A Bride In Boots

Maggie's Monthly Milestones: 3 Months!

2011-11-24T01:55:00.002-06:00

Oh Maggie, when you read this when you are a teenager (if blogs are still around then) don't be embarrassed when you see that I am a big ball of emotions tonight. I am writing you this on Thanksgiving Eve, and I have such a full, happy, grateful heart that it might just overflow. It is after midnight and I'm thinking about all the things I have to be thankful for this year, but you absolutely top the list. I think back to Thanksgiving last year, and how you weren't even a twinkle in our eye yet. I used November 19 as the start date in all my pregnancy calculators to tell me when you would arrive, and now here we are, a year later, and you are alive and well, making your dad and I fall in love with you more every minute. How could I have known the joy you would bring? All I know is I simply cannot imagine life without you. You, my dear daughter, make Thanksgiving so much more special. How much sweeter life is with you in it!

So I've not been on top of our monthly photo sessions, and usually realize we need to do them a few days after your monthly birthday has passed, but your dad and I did sing happy birthday to you on your 3 month birthday. You smiled at us and my heart swelled. In fact, you smile at us a lot in the morning, which is just about the most perfect start to a day I could ask for. And we all know I am NOT a morning person. But you have made me become a lot less grumpy.

I have a closet full of adorable clothes for you, but I end up snapping your picture in whatever "play clothes" you happen to have on at the moment, because I don't have the heart to change you into something less comfortable and risk you having a meltdown before picture time. I kind of like that you're not all done up in your finest duds though, and that we capture you just as you are. Because you really are one cute kid (though you have taken after your dad in the picture-taking department and are not even remotely a fan).

However, because I did have to break down and buy you a proper smocked gown (and was a sucker for this hot pink number because you are absolutely infatuated with polka dots) I had to snap a quick picture of you in it. You seem to be debating if it was worth the outfit change.
So, since we have a trip down to Alabama planned for early tomorrow morning and Mommy needs to get her behind to bed, I'll go ahead and get to your monthly milestones. Oh and right now, I'm watching you sleep soundly on the monitor in your brand new Halo Sleep Sack - you have been busting out of your Miracle Blanket for about a week so we had to find a new trick. This seems to be working out nicely, because you have barely moved since we put you down. That's my girl...

Weight: 12 lbs, 6 oz. Goodness, you are growing! We actually went and got you weighed today, and got the thumbs up from the nurse on how you're tracking. Makes this mama so proud to know that breastfeeding is making you grow so big. I remember thinking I would never make it to three months nursing, but now I feel like I could do it in my sleep (and sometimes do!).

Height: ?? I'm not sure - we'll get this checked next month at your four month appointment, but I definitely put a onesie with footies on you the other night and your toes could have busted the seams. I reluctantly decided it was time to add those to the "officially outgrown" pile - man, they were one of my favorite pairs!

Clothes: 3-6 months. Though a few 0-3 month things will still work, you have pretty much outgrown all the clothes that took up the majority of your closet before you arrived. I loved how easy it was to put you in a short-sleeved onesie or even your Baptist Hospital t-shirt and a diaper for the first few months of your life, and am trying to get the hang of putting you in layers and long-sleeves! I've also started trying to put shoes on you - since you've been a barefoot baby for most of these first three months!

Eye color: Still a dark bluish-green. Here's hoping they'll stay hazel and not turn brown!

Doctor's orders: No visits to the doc other than the weight check-up. Your next appointment is on December 14 and you have to get the second round of shots. I truly hate those more than you do.

Biggest accomplishment: You have become Queen of Tummy Time! You really just got the hang of it this last week, but now you don't even cry when we put you down on your tummy. You'll sit up on those chubby arms and look at everything around you, cooing and sometimes even smiling. This is a big improvement, since before you had a three minute max! Also, one night last week you rolled over, which took you and us both by surprise!

How we spend our day: I started back working two weeks ago, but thankfully I'm in the office only two days a week and working from home the other three. You like to wake up around 7 a.m. and Dad gets you and brings you to our room so I can give you your breakfast feeding. You are usually pretty hungry but after about 20 minutes nursing, you lay back on our propped-up knees and give us the biggest and best smiles of the day while we play. You are so stinkin' happy in the morning, which you HAVE to get from your dad. After that, you go back down for a mid-morning nap, which is by far the longest one of the day. Once you wake up from that, I change you out of your pajamas and we do some kind of activity - tummy time, reading books, activity mat, etc. - until you get sleepy again and go back down for a nap in your Snugabunny seat, which you love. I try to get things done around the house or run errands until you wake up, then nurse again and have more play time. You've started to really like Baby Einstein, so sometimes I'll put on a video that you'll watch with wide-eyed wonder. When Dad gets home, I hand you over so he can get some "Maggie time" while I try to figure out something for dinner. He is wonderful to lend a helping hand or offer to pick something up, which I so appreciate. I used to love to come up with new things in the kitchen but I have no idea when I'll find the time to do that anytime soon, so I'm leaning on recipes from memory. After dinner, we have family playtime (or bathtime twice a week) and then you'll nurse once or twice more before going down for the night. You love to be swaddled and read to before bed - your current favorite book is "Bear Snores On." I try to loosely follow the acronym E.A.S.Y. which I read about in Secrets of A Baby Whisperer, which is Eat, Activity, Sleep, You Time. It seems to work really well for you, unless you're going through a growth spurt and it's more like, Eat, Eat, Eat, Sleep!

Likes: All the same things from 2 months - early mornings playing in the bed with mom and dad, polka dots in any form or fashion - you will just stare at them as if you are mesmerized!, and being swaddled when you're sleepy. You also seem to like when I sing the ABC's and Pat-A-Cake, seeing yourself in the mirror, your new Play and Learn Puppy your Uncle Dan bought you, and inspecting your toes when you're sitting up - which you're doing so well! You can sit up in your bumbo without help now, and love to be facing out when you're sitting on a lap.

Dislikes: You seem to be warming up more and more to bath time, so I wouldn't even consider it a dislike anymore. You definitely don't like outfit changes, which we have to do quite frequently because of your tendency to have the occasional "blowout."

Trips You've Taken: We've pretty much stayed put this month, since you traveled so much last month, but we've still taken you out to restaurants and twice to church. You slept through the entire service both times, despite the loud worship music. I know we're probably pushing our luck, but you're such a good baby, we can't help it!

Sweetest Moment: Seeing your Dad get down on the floor with you and helping you to do Tummy Time, or really just seeing him with you anytime. He is so in love with you, Maggie. And I fall more in love with him when I see the two of you together.

You are an absolute joy, Maggie, and though there are many times I've messed up and misread your cues or done something wrong, you are really such an easy baby. I am so excited that we get to experience our first holidays with you, and surround you with friends and family over these next few weeks. May you always know how much you are loved!

Maggie's Monthly Milestones: Two Months!

2011-10-21T10:27:00.026-05:00

Oh Maggie, I cannot believe you are two months old! So many people say the first two months are the hardest physically due to lack of sleep, breastfeeding, etc., but I've found that they are definitely the most emotionally rewarding as well. I am so smitten with you, and am trying my best to sear all of these sweet moments with you into my memory, as they are going by so fast. I look back over the hundreds (literally) of pictures we have taken of your first two months of life, and you have changed so much already. I love seeing what new thing you'll do next!

I feel like I finally hit my stride on the mom thing around 6 weeks with the whole where-do-you-find-time-to-do-anything-other-than-stare-at-your-child routine. I woke up one day recently and realized I was halfway through my maternity leave before I go back to work part-time. Don't think I didn't hug you a little tighter that day. Being home with you these first months has been pure bliss. I wouldn't trade it for anything in the world, and I am so thankful I took as much time as I did to enjoy seeing the world through your beautiful blue-green eyes and didn't rush back to work. Best decision I ever made, other than marrying your daddy.

Speaking of, let me just tell you how crazy your daddy is about you. I knew the moment he met you in the hospital and had those big tears in his eyes that you had him wrapped, but you've managed to melt him even more over these first few weeks. I used to make fun of him and call him the Tinman because of how little emotion he would show, but you have come along and started to change all that. He loves to kiss us both before he leaves for work (he says sometimes we're even sleeping in the same position), call and check and see "how his girls are doing" throughout the day, and most of all, come home after a long day's work and scoop you up in his arms for some "Maggie time." He has a position he likes to put you in where you stare right in his eyes, with your arms hanging loosely by your side, and you get all relaxed and comfy and it looks like you feel completely secure. And you should, sweet baby, because he works his tail off for us. That's how I get to shop for you all the time. :)

Life with you is better than I could have ever imagined. Truly. You have turned our world upside down, but it is a more beautiful and complete world because you are here.

So let's see your stats, shall we?

Weight: 10 lbs, 7 oz. We're in the double digits! Your dad and I made a bet on what your weight would be at your 2 month appointment, and what a surprise to see you surpass both of our guesses! This put you in the 50th percentile, up from the 15th percentile at your 2 week visit. The doctor was very proud of you, and so was I! I believe we've finally gotten the hang of breastfeeding, and thankfully, it seems to be working!

Height: 23 inches (75th percentile - you must get that height from your dad and not me)

Look what a good patient you are!

Clothes: 0-3 months. I had to pack up all of your sweet, tiny newborn clothes after finally realizing how hard it was getting to get them over your head when I change you. I'm not afraid to admit it tugged on my heart a little to put them away.

Eye color: Dark bluish-green. They still could turn brown like mine, but I'm hoping they'll be hazel like your dad's!

Doctor's orders: I was dreading our two month check-up a little, since I knew you were getting those first immunization shots and I had a sneaking suspicion I would cry just as much as you did. Turns out I was right. It broke my heart to see you smiling and cooing the whole time, and then have you let out the saddest cry when they poked you. Dad took off work to go with us and be my moral support, which I definitely needed. You were fine by the time we got out to the car, but I could hardly put you down the rest of the afternoon! Made me so thankful for your health - I simply cannot imagine what some parents go through like those in the NICU, seeing their children hurt. I thank God everyday how happy and healthy you are.

Biggest accomplishment: That first big, beautiful smile! Oh, my heart just melted into a little pool on the floor when you flashed it at me. You are so happy after your first feeding in the morning, and the minute I'm done nursing you, you look up at me and give me the sweetest grin. You're also holding your head up now, and trackings lots of things with your eyes. You love the polka dots on your carseat, and the birds on your mobile in the snugabunny seat. And best of all, you are STILL a sensational sleeper! Once we got the doctor's orders to let you go at night and not wake you every three hours, you've gotten into a routine in these last few weeks of going to bed around 11 pm, and you usually sleep until 6 or 7 am! Those are the same hours we had before you arrived - how thoughtful you are to let us continue and keep them! Finally, your dad would probably say it was a big accomplishment to move you into the guest room. We did that right before your two month birthday, and though I hated having you across the hall, I have been quite proud of how well you have done in there. I don't think you even notice the train that runs practically in our backyard. Perhaps our biggest accomplishment this month was having our first date night, and leaving you with your favorite babysitter, Katy. Your dad and I were invited by one of his clients to see Sheryl Crow play a private concert at the Ryman, and we got all gussied up and had a date. I only texted Katy twice to check on you, which I thought was completely justified. You did great for her but I couldn't wait to get my hands on you when we got home!

How we spend our day: I've decided that this was hands-down the best time to have a baby. The weather has been so perfect for our neighborhood strolls, and you still seem to love being outside and feeling the fresh air - sometimes it instantly calms you. I have loved seeing summer turn into fall with you, and especially enjoy seeing the changing leaves, the arrival of pumpkin spice lattes, and the start of football with new eyes - it's been so nice to stop and slow down rather than go, go, go all the time. Your'e good for me like that.

Likes: Early mornings playing in the bed with mom and dad - your favorite time to smile! Also, i've discovered you love polka dots - on my padded armrest on your carseat, on the nursery curtains, anywhere you can find them! You still seem to like being swaddled, though sometimes you'll bust out and we'll find you with your arms up by your head in the morning. Your new favorite position is being held over my shoulder - I love it because you just fit right into the crook of my neck, and I can kiss the top of your fuzzy little head.

Dislikes: Bathtime, though you seem to be warming up to it, slowly but surely. You're also not a fan of being woken up, having your diaper changed, and being put on your tummy for tummy time...but really, who would enjoy those things?

