happy graduation day husband!

My husband graduated from Basic Training today! After 2 long months, we have finally gotten to this point. There were definitely days when I wasn't sure if I'd make it, but here we are. I'm so proud of him! And I've found a strength I didn't even know I had. The old saying is cliche, but its so true. What doesn't kill you really does make you stronger!

My handsome husband and our friend, Ben. Its so strange to see Carl look this way. I'm used to my bearded, Converse wearing, some what shaggy, husband. This is the complete opposite, but he is still the most handsome boy I know. While he has been away, I've received a total of 8 letters. I carry them with me in my purse. I'm a dork like that. :) I usually cry reading them, but this got me good...

"You and Caroline keep me going when things get though".

My husband is not a very emotional guy and can hide feelings very well. This made me melt. I have a pretty fantastic husband. Hopefully, he won't mind me sharing that. :) Caroline will be here in 5 days! Crazy to think about! I'm heading to dinner with the girls tonight for one last hoorah before becoming a mommy. Enjoy your weekend friends!

lately...

Random snippets of my life these days:

*I have 12 days until my due date!

*Caroline currently weighs approximately 7 lbs, 5 oz.

*I get to see my husband in 20 days!!! (But hopefully sooner...crossed fingers!)

*Tomorrow is my last day of work until I return from maternity leave.

*I have been watching The Family Stone over and over and over.

*Our little home is completely decorated for Christmas. Our Charlie Brown tree...

I really wanted a real tree this year, but decided against it since I'm 9 months pregnant and husbandless. I'm extremely thankful my husbandless situation is only temporary!

*Caroline's room is so close to being complete! Only lacking the bedding...

Oh, and the something fun that is going above her crib!

*I'm extremely tired of everyone's opinions and advice on motherhood, babies, c sections, etc. And if one more person says "You haven't had that baby yet?!", I think I might scream. :)

That's about it. Nothing too exciting around here lately. Give me a month or so and then I'll have lots of fun stories! Happy Thursday!

recent vintage goodness...

I know...I'm the worst blogger ever. A little something happened on Wednesday evening and it threw me off for a few days. My husband might not get home until late February now, but I'm trying not to think about it. I've been drowning my sorrows in retail therapy and getting more things ready for Caroline. I did mention something about sharing my latest vintage finds, so here it is...

The few things I've bought for myself recently. I think the paint by number will go in Caroline's room, but I'm not too sure about the rest...

My mom and I went to an estate sale a few weeks back and I hit the jackpot on cute baby vintage!

I picked up a few other pieces that need a little TLC. I'm still trying to figure out the best way to keep the beauties clean and in one piece. Do you just throw them in the wash like everything else?

Yesterday was my final baby shower. I enjoyed it, but glad most of the hooplah is over. There are lots of people who love us and baby Caroline! Thank you all soooo much!

Retail therapy was needed last night, so my lovely Beth and I hit up a few places. I knocked out a Christmas present for Carl (even though we said we weren't getting each other gifts this year) and got a few presents for myself. Apparently TJ Maxx got a very lovely shipment in of all things cute and paper like. I wanted to die when I found all of this...

This is why I love TJ Maxx. You never know when you're going to find something amazing by a designer that you love. There were several more Orla Kiely things to choose from, but I guess I have to practice some sort of self control. :) I also grabbed a book for Caroline, a fun turquoise picture frame, and 2 of the cutest coffee mugs. It was a good trip! Happy Sunday!

drum roll please...

Well, its almost done. There are still a few things that need to be finished, but I'm excited to see this room look this good! I'm still waiting on the bedding from Etsy and the curtain rods need to be installed (that's my Daddy's job), but those are the main things left to. Remember what this room looked like a few months ago?!

And here it is now!

I'm not too sure how we managed to get rid of all that mess. Several bags of things went to Goodwill and the old brown desk found a home in the dumpster (believe me, no one else did or would want it!). Everything else found its way into a closet. I'm still shocked we had enough space for everything!

Oh, I still need a crib mattress too. :) I'm planning on getting that this weekend when I can use my Dad's truck. Most of the little things in Caroline's room are vintage that I've picked up here and there. I know I'll have to change some things once she starts crawling and standing, but I like it for now. Its definitely not girly, which is what I was going for. I do wish the rocker and bench were black, but painting those is something I'm not going to take on with Carl gone. I'm ordering something fun to hang above her crib. I'll share that when it finished! Here are the fabrics for the bedding...

The demask is going to be the bumper and the birdie fabric is the crib skirt. :) I'll share more when the room is completely finished!

blogging blues...

