 24 inches. (75%)

Head Circ.: 15 inches. (75%)

Doesn't she look like a baby giant in that first picture? She does to me. Just so tall-ish.

Getting these pictures was like World War 3 over here. Sheesh. She was seriously in diva mode. Don't let these pictures fool you. Those pictures I have saved for another post. I think it had something to do with the fact that she was fully dressed and hating it.

Uh-oh. I hope that isn't a sign for things to come...

Tatum, I'm watching you.

Loves

bath time.

the word "daddy."

kicking.

tummy time.

snuggling.

bumbo-ing.

Hates

slowness. seriously, she can get SO impatient.

This month I began...

smiling! constantly!

She smiles a crazy amount. It's the best ever. I'm always looking down at her to find her just staring at me and smiling.

She even smiles about stupid stuff. Like when I bonk her on the head with her bottle over + over. (Gently, duh.)

This kid. Sigh.

Thermos: A Story Better Than the Title Sounds. Maybe.

2012-01-23T02:42:00.000-06:00

{unrelated, yet semi-related baby photo (semi-related in that she is cute, like thermoses, apparently)}

I have something to tell you.
I AM the "$#*% Girls Say" video.

And here is why I feel that way:

A few days ago, our little family had an hour to kill while we were waiting to head over to our friends' house for the evening. So, we decided (read: me, I decided) that we should spend that time at Target. I mean, really. Where else?

Something that you guys should know is that one of Josh's many nicknames for me is "Browsey Barn." I don't really see what the heck is so bad about browsing, but APPAAARENTLY...it's dreadful. Or something.

On this particular Target adventure, my Browsey sights were set on--brace yourselves--Thermoses. I just kept seeing so. many. cute thermoses! And I kept exclaiming, "Aww, this one is adorable!" "SO cute!" Josh just kept making fun of me. (Um, why?)
At one point, he even texted a picture of me, looking at the thermoses, to a friend. Can't a girl just live her life?

Finally, Josh tells me that I've been looking at the thermoses for 15 minutes. FIFTEEN. This wasn't even an exaggeration. How does this happen? Who am I?

And the best part is that I walked away with a grey-ish, clear one that was on clearance for a dollar. Oh, Lyds. Bless ya.

**Have you entered my Toms Shoes Giveaway yet? You haven't?! Get after it!**

bath time = best time.

2012-01-10T01:46:00.001-06:00

This little lady loooves bath time. I'm a pretty big fan myself! Recently, I started getting in the bath with her, and it's way better. So much easier and lots more fun. She can get a lot more into it, which she seems to really enjoy. I love our special times together.

Happy 25th Birthday, Husband.

2012-01-09T02:22:00.001-06:00

Josh turned 25 on December 27th. I'm just now getting around to doing a birthday post, because I'm a terrible wife. Just kidding! I'm just still playing catchup. We did absolutely nothing on his birthday...Now THAT probably makes me a terrible wife, but he's just not super into this kinda stuff. So it's hard to figure out what to do! I did get him a birthday present, though. (I'm not all bad!) Some headphones he'd been wanting.

I decided I'd write some things that I love about Josh...So. Hey, two presents!

I love how hardworking he is. He is so great at supporting our family + because of this I get to be a stay at home mom, which is important to both of us!

His spontaneity. See the following posts: A Pig Surprise + BRB, Going to San Fran!

He's adventurous! He wants to start trying to get his pilot's license soon...Totally terrifies me, but we're talking about it.

He is SUCH a great dad. Like, the best ever. Tatum is so, so lucky/blessed.

He knows how to deal with this hot mess (me). Something you might not know about me is that I have a huge temper and I'm super emotional. Sometimes this gets the best of me, but Josh always knows how to deal with the situation and help me out.

I love how much he respects his parents + values their opinions. I really admire this in him.

His silliness.

How forgiving he is.

His generosity.

His unbelievable helpfulness.

How appreciative he is.

He's basically just totally, completely, 100% wonderful.

Except for the following:

Just kidding! Hahah.

The Christmas Photo.

2012-01-07T05:24:00.002-06:00

Every year at our Christmas morning get together my family takes a Christmas family photo. It tends to take about a million years, since there are so many kids (okay, three.) involved, and it can get super frustrating to be perfectly honest. This year we had a little incident with the camera, though, and it was actually pretty funny.

{This was actually a pretty good start for us, but then it turned out the camera was on "Continuous."}

{I love how confused my mom looks + that my dad did not get the memo to get dressed.}

{And here I like how happy my mom looks and that it seems like my Grandma is being sassy.}

{Uncle's girlfriend and I are looking suuuper great. At least she was trying to be funny...}

{Please love the next few photos where my mom and littlest siblings basically go crazy.}

{Mostly my mom.}

{My brother (orange) is one of the greatest things I've ever seen. Also, I love this picture of my Mom.}

{Pretty good...Except for Ol' Crazy Eyes (Tori, far left) and Frown Town (Josh).}

{The final product.}

2012: Goals, Resolutions.

2012-01-05T05:12:00.000-06:00

{family photo}

I'm really excited for 2012. I just have a really good feeling about this year and can't wait to see what it will bring to my new little family!

While I do think that every day is an opportunity to start fresh, there's just something about the feeling of the "New Year." And with how last year was, with being pregnant and then having a baby at the end of the year...waiting until the New Year to make some of these changes (resolutions) just seemed like the fun thing to do. And the others, well, at the beginning just seemed like the right place to start.

2012 Goals

-----

1.) Weight. I actually made this same resolution last year. (Although, I think I've tacked on a few more lbs. this time around!) But then a month into it, and a few lbs. down, I found out I was pregnant with Tatum. So there went that goal! But I'm back at it this year. And I know everyone says this kind of stuff--but I really think I can do this. The goal is to lose about 60 lbs. I'm thinking about doing weekly-ish updates on progress. I guess you'll just have to wait and see. : )

2.) Blogging. Last year, I pretty much put blogging on the back burner. I want to completely change that this year. I really enjoy blogging and all of the great ladies I've met through doing so. I want to make sure to continue blogging from a place of fun and not obligation, though. I want to try to blog at least five times a week, keeping better documentation of our family life.

3.) Wife/Mom. I basically just want to be the best wife and mom I can be. Note: I was obviously striving for this prior to 2012, as well. : )

4.) Painting. I want to get back into painting. I really love it and miss it. I think I only made four pieces last year that I was actually happy with. LAME. This year, I want to paint one piece per week.

5.) Store. I plan to FINALLY open up my vintage/art business. By February!

6.) Reading. The goal is to read at least 50 books in 2012. Pretty sure I can do it! I already have 1.5 complete.

Yeah! So, that's that. Did you post about your goals/resolutions? Leave a link in the comments! I'd love to read yours.

January Giveaway//TOMS shoes + Book!

2012-01-01T22:22:00.000-06:00

Back in October I contacted TOMS shoes about participating in their "Books for Bloggers" program. I was accepted into it and was sent two copies of Blake Mycoskie's new book, "Start Something That Matters." One copy to keep for myself, another to giveaway on my blog. After deciding to do this, I thought it would also be a fun addition to the giveaway to throw in a pair of TOMS shoes!

So, this giveaway includes:

1. Blake Mycoskie's book, "Start Something That Matters."
2. A pair of TOMS (up to a $54 value).

So, shoes are pretty awesome, but the book is really great too! I honestly really enjoyed it and think most people would. It's super inspiring! (I mean, look who wrote it...) It was fun and interesting to learn the history of TOMS and how it all came together. And not only do you hear stories about/from Blake Mycoskie, but other brands and companies who are working towards something bigger, "something that matters." This book is definitely worth reading, in my opinion, and it's even a quick read. Seriously--it'll probably take you a day, maybe two.

**This giveaway is open to anyone and everyone! I'd love it if you decided to become a follower of my blog, if you aren't already, after entering the giveaway, but only because you love it, not because it's a requirement.**

To initally enter the giveaway:

1. Leave a comment on my blog telling me what you are most excited about for 2012. And leave your name and email address, too! (1 entry.)

For extra entries: be sure to leave a comment for each additional!

2. Tweet/Facebook about this giveaway, providing a link. (2 entries.)

3. Blog about this giveaway, even just a small mention in one of your regular posts, just be sure to link back! (3 entries.)

**This giveaway will end on January 31st.**

Good luck! And Happy New Year! I hope 2012 is your best yet. : )

See You in 2012.

2011-12-31T00:17:00.002-06:00

I'm making 2012 the year of the blog. I have really big hopes + goals for this little guy (the blog).

You'll be seeing a lot more of us!

Tatum Auden: One Month.

2011-12-20T23:03:00.001-06:00

Little late on this, but Tatum is now one month old. (Actually: one month, four days.) I am loving every minute of this mom business. Even those moments that I don't love so much in the moment...I love them later. Because I know how much I'll miss them someday. I know that sounds super sappy and ridiculous, but it's true, so I don't really care. She's the best.

She's getting so big. I see it mostly in the size of her head. Sad, but true. Sometimes I just look at that big ol' head and want to cry, because she's groooowing. (She doesn't actually have a big head. Just...bigger than it used to be. And I like to tease her about it.)

She's also dealing with a pretty bad bout of baby acne right now. (HAHA. Pimplefaced!) Seriously, though. She's super pimply.

She's getting more "aware" now. And smiley! She had her first "real" smiles yesterday. Josh was the recipient of both. (I may have cried a little.) It was nice to see how happy it made him, though. Seriously, so sweet. And she has smiled at me a couple of times today now, too. So we're even! : )

Seriously? Holy cow, guys. I can't even tell you how much I love this baby. I mean...look at that ^ face. I DIE. For real.

Speaking of that face, though. Josh and I always talk about her forehead wrinkles. Because, let's face it, they are hilarious. I mean, why are they so high on her head? And she ALWAYS has them. It's great.

Siiiigh. In love!

Anecdote: Tatum fell asleep in her Santa outfit earlier, and Josh carried her in the room and told me, "Looks like Santa's going to be a little too sleepy to deliver the presents this year!" Oh, Josh. You're hilarious. : )

OUTTAKES:

{What? Don't you let your babies eat candy canes?}

{Double fistin'.}

Tatum Auden: 3 Weeks.

2011-12-07T07:33:00.001-06:00

Time is flyyyying. Part of me gets excited for her getting bigger + another part gets all sorts of heartbroken. Sometimes I just feel like, can't she just stay this tiny forever? But then, I think, "No. No, she can't. Because a walking, talking, basically bald, 2 foot tall person would just be terrifying." Seriously. Just try to really envision that for a second.

Right now, this little lady has a really bad cold, which I'm pretty sure she caught from me. I feel so bad about it, but Josh just reminds me that it was probably inevitable, since I'm always all up in her grill. It's super tough watching her struggle with the sickness, but hopefully we're getting towards the end of it. I honestly don't know what I'd do without Josh. He's in charge of the nose drops + snot sucking. (I'm too scared of it!) He's the best dad ever. I'm so proud of him. Watching him with Tatum just makes me love him more + more each and every day.

Even though she was sick, Tatum was happy to oblige + participate in her 3 week photos. (Which were actually taken on Monday, but whatever.) And despite her cold--she still looked cute as ever. Duh.

How cute is her sweater? It's my favorite item of the clothing she currently owns. (It's from 77kids, for those curious!) It's still a little (super) big on her, but I just really wanted to see her in it.

{Sometimes she looks a lot like me + it's funny!}

Giant sweaters + furry rug photo shoots...This baby tolerates me so well.

OUTTAKES:

{"Oh, this isn't a giant tissue?"}

take care.

2011-12-05T20:37:00.001-06:00

Something that is really important to me as a mom, as a person, is to stay true to myself + continue to take care of myself. At times, that is easier said than done. At other times, I just want to slum around. But when I DO feel like taking the time to look nice, I thankfully have a really great husband who helps me out so I can do just that.

{i finally got to wear these heels that i bought like, two months ago!}

//sweater: F21// shirt: F21// jeans: target// shoes: target//

Getting dressed and ready for the day, or even just for a quick outing, always makes me feel better. It makes me feel good about myself, which in turn makes for a good mood and a good day!

Tatum: 2 Weeks.

2011-12-02T07:07:00.001-06:00

Hard to believe, but I've been a mom for two whole weeks now! (Two weeks, two days to be technical.) It has been amazing. Like, the absolute best ever. We were blessed with basically the easiest baby in the world. We know that that has the potential to change, of course, but we are so thankful that these first few weeks of being parents have been such a breeze. Don't get me wrong, it has definitely been an adjustment, but all of the changes are beyond worth it.

We love her so much! Obviously. Sometimes I just have quiet, mini-freakouts when I look at her. Seriously. Like, I'll look at her, and be all, "Oh my gosh. Holy crap! Holy crap! She's so freaking great!" I just can't help it. This happens multiple times a day.

Josh gives her kisses all the time, which totally kills me, because he doesn't really seem like the kissy type. But he totally is, you guys! It's adorable.

We are loving being parents! Especially to this little lady. It's fun, wonderful, happy, funny, and just all around amazing.

* Thank you so much to all of you who have left sweet comments regarding the new babe! You have all been so wonderful and encouraging. We really love and appreciate you all! XO.

Tatum Auden: A Birth Story. (Image Heavy!)