Trips You've Taken: What a traveler you have been this month! We've gone to visit both sets of grandparents on back-to-back weekends, first to Virginia (a 9 hour car ride that usually takes 6) and then to Alabama. If anything, you're teaching us that we can't plan like we used to, as the on-the-road nursing and changing stops you need dictate our arrival these days. We've also had the Turman family come visit us, and it was so much fun having all of your cousins ooh and aah over you. You've also gone to your first football game, seeing Vanderbilt defeat Ole Miss, though we only came for the last quarter.

I didn't want to push my luck, but you slept just about the whole time. We also took you to church for the first time, and even to brunch afterward at our new favorite spot, The Garden Brunch Cafe. I got the Bananas Foster pancakes, which were to DIE for. Better enjoy eating things like that while I'm nursing and burning those calories!

Uncle Chris and Aunt Treva came to visit you over Labor Day Weekend

Mimi came too and covered you in kisses!

Logan, McKenzie and Lucas all wanted to hold you

You and your handsome daddy after church at the Garden Brunch Cafe

Cousin Audrey holding you for the first time

Granddad was a big fan of your gameday outfit

Perfectly at ease with your namesake, Aunt Margaret

Your first time meeting your Uncle Andrew

Sweetest Moment: Without a doubt, that first ear-to-ear smile. I will do just about anything I can to get it out of you because it absolutely melts me. And thankfully, you love to give it! Sometimes, I'll even get a coo or a giggle to go along with it - I think it's your way of saying you love me too. :)

Here's a sneak peek of the next post - Maggie's first photo shoot!

And after that, I've got to do a recap of her labor and delivery story. I must get it down before I forget the details! Let's just say that it was not according to plan (as in no time for an epidural), but worked out absolutely perfectly. From moment one, Maggie has been full of surprises!

Maggie's Monthly Milestones: Month 1

2011-09-21T13:40:00.004-05:00

In an attempt to remember all these precious "firsts" of Maggie's life, I decided to start a monthly installment called "Maggie's Monthly Milestones." I do love good alliteration. :)

Maggie, at one month old, here you are!

Weight: 8.1

Height: 21 inches

Clothes: Newborn (you probably could have worn preemie those first few weeks though)

Eye color: A beautiful dark blue

Doctor's orders: At your two week check-up, doc said you were doing great! He told us to keep up the feed every three hours routine, and then let you go at night. Made our day to hear that, since you have proven you are quite the little sleeper. (You take after your mom like that).

Biggest accomplishment: Sleeping for a 6 hour stretch. Could you please keep that up?

Funniest moment: On our way to a pediatrician appointment, you had quite a blowout that your lucky Daddy got to change, since Mom was getting ready. Upon coming into the nursery to see if we were ready to go, I see a stack of diapers, wipes, a change of clothes, and a very overwhelmed look on Dad's face as he said "I don't think you understand what just happened here." You had a very pleased look on your face - I think you were pretty proud of your first BIG poopy diaper!

How we spend our day: Since we are breastfeeding (and loving it now that we have the hang of it), we start the day with a nursing session in bed, while Mom watches the Today Show when she's not watching your little jaws work. After Mom's cup of coffee (welcome back, beloved java), we go for a midmorning walk in your stroller, since you seem to love to be outside and in anything that moves, though you typically sleep the entire time. We really took advantage of the beautiful weather, and the exercise combined with breastfeeding helped Mom get back to her pre-pregnancy weight pretty quickly. Once we're back home, we nurse again, then you're usually back to sleep for an afternoon nap on the sofa (surrounded by your boppy) while Mom tries to get things done around the house, though I usually just want to stare at you! Once Dad gets home from work, he gets his Maggie time by giving you a bottle of breast milk and taking over diaper duty. You usually go back to sleep while we eat dinner, and then nurse twice more before bedtime. Bedtime varies from day to day - it could be midnight or it could be 2 a.m., but you do love sleeping in your pack and play in our room, and have been sleeping there since your first night home. Mom has the camera set up in the bedroom so she can look at you on the monitor at anytime - and does so often through the night to be sure you're still there!

Likes: Being swaddled, being read to at bedtime, being held by all your visitors, short sleeved onesies or your Baptist t-shirts (they are the easiest for changing), going for rides in your carseat or your stroller, and taking a nap in your swing!

Dislikes: Bathtime, though you seem to be warming up to it, slowly but surely. Being woken up, having your diaper changed, and being put on your tummy for tummy time.

Trips You've Taken: We've made you quite the foodie! You've been to Taco Mamacita for lunch, Germantown Cafe for Sunday brunch, and Jimmy Kelly's for dinner during Restaurant Week. Also, two trips to the pediatrician, one trip to the grocery store, and two trips to Target!

Sweetest Memory: Seeing you smile in your sleep. It absolutely melts Mommy's heart. I can't wait until you actually smile AT us!

Until next month, my love. Thank you for making this the best month of my life!

Introducing...

2011-09-16T00:26:00.017-05:00

Miss Margaret Mae "Maggie" Turman!

She arrived on August 16, 2011, weighing 6 lbs, 10 oz. and 19.5 inches long. I had quite the labor story, with an unexpectedly natural labor (no epidural!) that took only 2.5 hours, from my water breaking at 11:45 p.m., arriving at the hospital at 1:15 a.m., and hearing her first cry when she came into the world at 2:20 a.m. Best moment of my life.

Her proud daddy is completely smitten. :)

10 tiny fingers, 10 tiny toes!

Angel. Baby.

Modeling her hospital door sign, lovingly made by an Etsy vendor right here in Nashville and announcing her name, which we had kept a secret. It was quite the hit with our nurses!

Our second morning together, in one of the rare moments I took my eyes off of her.

Heading home from the hospital! Daddy has never driven more carefully in all his life.

As IF I could sit anywhere but right beside her.

I had to be able to look at this adorable little face the whole way home. :)

My Maggie,

Since the moment we met you one month ago today, we have fallen so in love with you. It is absolutely, without a doubt, the purest love I have ever known. Thank you for giving us a glimpse of heaven by showing us how beautiful life can be. You are such a good baby, and have inherited my ability to sleep just about anywhere! You love your carseat, your swing, and your walks in your stroller, and can sleep in all three with ease. You also love the bassinet in your pack-and-play, and thankfully, have slept there every night since you were born. We learned early on the swaddle is a game-changer, and have mastered the art of rolling you like a burrito to help you sleep soundly, though you've already started trying to bust those arms out.

You are completely at ease being held by all of your admirers, from our families who came to see you that first day in the hospital, to our friends who have steadily visited (and brought lots of lifesaving delicious dinners) in the weeks since you came home. We've passed you around like a hot potato, and love seeing how content you are in everyone's arms. You always seem to fit best in mine though. :)

You're quite the foodie, having visited three of our favorite restaurants in your first month - Taco Mamacita for lunch, Germantown Cafe for Sunday Brunch, and Jimmy Kelly's for a fabulous dinner during Restaurant Week - and slept through each with complete and total ease. You weighed 7 pounds, 5 oz at your last checkup with the pediatrician, so you've gotten back up to your birth weight after getting down to 5 lbs, 14 oz, and then some! You love to eat and can get fussy if you don't get fed exactly when you're ready for it, but who doesn't get ornery when they're hungry? You seem to equally enjoy nursing from me and taking a bottle of breast milk from Daddy when he gets home from work, so we hope to keep up that routine as long as you'll let us. Your Daddy took two whole weeks off from work to be with you, which went by in a blur. We didn't know what date it was, but we sure loved laughing over every funny face you made, and capturing everything on camera we could!

You have your daddy's long fingers and toes, and your mom's microscopic toenails. Though it's still hard for us to tell who you favor, your Dad thinks you have my lips, and I think you have his pretty eyes. You have our olive complexion and dark hair, and are starting to rock a pretty solid mullet with more hair in the back than on top! I have lots of pretty bows ready and waiting for you, but we'll have to wait until you get a little more hair first.

All the sleepless nights, diaper blowouts, and marathon nursing sessions are so very worth seeing your sweet face when we wake up each morning. We are overwhelmed with gratitude and awe that we get to be your parents, and we love you more than you will ever know.

Happy One Month, sweet Maggie. May the months go by slowly so we can savor every moment!

37 Week Bumpdate - We're Full Term, Baby!

2011-08-06T16:59:00.011-05:00

Photo taken at 36 weeks, but I'm actually 37 weeks tomorrow!

So here we are at 37 weeks, folks. It's pretty surreal to be sitting here on the sofa typing this post on a lazy Saturday afternoon, knowing Mr. T is in the nursery putting a surprise finishing touch on the nursery, feeling yet another Braxton-Hicks contraction, then looking down and see this little lump move across my big, bodacious belly, knowing we are three weeks and counting from meeting our little girl. Who as you can tell from the picture, is very clearly running out of room in the womb. I can now tell which lumps are her feet (always kicking me on my right side), and which one is her cute little bottom (just to the left of my belly button). At my doctor's appointment last Friday, the doctor confirmed she is still head down, my cervix has softened, and I'm about 70% effaced. WHOA. That means it's almost showtime. And whereas a week ago I was freaking out about that, all of a sudden in the past week I have become so, so ready. I'll let the bumpdate below explain why:

Symptoms: Hmmm, which one to choose? Sadly, the pregnancy insomnia is back with a bang. Four times this past week I've woken up around 3 a.m. to use the bathroom, all to come back to bed and toss and turn for two hours straight. Sometimes it's because I can't get comfortable, sometimes it's because she's keeping me company with an acrobatic act, and sometimes it's because I'm thinking of all of the things I still need to take care of before that fateful moment when I say, "it's time." I'll think of things I need to pack, wash, organize or do, and then I have to fight the urge to get up and do them right then so I won't forget. Because that's the other big thing I've noticed lately - I'm forgetting LOTS these days. I actually read today that your brain cells do actually decrease in the third trimester, and lemme just tell you, I am living proof. I literally panicked the other day and couldn't remember if I had written a thank you note to a dear friend. Turns out I hadn't...for a gift she had gotten us two months ago. Awesome. Thankfully, she totally understood my forgetfulness, but now I have learned my lesson and am tracking those thank you's more than ever!

Weight Gain: So they say there are early gainers and late gainers in pregnancy. Clearly, I am the latter. I was feeling semi-proud of myself for keeping things in check up until about 34 weeks and then WHAM! I started packing the pounds on like nobody's business. According to my trusty books, the baby went through a growth spurt a few weeks ago and gained a 1/2 pound per week, which also seemed to showed up on me! I went from being able to still wear some of my more forgiving regular clothes and bottoms with my belly band to literally wearing nothing but maxi dresses and maternity jeans or pants. Thank goodness it is summertime and sundresses and flip flops are expected. Because that is about all I can rock these days. I'm up to about 20 pounds, with three more weeks to go. We were able to get an ultrasond and see that Baby T is measuring almost 6 pounds a week ago, so we have both gone through a growth spurt. Within the last week, I've had some pretty significant swelling in my hands and feet, so much so that I'm down to about two pairs of shoes I can comfortably wear. Bye bye, fun high heels, hello flats. Which becomes barefoot the minute I get home from work. Poor tootsies.

What's different: Um, everything. I have truly loved every minute of being pregnant up until about two weeks ago. Long story short, we had a little scare that sent us on an unexpected trip to the hospital. We went on a little "last time for just the two of us trip" over the weekend and I started feeling pretty crummy pretty much the minute we left. (Sidenote: we have decided we are cursed on trips - I was sick the first three days of our honeymoon, sick the entire week of our one year anniversary because I was six weeks pregnant, and sick on our babymoon. What gives?) After calling the doctor on call after things kept getting worse, she thought we should get up early on Sunday and come into the hospital. I could really tell the baby had been less aftive when we were driving back, and once we were admitted, I asked them to check her on the fetal monitor. Five minutes and several alarmed looks later, they rushed me to Labor and Delivery, finally telling me that the baby's heart rate was 205 - scary high. Turns out that I was dehydrated and had an infection, and she was simply mimicing my symptoms, bless her heart. Talk about scary - we went from the doctor telling us we might need to do a c-section that night to getting her moving and her heart rate back in the normal range in about two hours flat. The positive that came from all of that was that we got a trial run of what to expect at the hospital (the staff was amazing, which was such a comfort) and also a lesson in how we are so not in control of any of this. It made us realize how lucky we've been throughout this whole pregnancy, and how her health, and mine, has been such a blessing. I think we needed that reminder.

Cravings: The other night while getting ready to watch the way-overrated Bachelorette finale, I absolutely, positively had to have a brownie. Brownie a la mode, actually. But I didn't want to bake a full pan for fear I would be tempted to devour the whole thing, so on an impulse, I ordered a Chocolate Thunder From Down Under from Outback. Mr. T picked it up and when he showed up with it, I devoured it in about five minutes flat. It wasn't pretty, but it was sooooooo worth it. And the baby kicked in delight for a good thirty minutes afterward. I think she likes sweets too.