You would think with a baby coming in 4 weeks and a husband who is not at home, I would be stressing over bigger issues than blogging. :) I've started about 3 new blog posts since my last and have yet to finish any of them. I guess it seems there is so much to share that I don't know where to start. If I was a good blogger, I would have not let it get this piled up and just would have blogged by now! Anyway, I've decided that the best way to get caught up is to just pick a few things I want to share and forget the rest. So...tomorrow you will get a lovely little update on Caroline's digs. I've been working like a mad woman (with some help from my parents) and it finally feels like its coming together! Tuesday will bring my newest vintage finds and Wednesday I'll share my latest sewing projects. See you tomorrow!

an update...

This last week has been exhausting in all kinds of ways. If you didn't already know, my husband left on Tuesday for 8 weeks for Basic Training. Its amazing all of the emotions this brings. For the most part I'm doing pretty good and trying to stay busy, but its still hard. I miss him terribly. I'm going to use this time to watch lots of girly movies, scrapbook constantly, get Caroline's room together, and perfect my sewing skills. :) Of course, I still wish he was here! We took belly pictures before he left and I thought I'dshare a few...

I've already framed and scrap-booked a few. My plan is to send some to Carl so he can see them, but I'm not sure if he can get pictures or not. Last night I put my sewing machine to good use and made Caroline a Christmas burp cloth and a Saints blankie!

I used Minky fabric for the back of both and it is hard to sew! It stretches and pulls a lot, so it took a little longer than I thought. I also did another page in Caroline's little book...

I need to get more pictures printed so I can do more pages! With Carl being gone, our dinning room table has turned into my craft spot. There is definitely no room to eat!

Sometimes I think I need to pick it up, but what's the point right now? :) I'm trying to decide what to do tonight and pondering my options. Part of me wants to stay home, but I've been here all day. It starts to get too quiet around. I miss my husband!! My blog posts might be few and far between in the upcoming weeks, but hopefully I'll keep it up!

oh, caroline...

Dear Caroline,

You are one spoiled little lady. You are not due to make your grand entrance until December, but you already have a closet full of cute clothes and a box full of good reading material. It is very hard for me to pass up adorable little baby things or an Eric Carle book at TJMaxx. The other day I picked you up some leg warmers at Old Navy. You are so much fun to shop for and I can't wait to play dress up. I really just can't wait to hold you and see that face. I'm sure you will be the most precious baby on the planet! You are very active these days and I like to think its because you are like me...a little loud and feisty at times. :) Being pregnant doesn't always bring out the best in me, but I know you are worth it. Your Mimi and I have ventured into the world of bow making and this was the result...

I guess they turned out pretty good considering it was our first attempt. I've also been browsing Etsy lately for fun baby vintage for you. I bought one dress that I'm still waiting to get shipped, but I did find this smocked number for 4 bucks at a vintage store!

See you soon precious!

Love,

Mommy

P.S. As you know, your daddy has been reading you bedtime stories lately. Hope you enjoy them! I think he's very fond of you. :)

Caroline's nursery...

I think I've finally decided on a color scheme for Caroline's little room. The walls are staying yellow, so I need something to match well with that, but still look girly. Here is what I have found so far and I'm super excited!

Some fabric swatches for bedding and curtains...

Not sure which ones I'll go with, or if I'll end up using any of these, but I really like the colors and patterns of these fabrics!

I definitely want a big shaggy rug for the room. I'm thinking of going with gray. A black one might be too much.

I've also decided on a black Jenny Lind crib. I really like the style, but thought they only came in white and brown. I was excited to find one on Target.com!

I might add a few pops of teal here and there for a little extra color. I'm ready to see this room come together!

the good and the bad...

I'm not sure how much I've talked about this on my blog, or if I've even mentioned it at all, but my niece, Abby, has Leukemia and is currently at St. Jude receiving treatment. This came as a big shock to our family and still seems unreal sometimes. We are planning on making the trip to Memphis this weekend to see her and if I'm being completely honest, I'm scared. I've dealt with some sickness and death in my 23 years of life, but if you ask me, it is much easier to come to grips with when you are younger. One of the hardest parts is seeing the way it affects my husband. He's not much of an emotional guy, but I know when he hurts. I'm so excited about having our little baby, yet so sad for Abby at the same time. The thought of this happening to Caroline makes me die inside so I can only imagine what Carl's sister is going through. I haven't even had our baby yet, but I know I would give up my life for hers in a heartbeat. I'm sure Carl's sister feels the same way about Abby. Please pray for our family, especially Karen and Abby.

the ugly truth...

In a few months, an infant will be living here...

Can you believe it was worse than this at one point?! Most days it doesn't even look this bad, but the hubby likes to get all of his music gear out and then I bring things home and there you go. A hot mess. The room is staying this color so I'm still trying to get a color scheme together that I like for a girl. I've decided on black furniture instead of the white. Hopefully it will come together soon! It is definitely not baby friendly right now! This, however, is all about baby Caroline...