2011-11-29T05:46:00.001-06:00

{I listened to this song on repeat the entire morning. I suggest you press play and listen now.}

I didn't sleep at all the night before my induction. Seriously, how could I? I stayed up all night watching television, working on my birth playlist (never even used it!), and being emotional (duhz).
We had to be to the hospital by 6 am, so I started preparing things and getting ready around 4 am. It felt very odd to be getting ready (fixing my hair and such) to go to the birth of my baby. I had been a little bummed that I was missing out on the "surprise factor" of labor. But on this morning, I didn't care anymore. I was just excited, nervous, and so ready to meet her.

We (me + Josh, it was only the two of us at her birth.) were just hanging out in our room at the hospital for awhile. The induction finally began around 7:30. And just a bit later, my doctor came in to break my water. That was a crazy feeling. When my water rushed out, I said, "Whoa!" And everyone laughed. (I'm a riot.) To be perfectly honest, most of this day--past that point, is a blur. I had planned on going med free for the birth, but after awhile my contractions were making me feel incredibly nauseous, which actually felt worse than the pain of the contractions. I told my nurse and she offered to give me Zofran. I debated for awhile, but decided I would go for it.

The Zofran helped tremendously. I felt so, so much better. I was even able to nap a tiny bit here + there. I could feel my contractions, but I didn't really mind them anymore. A few hours later, we discovered this was because I had been given another medicine--a pain medicine--in addition to the Zofran. I was kind of upset about this for a few minutes, because I'm basically 100% certain that the nurse didn't mention it. If this were only my opinion, that would be one thing, but Josh says he doesn't think she said anything about it, either. I didn't say anything to the nurse, because I'm sure it was just a miscommunication, and also because I opted to receive the medicine again.

After some time those drugs wore off, and I couldn't receive them any more, because I had progressed too far for them.

At some point in the day, I received a new nurse due to a shift change. I loved both of my nurses, but this girl was my favorite. She was wonderful at putting me at ease and encouraging me, us. I never talked about this on the blog or to many people at all, but a part of me really believed that I was going to die in childbirth. There was a time in my pregnancy where I was crying every single day, because I just knew that I was going to die. I ended up telling this nurse my fear and after doing so, I felt so much better. She had such a calming presence and after talking with me, basically took this fear away.

Contractions were nothing like I expected. I don't really know what I thought they would be like...And there is no way to describe them. At all. All I can say about them is that they are crazy painful, and I can't believe how they affected me. Josh told me later that he cried watching me deal with the pain. I was really surprised at how they made me act. I was totally the "crazy-lady-yelling-at-husband" type. Not the whole time! But a few times. And two of those times I pretty much FREAKED out. One of them I can't really remember anything about, I can just see it in my head. The other time was when I finally decided to give up entirely on the med-free business and get an epidural.

Josh and I had made a "code word" that morning, so he would know when I really wanted one. When I told him I needed the epidural, he kept wanting me to say the code word. This infuriated me. I think it was because we had chosen something really goofy and I didn't want to say it in front of anyone. The nurse said, "Everyone has a code word, and the girls never want to say it."

Finally, I gave in, "BARNEY STINSON! There, Josh, are you happy?! I said it!" (I was way, way more ignorant than that, but I can't remember the rest of what I said.)

So, I got the epidural. And even though it wasn't my original goal, I am happy I did it, and I don't regret it one bit.

I was at 8.5 cm when I received the epidural. And after getting it, I was able to nap for a couple of hours and I, obviously, felt so much better. My decision to get it was based on the fact that I was feeling terribly unhappy. I wasn't enjoying the experience at all, which I felt like I should have been. I didn't want to have any negative feelings during the birth whatsoever, and after the epidural I knew I wouldn't. And I didn't.

It did make things kind of weird, though...Example: It is super hard and creepy to hold your leg up, but feel like you are holding someone else's leg. It is also very gross to watch your legs be moved around and not feel it at all. Major heeby-jeebys!

The one thing I was worried about with the epidural was that it would slow my labor and pushing process. It didn't.

{*}

I was still able to push properly, even though I couldn't really feel it. I don't know why, but this made me kind of proud of myself. Totally lame, I know, but it encouraged me!

When I was pushing my nurse told me that she thought the baby had hair and asked if I wanted to watch. I shocked myself by saying yes. I didn't think I would want to, but I really did.

I'm not sure when it happened, but at one point the nurse checked me, and I wasn't ready yet. Then, a couple of minutes later she checked me again. While she was checking me, she was telling a nurse to call my doctor to come over. During the check, she corrected herself and told the nurse that the doctor needed to run, not walk, over there.

After my doctor arrived, we really got down to business, and she came fairly quickly.

{*}

This was the most amazing, beautiful moment of my life. I remember my doctor telling me to reach down and catch my baby. I got to deliver my own baby + that was the most incredible thing. I remember yelling, "Oh my gosh!", when I saw her for the first time. Josh says I said some other cheesy stuff, too. But, hello, I'm pretty sure that's to be expected. Also, there was obviously some crying happening. Not only from me + Tatum...Surprisingly, Josh cried, too.

Honestly, I still can't believe she is real. I can't believe this actually happened. I feel beyond blessed.

*A couple of these pictures are mildly embarrassing, but I wanted to share them, regardless. Even though they are sort of funny (seriously, it's okay to laugh.) they are so wonderful to me. I am so glad I have them to look back on, and see just how I felt in that moment. I love how real they are.

**I know the picture quality is rough, but I'm pretty sure that the nurse who took them isn't moonlighting as a photographer. Just a wild guess. : )

one week old.

2011-11-23T07:57:00.001-06:00

I'm going to be totally honest...Whenever bloggers would have babies + then have guest posters for a week or two, I always thought that was kind of silly. I know--I'm a jerk. I just didn't get it! Holy crap, I totally do now. I basically feel like I have time for nothing. I can't believe I'm actually writing a blog post right now. Sigh. Babies are hard work, yo!

So, I have a one week old baby. Already. It's so weird.

Anyways, here are some photos from this past week with our sweet baby lady:

Thanks for all of the sweet comments and encouraging words this past week! They have meant a lot to me. : )

Preview: Tatum's Nursery.

2011-11-13T22:25:00.001-06:00

{debbie carlos poster}

I'll be doing a "real" nursery tour once the room is actually finished, but I couldn't resist sharing these little peeks for now. It's really coming together + I'm basically loving what we've done with it. I can't wait 'til it's complete!

39 Weeks + I ♡ Leaves.

2011-11-08T03:55:00.000-06:00

{39 weeks.}

I can't believe my pregnancy is almost to its close. Other than a few aches + pains, I have actually really enjoyed being pregnant. I think I am pretty ready to be done, though. I'm just super ready to meet her. Josh is getting excited, too...which is the cutest ever + makes my heart so, so happy.

I'm also pretty thrilled at the idea of having my body to myself again. Not that I haven't loved being a baby house, but I'm excited to lose weight and get back to a healthy size + truly feel like myself again. (When I say healthy size, I am not referring to this body. I am referring to my pre-pregnancy body. I was slightly overweight.)

{sometimes my fingers get a lil' swelled, so i wear this 25cent ring josh got me in the beginning of us.}

{leaf city!}

Fall is so pretty on our street! Seriously, just beautiful. Also, I don't understand the point in raking leaves? It makes everything look so boring! Our yard is completely covered in leaves. (As you could see in the first photo.) Makes me happy!

A Pig Surprise.

2011-11-03T17:58:00.000-05:00

If you had to guess which of us was more impulsive, me or Josh, who would you choose? I think the people who know us in "real life" would think that it was me. But they would be wrong. Oh-so-wrong. I actually think that for the most part, I am pretty level-headed. Josh is too, but sometimes I have to be his voice of reason.

But sometimes the voice of reason is sleeping and cannot do her job. Sigh.

A few days ago, I was laying in bed. I had just woken up and was being lazy, not wanting to get out from under the covers. I could hear Josh walking to the bedroom, so I rolled over. He opened the door and was being really, really weird. I cannot even accurately describe his behavior...He was laughing like a crazy person and just kept saying, "I did a bad thing!" So, naturally, I'm freaking out like, "Oh my gosh! What did you do? WHAT DID YOU DO."

"I bought...I BOUGHT A PIG."

"No, you didn't! Oh my gosh, no you didn't!" He did.

I ran out to the living room, and sure enough, there she was. A little, tiny grey + pink pig. She was the cutest thing in the world. But, I knew we couldn't keep her. In fact, Josh had just encouraged me a few days previous to find a new home for the kitten we'd found, because it wouldn't be easy to travel, stay with family, move with her next her.

Apparently in his book pigs are a different story? I don't know.

I really wanted so badly to keep this little pig. I even had a list of possible names going! I had a pet pig when I was little (Arnold!) and had wanted another one for years + years. (Rip my heart out, why don't ya, Josh?!) But this was so not the right time to introduce a little pig into our family. (Even though it would have been really super cute for Tatum to have a miniature pig BFF named Petunia. Or Penelope.)

I would definitely recommend a pig for a pet, though. They're super sweet. This particular little lady loved belly rubs. : )

We definitely plan on getting one after we've found a place to call home for a few years. : )

What I Honestly Wore.

2011-11-02T21:19:00.000-05:00

{39 weeks!}

This is "what I honestly wore" for most of today. I was actually dressed earlier in the day + meant to take an outfit photo then, too...but was so tired when we got back home that I forgot! Oh, well.

See my new slippers? Aren't they the cutest? I bought them when we were out today, for my hospital stay. I love them.

{forever 21!}

As much as I super love my new slippers...

These amazing boots are the shoes I wish I'd actually left the mall with. You can find them on the Journey's website if you'd like to get me a Christmas present. : )

You can see part of what I wore today in this picture. It's a really comfy red/black/white cardigan. I wore it with the black t-shirts in my first picture, jeans, and black lace flats. Nothing too fancy!

What did you wear?

Husband-head ♡.

2011-11-02T05:59:00.000-05:00

{i love him.}

Josh and I are probably the most different that any two people could ever be. Seriously. There are very, very few things that we both enjoy/like/love/whatever. But, we enjoy/like/love/whatever each other...and that's what is actually important. There is this quote that I read a long time ago, back at the beginning of our relationship, that I liked + thought was cute, because it reminded me of Josh.

"I like you, because you like me, and you don't like much."

It's just so very him.

Sometimes it is a little difficult, almost never being on the same page. And I know that for some people that would spell trouble, but sometimes our differences are a good thing for us, too. He is what I need, and I am what he needs. And I'll take the differences + tough times, gladly. Because I like him. Because I love him.

P.S. After I began this post, I realized how creepy this picture of him is...I mean, he's my cutie of a husband and all, but when I was writing this...he was just...staring at me. Creep.

An Embarrassing Halloween.

2011-10-31T01:51:00.000-05:00

{my tumblr}

When I was little I thought it was so fun to help pass out the Halloween candy. I loved it. Probably because I felt like I was in charge or important or something like that. (I was kind of an obnoxious child.) (Kind of is an understatement.)

Anyways.

This one Halloween when I was about 7, I think, I was passing out the candy before we left to go Trick or Treating ourselves. My parents had a rule that we could only give one piece of candy per person. (In their defense, we lived in a super busy area of town and got TONS of trick or treaters. They weren't just cheap.) And I totally stuck to that rule...

So much so that when one little boy came to the door + I accidentally dropped two pieces of candy in his bag, I didn't hesitate to reach my hand back in and take one piece of candy from him.

I remember feeling so stupid when I was in the process of doing it, but it was one of those "No turning back" type of situations. And I can still picture his face looking at me like I was crazy.

Holiday Spirit: Halloween.

2011-10-27T19:10:00.000-05:00

I love Halloween! It's such a fun holiday and there's just so many neat things that come along with it. Here are some super cute things to make/buy/do this Halloween! (Well...maybe not buy. This post has come a little too late for that! But I'd buy this stuff just because.)

{ghost brooch}

{frankenstein marshmallow heads}

{skull ring}

{ghost garland}

{miss argentina}

{mummy lights}

I'm linking up for the Fall Follower Fest hosted by some really great blogs! Casey at The Weigands, Danielle at Changing Lanes, Ilene at Much Love Illy, and Jess at Boho Baby Bump. Fun! Are you linking up? You should! : )

the naked face challenge.

2011-10-21T18:15:00.000-05:00

I think it was about a week ago that Deanna from "Delirious Rhapsody" issued her "Naked Face Challenge." I had actually just taken a shower + was all fresh-faced as I read it...so I decided to take my naked face picture right then + there.

There's me! All makeup / product free! (Also, check out my sweet "New Dad 2011" t-shirt. It's Josh's. He bought it for $2 as a joke. So he says...)

I'll admit, I'm not the biggest fan of my face without makeup...My skin is kind of pink/red in areas + my eyes are kind of purple-ish/brown...but I'm not afraid to leave the house without it. Well...I'll usually at the very LEAST put on mascara--just to make me look more alert + such.

Yeah, so. That's my natural face. : )

*If you haven't yet, be sure to check out Deanna's blog! She's really funny and her son, Gage, definitely takes after her in that department. Her "Gage Says" posts are the greatest!

Hair Change.

2011-10-20T02:12:00.000-05:00

I have been super bored with my hair lately. I've been dying for some sort of a change, but haven't been exactly sure what to do with it. I know I don't want to cut it. I've been thinking about coloring/lightening it, but don't know if that's a good idea right now. (Not for safety reasons, more like "will i keep up with this after the baby is here at first?" reasons.) So, I felt pretty stuck on what to do.

Last night, I bought the new Nylon "It Girl" issue, featuring Elizabeth Olsen as the cover girl. Reading her article + seeing the pretty pictures of her, I just kept thinking how MUCH I loved her hair.