Aversions: None!

Sleep: Not the greatest. But trying to enjoy it as much as I can, while I can!

I am loving: Sitting in the nursery and rocking in my chair. Listening to her dad read Dr. Seuss books to her at bedtime. Having the hospital bags packed and knowing we're ready when it's time to go. Sterilizing her sweet little pacis and washing her tiny little clothes. The smell of Dreft. Looking in my rearview mirror and seeing her carseat. Opening her closet and staring at her adorable clothes for the 100th time. And more than anything, knowing I will meet her soon.

I really miss: Sleeping on my stomach. Like, for real. That is going to feel like heaven in a few weeks. When I do get to actually sleep...

I am looking forward to: Meeting her, seeing her face for the first time, and telling her in person how much I love her, rather than having her hear it through the gurgle of my stomach. Plain and simple.

I'm spazzing about: The crazy, unbelievable, amazing thing my body is about to do. In one way, I'm totally in awe of all that is happening even now to prepare me for birthing this baby. And in another, I keep thinking "how in the world am I going to do this?" Is that normal?

Movement: Every day! We confirmed she is head down, and like I mentioned earlier, I can tell where all her little limbs are now. Sometime when I touch her foot, she moves it in response. I think she's ticklish. :)

Milestone: Baby T is now 19-22 inches long and weighs about 6.5 pounds. She's busy making last-minute preparations for life in the real world by simulating breathing by inhaling and exhaling amniotic fluid, sucking on her thumb, blinking and pivoting from side to side (though I can tell she has a favorite position). We are officially full term, and would gladly welcome her any day now, but my doctor seems to think I'm tracking right on time for my 8/28 due date. Wow, next time I post, I could be a mom!!!

Party Inspiration

2011-07-20T09:08:00.008-05:00

Well I satisfied my craving for a chocolate dip cone last night, but whether it was the hot, humid weather we walked in to get said treat or the fact that the ice cream cone immediately went to my fingers, my ring finger was so swollen that I couldn't get my wedding rings off and proceeded to have a minor meltdown when we got home. And by minor meltdown I mean a total come-apart. I slathered cocoa butter on that baby and followed Mr. T's suggestion to put ice on it, but it took both of us to get them off. So I will be sporting my faux ring from now on, because the thought of having my rings sawed off makes me want to cry big fat crocodile tears. No thanks.

On a happier note, I came across the most adorable idea for a gender reveal party the other day, which I thought I would share. I've always been a bit skeptical of these parties, especially with the idea of throwing one myself, but this one truly is the cutest thing I have ever seen. They did a duckling theme, and my favorite part is use of a fun gender-neutral yellow in the paper goods and most definitely the "Waddle It Be?" on the invite. Just check out this eye candy...(click photos to enlarge or view on blog).

Is that not adorable or what?

As for us, we elected to call our families the nano-second we got in the car after leaving the doctor's office at our 16 week appointment because we were bursting at the seams, and pretty much had our baby girl's name picked out within two days. And though we are keeping it a secret from friends (which has driven everyone crazy but everyone with kids tells us is a fabulous idea), we call her by name every single day. And might I say, from the first time we said it out loud, we knew it was absolutely perfect. (And don't worry, as a girl from the south, I do have a few things monogrammed with her name that are ready for her arrival).
5 weeks and counting, y'all!

Ode to Ice Cream

2011-07-18T16:35:00.007-05:00

Ode to Ice Cream by A Bride in Boots

I could eat it every day
And while I'm pregnant, I just may

Cold and creamy, it's such a treat
When I'm melting in this crazy heat

Moose tracks and mint chocolate chip
Or a dip cone from Bobby's Dairy Dip

I'm not picky, I'll eat them all
Until those glorious first days of fall!

Just Call Me Big Bird (aka 32 week bumpdate)

2011-07-07T15:29:00.011-05:00

I know what you're thinking..."bless her heart, she's blown up since that 28-week post!" And I would have to agree. According to the baby books, little miss is having a growth spurt, gaining almost a 1/2 pound a week now, and it's clearly showing up on her mother! I'm actually quite okay with it, until it came time to take our 32 week bumpdate picture and Mr. T started snapping away, only to have me demand about 10 re-do's because I was not a fan of any of them! I just kept thinking how much I look like Big Bird in this beloved Old Navy linen shirtdress. Why did no one tell me I needed to retire it? People, speak up! Save this mama some embarrassment!

Oh, that side profile really isn't flattering. Repeat to self: I am only posting these pictures for posterity. However, I do think it's funny that everytime we do these photos, the term "barefoot and pregnant" comes to mind. I do kind of love going barefoot whenever possible these days. My little piggies are not loving the stilettos like they used to!

So since I was flabbergasted at how large and in charge I looked in this photo, I thought I'd try a different outfit. Besides, I had ordered this dress from Piperlime (for $28!) and it arrived moments before our photo shoot began, so I figured I would see how it photographed. (Sidenote: remember when Alicia Silverstone's character did that for all her outfits on Clueless? I remember thinking as a 12 year old that I should soooooo do that.) Well, the outcome wasn't much better. Even though I went up a size thinking that would do the trick, I suppose this is evidence that I should just push the normal clothes to the back of the closet and resort to maternity wear only from now on.

Clearly not my best fashion moment. And yes, it was still wrinkled from being all packaged up. I would iron it...if I wasn't going to promptly return it - props on the free shipping and free return policy, by the way. Or maybe I'll keep it and wait to bust it out once I have my post-baby bod back. I mean, it was only $28...

So enough with the photos. Lawd knows I nearly had a come-apart when we took them, so I certainly don't need to linger on them any longer. The funny thing is, I think I was just having a "fat day" that day. Probably because I had three people at work tell me I looked like I was hiding a basketball under my shirt (all on the same day, I might add, when all anyone had said up to that point was "you don't even look pregnant!"). I just try to remind myself it means that Baby Girl is growing, just like she should, and then I'm usually over it. Because truthfully, that's all I want is for her to be healthy. And if that means I'm a big mama, so be it.

With that behind us, let the bumpdate begin!

Symptoms: Introducing the newest one: lower back pain. Boo. The pain tends to get worse when I sit still for long periods of time, so by the end of a day in the office, I feel like I have slept on a bunch of 2 x 4's. It got pretty uncomfortable at the U2 concert sitting on those hard metal bleachers for hours at a time. And let me also mention that these seats were two rows from the top of the stadium. Oy. I can't tell you how many sympathetic looks I got as we climbed those stairs. Also, Frequent Urination Fairy is hanging around. And she really annoys me. I'll feel like I'm about to literally wet my pants, only to relieve myself and have just a few drops. I'm always like, "seriously?"

Weight Gain: At my 31 week appointment, I had gained 12 pounds (but more like 15 if you count what I lost in the beginning). Doc says I am right on track and baby is measuring perfectly. The above photos demonstrate it has definitely picked up in the last few weeks, so I must be a 3rd trimester gainer. I'm estimating 20-25 pounds or so by the time she arrives. I hope it's not much more than that or I will be as wide as I am tall!

What's different: I can really tell my center of gravity is shifting as my belly grows, judging from the way I waddle when Mr. T and I take our after-work walks. It is actually getting pretty comical to watch me get around. I literally have to have him tie my shoes, pull me off the couch, and set me up in bed in the morning. But thankfully, since he wore the empathy belly at childbirth class, he understands just how hard these things can be!

Cravings: Still the old faithful: ICE CREAM! Truly, I could eat it every. single. day. And I love a cold glass of skim milk before bed every night. Baby needs her calcium!

Aversions: Nothing much comes to mind, but I do find myself getting full pretty fast when I sit down for a meal. Something that will be so good at first bite will make me feel like I'm literally about to pop after four or five bites. Weird.

Sleep: I love looking back and seeing how much has changed in just a few weeks. Last time I said it is a "rare occasion" when I have to get up to relieve myself in the middle of the night. Well now it is a nightly occurrence! Thankfully, I don't have trouble falling back asleep, so I suppose it's Mother Nature's way of getting me primed for those early-morning feedings.

I am loving: Baby Showers! I've had two so far and they were an absolute blast! There is nothing like celebrating Baby T with sweet friends. A separate post with lots of pictures to come on that, but here's one of my favorites from our couples shower our dear friends, the Emils, threw for us. My baby daddy loves to feel my bump. We're headed to Virginia this weekend for a family baby shower that Mr. T's mom has put together. She combined it with a family reunion on the family farm, and I am so looking forward to it!

I really miss: The beach. What I would give to hightail it down to the Gulf Coast for a few days of R&R. I see all these fun pics on Facebook of friends at the beach and I have major fits of jealousy. Oh and sushi. Lawd have mercy, I have been craving sushi like nobody's business! Oh and sleeping on my stomach. I feel like a roly poly going from side to side throughout the night!

I am looking forward to: Really and truly finishing up the nursery. Just a few final things and we're ready for the unveiling. I adore it - it is truly my favorite room in the whole house.

I'm spazzing about: Ummm, the fact the baby will be here in SEVEN WEEKS! The hubs reminded me we should think about packing our bag soon (he's a planner like me). I'm going to the doctor every two weeks now, and after this next visit, she'll start checking dilation. Whoa.

Movement: All the time. And I absolutely can't get enough. She loves when Mr. T reads Dr. Seuss to her at night, and always gives him a little kick to let him know she liked story time.
She also has a favorite position she likes to burrow in, and it makes my stomach stick out on one side. We'll find out in a few weeks what her position is - I'm hoping she's head down!

Milestone: Baby T is now 16.5 inches long and weighs 4.5 pounds. Fat stores are continuing to be deposited under her skin, plumping her up and making her look even more like a newborn. All her little bones are beginning to harden, except for those in her skull, which will remain pliable so she can make it through the birth canal. And she's the size of a honeydew melon!

Even I Can Do This...

2011-06-29T08:53:00.004-05:00

Recipe here.

Have I mentioned the Fourth of July is my favorite holiday? Because it is. The days are long, the food is yummy, and having Monday off is the thank-goodness-for-holidays cherry on top.

We're headed to the U2 concert on Saturday so Baby T can jam out to some good tunes in utero. You'll find me under the shade wearing my most comfortable sundress drinking a liter of H20. And possibly eating this entire tray of strawberries I intend to make for our tailgate before the concert begins. Oh and P.S. the strawberries will be coming from the Farmer's Market and they will be local. I'm a strawberry snob that way. :)

Happy birthday, America!

A Few Promises

2011-06-27T16:03:00.004-05:00

Dear Little One,

I promise to:

Never forget when we first found out about you. The disbelief that turned to shock that turned to complete and total bliss once your dad finally made me realize those two pink lines were in fact, the real thing.

Remember these moments in the late afternoon hours where all I can focus on are the movements you're making inside of me, and how each kick/hiccup/nudge is a reminder that your life truly is a miracle.

Remain grateful, even on the days when I realize I have absolutely no idea what to do when you cry. Because a cry means you are healthy and your lungs are working. And that is something I will never take for granted.

Hold that first day we saw you on the ultrasound screen deep in my heart. You were a tiny, beating being that we've watched grow bigger by the weeks. I love seeing your little arms up by your head, sleeping just like your dad and I do, and wondering what else you'll do that will take after us.

Remember what it felt like to dream about what you would look like, who you will be, and how amazing it will feel to watch you dance and sing and play and think to myself, "that's my daughter."

How we came to choose your name, and how perfect it sounded the first time we said it out loud. I think we've called you by name every day since, but only when it's just your dad and me. We love keeping it a secret from everyone else!

Never get rid of that first onesie I bought you, the day I found out you were a girl. It was soft and pink and tiny, and what sold me was the guitar on the front, a testament to your Nashville roots.

Foster your love for music by surrounding you with it any chance I get. I hope to always remember how much you like worship music, and how you get really active in church. I like to picture your little arms up in praise in there.

Read to you as often as I can, because you seem to love it already. Your dad and I take turns reading Dr. Seuss out loud to you at bedtime, and you kick in response to our voices everytime.

Remember how it felt to sit in your nursery, once I finally got the last piece of furniture in place. Even though it's tiny and you will soon outgrow it, just as we will soon outgrow our first home, it is my favorite room in the whole house.

Never miss an opportunity to tell you I love you and how lucky I am to be your mother. I hope you'll share your hopes and your fears with me, call me in the middle of the night whenever you're feeling lonely and need to talk, and come to me when you find yourself in a hard place. I promise to always listen just like your best friend would.

