Life Lately...

Hi ya'll! I know I've M.I.A. for the past few weeks and I just wanted to check in with you all, see how you are doing and fill you in on a few things. I hope you're still checking this little blog every now and then, because even though I go through dry spells, I do love having this place as an outlet, and sharing it with you.

Anyways, with the weather getting so much nicer, we've been packing up every weekend and either heading down to Deltaville (my safe haven) or the beach (OBX). So we haven't had much progress around the house... other than packing/unpacking and grocery shopping each week, not much is getting done around here. However, we are staying around this weekend so hopefully we will finally finish up the new pantry and get a thorough cleaning done!

I was reading this post this morning and it really resonated with how I am feeling right now in my family life. Harrison is growing up so quickly, and although he's not quite in the toddler phase yet, he's not really a baby anymore either. This time last year (he was only 5 mos old) I barely had a second in the day to take for myself, but it went by so quickly and now (he's almost 1 1/2 yrs old) I finally picked up my kindle again over the weekend and actually started (and finished last night) a book. Just this morning, he rode all the way to work, sitting in his car seat, drinking his sippy cup of milk and "reading" his book about 'eyes'. I could not wipe the goofy smile off my face, while I was watching him in the rear view mirror... he looked so grown up! These little milestones - every new word he says, every new tooth he gets (that we all work so hard for), and even finding time to do things for myself again, make me so so proud of my little family.  I guess I've just been feeling super sentimental lately and reading that post this morning just reminded me that we are all constantly changing and going through so much behind the scenes that most people don't even know about. Little shifts in our world can be scary but good. 

Some Summer Essentials...

Harrison's 1st Birthday!

Today is the day! My little baby is one year old! Oh my. This year just literally went by in the blink of an eye... probably because he has kept us so busy day in and day out ;) 

Unfortunately, because of our ongoing construction/ chaos, we had to forego a big party this year. I originally thought that if construction would be finished reasonably soon after his birthday, that we could put off the party until then. But then there were just so many unknowns, and I'm glad now that we decided to go ahead and celebrate because we are still at least a month away from being finished with our house. 

So about a week ago I decided to just have a very small get together with our immediate families. I took the easy route with catered BBQ, coleslaw, chips, and cupcakes. It honestly turned out to be so perfect for us. We had the nicest, stress-free day, and I think HRD thoroughly enjoyed his cake and presents! 

Tea for Two [Olivia's 2nd Birthday Party]

This weekend was extra special because we had two special birthday's to celebrate! First on Saturday we went to my niece's birthday party and then on Sunday we celebrated Harrison's 1st birthday! Oh me Oh my. Still can't get over that! But for today, I am sharing the AMAZING job my sister did putting together a "Tea Party" for a very special little 2 year old! I know first hand how much thought, planning, and crafting went into this day, and it all came to life in such a dream land sort of way. 

Rounding Out 2014 & A Look at Christmas

This year Christmas was all about the little ones (and I dare say, all years to come will be the same!) and it was so much fun to see their genuine excitement when opening gifts and just being with family. My sister and I also had a lot of fun finding matching outfits for our babes! Check out the bottom of this post to get the details and similar looks!

2014 was an epic year for our family... we started off the year with the birth of Harrison, started the planning process and ultimately building an addition on to our house (still not done, but close!), all while learning how to be parents. You'll have to excuse me while I get a little nostalgic on you, with Harrison's first birthday coming up next week, I've been doing a lot of reflecting on this past year and all that we been through... many sleepless months, constant learning, growing, and sometimes feeling like a failure, and then overcoming that feeling, teething, so many firsts, and then finally feeling like you're a 'ole pro (this feeling comes and goes:)) And although it feels like we did so much in 2014, I still can't believe that it's over and we are onto the next year, with so many new firsts and adventures to experience as a family. 

So this year my main goal is to be in the moment as much as possible, and try not to stress over the little things because they too shall pass. So bring it on 2015, I'm ready for you! 

As always, thanks for reading! 

   

More Janie and Jack...

Holiday Traditions [Afternoon Tea]

 

 This year my mom, sister, and I decided to start a new holiday tradition where we take an afternoon off work, get dolled up, and go to The Jefferson Hotel for afternoon tea. Ever since I can remember, my mom has always been an avid hot tea drinker, and I'm slowly enjoying it more and more myself. Besides the soothing and relaxing benefits of drinking hot tea, I love experiencing the rich tradition and formality of a High Tea.

I would love to know what holiday traditions you have?! 

Thanks for reading,

More Kate Spade...

Weekend Musings [Halloween]

Well I'm a week late but I couldn't pass up one last opportunity to share my sweet little elephant with you! Harrison was a hoot in his costume and surprised us by rocking it all night with no fuss at all. My sister hosted us over at her house, and I'm disappointed to say that I didn't get any pics of her cute decor, but she always goes the extra mile to make her parties and gatherings special and this one was no different! Harrison loved the balloons the most, and the adults had a lot of fun with photo props and stick-on mustaches :) 

On the home front, everything has been framed and wrapped, and they started putting up the roof trusses! This week we've had a bit of a hold up waiting on the power company to do their business but hopefully by next week, we will be back on schedule. 

Happy Friday! 

Weekend Musings [Tailgating & Football]

This weekend we headed down to W's Alma mater to the HSC homecoming football game with some friends. It was Harrison's first football game/ tailgating experience and we had so much fun! It's definitely a whole different experience with a baby but we just loved seeing him crawl around, discover grass, make new baby friends, and people watch in wonderment.  

The nice thing about fall, besides the gorgeous weather and changing leaves, are the abundant of outdoor activities to enjoy. Football games, berry farms, vineyards, festivals, and so much more... we're making the most of the season and our weekends by slowly checking these off the list! 

What fun things are you getting into this fall? 

Autumn Beach Babymoon

       


                             

I put together a little video of our beach "babymoon" from last week:) It's hard to believe these moments have come and gone already. 

I hope you enjoy. 

Happy Monday!

xx

Baby D's Gender Reveal

Words can't describe what an exciting/surreal/scary/happy time this is in my life, but I love the fact that I have this little blog that I can share special snip bits of it with.

 We hit a milestone in the pregnancy last week... we found out baby D's gender! 

It suddenly feels so real, and now I feel like we can really start moving forward and planning for our future family. 

Check out the "scoop" from our gender reveal ice cream social last week!

IT'S A...

BOY!!!!!