I've been hesitant to try a middle part or grow my bangs out, because I just didn't think I would be a fan of it for myself. The last time I had no bangs was when I was in junior high + let's just say I wasn't quite the "cutie" I am now. (Please detect the sarcasm.)
But after pretty much lusting over Elizabeth Olsen's hair for like, hours, I decided to use her as inspiration and give it a try on myself today.

I was super happy with the results! I actually think I'll probably start wearing my hair like this more often than not. I added the waves to my hair with a flat iron + used a sea salt spray to give it a bit of texture. Fun! I'm happy with the change! And I also love that it's totally reversible. (Not that I plan on going back any time soon!)

P.S. I'm totally loving EO right now. She is so lovely + I can't wait to see her new film "Martha Marcy May Marlene." Is anyone else planning to see it?

mama love : Prayer for a Daughter by Tina Fey♡

2011-10-18T14:00:00.000-05:00

I love Tina Fey. I seriously think she's really great and totally respect/admire/adore her. And I love her "Prayer for a Daughter." I have to say, I pray most of the same things for ol' T-Dawg.

------------------------------

Prayer for a Daughter
Tina Fey

First, Lord: No tattoos. May neither Chinese symbol for truth nor Winnie-the-Pooh holding the FSU logo stain her tender haunches.

May she be Beautiful but not Damaged, for it’s the Damage that draws the creepy soccer coach’s eye, not the Beauty.

When the Crystal Meth is offered, May she remember the parents who cut her grapes in half and stick with Beer.

Guide her, protect her:
When crossing the street, stepping onto boats, swimming in the ocean, swimming in pools, walking near pools, standing on the subway platform, crossing 86th Street, stepping off of boats, using mall restrooms, getting on and off escalators, driving on country roads while arguing, leaning on large windows, walking in parking lots, riding Ferris wheels, roller-coasters, log flumes, or anything called “Hell Drop,” “Tower of Torture,” or “The Death Spiral Rock ‘N Zero G Roll featuring Aerosmith,” and standing on any kind of balcony ever, anywhere, at any age.

Lead her away from Acting but not all the way to Finance. Something where she can make her own hours but still feel intellectually fulfilled and get outside sometimes. And not have to wear high heels.

What would that be, Lord? Architecture? Midwifery? Golf course design? I’m asking You, because if I knew, I’d be doing it, dammit.

May she play the Drums to the fiery rhythm of her Own Heart with the sinewy strength of her Own Arms, so she need Not Lie With Drummers.

Grant her a Rough Patch from twelve to seventeen. Let her draw horses and be interested in Barbies for much too long, For childhood is short – a Tiger Flower blooming Magenta for one day – And adulthood is long and dry-humping in cars will wait.

O Lord, break the Internet forever, That she may be spared the misspelled invective of her peers. And the online marketing campaign for Rape Hostel V: Girls Just Wanna Get Stabbed.

And when she one day turns on me and calls me a B!tch in front of Hollister, Give me the strength, Lord, to yank her directly into a cab in front of her friends, For I will not have that Shit. I will not have it.

And should she choose to be a Mother one day, be my eyes, Lord, that I may see her, lying on a blanket on the floor at 4:50 A.M., all-at-once exhausted, bored, and in love with the little creature whose poop is leaking up its back.

“My mother did this for me once,” she will realize as she cleans feces off her baby’s neck. “My mother did this for me.” And the delayed gratitude will wash over her as it does each generation and she will make a Mental Note to call me. And she will forget. But I’ll know, because I peeped it with Your God eyes.

Amen.

A new look!

2011-10-18T04:51:00.000-05:00

Thanks to the oh-so-creative Jess from "I Rock So What", this blog finally has a super cute look! I'm totally in love with it. Didn't she do an awesome job? She was also super speedy quick! And she is way affordable. So if you've been considering a new look--go talk to Jess. I bet she can set you up with the perfect look for you!

What do you think? : )

UPrinting Giveaway Winner!

2011-10-16T21:59:00.000-05:00

Congratulations, Lauren! You are the winner of the giveaway! You will be contacted soon about the prize. Thank you! : )

Unprepared: A List.

2011-10-16T16:39:00.000-05:00

+ Nursery Status-- Unfinished. Way, way unfinished.

+ Hospital bag-- Not packed.

+ Breastfeeding book-- Still needs read. And I can't find it.

+ Hypnobirthing book-- Not finished. Also missing.

+ Travel system-- What travel system? (Ordering tomorrow.)

Apparently I missed the memo that sometime in the next month I will have a baby.

Flashback Friday: Teenage Lydia.

2011-10-14T19:47:00.000-05:00

It really wasn't all that long ago, but most of you haven't seen me in my "younger days." As in high school age. These pictures are all about 3-4 years old + as you'll be able to see (in some) I was pretty awesome and all.

Like here, for example. I mean, how cute can you get? For the record, I am not being serious. We were mocking "scene kids." Even though...we basically were scene kids...Not to this extent, though. Promise. My eyeshadow, however, is serious. Don't hate. I used to wear super intense, crazy colored eye makeup. Usually I'd be wearing about 3-4 different colors at a time. Sometimes I miss that, but I don't think I could pull it off these days.

For those of you who don't know, I had a pretty huge "crush" on Josh long before we were ever married. Before we were friends, even. The only person who knew was my friend Morgan (pictured). Oh, and the whole world after this picture was made in Paint. : ) But we always joked about liking Josh + Jason (boy on right). So, this was another "joke."

Just driving around in good ol' Penny! My old toyota camry. She was a pretty good car. Also, I make cute faces, if you hadn't noticed.

18th birthday.

Leggings for pants (I'd still do it if I was thin, CAN'T CARE).

Crossing my fingers that I will someday be this small again. Mostly because I just want to feel like myself again. I hope that doesn't sound shallow...I just don't feel like my best me when I'm heavier. (Obviously not talking about right now, I'm pregnant, duh.)

Sidenote: I guess this was mine + Chelsey's go to pose. We look like a couple, haha.

See? Crazy eye makeup! P.S. One of those freckle sets is not real. Guess which ones! Also, totally not Italian.

Aw.

I hope you enjoyed this thrilling adventure through yesteryear. : )

+ I mentioned on Instagram that I'd be posting a DIY a couple of days ago. I've been lazy! It should be up tomorrow. : )

+ I'm going to be doing a really fun, neat giveaway really soon + I can't wait!

+ Speaking of giveaways, only one person has entered the label giveaway. That's not embarrassing or anything...So if you want to enter, you have a really good chance of winning! Just do it. If for nothing else than to help me to not feel like a giant loser. THANKS.

FALLing in ♡.

2011-10-11T15:52:00.001-05:00

I love that it's slowly, but surely, becoming Fall around here. The temperatures are still fairly warm, but I can now officially wear a hoodie and not melt, turn the heat on occasionally, and of course--enjoy a nice pumpkin spice coffee. A bit of a bummer that I can't have any pumpkin spice lattes currently, but I suppose the babe is worth it. : ) Besides, I found this great stuff (pictured above) while grocery shopping, and I'm pretty happy with it.

Right now, I'm pretty ready for it to cool down even more. I want scarves, fingerless gloves, heavier jackets and sweaters! Soon enough. And by the time all that is happening, I'll even have a little babe to be bundling up, too. : )

baby style: pretty cardigans + lace patterns.

2011-10-11T01:20:00.000-05:00

I've wanted these items from 77Kids for awhile now. But spending $50 on one cardigan alone for a baby seemed kind of ridiculous. So I figured I'd just have to pass it up. Let's just say I was a little more than excited when I found it on sale tonight, with an additional 50% off the sale price...knocking that $50 cardigan down to $20. Sales are so fun. : )

Since I saved so much on that sweater, I guess I rewarded myself by buying the other sweater + leggings. What? Totally deserved it. But hey, those items were on sale, too! And my total ended up being only $35. I'll take it!

Their clearance sale lasts until 10/11 at 11.59 p.m. Check it out!

baby love: lou and lee ♡

2011-10-10T13:54:00.000-05:00

{shop this headband}

One of my most favorite handmade for baby shops is Lou and Lee. They make the cutest felt + fabric headbands for babies, children, and even us grown-ups. Tatum already has a couple of their pieces + I can't wait to get some more!

click twice to vote! xo.

UPrinting: Custom Labels Giveaway!

2011-10-07T17:04:00.000-05:00

UPrinting.com is one of the versatile online printing companies. One of the products they offer is labels, even custom labels! And today, that is what they are offering one of you: 250 custom labels!

The labels are sized at 2"x3.5" + are printed on 70lb. label matte (front only). (Turnaround: four business days.) *Free shipping!*

I know a lot of you run your own businesses, so labels are a great tool for you to use. And for those of you who don't run a business, you can totally use them for other handy things, like address labels or whatever your heart desires. And how fun is it that they are CUSTOM labels?! Loving it. If you don't have a design already UPrinting even has an online design tool you can use.

To enter this giveaway:

+ You must be 18 years + older.
+ Be a U.S. resident.

If you meet those two, simple requirements--you can enter!

For extra entries:

+ Follow/Like UPrinting.com on Facebook or twitter.
+ Tweet/Blog/Facebook about this giveaway.
(Be sure to leave a separate comment for any additional entires!)

This giveaway will run until October 15th. On October 16th, the winner will be announced! Good luck. : )
(Don't forget to leave your name and email address!)

*Disclaimer: Sponsored by U-Printing.com. No monetary compensation. Can receive labels for hosting.

35 Weeks.

2011-10-05T13:43:00.000-05:00

I'm kind of sad that I abandoned "FFW"...but I just got super busy + I didn't even think of it 'til after it was already over! Bummer.
Anyways.
Like I said--super busy. We had our baby showers last weekend, so we were out of town for a few days. It was a lot of fun. We got so many lovely, generous gifts from friends and family. Tatum is super loved!

Now, we are playing catch-up and trying to get everything together before she actually gets here. I've already had a couple of friends, who were also due in November, have their babies. So, I'd be lying if I said that hadn't made me a little anxious/paranoid. I know the chances of her coming early are very low, but I hate that we're not totally, completely prepared yet. We should be ready in about two-ish weeks, though. I hope so!

Also, can someone PLEASE stop me from buying any more clothes? It's a sickness. I actually feel kind of bad about it. And jealous. I wish my wardrobe was as big as my daughter's...

Fall Fashion Week, Day 3.

2011-09-26T23:43:00.000-05:00

I'm super hoping I'll be able to sneak this post in to the link up just in the knick of time! As I'm writing this, I have yet to take my outfit photos, though. And Josh isn't home. So we'll see what happens! To save time, I figured I'd go ahead and write the post. : )

-----

Today I was supposed to have a meeting with a restaurant downtown, for them to review my art and see if they would be interested in displaying pieces in their restaurant + selling them. We went to the restaurant, but there was no one there. Luckily it's only like a two minute drive from my house. (Which also means that Red Velvet, Decades, Wild Honey + some other cute shops are only two minutes from me! Who knew!) So, I didn't get an answer today. But instead of going back and possibly not meeting again, I told them I'd just email them photos. Hopefully they'll get back to me soon! Crossing my fingers that it is a style that they'll be interested in.

Speaking of my art, I plan on re-opening my old Etsy shop soon. I'm excited! And I hope you will be, too. : )

{i'm holding Rilo in these pictures...not that you can tell.}

I'm also breaking my way into the world of cookie baking/decorating. I have no idea why. One night, I was browsing Pinterest, and I just had this overwhelming urge to start. I think it'll be really fun! If it's something I'm good at I might even try baking for parties and things. I'm basically into doing anything fun that can earn us some extra income!

// cardigan: Forever 21 // shirt: Forever 21 // maxi dress: Target Maternity // clutch: Forever 21

// kitten: the streets //

I really liked this outfit. Yeah, it's pretty basic...BUT. It was super comfortable for me! And being pregnant, that's obviously really important. And I also liked that it was a way to break from my monotonous jeans routine. The skirt I'm wearing is actually a dress (maternity maxi!).

It actually wasn't very chilly today, but wearing the sweater made me feel a little more comfortable with the look. And I totally love the glittery, gold striped sweater. I think it'll be a pretty piece for around the holidays! : ) Lastly, how great is that clutch?

Also, I know I'm looking totally rough in these photos, but we took them after having basically the scariest night of our lives. So. Forgive me.

Be sure to let me know if you're participating! I want to see what you're wearing. : )

Oh, P.S. ! We totally found the cutest little kitten this evening! We were driving home and we drove past her on the sidewalk. I told Josh to go back. I ALWAYS think we see kittens. But it usually turns out to be something dumb...like, a weed. Or plastic bag. Or a styrofoam cup. (All of these things have actually happened. Please don't even ask about the time I thought a dirty window spot was a puppy.) But this time! It really was a little kitten. She is just precious. I'm pretty sure I'm naming her Rilo. Josh wouldn't let me use it for Tatum's middle name...so I will just use it for a pet.

Fall Fashion Week, Day Two.

2011-09-25T20:04:00.000-05:00

Today has been a pretty lovely day!

We went to church this morning and had a really nice time. We've only been to this church one other time so far, but I really enjoy going there and hope that it's a place we can set some roots in.

After church, I went to the mall to return some shirts I bought for Josh for Christmas. They were too small + he didn't like one of them. How do I know this? Oh, just because I suck at shopping early for Christmas. This is the SECOND time I have purchased him early gifts this year + ended up giving them to him, because I was too excited.