Tell you how beautiful you are anytime I think it. Which I know will be often, so I'll have to make sure and tell you when you're being a sasspot too, just to keep you grounded.

Treasure the feeling of being about to burst with love for you. I can now say I completely understand the "mama bear" complex, and how I would do anything in this world to protect you.

Cherish the sound of your laughter, knowing that even though we will have no idea what we're doing as parents, we must be doing something right.

Dream about your arrival into the world until the day you decide to make your debut, and how kissing each of those ten tiny fingers will finally feel.

More than anything, I promise to remember this feeling of gratitude, peacefulness, and deep, unconditional love for the fact that God saw fit to bring you into our lives at the perfect time. My cup runneth over that I could be so blessed. Only eight weeks until I meet you, baby girl. I know my life will never, ever be the same.

First Father's Day

2011-06-20T10:47:00.008-05:00

How did my husband celebrate his first Father's Day? With a 40 pound empathy belly strapped around him at childbirth class.

Don't think I didn't ask him to bend down and tie his shoes either. I wanted him to get the full effect of how difficult that task can be.

Truthfully, he was a great sport, and even learned how to diaper and swaddle (he even picked out a girl doll). But I had no doubts whatsoever about his fathering abilities, because he already melts my heart each time he leans over my belly and talks to our daughter. I know beyond the shadow of a doubt he'll be wonderful. And in 10 short weeks, I'll get to see him in action and fall in love all over again.

Happy 1st Father's Day, honey! Baby T and I love you something fierce.

28 Week (Late) Bumpdate

2011-06-13T13:32:00.012-05:00

So I'm a tad bit behind on the ole bloggity blog, but only because we've been so busy preparing for Little One's arrival these past few weeks. Who knew how much stuff a tiny tot would need?

Also attributing to my tardiness is the fact that I have been on the go! Since my last bumpdate, we've made trips to Tuscaloosa to see family, friends, and adorable friends' babies who are growing much too fast (I'm talking to you, Candice, Becca and Kristy!) and I was on the road last week for two work trips in Charlotte and Birmingham. And might I add, I'm a big fan of Charlotte. I think it's earned the #2 spot on places I could live someday. Behind Nashville of course. We all know it has always been and probably always will be my first love.

It's crazy to even wrap my head around this, but I'm now at 29 weeks (whoa) so with 11 weeks remaining, it was crunch time to get that nursery in order, so let's just say that Etsy and I have become BFF's lately. Their handmade goodness is too perfect for words when it comes to all things baby, and I am realizing this child has turned me into a complete shopaholic schmuck because I can so easily justify that I really do need that monogrammed burp cloth/bib set/stroller blanket/artwork/you name it. I have just a few more things to add before I'm ready for the big reveal, but I promise it really and truly is coming soon. Pinky swear. But for now, I've been known to just mosey back to the nursery and sit in our new glider and read to our baby girl upon occasion, just because I love the room so much.

I recently realized that I was behind on my bumpdates, so after a very full and super-fun weekend with my girlfriends/future aunties who came to Nashville to visit, Mr. T busted out the camera last night for our tardy 28 week photo session. Let's just pretend it's not a week late and Baby T will never know the difference.

Behold the bump!

Symptoms: So the frequent urination fairy strikes again. And what's strange is that I'll feel like I'm literally about to wet my pants, and will hightail it to the bathroom when I get home from work even though I've just gone 10 minutes before that, and then when I finally get to relieve myself, I only have a few drops. Baby Girl must be resting right on top of my bladder.

Weight Gain: At my 28 week appointment yesterday, I had gained another 3 pounds, for a grand total of 11 so far (after the little bit I lost the first trimester). I've heard people either gain on the front end or the back end, but I'm hoping for slow and steady. So far, so good. Though I'm feeling way more large and in charge than the scale shows, I assure you.

What's different: We can actually make out different lumps in my belly that feel like a head here, a foot there, which are pretty much the coolest thing EVER. And the way she likes to lay is always the same, so that when I lay down, the left side of my belly is always a little higher. I like to think it's because she's going to be left-handed like me. :)

Cravings: Not too many these days. Though I did get a hankering for spaghetti last night, so the hubs and I high-tailed it to Publix for the extra-lean ground beef I had to have in it. He mentioned making it without the meat and I looked at him like he was a four-eyed alien. As if! Still loving the occasional scoop of ice cream, though I'm partial to Pinkberry these days. Have you tried the new salted caramel flavor? Y'all...it will change your life.

Aversions: None - I pretty much will eat anything that comes into my path! No, really.

Sleep: Still fabulous, thank the Lord. I've become a bit of an early riser on the weekends, but I actually don't mind it because it gives me an opportunity to take full advantage of the weekend. I occasionally have to get up to go in the middle of the night, but it's a rare occasion.

I am loving: Hand-me-downs. My sweet friend Whitney, who has an adorable 7-month old named Sam, has become my fairy godmother with all the wonderful things she's passed down to me. We're talking maternity clothes, nursing bras (which are crazy expensive, by the way), bottles, pacis, a sterilizer, a swing, a Boppy, playmats, and gender-neutral onesies that are adorable. Baby T is such a lucky girl to have a future boyfriend like Sam who shares all of his happies.

I really miss: My waistline. And a tan stomach. Especially when it comes time to put on my maternity swimsuit and head to the pool. Sigh. But the bikinis will return one day - at least I hope so!

I am looking forward to: Celebrating Father's Day this weekend by attending childbirth classes. How appropro for my baby daddy, right? I feel like the more I know, the less anxious I'll feel. Which is a good thing, because the faster this whole labor thing approaches, the more I think to myself, "Now how exactly is this baby getting out?"

I'm spazzing about: I was having some hip pain that I asked my doc about at my visit last week. I thought it might be the sciatic nerve pain I've heard about, and I was right. I've tried to figure out what the culprit is, and I'm thinking it flares up after Mr. T and I go on one of our long neighborhood walks. So I've decided the elliptical is a better idea lately, and it seems to be working.

Movement: Every single day! And I love every single minute of it. I actually told Mr. T the other night I just might miss being pregnant, because those sweet little kicks and flutters keep me company all day long and I've gotten kind of sentimental about them. But now that I'm in the third trimester, I'm sure those feelings will begin to change and I'll just be ready to get this show on the road.

Milestone: Little One is now 15.5 inches long and almost 3 pounds. That just blows my mind. From here on out, her height growth will start to slow down and she'll just be packing on the pounds, doubling or even tripling her weight before she makes her arrival in a few short weeks. Speaking in produce terms, she's now the size of a cabbage. Though if you could see my belly right now, you would think she's more like a watermelon. Which reminds me, tell me again how I'm going to get her out? Gulp.

Anyone home?

2011-06-03T13:01:00.011-05:00

Hello? Is anyone out there? If you're reading this, you've received the invitation to follow my now-private blog. I must say, I'm feeling so very good about this decision to go under the radar, and feel much more comfortable now putting pictures out there of myself and of Baby T for people to see. I don't want just anyone laying eyes on my baby, you know. I know, I am such a mama hen. :)

I just hope that none of you will regret signing up to come along for the journey, so I promise to try and make it worth your while! And let me just say that it truly made my day to hear from friends and blog-friends alike who said they wanted to keep following along on my little rambles. Most of which have turned to thoughts on pregnancy, bumpdates galore, and other things that everyone tells me I will look back on and be so happy I documented along the way, which is why I'm promising to try and keep it up now that I'm starting my third trimester. I am still loving being pregnant more than ever. Maternity swimsuits, not so much, but still loving all those kicks and tumbles that I'm feeling. But for today, to celebrate the upcoming weekend (the first unofficial one of summer, now that Memorial Day has come and gone and we're in near-100 degree temps here in Nashville), I'm going to play a little bit of catch up. This first photo is one of my handsome hubs and I in front of Woodfire Grill in Atlanta a few weekends ago, which was one of the best dining experiences I've ever had. Like, EVER, y'all.

We were with two other couples and decided to do the blind chef's tasting 5-course meal. Normally I am way too much of a control freak and like to not only choose my order but also my husband's, if he'll let me, but I decided to hand the reins over and let me just tell you, it was a great decision. The service was spectacular. The presentation - over the top. And the food - to die for. And for those of you who are Top Chef fans, you know that the chef was this guy:

Yes, that would be Kevin Gillespie, and yes, he definitely autographed our menu and took a quick moment for a photo op. The the girl on the left and I basically knew everything about him from watching him a few seasons ago. I'm sure he was a little frightened by that.

On the subject of food (one of my favorites, these days), we're headed to Taste of Music City this weekend, and I can't wait to sample some of the local cuisine street-side. Why have I not taken advantage of this event before? It has food, live music, and free admission. Um, twist my arm. I heard a certain watermelon and goat cheese salad shooter would be making an appearance, compliments of Copper Kettle (one of my favorite Sunday brunches) and my mouth is already watering. Oh and want to know who I saw the last time I was at Copper Kettle? This guy.

Just dining with Nicole and Sunday Rose after a little church on a Sunday morning. And no one in the restaurant even seemed to bat an eyelash, which is why I'm sure they love this town. But don't think I didn't freak out. Annnnnnnd time our exit to leave just before they left, so I could see what vehicle they got in to. And take down their license plate number. OK, I didn't go that far. (But I might have, if we had parked a little closer). And yes, he's that dreamy in person too.

I have some girlfriends headed into town to visit next weekend (yay! girls trip 2011!) and we'll be seeing him play at CMA Fest on Friday night. I'm hoping he sings his new song "Without You" just so I can hear him sing this line in person. When I hear it on the radio, it gets me every time.

"Along comes a baby girl, and suddenly my little world,
Just got a whole lot bigger, yes it did.
And people that I barely knew, love me cause I'm part of you,
Man, I start to figure
How two souls can be, miles from one another
But still you and me, have somehow found each other."

And speaking of that sweet baby girl, I'm proud to show you one of my favorite ultrasound pictures of her adorableness. I realized I never posted any of her ultrasound photos on the public blog, so consider yourself introduced for the first time. Presenting our baby girl (who shall remain nameless until her expected arrival on 8/28)!

Isn't she a beauty? Sleeps just like her mama and daddy do, too, with those arms up. Love it!

Taking the Private Plunge

2011-05-24T15:26:00.007-05:00

Things are changing around here, folks! I've decided it's time to take this little blog of mine private. As in, invited users only. And I've got a self-imposed deadline in mind of June 1, which is one week away. That's right, once I make my mind up on something, I like to get 'er done. No major reason for the change, but with our baby girl making her way into the world in three very short months, I just thought the time has come.

So...if you want to keep reading, just comment below and be sure to include your email address and I'll put you on the list. After June 1, you can sign in with your email and password and keep following along. Though I have to warn you, the belly is only going to get bigger in these last few months, so I don't blame you if you'd rather not watch me grow. :)

Think I'm trying to make your lives complicated? I promise I'm not. But the more I think about it, the more I just can't stand the thought of sharing all our sweet little firsts as a family with a world of complete strangers who happen across my blog. I'm all about sharing our lives with family, friends, and blog friends I've made since I started this little blog about two years ago, but I'm thinking I need to draw a virtual line, just for my peace of mind.

Thanks to those of you who have followed along, and especially for the comments along the way (blog love makes me sooooo happy). See you all on the private side!

24 Week Bumpdate!

2011-05-12T12:07:00.000-05:00

Well hellooooooo, belly! As evidenced above, we have a more than bona fide bump, my friends. And though the buttoning of the pants is no longer happening, (not even close) I can honestly say that this is one body metamorphosis I don't mind one bit. And actually, at the risk of completely annoying all the women who really aren't fans of the whole pregnancy process, I have to admit I have loved every minute of it so far, with emphasis on this second trimester I'm about to finish, because it is light years better than that first trimester where I was nauseated nearly every day from weeks 6-12 in the dead of winter. The books are right when they tell you this trimester is the best, because I have truly never felt better and I can already tell being in my last trimester in June, July and August will be a little bit uncomfortable and, let's face it, hot. So I'm trying to take the time and enjoy these 70 degree temps with walks outside with Mr T. whenever possible, and taking full advantage of the little things like being able to still tie my tennis shoes. :)

On with the bumpdate!

Symptoms: Monstrous appetite these days. I eat three square meals and snacks in the mid-morning and (usually) mid-afternoon. But food has never tasted so good!

The only downside is that I burp constantly. Not very ladylike, but I can't help it these days!

