Monday, February 24, 2014

Ten Things...

... That Caught My Eye

A shirt I desperately need in my closet. 

Something I really need to get working on.

A super adorable space.

A refreshing scent for spring.

A super fun way to cheer up someone's day.

The most creative DIY for the music-loving kid in your life.

My go-to breakfast these days.

The perfect summer sandal.

The most beautiful wedding video I've seen.

A fresh spring look I am lusting over.

This past weekend was such a tease. It tricked me into believing that spring had finally arrived. After such a long and snowy winter, it was such a breath of fresh air. I only wish I could have spent more of my days outside. I am so very hopeful that some more 50 degrees days are heading our way in the near future. Alec and I are really starting to get cabin fever. Come on Spring, you can do it!

Thursday, February 13, 2014

XOXO

And a very special Valentine's Day to my one and only.

You are my best friend, my love, my rock. 
I don't know what I'd do without you. 

Happy Valentine's Day

My little valentine, I love you so. 

February 7th through the 14th is Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Week. 
CHD is considered to be the most common birth defect, and is a leading cause of birth-defect related deaths worldwide. Despite the fact that CHD affects approximately 1.8 million families in the U.S.,  a relatively small amount of funding is currently available for parent/patient educational services, research, and support. The goal of this week is to raise public awareness about conditions that affect approximately 40,000 babies each year in the United States alone. Early diagnosis can make such a profound difference in the treatment of CHD. My husband and I were fortunate to find out about Alec's heart defect at only 19 weeks gestation. We received the most wonderful care at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and with a ton of education and planning, Kiel and I were prepared for what was to come after Alec was born. A big thank you to all who walked in Alec's honor at the Heart Walk on September 8th and also to those donated towards our team. It is through your support that Kiel and I remain strong for our little man and we are so grateful for how healthy he has been thus far!

I hope everyone has a wonderful Valentine's Day and that you are all able to spend the day with those you love most. xoxo

Monday, February 3, 2014

Five Months.

Just when I thought things couldn't get any better... they did! Five months is truly the magic number. My little man is really starting to show us true glimpses of his personality. As of late, our routine is smooth sailing. Alec naps about three times a day. And these aren't just little cat naps anymore, they are REAL, one-hour plus naps! I can finally get some things accomplished during the day. It's amazing what a real nap time can do for a mother's sanity. I can grocery shop... blog... clean the whole house if I want to. It's glorious. And not to mention, how much happier Alec is now that he is well-rested. He is full of smiles and giggles during the day. He is rolling over from his belly to his back and it's just a matter of time before he is on the move. Bed time is usually around 6:30 and what used to be an hour plus struggle, has become a half hour piece of cake. We eat a big ole bottle, read a bedtime story or two, swaddle up (It's true, he still likes to be swaddled in his Aden and Anais swaddle blankets at five months old and I'm going to run with it... whatever works right?), and then I binky him up, hum a little tune, and put him down for bed. He has learned how to self-soothe and heads off into dreamland on his own just about every night these days. It's a beautiful thing. This little guy is really coming into his own and although I am already missing the very little newborn he once was, I am so enjoying this new fun stage that he is in. It's so exciting to think about my family's future. Alec growing and walking and talking...  maybe even embracing a new little brother or sister one day. Life really is wonderful and I couldn't be happier or more grateful with how things have all worked out for us so far. God is good.