I also bought a cute new coat, crochet headband/ear warmer, fingerless gloves, and a big, chunky scarf. Getting all prepped for colder weather!

After shopping, we went out to dinner. Cici's Pizza. FANCY. It was fun, though! : ) While we were out eating I got a call inquiring about wedding photography. I'm hoping I'll be able to do it!

And tomorrow, I have a meeting with a restaurant downtown for them to review my art and see if they'd like to display any. Which means I will be a busy little painting bee tonight!

cardigan: Forever 21. /// dress: pacsun.

Don't mind the fact that my lower half didn't make an appearance. I'm not wearing pants. Just kidding! That'd be weird. But I'm wearing the same jeans I always wear. (I only have one pair. Whatever.) So I figured we would be fine without them in the photo today. If you miss them too much, I'm sure they'll be with us tomorrow.

I'm so excited that this dress fits! I didn't bother trying it on, which in retrospect was kind of dumb. But it fits! So I don't care. And how great is that chevron pattern cardigan? New favorite!

Are you participating in FFW? Let me know!

Fall Fashion Week, Day One.

2011-09-25T00:03:00.000-05:00

jacket: forever 21.

t-shirt: forever 21.

tank top: forever 21.

jeans: JCP, maternity.

shoes: forever 21.

owl coin purse: i've forgotten!

Holy walking Forever 21 ad! I went shopping there yesterday, so that's why. I wanted to take pictures with my Canon, but by the time I got around to doing outfit photos (let alone getting dressed), it was night time + I had been planning to do them outside. Hopefully the rest of the week I'll actually be on top of it + put my camera to some good use!

I really wish I had for these pictures, though, because the t-shirt has really cute metallic striped detailing. Oh, well!

My favorite part of the outfit is definitely my shoes. I just love them! I normally don't wear lace-ups or tennis shoes, but I couldn't pass these up.

Are you participating in Emery Jo's Fall Fashion Week? This is my first time. If you're participating, be sure to let me know in the comments! I'd love to see what you're wearing. (In a totally non creepy way, of course.)

Date Nights.

2011-09-16T07:07:00.000-05:00

It has been a(nother) sleepless night + it's now morning. Hopefully, I'll be able to hit the hay soon. Tatum is a total night owl/party animal. I'm really hoping this is a trend that does not continue past birth.

{hers}

hoodie: target

t-shirt: jcp (maternity)

tank top: forever 21

jeans: jcp (maternity)

{his}

hoodie: urban outfitters

jeans: wal-mart (girl's ones)

Josh and I have had a few fun date nights the past couple of weeks. (These pictures are from said dates.) One night we went to see "Super 8" + "Horrible Bosses." Both movies were really good, obviously in very different ways. But I really liked them both!

"Super 8" made me cry a couple of times, but it still totally would've had I not been pregnant. Except for when I cried because I was so touched by the friendships in the movie. And I started thinking about how someday Tatum will have best friends. Yeah. Probably wouldn't have cried about that before...

But I really, really loved the movie! I thought the acting was really wonderful + believable.

"Horrible Bosses" was much funnier than I expected. I actually didn't think I would like it all that much, but I did. I usually don't find most of the comedies of this style funny, but I did this time. I think it was maybe partly because I really love all three of the main actors: Jason Bateman, Jason Sudekis, Charlie Day.

cardigan: urban outfitters

shirt: wal-mart

tank top: forever 21

jeans: jcp (maternity)

We actually must've really liked "HB" a lot, because we went to see it again a few days later. It was still just as funny. So, I recommend it. (It is pretty vulgar, though. I think that's probably obvious, but just throwing it out there!) Also, Bob Newhart has a cameo in it. He's such a cute little old man. : )

Anyways.

The above picture of Josh is so funny to me. It looks like he has a pompadour...and every time I see it, it just looks so awkward. I'm glad he doesn't actually have one. Phew.

I think I'll try to sleep now.

Just perfect.

2011-09-14T02:59:00.000-05:00

{source}

Some of you may remember: in the beginning I thought we were having a boy. Josh did, too. (Well, he says he didn't really, but I don't believe him.) I didn't necessarily have a preference or any strong hope that the baby was a boy...it was just a feeling. But the closer we came to the day we would find out for sure, I began to doubt myself. I no longer had boy feelings. I had "I have no opinion" feelings. (Which looking back, I think were more like, "It's totally a girl" feelings.)

I can't imagine, at all, if she were a boy. It feels so strange that I felt so strongly at one point that she was a boy + that before getting pregnant I always pictured myself with a son. (I do still want a son! Very much so.) I know that if we were having a boy right now--I would feel the same way, but this just feels...so totally right. It feels so perfect + I love that God planned this little daughter for us. I cannot wait to see her, meet her, get to know her.

{source}

What I Wore: On Pregnancy Style.

2011-09-09T04:22:00.000-05:00

cardigan: Goody's

shirt: Wal-Mart

jeans (maternity): JCPenney

necklace: Forever 21

shoes: Kimchi Blue, UO

Up until about two weeks ago, I'd been feeling super-duper frumpy. Like, beyond. I seriously never felt even remotely cute and was basically just wearing jeans + old t-shirts of Josh's. I started to notice that I was feeling really down on myself + feeling like I'd lost my style since becoming pregnant. Let's face it--most maternity clothing just isn't cute. And even if some of it is, it's typically over-priced. Especially for something that I'm only going to wear for a few months. (No, thank you.)

So, this one day a couple of weeks ago, I saw this really pretty cardigan at Urban Outfitters. I totally loved it, so even though it wasn't a "maternity" shirt I decided to buy it. And after I bought it, I guess I sort of had this "Duh" kind of a moment. I don't HAVE to buy maternity clothes (except jeans). I don't HAVE to wear only big t-shirts of my husband's. I can buy cute clothes + I will. Clothes that I will even be able to wear when I'm not pregnant and have lost weight. I know that sounds so obvious, and it is. But I guess I was just totally oblivious to this up until now. And I actually think that A LOT of other pregnant women are, too.

So, yeah, just because you are a mom...doesn't mean you have to dress "mommish." And when I say "mommish" I'm not trying to be insulting or rude, but I'm just trying to say...you don't have to give up YOUR style. : )

----------

I wore this outfit last night for a little date night with Josh. We went to Waffle House (fancy). Then, we were going to go to the movies, but the website gave the wrong showtime. So we showed up 40 mins. late and the theater was "closed." So all of these people were staring at us like we were totally weird. Awkward...

We decided to finally watch a movie we "redboxed" a few days ago, instead. "Just Go With It." It was pretty cute. Predictable, but cute. : )

Hannah, Autumn Shoot.

2011-09-05T15:24:00.000-05:00

A few days ago while we were visiting our families I took some more pictures of my sister, Hannah, just for fun + to practice a bit.

Overall, I was really pleased with the results. I think she was, too! It was crazy hard shooting on this day, though. We took the pictures at about 6 pm, but it was so ridiculously hot + humid. My sweat was seriously blinding me. Cute, right? And obviously the next day it was really cool outside + great weather. Sigh. But despite the heat, I think we got some pretty lovely pictures. Thoughts, opinions, tips?

p.s. I know it looks kind of ugly when the pictures aren't all the same width, but I'm not really sure how to fix that. So, if you know, I'd love to hear!

29 Weeks + A New Home.

2011-08-28T16:35:00.000-05:00

Why are Josh and I so weird? You know how we just moved back to Springfield? Got an apartment, settled in? Well, we're moving! We're not leaving Springfield, just moving into an actual house. We looked at three. The first two were these really cute / neat old houses that I totally fell in love with. (We're talking 1930s Sears Roebuck homes.) Josh wasn't as into them, though. Reason being that he didn't feel that as renters, the things that come with an old house would be worth it. I was pretty much, um, bummed.

Then, on Saturday, we went to look at another house. As soon as we walked in, I had a feeling that as long as everything worked out with the owner, we would be getting this one. (Josh told me that he'd thought the same.) Luckily, everything worked out! And so easily. We're even able to paint, which makes me so happy, because it's like we get to make it a little more our own. Love.

Our apartment is giving us a bit of a hassle (despite their 30 day trial period, which we're still in) which is pretty annoying. We're actually going to have to pay rent for the house and apartment for the month of September...So, yeah, that kind of...blows. But, in the end, it's much better that we get this house!
We should be moving in next week. Can't wait.

-----------------

{her precious little peacoat.}

So, 29 weeks. Almost 30. I cannot believe how fast it's going by! I know I say that every week, but it's totally true.

For the most part, I've had a pretty good handle on the gestational diabetes. It's been a little tough at times, but it's getting easier.

I think Tatum is starting to live in limited space. I'm no longer feeling many kicks + punches. For the most part, I'm really only feeling lots of actual moving these days. Like, rolls and flops, that are SUPER strong. Sometimes they're actually kind of overwhelming. But I love it. (She did one today that kind of hurt, though!)

Today Josh and I went out to lunch, and I said that it was weird that we wouldn't have too many more of these "just us" dates before we had a little third wheel hanging around. Ol' ball + chain.

I think I'm okay with that. : )

On Safari.

2011-08-21T16:15:00.000-05:00

A few days ago Josh and I went to the "Wild Animal Safari." It was his first time going + we had lots of fun, despite the terrible heat, and the fact that they no longer have baby pigs there. (I don't want to talk about it...) They did have a super fun new addition, though: Sheldon, the giraffe. (I kind of love him.) Lots of cute animals + some goofy, weird ones too.

{baboon.}

{some kind of monkey.}

{flemish giant.}

{goats.}

{an emu that bit josh.}

{sheldon. aren't his eyelashes beautiful!}

{mini horse.}

{donkey/horse/mule thing. definitely tried to eat the outside mirror.}

{tiger.}

28 Weeks + Gestational Diabetes.

2011-08-18T18:33:00.000-05:00

I had my 28 week appointment yesterday. I was supposed to do the GD test, but my fasting blood sugar level was so high (146) they decided to just forego the test and diagnose me. Yayyyy. My doctor said he was actually very surprised. I have an appointment with a dietician on Monday. Last night, I was really stressed out about it. I was feeling super confused about what I can eat -VS- what I can't...I was just nervous about eating the wrong things + causing potential harm to Tatum. I just wanted someone to have made me a complete meal plan for the rest of pregnancy, so there would be no chance to fail.
I'm feeling much better about it today, though. I think I just needed some time to accept and process it.

I also had an ultrasound yesterday. I was so, so furious afterwards, because she gave us a picture of the baby's face, and it was terrible. You could barely see anything. I complained to Josh about it for a good five minutes, then he showed me that I was looking at it wrong. Awkward...Haha. I felt bad for getting so upset, especially since it's actually a really great little picture of her cute face.

{Hey, Arnold!}

I know sometimes these are really hard to see what's what (from experience, obviously), so I'll try to help: The first big curve on the left is her forehead...if you follow that bright line down, you get to the end of her nose, which sticks out just as far as her forehead. (Ask Josh how he feels about that.) Then, you can see both of her sleepy little eyes on either side of the nose.

I'm having a hard time with the lips. I'm not really sure they translated well to the photo. Unless they really are just that giant.

Also. WHAT UP, FOOTBALL HEAD.

Oh, another thing I learned...I'm measuring 35 weeks! Weird. But the baby is still right on track. She's actually measuring a couple of days ahead, but the doctor said it's nothing worth changing due dates or anything. Fine by me! This momma still has lots to do. Lots.

We did purchase and set up her pack 'n' play yesterday, though! I was so excited to finally get something other than clothes. I've been having the hardest time deciding what we should buy and when.

{I put it together myself! So skilled, I know.}

Here's a couple of pictures of me and the growing little babe in the past week:

{27 weeks, some days.}

{28 weeks, 1 day.}

Baby Style: Clothes.

2011-08-14T17:21:00.000-05:00

Today Gap is having an online 35% off everything (except for jeans, but i think that's it!) sale. You should probably check it out! As soon as I found out, I knew I just had to hurry and get some clothes for Tatum. We came away with some super cute stuff!

Other than the sun hat (obviously) it's all stuff that she'll be wearing this fall/winter. I love that it all (excluding the wilderness onesies) has this mature feel to it, while still being childlike and adorable. I can't wait to see her in all her cute little clothes. Especially that peacoat! : )

27 Weeks + Life Update.

2011-08-12T19:44:00.000-05:00

{This is my lame, lazy attempt at a belly photo. Oh, well. Still kind of cute.}

Josh and I are officially moved into our new apartment in Springfield. It was kind of impossible to find a place to live in Poplar Bluff, plus we're not the biggest fans of the town. Moving back to Springfield was just a better option for us for a multitude of reasons. I have no pictures of our place, because...well, there's pretty much nothing IN our apartment. It's pretty bare and sad looking so far. Hopefully that'll change soon.

We're having a friend live with us until October 1st. That has its ups + downs...

UP: Save money. $$$

DOWN: No nursery decorating. : (

Not being able to prepare Tatum's room yet kind of bugs me at times, but I guess I'm mostly okay with it. I'm still super ready + excited to start, though!

-------------------

I had my first appointment with my new doctor yesterday. (The lovely Lesley recommended him to me. She recently had her baby girl! Go see how cute she is.) So far I like him just fine + am happy with the choice. It was pretty much just a catch-up + information appointment. The nurse did check to see if I'm dilated at all, though. That was SUPER fun. (I'm not. Just, FYI.) And the doctor measured my belly height. He said I'm measuring pretty far ahead, but thinks it is just because baby girl is sitting so high. I have an ultrasound next week to check things out. Also, the gestational diabetes test.