Weight Gain: At my 24 week appointment yesterday, I had gained almost 10 pounds. A little under the normal range due to all the nausea I had in the beginning, but right on track! I have a feeling if the appetite keeps up, I will have no problem continuing to catch right up. Bring on the cupcakes!

What's different: The linea nigra has appeared! Subtle, but definitely there. And my innie belly button is on it's way to becoming an outie - strange to feel it starting to protrude where there used to be nothing.

Cravings: Lately, I must say it's been sweets in any form. And cinnamon frosted mini wheats, which I've just discovered and have changed my life. But I've discovered these Weight Watchers English Toffee Bars that only have 100 calories and are perfect for satisfying my sweet tooth after dinner. I highly recommend. Oh and the other night, I almost made Mr. T go for a run to get me some chocolate milk at 11 p.m. But then I felt bad because he already gets up at the crack of dawn anyway, so I suffered through. The nanosecond after I took my glucose test yesterday, I bought some and downed it in one solid gulp. Deliciousness.

Aversions: Eggs aren't quite so appealing these days. Not sure why. But again, I have trouble gobbling down breakfast in general, unless it's after 9 o'clock. The other aversion I'm having is trying to drink the recommended amount of water I'm supposed to unless I have a lemon slice in it. That's the only way I can get it down.

Sleep: Better than ever! I very rarely wake up to go in the middle of the night, and if I do, I usually have no problem falling asleep. The exception to that was a few nights ago when I happened to hear Mr. T leave (at 4:45 a.m. - yes, he's a freak) to go to the gym. For whatever reason, I couldn't go back to bed, so I got up and drank a half cup of coffee, toned down with lots of french vanilla creamer. Since I haven't had a cup this entire pregnancy, I was feeling all a-tingle with the caffeine jitters for a good hour afterward. Don't plan to do that again. I kept picturing my baby in there with her eyes all bugged out. Sorry baby, please forgive your mother for her moment of weakness.

I am loving: The kicks! Oh, I cannot get enough of them. Crazy that at my 20 week bumpdate I was just starting to feel "flutters" and now they are full-fledged kicks. Keep 'em coming, baby!

I really miss: The other night we grilled out and it felt like a perfect summer night and I was seriously salivating over Mr. T's ice cold Corona with a lime. I think I'll be more than ready to have one of those after she makes her debut, which happens to be just in time for football season. Score!

I am looking forward to: Finishing the nursery. I'm having so much fun looking high and low for just the right touches. My thoughtful, amazing, talented husband painted it last weekend and it truly looks fantastic. He put in lots of sweaty hours to get it done in a two day period, and I am so proud of how well it turned out, so much so that I've decided it deserves it's own separate blog post. I'm really happy that everything in that room has been a (manual) labor of love. We also got our nursery furniture in earlier than expected, and were able to put the crib together last weekend too. Who knew what a handy team we make?

I'm spazzing about: Not really spazzing, but anxious to get my results from my gestational diabetes test yesterday - we won't know for 10 days but really hoping for a negative. Especially so I can continue to enjoy those aforementioned sweets I've been craving. :)

Movement: Every single day! I think I've figured out when she is most active - right after I wake up, if I lay still for a few moments in bed before I get moving, and a few minutes after I eat dinner, especially if I lay flat on the sofa and just let her do her thing. I can even see little jumps in my belly sometimes. They are definitely my favorite thing so far.

Next up: the nursery post! Seriously, y'all are going to want to hire my husband the next time you need a painter. :)

Whoa...Movement!

2011-05-03T16:20:00.013-05:00

Right this very moment, Baby Girl is kicking me like cuh-razy. Like, I can see the little jumps through my shirt. And I am in absolute heaven. It is truly the coolest thing in the entire world to feel those little nudges, reminding me she is growing and somersaulting right there in my belly.

She started the "flutters" on April 14, which was my 21st week - I know because naturally, I wrote it down so I wouldn't forget. I was so anxious to feel something, we would try everything. Saying her name, shining a flashlight, gently pressing my stomach. And nothing. Girlfriend was stubborn. But then, I felt...something. And at first, it's just like you read in the books - it's so quick and so fleeting, like a really light popcorn popping or butterfly wings fluttering that you almost question if you felt it at all.

But then...

Then it starts getting good. Then they start to get a little stronger. And bigger. And you start to notice a pattern (my little girl loves to get moving right after a meal). I like to think it's her way of telling me she appreciates good food just like I do. And without fail, almost every time I call to Mr. T to "come feel!" and he puts his hand on my stomach, she'll stop, just messing with him. But lately, I can tell when she's being active, and he can usually catch a few kicks during our TV time on the couch. And every time, he has the same one-word response: "Whoa." Whoa is definitely right. It never, ever gets old. And I'm pretty sure she has him wrapped around every one of those precious fingers and toes with every movement she makes (now evidenced by my husband's sweet comment below - he's the "anonymous" one.) :)

I love to picture her tiny feet in there just kicking up a storm. Crazy to think she's delightfully oblivious to what's going on outside the womb, and is just fine just doing her thing in there. And with all that is happening in the world around us, from the lows (terrible tornadoes) to the highs(captured terrorists) and everything in between, I am so very thankful for the moments of peace that come with those little movements, and I feel like all is right in the world again.

Keep kicking, little one. Your mother falls in love with you a little more every time you do.

My Home's In Alabama...

2011-04-29T10:20:00.008-05:00

No matter where I lay my head.

Two days ago, one of the deadliest tornadoes in recent history came through my hometown of Tuscaloosa, Alabama. In a word, it was horrific. And my heart is broken for the people there. Thankfully, my family lives in Northport, a hop away from the heart of the damage, but I have several friends whose homes have sustained incredible damage, and who I know had to be out of their mind scared when those storms came through.

After work on Wednesday, bracing for yet another bout of bad weather here in Nashville but hearing that tornadoes were coming through Tuscaloosa, I called my parents to make sure they were in their "safe place" in the house, a place I actually have memories of going to several times as a child with pillows, blankets, flashlights and weather radio in hand. Tornadoes were actually a pretty common occurrence where we lived. But we never experienced anything like this.

I could hear the fear in my mother's voice when she said three tornadoes were on the ground, and one that was estimated to be a mile wide was very close by. Trying to sound strong and positive, I told her to take cover with my Dad and Dixie, my dog from college who now lives a life of luxury with them, and to call me after it passed. By the grace of God, they did just that, and I immediately felt a sense of relief in hearing they were okay. Only by this time, I watched in horror as the most ominous, evil-looking tornado appeared on The Weather Channel, and blacked out half of Birmingham, the city where I went to college, just as I turned it on.

To say it was surreal to see Tuscaloosa and Birmingham, places that are so close to my heart and where many friends of mine still reside, on national news, is a massive understatement. But hearing numerous weathermen say this was the worst tornado they had ever seen only heightened the fear I felt at seeing this actually take place in front of me on the television. Words can't describe the shock and awe I felt, or the hit-my-knees thankfulness I had that as far as I knew, my loved ones had been spared.

But what I saw in the hours following was what really did me in. The devastation, as the mayor put it, was "catastrophic." Entire neighborhoods were erased from the map. Longstanding local establishments, like the Krispy Kreme where I would get to see doughnuts coming fresh off the conveyor belt, were destroyed. McFarland Boulevard, one of the city's main streets and one that I've traveled at least 1000 times, was one of the hardest hit roads, and I could hardly even recognize it. University of Alabama students who lived in nearby Forest Lake, a neighborhood I too had lived in after college, looked perplexed as they began to realize their homes were gone.

It was absolutely heartwrenching, and yet, even though my heart broke and my eyes were wide with shock, I couldn't bring myself to stop looking at the photos. I couldn't bring myself to blog about it yesterday, because I wanted to make sure every single person I knew was okay first. And thank the Lord, they are. They are shaken, but they are strong. And the city is already pulling together, helping out, and making me so very proud to claim Tuscaloosa as my own.

These are a few images taken from our local paper, The Tuscaloosa News.

To show you how close to home this really is, that last picture is of my friend, Chris Gaddy, in the blue shirt. He and I went to high school together and planned our 10 year reunion a few years ago. I just saw him last fall on campus at one of the Alabama football games. Unreal that he is pictured right there in the heart of it.

President Obama is walking through the devastated areas right now. I am so glad to see a sense of urgency and respect for doing whatever it takes to get Tuscaloosa back on its feet. Know that you are being covered in prayers, people of Tuscaloosa. With 42 dead and nearly 1000 injured, I cannot imagine what it must be like to have your world turned upside down like this. But like the mayor said, there will be areas of the city that are hurting for a very long time, but I am confident our great city will rise even stronger.

eBay, the Baby Way

2011-04-20T16:32:00.022-05:00

Thanks to lots of great advice from lots of great mama-friends (and also because of the sight of the price tags in some local baby boutiques), I started perusing Craigslist, Overstock, Amazon, Etsy, and eBay for some of my nursery essentials.

Jack. Pot.

Seriously, the thrifty bug has bitten, and it has sparked my desire to find a better deal on just about everything. Great if you have tons of time on your hands, bad if you're working full-time and baby is due in 4 months and some of these items take, oh, 12 weeks to ship. But that's not the point. The point is I've scored some major deals, I'm proud as a peacock, and I'd like to share them with all of you who perhaps like me, were feeling a bit overwhelemed with all of the neverending options in BabyLand. And because I'm honest, I also like the idea of having written proof of how much money I've saved so that I can convince Mr. T when we really do need that to-die-for little seersucker dress with bloomers for our baby girl. And that sweet sundress. And those baby cowboy boots...you see where this is going.

So let's recap the first purchase that came from Craigslist. That in reality was a little like a drive-by drug exchange because we had to meet the seller 20 minutes outside of town to pick it up. But for this little godsend, also known as the Graco Travel Lite Crib, brand-new and still in the box with a nifty little price tag, I think it was a very wise first purchase. Go us.

Things that made me happy about it: a built-in bassinet, a size that is 20% smaller than a standard pack and play, and push-button packability for easy traveling. I also loved that the gender-neutral pattern was called Barcelona Bluegrass, a fitting and subtle tribute to this baby girl's Nashville roots. I mean she was made in Music City, after all. :)

Next up? By this time we had discovered the great news that baby girl was indeed a baby girl, so it was on to the bedding department. Lawd, I had a TIME with this one. Basically, I had three cardinal rules: no pink, no themes, and no cheap fabrics. Now granted, I've seen adorable nurseries that use every pattern and shade of pink, but for me, I always knew I wanted to do something a little different. And the color that kept drawing me in was the sweetest, lightest shade of lavender. Kind of like this one called French Lilac from Benny Moore, only we use Porter Paints exclusively (shameless plug - they are a client of my husband's).

Great - paint color decision now made. Ah, but not so fast on doing the happy dance. Now most normal people would choose their bedding first, and then match the appropriate paint color, but I like to make things difficult on myself when it comes to home decor and do things backward. So the bedding search was on. And let me just tell you, there really aren't that many options out there that use lavender and white like I had pictured in my mind's eye. Though I did find this one, which I absolutely adored for its silk shantung simplicity, until I saw its $800 price tag. As IF. I don't care if the sheets are spun silk, I could never bring myself to pay that crazy price. And like the baby won't eventually spit up all over that pristine white. And so I kept shopping.

But what I DID find while taking a break from searching high and low for the bedding was this adorable little black chandelier on eBay. And it was truly like love at first sight - I knew I had to have it. Our nursery is a pretty small room, so a large fixture might have been overwhelming. But she was just the right size...

A few clicks later, and one bid that thankfully, went unchallenged, she was mine. And not only did I fall in love with her (even though she hasn't arrived yet and my fingers are triple-crossed she's being shipped in the best darn packaging one can provide), but that little purchase set the tone and inspiration for the rest of the nursery. I decided on a combination of black, white and lavender, with a little bit of sweetness, a touch of glamour, and a whole lot of sass.

So when I found this bedding that had those very same elements, I knew we had a winner!

Loved the simple design element. Adored the color combination. Crazy about the teeny black bows. Not so crazy about the organza crib skirt trim, but figure that's an easy fix. And most importantly, utterly delighted with the price tag - a whopping $99!!! Allow me to mention that she retails for four times that. So needless to say, two bids later, she was also mine. New eBay junkie, party of one. And yes, I realize many of you jumped on the eBay bandwagon like a decade ago. What can I say, I'm a late bloomer.

Elated with my newest purchase, I was on the prowl for some fun fill-ins. And the beauty of thrifty finds is that if you only spend $99 on your bedding, you are totally justified on splurging on some "non-essentials."