Her closet. I don't think I've gone too far... :)

the big belly...

These last few days I've been feeling extremely envious of non-pregnant bellies. I'm filled with mixed emotions about my changing (and growing) body and have little moments of sadness when something doesn't fit right or that shirt I thought I could still wear doesn't accommodate my stomach anymore. My skinny jeans are slowly becoming a thing of the past and even some of my shoes feel tight. I know all of these feelings are normal, but I want to love this new body and embrace it. My mission is to find cute maternity clothes without breaking the bank. I've tried Target, Old Navy, and Motherhood, so now its time to get creative. I'll share with you my findings. Wish me luck! :)

a new name...

I've been pondering this for a while now and have made the decision that my blog needs a new name. It is no secret that 50 days of cute has been long gone. :) The only problem is I have no clue what to change it to. Any ideas?

On another note, we found out Carl's basic dates yesterday. He leaves October 18th and comes home December 10th. My due date is the 14th. Am I freaking out a bit? Yes! I'm just praying little Caroline decides to make her entrance after the 10th!

I have a few things to get done today since this is my last day off during the week. Tomorrow is the first day of school and I need to get things done around here! Anyone want to get my oil changed for me? I'm really not wanting to do that...

the favorites...

I've bought a few things for Caroline because its so much fun to buy for a little girl! I try to shop mostly sales and put into consideration the price, level of cuteness, and size. :) Here are some of my favorites...

I've decided that my main shopping spots for this little gal will be Target, Old Navy, Carter's, and Etsy. I ordered her a headband from Etsy the other day and I can't wait to get it! I need to slow down though since my favorite aunt is coming in September and wants to do some shopping! :)

One more thing...

20 weeks. I'm still wearing my regular jeans (with a BellaBand of course)! I'm really paranoid about my feet getting bigger so I'm trying to wear my favorite shoes a lot! The yellow flats get worn at least a few times a week.

Happy Tuesday! I'm off to run errands. Lots of them...

yoga...

Oh, yoga. I like the idea of yoga. I actually went to a class once. By the end of it, I thought I was going to die. I was recently informed of a free yoga class taking place on Saturday mornings. It sounded like a good idea at first. You know, do a little yoga, get my workout on, feel a little better about my growing stomach. Then I realized that this class was 2 hours long. 2 hours?! No thanks. There is no telling how many potty breaks I would have to take. I'll just stick with my 30 minute pilates. :) What's the average time length for a class anyway?

daddy's girl...

I've decided that my husband is going to be putty in little Caroline's hands. He swears that she will not have him wrapped around her little finger, but I think otherwise. I've seen what having a baby girl can do to a man (my father, for one) and I'm sure he will be just smitten. Actually, I'm pretty sure he already is.

They are much cuter in a size 2 than a size 15. :)

so, if you haven't heard...

We are having a girl! I've already celebrated by buying a few cute things. This should be fun...

cravings...

Being pregnant does some very strange things to your body (duh!). Aside from my growing belly and a few pains here and there, the most crazy thing for me is cravings. Some things that I used to love I just can't stomach and things that I could do without I'm wanting all the time! Its weird. Cravings so far in my 19 weeks of pregnancy...

I've never been a fan of sprite because it always reminded me of being sick to my stomach as a kid, but now I love it! I've always liked potato skins, but I've been wanting them constantly. I bought four boxes last time I went to the grocery store. :) As for the pickles and sour candy, I'm not sure where that came from, but pickles were one of the only things I could eat at the beginning without feeling sick. I ate pickles for breakfast a lot in the first trimester. I've now moved on to sour candy. I can't get enough. My go to is sour straws. I also ate a lot of fruit in the first trimester. That has died down some, but I still love strawberries! Probably one of the worst things I eat, and the thing Carl can't stand, is this...

I love them. I don't know why. All of the bad stuff (which most of it is) I try my hardest to eat in small portions. Sometimes I'm successful, sometimes not, but I'm pregnant. And, I've only gained 7 pounds so far. :)

summer rain...

I'm a big fan of rainy summer days...

All of the images above are via weheartit. I've never used the site before and thought I would try it out. There are some amazing photos, but it is so slow! I was also sad to find out that the phrase in the third photo are lyrics to a Boys Like Girls song. I don't know about you, but I'm not a big fan of those guys. Anyway, I really enjoyed our little shower, but now I have to be productive and hit the grocery store.

this morning...

I'm looking forward to both of these things. Yummy breakfast and yard sales with friends? I'm thinking the best Saturday morning ever.

Enjoy your morning! :)