So, we're at the fun stage where I can feel actual body parts sticking out + touch them and stuff. It's my favorite! Josh thinks it's really creepy and gross, though. He said he'll just wait to feel her when she's outside of me. He was also concerned that I'm "not allowed" to be touching/rubbing my stomach when it happens. So cute. Oh, a little sappiness for you: The other night when one of these episodes was happening, I definitely started crying, because it was so crazy to me that she's like, an inch away from me. And I can just feel her. She's so close, but so far away. It's kind of unreal to me!

I can't wait to meet her!

Who will she look like?

2011-08-05T12:33:00.000-05:00

I am constantly wondering who Tatum will look like. I wonder if she'll be a giant mixture of the two of us, or if she'll practically be a twin to one of us.
So, for fun, I decided to share some baby pictures of me and Josh. Since we were both pretty dang cute babies, I like to think that we can at least be sure that Tatum will be, too.

{baby me}

{baby Josh}

{possibly the cutest i have ever looked...}

{josh's face in this picture reminds me of THIS}

My only predictions of her looks are that she will have blonde hair + dimples. I cannot decided what color eyes I think she will have. Mine are brown, his are green. But my eyes also have a lot of green + yellow in them. So. I have no opinion. Although, I would really love for her to have his eyes + lashes.

I just can't wait to see her!

p.s. I'm totally behind on my weekly updates, but I lost my camera cord. So, hopefully I find it, or get a new one soon. : )

last week in pictures.

2011-07-26T12:16:00.000-05:00

So, last week I finally got an iPhone + hopped on the "instagram" train. I love it! It's such a fun, neat way to get a peek into some of my friends daily lives. So, if you're a user, follow me or let me know your username. Mine is my usual: lydswashere.
Since I'm taking cute little phone pictures now, I've decided to start doing the week in photos posts. I thiiink there may be a link up for this? But I'm not really sure. If there is, let me know, and I'll be sure to link up. I'm a little late this first time. : )

1.) Peanut Butter brownies! 2.) Cute husband on a late night Wal-Mart run.

1.) Homemade blueberries + whipped cream stuffed french toast.

2.) Giant belly. I actually can't see my feet, typically. Definitely leaning forward for the photo.

1.) "Family Matters." 2.) Red beans + rice + sausage. New favorite!

1.) I found three puppies last week, and today they are going to their new home. Yay!

2.) Cutest afghan in the world. Got it for Tatum. : )

1.) McDonald's Sweet tea. Probably drink too much of it.

2.) Me and Han, my little sister.

1.) The biggest teddy bear ever for Tatum. Got it for $1. A DOLLAR.

2.) Strawberry jam toast.

1.) "The Wrong Mother." Finished it a couple of days ago. It was really good!

2.) Shaved my sister Tori's head. (She's donating her hair.)

1.) Coffee! Definitely not soup. I hate when people eat things from mugs. Sickos.

2.) Getting some sun! I had been doing this most days for a couple of weeks, but that day I broke out in hives on my legs. Probably one of my cuter moments.

1.) The in-laws. Clearly, they don't know I took this. Soooryyy. : )

2.) A really good cookie. Obviously.

-Lyds.

24 Weeks + Some Honesty.

2011-07-20T22:24:00.000-05:00

{24 weeks}

I love my baby + I love a lot of parts of being pregnant. But there are some parts that aren't so lovely. Of course, I will gladly take these things if what I'm getting in return is a beautiful, precious baby. For the most part, I've been pretty "sunshine + daisies" when it comes to sharing things about my pregnancy, but I wanted to be a little more honest about what pregnancy can bring (and has brought me). (Hence, the bare belly photos.) This isn't a post to complain, just to share some truths. Some pregnancy anecdotes, if you will.

+ I'm basically one giant, walking stretch mark. (As you can see!) Which is obviously too cute for words. They are on my inner and outer thighs, my calves, my stomach, and fascinatingly, my butt. (I know some of my guy friends read my blog...so, sorry if I've terrified you. But I'm only preparing you for your future.)

+ Gravity is not on my side. I cannot tell how many times I have involuntarily tipped over.

+ A lot of the time, I feel completely out of control when it comes to my emotions. STORYTIME: A few nights ago, Josh took me to a local diner to get something to eat. I chose "blueberry + whipped cream stuffed french toast." When I saw how they made it, I freaked out. Luckily, the meal was to go, because I had a crying, yelling fit. I was convinced I would totally hate it and so mad that I bought it. We got home...and I loved it. It ended up being really funny, but I felt so bad that I was acting totally insane.

+ I can barely breathe when I'm laying down. Sleeping has become a major issue every night. Last night, I even slept sitting up for awhile.

+ Honestly, I am a peeing machine.

+ I am really forgetful. Like the time last week when I went to my dr. appt. a day early. That wasn't embarrassing or anything.

-----------

Clearly, my "complaints" are minor. In fact, I'm pretty much laughing at myself on a daily basis.

p.s. I totally promise not to post anymore scary, giant, bare belly photos. You're welcome.

p.s.s. Tatum's middle name is, officially, Auden. Tatum Auden Kassinger. : )

Am I Ready?

2011-07-17T03:11:00.000-05:00

{source}

A couple of days ago, I received this comment from a reader, Dori:

"Hey! This is really great. I'm not sure if I missed the post or not, but since we're

both 90's kids, I was wondering how on earth you are ready for a baby?!

I mean, I'm jealous. I'm still in school and work as a cashier and live at home,

pregnancy for me would be a DISASTER, although I wish I were in your situation.

How did you get such a head start on life? I'm really happy for you!"

I hope you won't mind my sharing your comment, Dori! It was, after all, what inspired this post! : )

-------------------

This will probably sound strange, but I've always known things would happen this way. I would be a young wife, a young mother. For years I always had this...feeling, that things would happen that way. I believe, without a doubt, that I was made for this. That being said, Josh and I weren't actively trying to get pregnant. We weren't planning to start trying until 2012.

Before finding out we were pregnant, I did still want to have a baby. I mean, every time we saw a baby, I said, "I want a baby!" And then, poof, I had one.

Financially and such, we are fine to have a baby. It's no problem. And I'm so grateful that we're fortunate enough for me to be able to fulfill my dream of being a "stay-at-home" mom.

But, are we emotionally ready? Yes and no. More of a yes. There are obviously things that we will miss out on, which is--honestly--kind of a bummer. We haven't really had that much just "us" time. Sometimes, I am sad about that, but I am even more happy that we will have a whole other person to take on adventures with us + spend time with. I am so excited + wouldn't for a second think about changing things. Sometimes, I am nervous, of course. But, I'm pretty sure that's natural.

Besides, ready or not, she's coming...so I guess we kind of have to be. : )

22 Weeks!

2011-07-11T21:19:00.000-05:00

+ This past week has been so, so awesome. Tatum is finally, officially moving/kicking/pushing. Every day, all the time. A few days ago, I felt my first outside kick. The next day, Josh felt her for the first time. The day after that, we SAW her for the first time. And since then, my mom + one of my sisters have also felt her. It is the neatest thing! I love it so much.

+ Josh and I have begun the search for our house. (Not buying, just renting for 6-9 mos.) I'm a little stressed about it...I'm afraid we won't find a place I really like. And I'm also afraid we're not going to find a place that allows pets. For some reason, this area just doesn't like animals. And even though Stella drives me insane...I'd hate to see her go. So, crossing my fingers we can find a place.

+ I have almost decided on a middle name. It's down to two. One is a poet's name, the other a musician.

+ My next dr. appt. is on Wednesday. I'm excited. We have another U/S, I'm pretty sure. And I'm just eager to see our little girl again.

+ Totally off subject, but I just finished the book "The Help." And it is one of the best books I've read in a long, long time. You should read it. Now. I'm buying a new book on Wednesday...Any recommendations?

21 Weeks + A Name Change?

2011-06-28T01:04:00.000-05:00

{STEPPING OUT SATURDAY! just kidding.}

I'm posting my 21 week post a day earlier than I should, but I've been behind on "Bump" posts, so I don't want this one to fall by the wayside, too. I mean, I'm basically 21 weeks, anyways! (Which is totally weird. The quickness of this pregnancy will never stop amazing me.)

Anyways.

--HOLY HUGE! I feel like my belly is growing directly out. Like, torpedo-style. And I think I'm going to be gigantic by the end.

--A few days ago, I woke up to terrible neck/shoulder/arm/chest pains. In tears, kinds of pains. After a little debating, I decided to head to the hospital, just in case. Everything was totally fine with me + T, and I was glad to get that peace of mind. They actually didn't have any idea what was wrong with me. (They said flu, buttt, I can't give.) After I got home and ate/rested I felt 100% better. So, yay!

--A couple of days ago, I started looking into what I wanted to do as far as birthing method/classes. I thought I was decided on Bradley Method, but after some further research, I'm just not sure if it's what's best for me. Plus, the nearest class is 1.5 hours away. Tonight, I started looking into Hypnobirthing. And I think I'm probably going to give that a go. It seems to fit my personality and desires, and I've read a lot of people say that if you are diligent + willing to work, you can teach yourself. So, I'm going to buy some books and get into all that. I'm also going to take the birthing class offered by the hospital, for a little more insight into what their plans and such are.

--Now, for that title topic...A couple of days ago I started freaking out a bit, mostly on the inside, about Tatum's name. It's such an important, permanent decision. I just need it to be completely right, you know? I want her name to have some sort of connection to something. I want her to have a beautiful, strong, thoughtful name. Not just something chosen solely because I think it is pretty. So, after some thought, we are nixing Adeline as her middle name. It is such a beautiful name, but I just don't think it's hers. (It was actually supposed to be her first name, but I didn't want people to call her Addy.) There are currently a few names we're considering. So, hopefully next post, I'll be able to share her complete name.

--You guys, I seriously love this baby.

xo,

Lyds.

WE'RE HAVING A....

2011-06-16T17:38:00.000-05:00

G-I-R-L.

A girl! We're so, so, so excited! As soon as we started the ultrasound, I kind of had a feeling that's what they would say. The nurse told us that she is sure it is a girl. She even promised. So...I guess that's settled! She truly was so cute, but we could not get a good picture of her face for the life of us. We did end up with one of her face, but she looks absolutely terrifying. So. I'll spare you. But, she did look totally beautiful, take my word for it.

It was so fun getting to see her really move around. When the U/S first started, we saw her push herself away from the wand. Which was super neat. Then, we saw her sucking on her hands a whole lot. She was just the best. I totally love her. So, so much.

She's 9 oz. Not sure about her length, but I'm sure it's on track. Because they said all of her measurements looked really great. She's currently measuring two days ahead.

We can't wait to meet you, Tatum Adeline Kassinger! : )

18 Weeks + Growing Like a Weed.

2011-06-11T14:00:00.000-05:00

I can't believe how much bigger I am compared to last week's photo. I feel so giant already...I can't even imagine how huge I'm going to be before this is over. (Loving that all the adjectives I just had to use to describe myself were bigger, giant, and huge. Awesome.)

The baby moves quite a bit now! Which is the best. It just feels so neat. In fact, he/she is moving as I type. It always makes me laugh a lot. I love it.

I've gained about 6 lbs, I think? But most of those have been gained since my last Dr. visit, which I'm really surprised about. Before I weighed myself the other day, I'd honestly thought I'd only maintained. I'm not sure if my weight gain is on track, too little, too much. I really don't know. My Dr. hasn't ever mentioned anything about weight gain to me. So, I guess we'll see if he says anything at my next appointment on Thursday.

That appointment is also the day we get to see our baby again, make sure everything is on track, and find out what we're having! So. Excited.

We FINALLY officially decided on a girl's name. And it ISN'T the one that I said might be "the one." Ha. It's actually a name that I've always really loved + never heard used (other than by a celebrity). I'd never mentioned it to Josh before, because I didn't think he'd like it. But the other night, I made a list, and it was on there. He said he really liked that one...and after some thought, it stuck.

Now...we just have to see which name will actually be used this time around. Share your opinion in the poll if you haven't already! :)

-Lyds.

First Photo Session: Hannah, Summertime.

2011-06-08T11:32:00.000-05:00

Yesterday I decided I needed to finally start learning how to work my camera. So my sister, Hannah, and I went to the backyard and down to the lake behind the house and took some photos. It was fun, but kind of confusing at times. I have a lot to learn, but I'm actually pretty excited about it! I really like it. I know that pretty much everyone and their brother is a "photographer." But it's something that I can actually see myself getting really into and maybe even being pretty good at...eventually.

Some favorites of the day:

Yeah, so...Obviously a beginner here! Ha. But, for my first real try, I wouldn't say I did...terrible? I dunno. Maybe I'm jumping the gun on that statement, but I have to say, I was pretty happy with how they all turned out. (I'm sure as I improve I'll look back on these and find multiple flaws with my work, ha.) In editing, I did notice things that I never would have before...Unappealing shadows, too much light, blahblahblah.

Mostly, it was just really fun spending time with Han. She really loved them, so that's what's most important to me. :)

I'm still accepting and much appreciating constructive criticism, though! If you have any tips, thoughts, or opinions...please share! I'd really love to know what you think about these, and what I may be able to improve on.

-Lyds.

P.S. Hannah's super cool haircut? Yeah, uhhh, courtesy of moi...because I'm decent. Or maybe she just makes it look good... :)

17 weeks + Better Bump View.