Some that I like? Scalloped mirrors from PB Kids (hello lavender background!):

An over-the-top white resin picture frame, scooped up at TJ Max for $10 (similar to below):

A wow-factor rug, to bring in another fabulous design element. I'm contemplating this one, which is only $150 on Overstock!

And how could I forget our white shelves, which were actually a wedding gift from a dear friend and made an appearance in the space formerly known as our media room, so no purchase required. How perfect will they be??

And for yet another fun pattern, I'm digging these striped panels for window treatments. The little ribbons even match the bedding! I think it's meant to be.

And for those of you who may be skeptical of three different patterns in one room, just feast your eyes on this fabulous little nursery. Just substitute the aqua for lavender and she could be my nursery's cousin. Proof positive that having fun with with different patterns can be done well.

So there you have it, my nursery inspiration board in blog form. Because I'm not tech-savvy enough to do an actual one. Four months and counting to make it happen - wish me luck!

20 Week Bumpdate: It's a GIRL!!!

2011-04-13T12:01:00.021-05:00

Be still, my beating heart! Prepare yourselves, this is about to be an exclamation point overload kind of email. Today I am overjoyed to tell you that we found out at our 20-week ultrasound this morning that this amazing little baby in my belly is a beautiful, albeit a bit stubborn (ahem, much like her mother) because she wouldn't show her face much, healthy as can be and measuring just perfect baby GIRL!!! Oh, I could just burst with happiness. I just keep thinking, "how blessed are WE?"

And seriously, how can I already love her so incredibly much? I've heard mamas say that before but when you see that baby moving and kicking and putting her sweet little hands up to her face and knowing she's doing all of those wonderful things right inside of you, you just fall in absolute love. It is the closest thing to God we'll see this side of heaven - of that I am certain!

So a few details, just for posterity's sake...ever since our 16 week ultrasound where we got a "sneak peek" and the ultrasound tech said she was 96% certain it was a girl, I've been trying not to get too excited, because that little 4% still lingered and taunted me. But man, I was so hopeful she was right. Now obviously I would love a girl OR a boy, and of course we desired a healthy baby first and foremost, and I know for a fact that boys love their mamas (my husband is proof positive!) but there was this part of me that longed for a little girl. For a lot of reasons, really, but mostly because I cannot wait to have someone to shop with. And talk about boyfriends with over a glass of wine. And hopefully share shoes with, providing I pass along my great sense of taste. :) OK, those aren't the real reasons. I really just can't wait to have a daughter, period. One that will most likely have my sass, my husband's sweetness, and just be the perfect mix of the two of us in looks, mannerisms, and personality. I can't imagine seeing my child and saying "oh, she has my nose!" How fun!! The ole husband just isn't going to know what to do with himself. I have a feeling she already has him wrapped around her little finger. The way he talks to her at night, I can already tell. Talk about melting your heart...and I'm already a bit hormonal. I could cry just thinking about it.

OK, back to our appointment. Let's just say I was a not-so-hot mess this morning. As in a complete nervous wreck. My eyes popped open at 4:45 a.m. and I didn't have a prayer of getting any more sleep. I took advantage of the quiet time, said another prayer that we get a good report today, and tiptoed downstairs, turned on the news, and read in my Pregnancy Journal (sidenote: reading about what the baby is developing that week is truly one of my favorite things. I cannot get enough.) I could barely eat my Eggo waffle (don't judge, it was whole grain with blueberries) and as usual when I'm running behind, could barely put my hair in a quick ponytail before flying out the door for our 8:00 appointment. Mr. T is always on time and I never am and I'm sure it annoys him, but thankfully, he doesn't let it show. Usually. :)

We get to the doctor's office, and do our ultrasound first. Only my stomach is in knots from all the nervousness and I have to go to the bathroom. Well wouldn't you know the ultrasound tech came the minute I left and tells Mr. T she hopes I didn't empty my bladder, as that will help the ultrasound. Whoopsie. Thankfully, it had already refilled to her liking by the time we got back to the room, and that baby was kicking and squirming up a blue storm! It's crazy to see it on the screen and not be able to feel it inside. I'm so ready for that first big kick that says "Boom! Mom, here I am!" She was upside down and seemed to really like her position, as nothing could get her to move and show her sweet little face. Our tech got right down to business and did the gender shot first thing. Love her for that. Oh, it was music to my ears when she sang out "It's a girl" and pointed out the three lines I'd been hearing from friends were the sure sign of a female. I think I asked if she was sure and probably offended her by doing so, but I had to be certain, people! She went on to take all the measurements, pointed out all the major organs, measured the heart rate (148 this time) but honestly, as much as I love seeing all of that, I could not stop smiling just thinking we were really having a baby girl. :) She showed her a face for a nanosecond, yawned the most adorable yawn you've ever seen, (arms still up by her head - it seems to be her favorite position and one she gets from both her dad and me, that's exactly how we sleep) and then went back to nestling face down. Bless her heart, she'd had a big morning. We briefly met with the doctor afterward, who gave us an enthusiastic thumbs up after looking at her ultrasound, and said everything was measuring just right. All her organs and systems looked perfectly healthy. You don't even know how much that was music to our ears. I promise you I took in that moment and realized how incredibly blessed we are. And then I nearly skipped out the door, my heart nearly overflowing with happiness and sheer gratitude. :)

So now for the 20 week bumpdate:

Symptoms: Now that the nausea is completely gone, I feel like a brand new woman! I love the energy that comes with the 2nd trimester and honestly feel better than I ever have. I was having headaches for about a week or so, but thankfully, those have gone away too. I still have to tinkle all the time, but I suppose that is expected.

What's different: Let's get close here. "The girls" have grown so I had to go up a bra size - that's a difference I don't mind at all! :)

Cravings: Not nearly as many as I was having, though I do get a hankering for a dipped ice cream cone now that the weather is warming up. And let me just tell you, it is dangerous that Bobbie's Dairy Dip is so close to our house. Pregnancy + Hot Nashville Summer = More Trips for Ice Cream. Uh oh.

Aversions: Breakfast in general. I'm lucky to get a protein shake down. Working on it though.

Sleep: Oh I have major news to report in this category! Mr. T and I used a portion of our tax refund and splurged on a little happy for ourselves - a king size bed! We bought the frame at Ikea, a pillow-top mattress here in town, and are both loving all the extra space! Make room for the body pillow - it makes sleeping on my side so much easier! And eventually, make room for a little girl who can crawl between us. That thought makes me so very happy.

I am loving: The first (and hopefully only) pair of maternity skinny jeans I purchased the other day from A Pea in the Pod. They're actually pretty darn cute, and the belly panel makes wearing jeans so much more comfortable. Also, I kind of love that my pants no longer button with ease, so I'm wearing them with the top button undone and a belly band on top. Love that thing!

I really miss: Bikini shopping at Target. They WOULD have the cutest ones ever out right now. But I did bust out my black one-piece the other day to get some sun on the back deck, and instantly felt like a mom, which actually wasn't so bad. I just miss having a tan stomach. It's the end of an era, I suppose!

I am looking forward to: Decorating the nursery! I purchased the most perfect bedding on eBay for a whopping $99 (it retails for $400) and it will be delivered next week. We're also painting next weekend, and hopefully buying the furniture soon. There are just too many options out there on cribs, and being indecisive is not helping matters. Any suggestions, mamas?

I'm spazzing about: The fact I'm really having a girl. I cannot stop smiling.

Movement: Maybe a few tiny flutters here and there, but just when I get still enough to tune into it, it goes away. Like I said, she's a stubborn little thing and I guess she'll move when she's good and ready but man, I'm so ready for a big soccer kick! But Mr. T tells her every night, "That's okay, baby, you take your time." Sweetest thing ever.

And finally, the Belly Shot: Here's the bonified bump, in all it's glory! Definitely getting bigger by the day!

20 weeks down, 20 weeks to go. We're halfway there, people! Come on, 8/28!

Nursery Quote Heaven

2011-03-30T13:21:00.005-05:00

To know me is to know that I love a good quote. Like, LOVE them. And in thinking about the decor for the baby's room, I've decided that I'm rather fond of the thought of our little one being surrounded by these same inspirational thoughts that make (her) mama's heart smile.

I'm envisioning hanging a few of these prints gallery style in crisp white frames, grouping together a few favorites above the crib, and having one or two of the most excellent ones stand on their own. Besides, I'll need a positive thought or two during those 3 a.m. feedings, right?

via Pinterest

The Baby's Room

2011-03-24T14:56:00.009-05:00

In an effort to get inspired for nursery room decor, I've been perusing Blogland and the world wide web to find something that makes me swoon for Baby T's room. And while the options are truly endless from the old faithfuls like Restoration Hardware Baby & Child, Pottery Barn Kids, Serena & Lily, and the like, I think we're going to end up getting different pieces from different places to put together a room that is as peaceful, beautiful and serene as the one in my mind is.

So here are some of my most favorites...I'm really digging the lavender look if we can confirm it's a girl in April. And it just so happens to be one of the spring 2011 pantone colors. Score.

It's funny, I'm usually not drawn to pastels at all, and have even come across a few nurseries that have played with bold colors and patterns that are lovely, but something in me is drawn to the softness of these sweet rooms. Now the only question is, who could I get to help me do that stencil on the walls? I'm 210% in love with it.

What's even funnier is that this baby in my belly won't even know or care about their room until they are at least a year old, right? So really I could keep the room (which used to be our media room that was used maybe three times) candy apple red with the 50' flatscreen and it would never know the difference. But we all know I could never do that.

So for all you mamas and mamas-to-be out there, where did you find your nursery inspiration?
Help a sister out!

Let the Madness Begin

2011-03-17T13:18:00.009-05:00

Is it just me or does this weather make you want to quit your inside job and do something that places you outside doing just about anything for the months of March-October? I plan to take full advantage when my maternity leave rolls around, and get that sweet baby out of the house and enjoying the world as much as (she) will let me!

In other news, I filled out my first "March Madness" bracket. Truth be told, Mr. T and I filled them out last year but we didn't put our money where our mouth was, so to speak. So this year, I'm in a pool with several of Mr. T's friends (hello, girl representation) and plan to whoop UP. No mercy, boys. Bring your A game.

So since I know you're dying to know, here are my picks for the Final Four:

Ohio State, Duke, Kansas and Pittsburgh

With OHIO STATE going all the way, baby.

Now let me assure you, my heart belongs to college football, not basketball, in case there is any question. And I truly believe you can only really, really love one sport. But Mr. T gets so darn excited every year when March Madness rolls around that it's easier just to join in the fun. In fact, his college team made it to the Sweet 16 so his heart is invested like you've never seen. So that's exactly what I did. I filled out my bracket, promptly started trash talking on the message board to him and all of his buddies, and plan to take them all down like Julie Brown. If Mr. T is going to be watching basketball for every spare minute of the next three weeks, then I might as well have a reason to watch too. Say it with me: Baby Fund.

So how do I pick the teams in my bracket, you ask? Namely these factors:

First, if I know someone where that college is located and like that person, that automatically gives them an advantage (example: my best friend Stacy lives in D.C., therefore I picked Georgetown in the first round).

Second, if I like that location or general area, then that team also gets an advantage (example: we recently visited San Diego on our anniversary trip to California and loved it, so naturally I picked San Diego State).

Third, attempting to have some sort of allegiance to the SEC (let's not mention how my Alabama Crimson Tide got the shaft), I try to sprinkle in a few teams from the SEC. But I strongly dislike Tennessee, and double dislike Bruce Pearl, so no matter what, I can't root for them. So go Georgia. Why? Because I like Mark Richt, and yes, I know he's the football coach. As I said, my reasoning makes total sense to me.

How about you? Who are your picks?

Birthday Recap and 16 Week Belly Pic

2011-03-14T13:38:00.013-05:00

Oh, what a weekend! I honestly can't think of a single thing that could have made it any better. First, we celebrated the ole birthday (by the way, turning 31 was way less traumatic then turning 30) at my favorite restaurant, Red Pony, down in Franklin, with two of our good friends. P.S. Red Pony's Shrimp and Grits = Best meal I've had in months. Seriously.

But this wasn't just any birthday dinner. Oh no, sneaky Mr. T had a surprise planned, and when we walked outside to get in the car, he had a driver waiting for us to take us there in style in a beautiful black Mercedes Benz! I bet I made the baby dizzy I was jumping up and down so much. And grinning from ear to ear for the whole ride. Literally, I couldn't have stopped smiling if I tried. He had even thought to have sparkling water for us to enjoy in lieu of champagne. My husband is wonderful, y'all.