2011-06-03T21:50:00.000-05:00

Last night, I swear I felt my stomach growing. Not like the typical weird, inside stretching...but it felt like someone was inside me, pushing my stomach out as far as it could go. Well. I guess there kind of is someone doing that. But, you know what I mean. It was weird. And painful.

I mentioned last post that I think I am maybe starting to feel baby. That maybe is leaning more towards a yes, but it's pretty infrequent. I really think it is the baby, though. I definitely feel little thumps and flips occasionally. And they are things I've never felt before in my life. So I'm thinking baby! I can't wait for it to start happening more often.

Wanna know something funny? At the beginning of this pregnancy, I mentioned that we had our names picked out...they have both since changed. Ha. We changed our boy's first name + took the girl's middle name for the boy's instead. Then, we're kind of undecided on the girl's name. We heard a name and both really liked it, so now it's in the running. Top of the list even. Actually, when we first heard it, Josh really liked it, and I was like, "You're an idiot." Then, one day, it popped in my head and I've never stopped thinking about it. I think it may be the one. haha.

Remember how I said that we kinda/maybe/sorta want a boy? And we really think it's a boy? Well, in the past couple of weeks, I've been getting weird feelings that it's a girl. Either way, I'll be right. (ha.) But, it's really weird. Because, for a few months now, I've just thought boy. Never doubted it. And all of a sudden, I'm occasionally getting strong girl feelings. I think it's maybe me realizing that I don't really care what it is either way. :)

Which reminds me! We'll be finding out what this little human is in 13 days! I. Cannot. Wait.

What do you think we're having? Answer in my poll on the sidebar!

-Lyds.

my bump + some words.

2011-05-30T17:12:00.000-05:00

{finally, a bump photo.}

I have been really terrible about sharing this pregnancy journey thus far, and I plan to improve that starting...um, now. I gotta tell you, though...it's kinda hard. There isn't much to talk about. I don't have a job + we're total homebodies. Lately, I find myself thinking, "What the heck did I used to blog about?" But like I said...I want to get back into the swing of things, and not just with blogging. So, that's the plan.

Josh starts his new job soon, which will definitely be weird. He's been self-employed for a long, long time now. And since I haven't worked since last May, we've been able to see each other whenever we want, do whatever we want, no real restrictions. So this will be a big change. I think it will be good for us, though.

I'm almost 17 weeks, guys! (this wednesday.) And that is beyond weird to me. This pregnancy is flying by. I think I might be starting to feel the baby, occasionally. But since I've never done this before, I'm not entirely sure. Oh, and I am getting huge. See that t-shirt I'm wearing in the photo? That's Josh's. Well, now it's ours. We've taken to calling his shirts, "our shirts." They're basically all I wear. I may not be the most fashionable pregnant lady, but I very well might be the most comfortable. I'll take it.

xo,

lyds.

{BABYFACE} Week 12!

2011-04-30T22:31:00.000-05:00

Behind on posting this, once again! I actually move up a week every Wednesday. In case anyone was interested. : ) I know it's still early, but I can't help but think how fast it's going by already! It's seriously unbelievable. I think I may have mentioned this last time, but it seriously is. I love it. I'm so ready to be in my 2nd trimester! And I will be before I know it.

I can't wait until my next ultrasound. I really want to see that little baby! Even though I know I am pregnant, seeing the baby just makes everything feel much more real, and it also makes me feel more secure. Even though we didn't get to see the baby at my appointment on Thursday...we did get to hear it! It was super neat. The heart rate was at about 160. It was real exciting. : )

I am currently sick, which really sucks. I can barely talk, and when I do I sound either like a man/small child/can only whisper. And my nose is totally stopped up. LAAAME. I just want it to be gone. On a happier note, I haven't experienced any pregnancy sickness since Wednesday. Which is really great. Hopefully it's on its way out! Keep your fingers crossed.

-------------

By the way, my family is currently going through a bit of a tough time. I would really love it if you could keep us in your thoughts and prayers! It would definitely be appreciated. Thank you so much! xo.

{BABYFACE} Week 11!

2011-04-25T14:20:00.000-05:00

So, it's almost week 12, and I'm just now getting around to posting on week 11. My bad. Oh well, better late than never, right? This little baby is seriously growing like a weed! Until now, I never really knew just how fast they grew...It's crazy. Last week, baby was just a wee little prune. Now, we're lime sized! And later this week, we will have achieved plum status. Way cool.

------------

Last week, we moved into our new house! I'm so happy and excited. It was originally just going to be our temporary house for a couple of weeks until we found our real one, but when we got there we were really into the idea of just living there. So we talked to our friend, Jason, the owner of the house, and we've decided we're going to live there at least a year, and possibly buy it after that. It's a pretty great little house. I'll share pictures later this week! I can't wait to be all settled in.

------------

I'm just going to be honest...we maybe, kinda have a gender preference. I mean, obviously it doesn't REALLY matter to us. I'm not going to be devastated if it doesn't work out this way. I'll still be totally excited, no matter what! But. We kinda hope it's a boy. I think part of it is that EVERYONE thinks it's a boy...so it's what I've started to identify with. And part of it is seeing all my blogging friends with their little boys and how precious their bonds are. When I was in high school, all of my guy friends were pretty close to their moms. I've always just thought the mother / son bond was really sweet.

------------

My nausea / morning sickness has been back in full swing. Which has really sucked. It's really hard to find foods I want to eat. It's basically just a total pain. I mean, it's really hard for me to imagine ever feeling normal about food again. Gross.

------------

I had my first "Are you pregnant?" moment! A couple of days ago, Josh and I went to Wal-Mart and I ran into an old friend from high school. And he was like, "Are you pregnant or something?" After the fact, I really wished I'd said, "No..." just to see his reaction. But I totally don't blame him for asking, because I really think I am very obviously pregnant. I mean, I was kind of fat before...but nothing like this. I've been bloated before...and that's not it. So, I guess it's just all my stuff moving around and adjusting? That's what my grandma (who was a nurse for an OB/GYN) said it probably was. Whatever, I don't care. Now that it's noticeable, I'll just say that I'm "showing."

------------

I'm starving.

becoming a dad.

2011-04-16T16:55:00.000-05:00

{old picture, but one of my favorites}

This guy is going to be a dad. And that's weird. And really neat. Weird...because he never wanted to be one. Neat...because he will be a wonderful one. He might not realize that yet, but I do. There isn't a single doubt in my mind.

When we first started dating, two years ago, I knew he didn't want ever want children. But I'd liked him for so long, so I decided I still wanted to have a relationship. Before long we were talking about marriage, and I couldn't help but to throw kids into the mix. He always went along with it. But come that November...Josh decided we couldn't be together anymore, what with our different feelings about the future. Thankfully, the breakup never happened. I knew that the only person I wanted to spend my life with was Josh, and I couldn't give that up. Yes, I wanted a family, but I wanted a family with him. Honestly, I felt like anything else was settling. And deep down, I really believed that he still wanted what would make me happy. Eventually.

So, now, here we are...the guy who never wanted kids and the girl who would love 10. (Yes, I'm serious.) And we're having a baby.

The baby was a pretty big surprise. So, Josh's reactions have been totally understandable and reasonable. He's totally supportive and great. But he's not really bursting with excitement, you know? But I get that. And I knew that's how he would be. Over time, he's becoming more into it. And at the first u/s I think it became a little more real for him. Afterwards, he told me, "I couldn't stop smiling, but I didn't know why." So, things like that let me know he loves the baby and cares about it. Totally. But I think it's taking time for him to realize that himself. And that's perfectly okay.

He's going to be the best dad.

{BABYFACE} Week 10!

2011-04-13T19:59:00.000-05:00

First of all! Thank you to everyone who has given their love and congratulations. It means the most. :)

My kid is a fetus now. (I'm pretty sure it has been for a week, but whatever.) Congratulations, kid. I don't really have a special cutesy nickname for the baby...yet, hence me calling it "kid." I don't really feel like calling it "the birdie" or "peanut" or something like that. Because that's what everyone does. And I'm always so totally original, obviously. And it also doesn't really feel like it fits for me or this baby. More than once I've ever so lovingly referred to the baby as "my little parasite." But for some reason I don't think that one's going to be a big hit. I've thought about calling it "Baby Beluga" or "Baby Whale." (Josh and I call each other both of those, minus the baby. I like beluga whales.) But somehow, it feels like people might find it mildly insulting....and let's face it, by the time this is over, there's only going to be one "whale." ...And that's Josh.

------

My symptoms have been super fun. (I'll spare you the real gory details, though.) Basically, I've had morning sickness/nausea since week five, but it's started to die down, which is really great. I still have a ton of food aversions and if people even talk about food it makes me really mad and makes me want to die/throw up. I'm pretty much always super tired. And my hips are already spreading which feels really great and is also causing one of my legs to be significantly shorter than the other. I think that's basically it on the symptom front, though. It's better than a lot of ladies have it, so for that I am thankful.

------

We already have our names picked out. I've had the girl name chosen since before Josh and I were even together. Our boy name was more difficult, but we finally agreed on something we both really love a few weeks ago.

Okay. Cool.

three is a magic number.

2011-04-06T15:52:00.000-05:00

Awhile back, I said I had a surprise, and guess what? WE'RE HAVING A BABY! I'm beyond excited. Josh is...getting there. Ha. This little guy/girl was quite the surprise, but one that is more than welcome. I'll be 9 weeks tomorrow (green olive sized!), and we have a due date of 11/9/11. So, along with the baby has come a lot of plan and life changes. Um, DUH. But, we're embracing them. Even if that means no living in Costa Rica (well, for awhile. i'm still determined to make that trip!) and no more moving to Las Vegas (our families would kill us).

So, there's obviously a lot more to talk about, but I'll save all that for future posts. :)

look at this turtle.

2011-03-23T10:30:00.000-05:00

look at this cute little turtle! josh bought it for me at the "boudin bakery" in SF. he was going to get me this really big teddy bear one, but they were out...and let's face it, who really needs that much sourdough? besides, i loved this little turtle. and his droopy raisin eyes.

hi, i've missed you. {little thoughts}

2011-03-10T17:38:00.000-06:00

--ever since we got back to poplar bluff, i've been in this HUGE funk. hence, the whole no blogging deal. also contributing to this is the fact that i can't really write a blog post from my parents' house. well, i can, but like this one...they'd all be pictureless posts. which i'm totally not a fan of, and i'm aware most of you aren't, either. but, hopefully for this one little time...it'll be okay. i'm hoping to get back into a better blogging schedule quickly. :)

because i totally miss it.

--the hubs left today for florida for two weeks. TWO. WHOLE. WEEKS. there was an absurd amount of tears. from him. (haha. totally kidding.) this is the longest josh and i have ever been apart in almost two years. and it feels so weird for him to be gone.

--i found this vintage minnesota vikings t-shirt and it's basically all i wear these days. is that weird? probably. OH WELL.

--every time i watch "little monsters" i can't stop thinking about Bugles, like the chips...because maurice's horns totally look like Bugles.

--josh and i have some really cool, exciting stuff happening. wanna know what it is? you'll just have to wait and seeeeee.

--busy bee lauren has asked me to paint a picture of her and ted. and i'm totally excited! this is like, my first REAL work. big moment for me!

so, that's basically my life right now. well...that...and lots of television. okay, bye. LOVES.

MOVING DAY.

2011-02-26T05:30:00.000-06:00

Last night was our last night in our apartment; we are moving today! Well, sort of. We're moving out, but we're not really moving in anywhere just yet. We're going to stay with my family for about a month, which I'm sure will drive me crazy at times, but I'm definitely happy we're doing it. Then, in April, we're moving to.........

LAS VEGAS.

Yes, for real this time. I'm still a little bit nervous, but definitely not like I was last time. As of right now, we're unsure of how long we'll be there at first. We have some kind of crazy/exciting/sort of weird plans...FINE, GUYS. I'll tell you. But, it's nothing set in stone.........

COSTA RICA.

Don't you totally love how I keep doing that? ANYWAYS. So, the other day, I made a joke on Facebook about how Josh and I are going to escape to Australia. But then, we started talking about how it would be really neat to go somewhere kind of crazy and live there for awhile. Like, three months-ish. So we're maybe doing it. It would be fairly inexpensive and nothing short of amazing. And Costa Rica is totally normal. I don't know why, but I definitely had this idea in my head that it was like, all...grass huts and stuff. It's so not. For fun, we were looking at house rentals and there are so many cool places that are right on the beach. And you can see like, toucans and monkeys in your backyard. Crazy business.

So, it's something we're thinking/talking heavily about.

But back to moving....I'm definitely not sad to get out of this apartment. But I am feeling sort of sentimental. This was our first home, and it's obviously kind of special to me. But just a little. :)

xo.

painting.

2011-02-23T22:20:00.000-06:00

Early this morning I decided to drag out my painting supplies. It'd been awhile, months, since I'd done anything. It was a very awkward, weird feeling. At first, I really didn't even know what to do, or where to begin. And I really didn't want to mess up and waste a canvas. But, I finally just threw myself into it...and I did the best work I've ever done.
I was honestly super proud of myself. (Um. Josh just told me to tell you guys that he loves me. So, there's that.) This painting really showed me how much I've grown as an artist, and what I can really do. It's such a neat feeling! And I really can't wait to throw myself back into painting.

the most important meal of the day.

2011-02-23T01:30:00.000-06:00

I love making breakfast. Probably because it's like, my favorite meal of the day. I don't always make it. Sometimes I'm too lazy. And at those times, coffee and toast will suffice. But not on this morning. This was a real breakfast kind of morning.

Someday, I really want to be that mom that makes breakfast every single day. But who am I kidding? HA. Well, maybe it'll happen...

{poached egg, turkey bacon, red potatoes}

When I was younger, and my family still lived in our house next to my grandparents, my sister and I would take turns every Friday night spending the night with our Grandma + Grandpa. Then, every Saturday morning my Grandma would make a big breakfast. That was the best.

{slippies}

I also like slippers.

xo.

{makeover} monday: snow white.

2011-02-22T05:34:00.000-06:00

About time I did another one of these little guys! This time, I had some red glitter lying around, and I thought for awhile of a way to incorporate it into this look. I finally decided on a sort of twist on Snow White. It's honestly not much, but that's who I was channeling, I suppose. In a way.
It was fun to play around with this look, but I would NEVER wear it out in public. It's a bit too extreme and kind of silly. Also...really, super inconvenient. Unless you happen to like eating glitter. Then, well, go for it!

{this is totally a plum.}

{i just really like my hair in this one.}

Again, kind of silly. But also kind of fun! Now, in closing, I will leave you with this...

{So...this happened. Purely accidental.}

BYE, GUYS.

xo.

Six Confessions.

2011-02-19T23:52:00.000-06:00

Sweet little Liz posted this "Six Confessions" deal on her blog earlier this week. I thought it seemed like a pretty fun idea, so I decided to join in. If you do, please let me know! I'd love to read yours. :)

1. When I was 14 I made up a fear of water, so I wouldn't have to be caught in a swimsuit. Ridiculous, I know. I was super uncomfortable with my body, and I figured this was a great way to get me out of it. Well, it sort of backfired on me! Because after years and years of not stepping foot in water...I truly am terrified of it now. Swimming pools wouldn't bother me, as long as my feet can reach the bottom. But if the water is deep and my legs are left flailing around...count me out! And if I can't actually SEE what's in the water around me...forget about it! Just the thought of being in water scares me. I am also afraid of fish, so that is why. I am hoping to overcome this fear soon!

2. I love "Pretty Little Liars." I can't help it, okay?! It's seriously the best. Well, not the BEST. But, you know. And I started reading the books this week, too. So far, I am liking them. They are way different from the television show, though.

3. I am friends with all of my ex-boyfriends. (Except for one. But I hate him, so.) It's totally possible! I hate when people say that "just friends" can't work. It can! I'm proof, duh.

4. I want white hair. Yes. White. Maybe it would look terrible, I don't really know. But I want to try it out. And I plan to.

5. I once had the "Monroe" piercing. But, sadly, my face started to grow around it, so I had to have it removed. I really want it done again, tho.

6. I'm learning guitar. And let me just say, it is WAY harder than I thought it would be. I didn't think I would be some guitar prodigy, but sheesh. My biggest problem is the ability to transition. Actually, my biggest problem is probably my pride/impatience. I absolutely HATE when I am not good at something. It seriously pisses me off. Yes, I'm a drama queen.

xo.

the carnival + arcade museum.

2011-02-17T22:56:00.000-06:00

On one of our last days in SF we went to this really neat little carnival games/arcade games museum. There was some really cool stuff and also some super creepy stuff. Creepy as in, watch a little puppet rendition of how French and English executions went down.

The owner of the museum had inherited a lot of the machines from his father, who was a collector. All of them are in perfect working order and ready for use. Fun!

We were all super curious what this would be like. The boys I think were too embarrassed to watch or something. So I did it. I mean, it was from 1896, so it's obviously not going to be toooo risque. It was pretty neat, actually. Not the actual story, but how it's just photos printed on paper...and you spin a crank and it's like flipbook. But what happened in the little movie was HA-sterical. The boss keeps trying to kiss the secretary...She is not having it. She basically flys off the handle and starts beating him. She repeatedly picks him up and throws him across the room. It was super intense.

{Boyd}

{our fortune + our pictures from the old photobooth + my cute nail polish}

xo.

a valentine's day story.

2011-02-16T14:42:00.000-06:00

In the sixth grade I had my first "relationship." It was pretty serious. Justin and I began our whirlwind of romance in August, right after school started. Love at first sight, hellloooo. He was my best friend. We talked on the phone every single day and spent all of our recesses together. Duh. On Christmas, he got me a present, a stuffed koala. I was totally shocked and kind of embarrassed, because I didn't have anything to give him in return. This was all so new to me!

When Valentine's Day rolled around, I knew this was the time for me to redeem myself and make up for the Christmas present debacle. My mom took me to Wal-Mart, and I picked out the perfect gift: a stuffed frog with a red crown on his head + a big red heart in his arms. (Obviously, I've always been the ultimate gift-giver...)

The next day was Valentine's Day, and I was so nervous to see Justin and give him his present. What if he thought it was stupid? (It was.) What if he laughed at me? (Who wouldn't...) Despite my fears, I toted that little green frog along in my backpack to school. Sweet little Lydia, so naive.

First recess rolled around, but my plan wasn't to give him his present 'til lunch recess. Thank goodness. Otherwise this day could have been much more awkward...Because at first recess, Justin broke up with me for Kristen*. KRISTEN?! Yes, guys. I know. I couldn't believe it, either.

-----------

Justin and I are still friends. In case anyone was wondering.

-----------

*I'm pretty sure it was a couple of days after this that she threw a chicken nugget at me on the playground. Seriously? Who saves a chicken nugget from their lunch to use as a weapon? Kristen, that's who.

Major Bummer. ++ UPDATE ++

2011-02-13T12:22:00.000-06:00

Just a heads up, to anyone who may care: I may not be blogging for a couple of weeks. I know I haven't been that consistent here lately, anyways. But I'm really sad about it, because I've had some nice posts in the works. I'm totally bummed.

Here's the deal. This morning I was reading blogs and such, having my morning cup of coffee, typical day. Things took a turn for the worse when a couple of fingers slipped from my mug handle and spilt a bit of my coffee on my keys. I wiped it off, and it was still working, so I didn't think much of it. Then, one of my arrow keys quit working. Soon after that, when I tried to type the letters would mix and jumble, preventing me from writing any real type of sentence. Even better was when my computer started clicking things all on its own; like magic! But the best part of all, was when she decided that she wouldn't even turn on. Lovely.

Sorry for all of the sarcasm, but I'm pretty upset right now. So after we leave SF tomorrow I will basically be computerless til we get to my parents' house. Maybe something good will happen, and I'll get lucky/blessed. I guess we'll just have to wait and see.

I hope you're all having better days! : )

xo.

UPDATE!

My wonderful grandparents are buying me a new Macbook Pro and allowing me to pay them back monthly/weekly/whatever. BEYOND EXCITED. I am so, so grateful and happy. Seriously, cannot even express how thankful I am to them. They've helped me out a lot, and not just today.
My bad day just turned into a great day! Yay!

The GGB + Tourists + Full House.

2011-02-07T06:11:00.000-06:00

On Saturday we decided to finally make the trip out to the GGB. (Golden Gate Bridge...Obvs.) It was really beautiful and scary. And, of course, super crowded with tourists. I know that I'm one, too. Okay, I get that. But I will never, I repeat never, be that tourist. I just can't. If you are that tourist...you know the one of which I speak...that's totally fine. I still love you, and please don't hold this against me. If you are still having trouble understanding the tourist I am talking about, let me introduce you to Exhibit A.

{Exhibit A}

Ah, the happy couple. Yes, I know it's totally cute and precious. But I just can't understand how people do this kind of stuff! And I am like, as emotional and mushy as it gets...Also, I know I'm a total creep for taking their picture. Oh my gosh, wouldn't it be super awkward if this girl reads my blog? The chances of that are slim to nil, but it makes me laugh. :) (Please know that I am in no way trying to be mean! I promise.)

{Alcatraz Island}

I really want to go to Alcatraz. Really. I read these two YA novels about this boy who lives on Alcatraz with his family, and they really interested me. It's such a weird place.

This wee little door was under a stairwell. Josh and Boyd found it, and I thought it was super cute. So, helloooo, obvious photo op. Sometimes I feel like a weirdo taking pictures of stuff like this in front of people. So, maybe the touristy people think I'm strange...that way, it evens out. Yessss.

{Surfers}

NEWSFLASH: Josh hates it when I say, "Newsflash!" But, that isn't the "newsflash." Anyways, NEWSFLASH: There are Great White Sharks in this water. Great Whites! Holy. Moly. How can these people know this information and still be totally fine with being in that water?

{GGB}

{Boats!}

When I took this picture, I remember being like, "Cooool! Three different types of boats in one picture!" Looking back, I'm like, "What a loser."

{my head}

Goooooof. This guy, oh man. He was just hanging on the bridge, rapping, while his friends filmed him.

{JUS' BEIN' ARTSY.}

So, like I said...Beautiful and scary. That's the best way I can describe it. I hated standing still on the bridge. And I hated walking on the bridge. If I stood still, I could feel it shaking from all the cars. And the height and water below just terrified me. And if I was walking, it made me super dizzy, and I felt like I was moving with the water. Not a big fan.

But I'm really glad we went. It was definitely worth it.

After we left we just kind of drove around the Haight-Ashbury neighborhood. Looking around. The houses here are so pretty and interesting. I want one. Too bad they're the priciest ever.
Speaking of houses, we also decided to find the "Full House" house. We found it. It was weird. The people who own it painted the front door black. Life ruiners. And it's also weird because the neighborhood doesn't look like it does on television. If that makes sense. And when I try to imagine that the Tanner family was from San Francisco, it just seems really weird and like it doesn't fit.

San Francisco has ruined "Full House" for me. Just kidding. I still love you, San Fran.

the civil wars: barton hollow.

2011-02-04T15:55:00.000-06:00

A couple of nights ago I decided to use the rest of the iTunes gift card money I had leftover from Christmas. So, I'm just browsing around, not really looking for anything in particular. Then, on the homepage, under the new releases section, I see this pretty little album cover...

{album cover}

I'm kind of a sucker for a really great guy/girl duo. So, I had to check it out. They are The Civil Wars, and they are beautiful. I'm so happy I clicked that little thumbnail. I've been listening to this album repeatedly the past few days.

Before purchasing I listened to all of the previews of their songs and I enjoyed every. single. one. That's pretty big for me. Usually I like most songs on an album, but hate a couple. Or hate a lot, but like a few. That was not the case for this album; I love everything. A few of the songs are so beautiful that I was actually brought to tears. (I'm kind of a crybaby, anyways...but not really when it comes to music.)

The entire album, 14 songs, is only $7.99 on iTunes. So if I were you, I'd just take the plunge and buy it.

Those are just a few of their songs.

If you give them a listen, tell me what you think!

i like...

2011-02-03T21:03:00.000-06:00

{i like tea.}

{i like magazines.}

that is basically all.

okay, bye.

xo/much love/lylas.

the redefined wish list.

2011-01-28T06:08:00.000-06:00

A couple of weeks ago I was watching a new episode of "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition." It was about a couple with three children, one of which has some developmental delays due to complications at birth. The couple was struggling to get through day to day life in a home that didn't meet their needs at all, to the point that they were doing their dishes in their BATHTUB, because their kitchen didn't work properly. Not only was it issues like these holding them back, but the house was holding their son back from being able to properly learn and grow.

During the home tour a chalkboard on the wall was brought to attention. At the top of the board was the title, "Our Wish List." What is so significant and beautiful about this is the fact that these weren't wishes of things they wanted for themselves, but things they wanted for their friends and family. (Example: Help "friend" buy an engagement ring.)

How amazing is that? I was inspired. I made a list.

I am selfish. So often, I hear myself saying, "I want, I want, I want." And that, my friends, is disgusting. I know I am not alone in this way of thinking. I'm pretty sure it's quite common...And I'm not saying it's wrong to want things! Of course not! But here's a little recap of me the other day:

"I want a Blythe doll, record player, the complete series of Full House, the complete series of Fresh Prince, blahblahblah."

(I know...I'm cool.)

Really, Lydia?

I mean, I do want those things. And that's okay. But why do I care so much?

So, a couple of nights ago, I lay awake in bed. Just thinking and thinking. Money is weird, I thought. And why do I care if I have things now? They will always exist. Money will come again. Why do I get so selfish? I don't NEED anything. And I have to realize that there is plenty of time to get things...

While I was laying in bed that night, I finally decided that biggest thing of all that I want is to make someone else really, truly, genuinely happy + excited. I want to see someone's face light up, because a wish was fulfilled. A wish that they hadn't even asked for, because that's the kind of person they are.

I'm hoping to fulfill the first wish on my list in the next few weeks. And I couldn't be more excited. I'll share more about it when it comes true!

What's on your wish list?

the burger joint.

2011-01-26T20:16:00.000-06:00

our first night here after walking around for awhile, taking in the city, we decided to stop in for dinner at "The Burger Joint." before we got to the restaurant, boyd said, "i really want to try out this burger joint up here." and then it turned out the place was actually called that. funny!
the restaurant's look is basically the style of the cliche 50s diner, with a red and aqua color scheme. which is cute and i like.

i ordered their all beef hot dog w/ tomatoes, onion, and relish, fries, and fresh brewed iced tea. it was super good. so, if you're ever in the area...maybe you should check it out.

♡ ♡ ♡

everybody's doing it.