With our wonderful driver, Boyd. Can you believe he's in his 70's? He was awesome.

Love our friends, Liz and Adam! And wow, I look way pregnant here.

I spy a Benz. And a very hot husband :)

So yes, I would say that Mr. T has officially spoiled me. He has managed to pull off a birthday surprise for the 3rd year in a row. Two years ago he proposed (that was a biggie) and last year he helped throw a surprise 30th birthday party. You have set the bar high for yourself, babe!

Saturday brought the most beautiful day we have seen in months, so naturally, I got my hair done to continue the birthday celebration. (Oh yes, my birthday is celebrated for a week rather than a day, starting the Sunday before and ending the Sunday after. I strongly encourage you to do the same.)

That afternoon we headed to East Nashville for a fun baby shower for our friends Alison and Justin. I would show you a picture of the guest of honor but you would hate her because she's due next month and has only gained 15 freakin' pounds. The nerve. I can't believe I'm friends with someone who would do that to me and make me look terrible when I gain a LOT more than that. She seriously looks great. But the shower was lots o' fun and we got home just in time to make it a movie night. I had rented The Town on Netflix and while it was nothing like I expected, I do give it four stars. It held a pregnant woman's attention on a late Saturday night, so that is to be commended. I'm notorious for falling asleep about 10 minutes in...just call me Grandma these days.

Oh and I can't forget another fun thing we did on Saturday...our 16 week bump photo shoot!
We took these right before we headed out for the shower. And as you can tell, Mama and Baby T are most definitely growing! I had to unbutton my pants for the first time after our post-church Sunday lunch. The baby seemed to like it better that way. :)

Birthday Bumpdate!

2011-03-11T13:14:00.006-06:00

A 16 week bumpdate that happens to fall on my 31st birthday? Which also happens to fall on a glorious, sun-drenched Friday after a week of gloomy weather? With plans to have dinner at my favorite restaurant with some of my favorite friends tonight? You BETCHA. :)

So let's celebrate with some photos, shall we? The 16 week belly pic will be taken tonight, so sorry to be a tease. Those are coming. But I have something I think you'll like instead...

Y'all. That is our BABY! From top to bottom, the photos are the profile, the "baby booty" shot, the cute little feet, another booty shot which may or may not tell you the gender, and two photos in 4-D of the whole sweet thing! Can you believe it? Isn't technology AMAZING?

So here's the story...we went in for our 16 week appointment, asked all our questions, and then asked for an early ultrasound (it was scheduled for our 20 week appointment). Because my OB rocks, she was able to squeeze us in that very morning. And because the ultrasound technician uber rocks, she talked us through the whole thing explaining all those teeny little parts and movements and gave us about 16 beautiful photos to keep, as well as a surprise DVD of about 20 minutes worth of the ultrasound so we can see Baby T moving and kicking up a storm. Not only that, but here's the best part...she let us record the sound of the galloping (158 heart rate) baby's heartbeat on my iPhone, so now I can listen to it anytime I want. Which is about every other 10 minutes. Best idea ever. I could have hugged her. In fact, as soon as I got up from the table and wiped the goo off my stomach, that is exactly what I did.

So here's the big news. When looking at that sweet little "bottom up" shot on the screen, the ultrasound tech said she couldn't be positive, but things are looking very much like a GIRL! Trying to contain my excitement, I said "Really? As in what percentage would you put on it?" To which she responded "Mmmm, I would say 96%." Oh, I could have just cried!!! No wait, I did cry. Goodness, I can't remember anything anymore - pregnancy brain is in full effect! But y'all! A beautiful, healthy, measuring-just-perfect baby girl...my heart could just explode I'm so happy. And she was a whopping 5 inches and 5 ounces, growing like a champ! We won't know for sure until our next appointment so I'm not shopping just yet, but things are looking like sugar and spice and everything nice, and honey, I hate to say it, but I told you so. I've been feeling girl for weeks. Don't mess with a mother's intuition.

What a perfectly perfect birthday gift. Feeling blessed beyond belief. Happy birthday to ME!

Calling All Mamas To Be!

2011-03-08T14:45:00.009-06:00

Are you ready for this, expectant mamas? I'm SO about to make your day. As in you're going to want to come through your computer screen and kiss me. Look what I just discovered (thanks to my BFF Stacy who shares my love and borderline obsession for Rent The Runway and sent me a link to its cute maternity-wearing internet cousin)...

Presenting RentMaternityWear.com, my pretties! It is going to change. your. life.

Here are the deets (straight from the website):

Rent a gorgeous, new, designer maternity dress direct from the top maternity fashion designers — such as Christian Siriano (winner of Project Runway) Maternal America, and Olian Maternity — for up to 70% less.

One-week maternity dress rental rates start at just $35, and our affordable maternity wear collection means you can enjoy the perfect maternity dress at every stage of your pregnancy — from ‘just beginning to show’ through ‘a few months after the baby arrives’ — for less than the price of one little black dress!

What got me salivating is that you can rent in one or two-week increments, rather than just for a few days. So if you have several social occasions in one week, you have one fabulous dress you can wear to all of them, rather than pay an insane amount for a dress you may never want to wear again. You can rent by price, by occasion, or by whatever strikes your fancy.

And what is striking mine is this little number, for an upcoming work event in April (though I hope my bump isn't quite that big just yet):

Also adoring this LBD with fun crochet trim:

But what I'm really dying to find is a maxi dress like this one, but that will fit my 5' 2" frame (maxis are always about 3" too long on me):

But maybe, just maybe, it might work if I wear my fab new kicks (a birthday gift to myself purchased on a recent trip to New Orleans). Don't you just LOVE them? Me too. :)

So go check it out, all my prego friends! But don't steal one of my favorites unless you live far, far away from Nashville. :)

Coincidence?

2011-03-04T14:04:00.004-06:00

So the iPad 2 comes out next Friday. Which happens to be March 11. Which also happens to be my birthday.

Coincidence?

I think not.

Push present?

Perhaps. :)

14 Week Bumpdate

2011-02-25T15:45:00.007-06:00

So here we are at the start of the second trimester, and oh what a difference it makes! I'm feeling a bazillion times better in the nausea department, thank the good sweet Lord above. I just got back from a trip to New Orleans and enjoyed every single sun-filled and 75 degree minute (when I wasn't indoors for the work conference that brought me there). And I had my first maternity boutique encounter. Ummm, yeah. About that. No one tells you how overwhelming that is for the first time! Silicone leak guards? Nursing sports bras? Belly bands galore? I'm pretty sure the sweet girl who waited on me had a good laugh after I looked around for a good hour in disbelief, finally settled on a black belly band and high-tailed it out the door. But I did find some fabulous little (or not so little, as the case may be when I wear them) sundresses to usher me (and Baby T) into spring. Bring on the comfy dresses and flip flops!

Since many of you asked for an update before we hit the 16 week mark, (I know, I'm impatient too), here's the latest:

Symptoms: Though I'm trying not to jinx it, I haven't felt morning sickness in a solid week. That means no more preggie pop drops to get me through the workday! Cue the hallelujah chorus. I occasionally feel a little nauseated late at night, but it is so much better than the groan and moan fest I was having every night that I can totally handle it. What I AM feeling is restless. Especially at about 2, 3, or 4 in the morning. I usually get up to use the bathroom and then find myself wide awake for hours afterward, silently cursing Mr. T as he lays beside me snoring away. Last night I couldn't take it anymore and moved to the sofa. Let it be said that pregnant women who find themselves more uncomfortable every night should not be sleeping on sofas. So guess who's gonna get the boot out of the bed the next time? Sorry, honey.

What's different: Holy Burpalicious, Batman! I seriously cannot stop, and I don't know where it comes from. I burp or hiccup after I eat any meal, first thing when I wake up, in the middle of the night, for a total of about 100 times a day. Classy, I know.

Cravings: Oh, Diet Coke. I miss you so. But I still reserve the right to drink one with any of the following meals: Pizza, Anything Mexican, and Cheeseburgers. And let me throw in that if you are in New Orleans, you MUST go to Port of Call and get a mushroom cheeseburger. It is straight up heaven on a plate. And I still love a good baked potato. Mmmm, a twice-baked one sounds so delicious right now...

Aversions: Few and far between, though something that can sound awesome and I am starving for can become disgusting once it's placed in front of me. This happened at La Paz yesterday, when I ordered a chicken enchilada. It showed up and I couldn't even eat a bite. I'm getting a bit better with fruits since my first two um, episodes, of getting violently sick from a banana and a grapefruit of all things. Eewww, and no eggs. I can't stand the smell of them.

Sleep: Oh how I miss my old sleep-through-a-freight-train days. Maybe it's just God's way of preparing me for motherhood, but man, I am a Grumposaurus Rex if I don't get 8 hours. I'm thinking a maternity pillow is in my future. And a king-sized bed so Mr. T MAY be able to stay in it.

I am loving: Seeing a tiny little bump emerge and reading anything and everything I can get my hands on about what's going on inside of me. I can really feel a bump in the morning when I'm laying flat on my back, but that may just be because my bladder is ready to explode. But I still love it, and I am constantly amazed at the miraculous little being God is creating. How cool is that?

I miss: A good night's sleep. You really don't understand how much I love it.

I am looking forward to: Wearing my fun new dresses when it finally warms up! I came home from NOLA and tried them all on for Mr. T the minute I walked in the door, fashion-show style. I found the most amazing maxi dress from Banana that I cannot wait to wear with some new wedges (so much more practical than stilettos!) that I bought at Hemline. Be still my heart.

I'm spazzing about: Well I was spazzing about this pain I was getting in my lower abdomen, until I read about round ligament pain that starts in the 2nd trimester and discovered it was spot-on. They're basically growing pains, as the ligaments surrounding your uterus are stretched to accommodate the growing baby. Another way Mother Nature just does her thing.

Best moment this week: Shopping in New Orleans and buying our first baby book called "Good Night, Nola." Something about that city just speaks to me, and I love that our first book came from the city where I was born!

Milestones: Going from "Ugh, I feel sick again" to "Wow, it feels awesome to feel normal again!"

Movement: Nothing yet, but I cannot wait for that moment! I think I'm going to use a gift a friend let me borrow for the first time this weekend. It's a velcro band that wraps around my belly so the baby can jam out to NeedtoBreathe on my iPphone. Music City Baby, all the way!

It's a...: I'm starting to think girl more and more. But maybe just because the clothes are cuter. I know Mr. T wants a boy because he's already saying "him" when he talks about the baby. But deep down, we just want healthy with 10 fingers and 10 tiny toes!

Exercise: Check! For the first time in two whopping months, nonetheless. I used the hotel gym and did 30 minutes on the elliptical one day and 35 minutes speed walking on an incline on the treadmill the next. Major progress from being a total couch potato the last eight weeks.

Diet: Trying to get some sort of breakfast down in the morning, but it's still my least favorite meal of the day. Lots of protein and veggies at lunch, and whatever sounds tasty for dinner. I've also re-discovered my sweet tooth the past week. It started with the white chocolate bread pudding I ordered for room service my first night in Nola. Picture me with a big bowl on my belly, curled up in my bed watching the Bachelor. Now THAT is the definition of a good night.

Goals for the upcoming week: (1) Keep up the exercise because it really does make me feel better and (2) get some organizing and cleaning done around the house. Carpets are being cleaned tomorrow, then it's on to getting all the junk out of the nursery!

Belly Shot: No 14 week belly sticker, so you'll have to wait for the 16 week shot. Rest assured, that bump will be much more evident!

8 week and 12 week bumpdates!

2011-02-15T12:20:00.014-06:00

Thanks for all the sweet comments on our fun announcement, friends! That made my day. :)

Before we do the two-for-one bumpdates, I think we should start with pictures of the wee one. So first things first, here's our sonogram photo from our first ultrasound at 8 weeks. I didn't think we would get to have an ultrasound, but my OB rocks and made it happen, which completely made our day. I know you can't tell much - I would always try to make out something when other people proudly posted these photos but never had much luck - but that little peanut's heartbeat was beating strong and fast for us, blinking on the screen with a heart rate of 154. At which point I cried. I've never seen something so miraculous in my whole life.

We had our 12 week appointment last week, and got to hear Baby T's heartbeat for about two seconds before he/she (I keep saying she, Mr. T keeps saying he - not sure why) squirmed away. But those two seconds were music to my ears. I can't wait to hear it again!