2011-01-24T04:26:00.000-06:00

Follow my blog with bloglovin

so, i've recently noticed that everybody and their brother is singing up on Blog Lovin'. so i figured i would, too. follow me on Blog Lovin', if you'd like!

the road to san francisco.

2011-01-23T18:17:00.000-06:00

this trip was CUH-RAZY. we're talking 36 straight hours-in the car-kinda crazy. WAIT. 36 straight hours-in the car-with a dog-kinda crazy. there, that's better/more accurate. seriously, guys. it was rough. josh and i totally love each other and are complete BFFs, but i'd be lying if i said there wasn't a time when we wanted to kill the other. And we totally love Stella, but when a guy offered $50 for her...I may have had to think about it. (i'm totally kidding about that, btw.)

All sort of kidding aside, the roadtrip was actually pretty okay. I can't believe how much I slept. And I actually drove a bit! Originally, we were going to stop when we got to Vegas, and stay a night. But I decided I would rather push through and just get here. So, in order to do that, I had to help drive. Which I was totally fine with, but at times it was kind of nerve wracking. There was like an hour, where I seriously felt like I was practicing for a Nascar race.

{some diner by this gas station we stopped at}

{giant pickle from said gas station}

{my own personal blues brother. aww...NOT}

It was the longest car ride ever. EV. ER. but it was definitely worth it! I am in love with San Francisco so far. And I've barely seen it. It's just so beautiful. And I love the vibe I get from the city.

♡ ♡ ♡

BRB, GOING TO SAN FRAN.

2011-01-20T17:34:00.000-06:00

Today Josh and I were sitting on the couch. Just hanging out, watching tv. Then, my sweet husband looks at me and says:

"Let's go to San Francisco."

Whaaaat? At first, I thought he was joking. Then, it turned serious. We called up our friend Boyd, who lives there, and he said for us to come and "stay forever."

Well, I don't know about that. But we're definitely coming. In fact, we're leaving in about 30 minutes. Spontaneity is fun!

xo.

{makeover} monday: a day late.

2011-01-19T00:35:00.000-06:00

"Rockabilly." Gosh, I hate that word. Earlier tonight, I didn't think I did. But I have now decided that I do. It just sounds...less than cute. But I suppose it is how I'd best describe this look.
ANYWAYS. I recently decided that I really want to start branching out--trying new styles, new looks. So I decided a fun way to do that would be to each week share one new look with all of you...sort of to hold me accountable. This week originally started out as a "60s Look." But then I didn't have enough bobby pins, so this happened!

First, I did my makeup. And when I was done I was kind of like, "DAAYYYUUM, GIRL." Just kidding. But I did think that I looked quite pretty. Then, I did my hair. And I was like, "Okay, okay." But then I had to go show Josh, and I was actually nervous. This was way more extreme than what I, or anyone else who knows me, would be used to. And I was afraid he'd be all, "Lyds. You're a goof." But it actually went more like this:

Lyds: Dun-dun-da-dun! PRESENTING LYDIA!

(yes, i am this dramatic.)

Josh: BABY! You look so pretty! Awww, Baby.

(he is nice.)

Stella: ~lots of growling + barking~

(she is scary.)

So, it turned out that it wasn't my imagination...and I really did pull this look off. It's probably not something I would do all the time, just because it's not really something that I would want to use as an everyday kind of look. That...and my dog is afraid of me and has no idea who I am when I look like this. But it's definitely a look that I can see myself going back to every now and again.

{i know all of the pictures are of my profile...just go with it.}

I couldn't get a decent picture of me from the front, soo. But if you can't tell, I went with the "pompadour" style. It was big. And cute!

{vintage pumps}

As far as my clothes go, you'll have to use your imagination a bit. I forgot to take outfit photos. So...just imagine me in those cute vintage pumps, super dark wash skinny jeans, a navy blue and white striped v-neck, and a black leather jacket. Got it? Don't I look AWESOME? :)

This was fun. I'm excited for next time!
xo.

business + friends: how do they mix?

2011-01-16T03:28:00.000-06:00

A few days ago I posted some pictures on Facebook of five paintings I'm trying to sell. (Oh, hey. I'm selling some paintings! Want one?) I sold one the first day, to a girl I used to work with and am friendly with. Then, tonight, another friend approached me to purchase a different painting. I immediately felt awkward, and told him, "Oh, no! I couldn't let you pay for it!" And he made me an offer, of which I felt was too much and said so. He joking told me that I was "haggling the wrong way."
He made a second offer, and I eventually accepted.

Later in the evening I started thinking about the relationship of friends and business. Where do we draw the line? Do we even draw one? I wouldn't exactly say I'm a business woman or anything. I'm just curious, and when I do eventually, possibly start something up...it'd be nice to know peoples' thoughts.

Do those of you who run a business or sell your works ever feel awkward when it comes to friends and family?
Do you or do you not charge friends and family?
Why or why not?

Maybe I am the only one who feels awkward in this situation...?

freaky friday: weimaraners.

2011-01-14T21:08:00.000-06:00

this first week of "freaky friday" is brought to you by weimaraners. i am NOT okay with them. and if they happen to be your favorite dog of all time, i am sorry, but to that all i have to say is, "WHY."
i've come to the conclusion that this may have something to do with the fact that, for whatever reason, people seem to really enjoy dressing these particular dogs as humans. so, maybe i'm not freaked out by weimaraners, but weimaraner lovers. hmm.

{exhibit a}

{exhibit b}

{exhibit c}

let it snow + my new bff.

2011-01-12T06:08:00.000-06:00

On Monday night I went over to the boys' house to hang out with everyone, but most especially to hang out with Rosie, because she is my new best friend and I super love her.
While I was there, it began to snow, so we decided to go outside and play + take some pictures together! Alaska (Jason's pretty puppy) decided to join in on the fun, too. :)

{little rosalie}

{rosie is cute, i am awkward + have a snowflake eyeball}

{alaska and i}

we are back in springfield now, and i already miss my friends way major big time.

siiiiiigh.

GIVEAWAY WINNER!

2011-01-12T05:13:00.001-06:00

Congratulations, Holly Knitlightly! :)
You are the winner of the CuCuCo giveaway.
Yay! : )
Please send me an email with your information, and Rachel and I will get everything squared away.
Thanks! xo.

2011: Making It My Year.

2011-01-07T15:29:00.000-06:00

Yeah, yeah, yeah. Everyone says that, every year. Well, actually I've never said that before. So, maybe it will actually be true for me! The point is, I know it can be if I actually try. And try I will.
I make resolutions every year. The most common one being "lose weight, get in shape, get fit, get healthy." I've never actually completed this one, and yes, it is on my list again this year. :)
So, here it is, a week late...my resolutions, goals, and plans for 2011-AKA-my biatch. (It had to be said, okay?)

1.) Lose 50 lbs. Get in shape, get fit, get healthy.
   On New Years Eve Josh and I went to Walmart to buy groceries. (My plan has been to eat a vegan, or at least vegetarian, diet for at least one whole month. I am hoping that in doing so, that will change my eating habits.) I also ended up buying a couple of Jillian Michaels' workout DVDs. So, yes. I was a walking New Years cliche. AWESOME. But so far, I've already lost 4 lbs. And that has inspired me, and I know I will continue with this one. I have to. For more reasons than just wanting to look good, but maybe we'll talk about that another time. :)

2.) Be nice, or else.
   If there is one lesson I have taken away from my time at Paul Mitchell it is this. BE NICE. They even gave us a book with this title, "Be Nice or Else." (It was written by Winn Claybaugh, and I strongly recommend everyone read it.) And that's what I really want to be...a super genuinely nice person. I think I'm already pretty darn nice, but I know I have my moments where I can be rather grumpy or rude. Maybe it's because I'm having a bad day, or maybe it's because I'm around the wrong kind of people. Regardless, there's never a reason for it, in my opinion. And being nice doesn't mean being a doormat, or not standing up for yourself or someone else. But you also don't have to be mean to do those things. Being mean gets you nowhere in life.

3.) Go back to college.
   If you read my last post, you know that I withdrew from the Paul Mitchell program. If you didn't read that post...Hey, I withdrew from the PM program. I did this because I knew that my true passion was elsewhere, and I've decided to pursue that. I know that what I really want is to work with kids. So that's what I am going to do.

4.) Do what I (we) want.
   Since I am married, that one can't apply to just me at all times. I really want to follow this one 100%. It basically encompasses all of the others, and I feel that it's the most important one of them all. I have so many goals and dreams, and I want to achieve/attempt ALL of them. I never want to let anything stand in our way. Not money, not friends, not family, not distance. Nothing. And I don't mean that in a mean way towards the people in our lives. I just know that sometimes people decide not to do things, because they know that it's not what other people would ideally choose for them. But I can't let things like that stop me, even if it's hard. I want to do what I want, and what is best for me and us.

Do you make resolutions? If you posted about them, let me see!
Or just tell me you're favorite one. :)

xo.

beauty school dropout.

2011-01-05T16:47:00.000-06:00

Frenchie and I now have more in common than a love for pink hair.* If you catch my drift...While my reasons for leaving my school's program are far different, I am still in fact a "Beauty School Dropout." And I'm totally okay with that. In fact, I feel pretty darn content. That's absolutely nothing against the Paul Mitchell program. I actually feel incredibly blessed to have had this opportunity, and appreciate everything that I learned in my time at The System. Not only in my education, but also what I learned of who I am as a person, and who I want to be. It was an incredible experience. And I wouldn't change a thing, even though it did mean that in the end I would have to one day (today) put my big girl pants on and have a few awkward conversations.

What I realized is this:

While cosmetology is SUCH a fascinating industry, and one that greatly interests me, it isn't where my passion lies. My heart just wasn't invested in it, and everyday I felt like my gut was telling me I wasn't in the right place for me. But I didn't want to listen. I kept pushing these thoughts aside, and going through the motions. And then last night, I finally stopped, and truly listened to myself. I finally accepted that I was going into this profession for the wrong reasons, and after a long talk and sobfest with my husband (it sounds like he was crying too, but he totally wasn't. i wish he was, though...just because it'd be kiiind of hilarious) I made my decision.

This morning, I walked into my school, found my ever so lovely learning leader, Mendi, and had the "dreaded" talk. There may or may not have been a few more sobs. And you know what? It wasn't that bad. Again, it was awkward and slightly embarrassing, because after Mendi, I had to go have this talk with three other people...but it wasn't that bad. It wasn't like I thought there would be flames and pitchforks, but I was a little nervous. But after talking with all of these amazing people, I only felt a greater sense of relief. And that's why I loved my school, and the culture of Paul Mitchell. It's such an encouraging, open, honest place...filled with those kinds of people. So, even if I didn't come out of there with a cosmetology license and a vast knowledge of this industry, I still learned a lot from this experience...something way more valuable to me than any piece of paper. And I'm happy about that.

I don't really know 100% what's next for me. I guess you'll just have to wait and see. :)
I know that what I truly love is kids. And I know that I want to work with them and learn from them. So, that's my goal, and what I'm working towards now.

The End. (well, of this chapter, anyways.)

*Oh, and I know that Frenchie wasn't exactly thrilled about her pink hair. But can't we just pretend for cleverness' sake?

CUCUCO GIVEAWAY! YAY!

2011-01-04T23:11:00.000-06:00

One of my most favorite bloggers is the adorable Rachel, of "Adore More." She is the cutest, nicest, sweetest little thing. And I've grown very fond of her and her cute little blog! Oh, and not only is she nice and cute...she's super talented, too! Talk about a triple threat. :)

So, Rachel and I got together and we're doing a little Q+A and a giveaway! She handled the Q+A, which is a pretty fun little interview she did with me, about love and my relationship with Josh. And now, I'm hosting the giveaway of her lovely creations right here! (Note: I'm super jealous of you guys. I want to win! Sadly, I cannot.)

For the giveaway, Rachel has offered up one of her way cute headbands and journals! Seriously, they're so cute! (Maybe that's why her Etsy is so fittingly called, CuteCuteCompany! CuCuCo, for short. Check it out!) Anyways...onto the pretty things you're actually here for!

Again. I'm jealous.

To enter this giveaway, there are no requirements! While it would be super neat if everyone who entered fell in love with and became followers of both Rachel and I's blogs...it's not mandatory. So, just enter! Oh, but do you leave your name and email address so I can contact the winner! And just for fun, maybe tell me your favorite moment from your holidays this year. :)

Extra Entries:

(1) if you tweet about it.

(2) if you blog about it.

Be sure to let me know in separate comments!

Don't forget to check out my interview over on Rachel's blog! xo.

The giveaway will be open until Jan. 12. (Wednesday) at 12 AM.

The winner will be posted later that day.

Thank you!

a loser in life.

2010-12-29T21:03:00.000-06:00

I really wanted to show you guys these old diary entries of my sister's from when she was like, 10. But I think my mom threw them away, which is a total bummer if you ask me. The right thing to do would have been to frame them and display them in the house. But I guess that's just my opinion.
So, instead of showing you guys the real, true deal, I just have to tell you about them. Which clearly isn't the same, but I guess we'll just have to settle. THANKS, MOM.

THE DIARY ENTRY:

"I'm really worried about starting puberty.

What if I get mad and I'm mean to my friends?

blahblahblah.

Lydia has been really mean to me lately.

She's supposed to be an example in my life.

But she's more like a loser in my life."

This is probably one of the greatest things I've ever come across. HO. LY. CROW. Is it not the funniest ever? Maybe it's just because it's about me. But seriously? Also, the puberty thing makes me die. Bahahaha.

xoxo,

the big, giant loser.