So as promised to many, here are the 8 week and 12 week bumpdates in all their growing glory. Mr. T does the "photo shoot" standing on our bed, and I think he really enjoys being the photog. He even reminds me when it's time for one. And he likes to pat that growing belly and tell Baby T good night, which is pretty cute. I think he's going to make one fine daddy. He likes to shoot a photo from the front, one close up of the belly (and my disappearing waistline), and one from the side so we can see the bump grow.

8 weeks - January 14, 2011

12 weeks - February 11, 2011

The belly stickers came from Etsy (naturally), compliments of Emily at the Purple Possum. Aren't they fun? After I wear one, I put it back on the sheet and record the date the picture was taken. I thought about also recording my weight, but decided I think I'm just fine leaving out that little detail for posterity's sake. :)

In terms of pregnancy symptoms, I've basically been feeling some combination of the following symptoms since about week 6:

Sore Breasts - check. That was my first sign something was up!
Fatigue - check. As in I can sleep a solid 10 hours without problem. And take a nap after work, too. Well, unless I have to get up to pee. Better enjoy it now, right? Which brings me to...
Frequent Urination - check. At first, I thought it was because of all the water I was drinking. Now I think the little peanut has decided to take up residence on top of my bladder. The worst part is when I get up at 4 a.m. to go, I have a hard time going back to sleep without my thoughts racing. I literally came up with about 10 names I liked one night and wrote them down because I couldn't sleep. Might as well be productive!
Nausea - ummm, triple check. At first it was morning, afternoon and night, and I made preggie pop drops my new best friend just to get through the workday. Now I feel like it may be tapering off a little (someone knock on some wood, stat!) since the durations of nausea aren't quite so long or pronounced. Pro: I only had to throw up twice, so I know it could be worse. The first time was right after I ate a banana and had to high-tail it to the bathroom at work in the middle of a staff meeting. Lovely. The second time was at home and I'd just eaten half a grapefruit and some diced peaches. Con: Now I have a total aversion to fruit in any form. I'm hoping it passes soon, but in the meantime I'm drinking lots of apple juice and OJ, and trying to get my fiber in from those FiberPlus bars that actually aren't that bad. I was expecting something tasting like Metamucil.
Cravings - check. The ones that were really strong were for a big, juicy filet (sorry, vegetarians), baked potatoes and the old-school macaroni and cheese in the blue box. I ate an entire box of mac and cheese in one sitting of the Bachelor and could have licked my bowl clean. I haven't craved sweets like I thought I would, because I do have a major sweet tooth, but I did have a to-die-for molten chocolate cake a la mode in California that was like heaven on a plate. Tomorrow we're having a belated Valentines celebration at one of our favorite steakhouses, so the meat and potatoes will be back in action!

So there you have it, my friends. Weeks 1-12: the nutshell version. Our 16 week bumpdate falls on my 31st birthday, March 11. Stay tuned - I'm sure the belly will be lots bigger by then!

It's Announcement Time!

2011-02-13T21:47:00.005-06:00

With Valentine's Day dawning tomorrow, love and even a hint of springtime in the Nashville air, and 12 weeks now under my belt, I do believe it's announcement time, y'all...

We're EXPECTING!

Baby T will be debuting in August, and Mr. T and I could not be more excited, amazed, overwhelmed, anxious, and absolutely delighted with the news Santa brought us on a little Clearblue Easy stick just three days before Christmas. Talk about a Christmas we will never forget and the best present EVER!

So allow me to set the scene...

It was a bitterly cold Wednesday night (which we've had our fair share of this winter around these parts), and Mr. T had surprised me with tickets to see the very last show of Garth Brooks concert series downtown that he put on to benefit flood relief from the May 2010 flood. As if I don't love Mr. Brooks enough already - we did choose "To Make You Feel My Love" as our first dance, after all - this concert truly made me adore the man. We had just gotten home from work and before I headed upstairs to change, I ever-so-casually mentioned to Mr. T I was a few days late for "Aunt Flo's" arrival. I had been thinking that afternoon at work I should probably take a test soon since we would be heading home for Christmas in a few days, but for some reason, I made the impromptu decision this was the night. And was it ever...

After doing my business on the stick and carefully laying it on the side of the bathtub for the two- minute-which-feels-like-two eternities waiting period, I actually found myself saying a little prayer that if He thought we were ready, then to let us be blessed with a positve. He must have thought it was time. I looked down (ok,in truth I had probably been staring a hole in it ever since I finished that prayer) and an ever-so-faint positive sign pops on the screen. Now let me stop here and say that Mr. T points out that I like to keep my expectations low whenever possible, just so that I can be pleasantly surprised rather than overly disappointed. I guess it's just my nature. So in true fashion, I convince myself it's not really a positive in the span of calling down to Mr. T to please come upstairs and him actually arriving to see it for himself. I actually probably said something like "Oh my gosh, get up here NOW" but it's all kind of a blur. He takes a look at the stick, then at the instructions, then back at the stick, all the while I'm saying "Surely that's not a positive. Is that a positive? No way that's a positive." and he's got eyes as big as saucers and goes, "Babe. I think that's a positive." See, the problem is that those little rascals are tricky, and though I had a very distinct vertical line (which is the only one you're supposed to be looking for) I had a very faint horizontal line. Well, you know what comes next. Mr. T and I throw on our shoes and hop in the car to go to our neighborhood Walgreens and get the test we should have started with: the one that dumbs it down for you and says "Pregnant" or "Not Pregnant." The whole way I'm chugging water so I can take that bad boy the minute we get back to the house, and surprisingly I had plenty of "fluid" to take not just one, but two tests. Which both read, with beautiful, amazing clarity, a definitive "Pregnant." At that point I decided I could finally believe it, and I promptly squealed and we busted out the camera.

So now, we have proof of those blessed sticks...

And also our first photo as parents, which just so happens to be right before we went in for that spectaular concert...

I would love to tell more about how this first trimester has been treating me, but it's late and my early bedtime is calling me. But I will say I have never known a tired like this. Or nausea like this. But most assuredly, I have never known love like this either. We're having a BABY!

An Excuse For an Oscar Party

2011-02-08T08:54:00.004-06:00

I am totally jonesing to throw an Oscar party ever since I laid my eyes on this fun idea...

Download a set of 12 different cards here, courtesy of the always fresh How About Orange.

But let's be honest, as much as I love a good awards show, my favorite part is watching Giuliana do the red carpet interviews before the show and seeing all those to-die-for dresses. Jea-lous.

Eye Candy

2011-02-04T12:44:00.010-06:00

Okay, February is already shaping up to be about a bazillion times better than January, my friends. I basically went into hibernation because it snowed about two times too many, and was about 40 degrees too cold. I am a spring chicken and proud of it. Just ask Mr. T. I can make him jump about 2 feet in the air when I put my cold as ice toes on him under the covers when we get in bed at night. (Sidenote: I have since invested in a heating blanket that has utterly and completely changed my life. I put that baby on high before I brush my teeth and wash my face and when I crawl in, it's like a warm little cloud of heaven.)

That said, I am adoring all the eye candy on the blogosphere lately that is giving me tons of inspiration for several events I have on the horizon. Let's start with this photo, that just puts me in the mood for planning a party. Granted, a girly one. I have been loving some lavendar in my life (and it just so happens to be one of THE Pantone colors for Spring 2011.)

Continuing with the purple theme, because it just so happens to be my favorite color of the moment, you will be seeing this pairing of purple lighting, patterns, pintucks, crystals and acrylic on many an inspiration board in my office. Its simplicity speaks to me. Pair it with some ghost chairs and I'm a goner.

Or this minimalist beauty. So crisp, so clean, so monochromatic. I see tons of candlelight and a dry ice ice cream action station in my mind's eye - now how beautiful would that be?

French toast skewers, paired with an espresso bar. The perfect brunch combo. Need I say more.

What's inspiring you these days?

Valentines for the Anti-Valentines

2011-02-01T09:38:00.004-06:00

SHUT the front door. I just have to share this with you because I am the world's biggest fan of Miss Pickles Press. I got the cutest email from them today with printable and free valentines cards. I'll admit, I have the hardest time with Valentines Day. Yes, it's nice to get flowers, and yes, it's nicer to have an excuse for a fancy dinner, but honestly, we all know this is just a holiday Hallmark created to make money. Do we really need a day to tell those we love how much we actually do love them? Maybe it just makes us demonstrate what we're already feeling inside. So in that case, maybe I shouldn't be quite so cynical about Cupid's Day. Hmmm, deep thoughts.

Anyway, check out her fun email:

Let's face it. Flowers wilt. Chocolates in heart-shaped boxes are filled with mystery goo. And those weird little drug store teddy bears? Eeeek...creeeeeeepy.

Just print the chic little Valentine's cuties below on heavy card stock, trim, and attach to that pretty brown paper package tied up with string...and get ready to feel the love!

CLICK HERE for our fab freebie Valentine mini-cards. Enjoy...and spread the love!

Rent The Runway: Wedding style!

2011-01-18T16:10:00.003-06:00

Y'all. Stop it right now. I was introduced to Rent The Runway by a fashionista of a friend. And I love her and hate her for it, because I now want to find an excuse to rent a designer dress just to vacuum in, the dresses are that cute.

So imagine my delight when I got an email from the RTR folks today saying they're now doing WEDDINGS! Which means there's something for the bride (hello to-die-for Badgley Mischka for $200), something for the maids (because really, how often do you wear those dresses again) and even something for the mother of the bride who is tres chic. And for all you brides-to-be out there who are on the hunt for a smokin' hot rehearsal dinner outfit, look no further. Everyone's jaw will drop when they see you walk in the door in Dolce & Gabbana (never knowing you paid a fraction of the cost). Wow, I should totally be their new spokesperson.

You do have to become a member and go through that whole rigamarole of setting up a password and such, but I promise you, membership has its privileges. Happy dress hunting!

A Great Cause

2011-01-13T15:02:00.003-06:00

What? It's a new year and I haven't posted one single time? This must stop. But I do have a great reason - Mr. T and I took a nice little anniversary trip to Laguna Beach, California the first week in January. Hello, seafood galore! Hello, Pacific Coast Highway! Hello sleeping in the most luxurious king size bed with fireplace in our room! It was heaven, I tell you.

More on that later. First, I'd like to ask for my first official blog favor. A friend forwarded me an email from a friend of hers who has two kids, Waverly and Oliver, that have San Filippo Syndrome, a disease that is so rare there is little funding for research. Though it was heartbreaking to read about these two precious children who are taking steps backward instead of forward like most kids, I jumped at the chance to vote, and to help spread the word on my blog so others could cast their vote too. It is such an incredible cause for an incredibly deserving family.

The mother's name is Shannon McNeil, and you can read more on her blog. Take a second to learn more about her precious kiddos, and I promise you will be moved to vote. I know I was.

Here's the skinny:

Team Sanfilippo, a non-profit group started by parents of children afflicted with Sanfilippo Syndrome, is in contention to win a $250,000 grant from Pepsi. This money will be used for research purposes, specially for gene therapy trials. The top 2 finishers at the end of January will receive the grant.

Winning this grant is so important, because pharmaceutical and biotech companies aren't interested in focusing on rare disorders, due to low profits. The burden is left to family driven 501c3 public charities to raise funds and get scientists to collaborate on treatments to save loved ones. Then, after a treatment has been developed, it's also up to the families to raise the money needed for clinical trials.

I am asking friends and family to vote every day for the month of January. It only takes a few moments and it could have a lifesaving impact on children who have Sanfilippo.

You can vote 3 ways once a day. Here's how:

1) TEXT 105582 in the body of your text to 73774 (PEPSI)

2) Click on http://www.refresheverything.com/curesanfilippo. You must first log on and then hit the VOTE button.

3) If you are on facebook, go to http://apps.facebook.com/pepsirefresh/idea/. Load the app and then search for "Team Sanfilippo" to vote.

Please vote in honor of Waverly & Oliver. Wouldn't it be great if one day, when families are told their child has Sanfilippo, there will be an effective treatment available to them, thanks to this opportunity for a grant.

Also, pass this information on to your family & friends. Post it on your facebook wall. Send out an email. Post it on your blog. Send a tweet. Let's get the word out and help this sweet family!

Thanks friends!

This Time Last Year...

2010-12-29T13:30:00.016-06:00

I don't think it is possible to pack one more thing into the week we just had. Since my last post, we've gone to the Garth Brooks concert (yes, I sang every word to every song and probably could have cried at one point our seats were so good), bundled up for the candlelight Christmas Eve service at our church (beautiful and nostalgic singing all those old favorites), taken a trip down south to spend Christmas weekend with the family (wonderful all around), seen a legitimate, tried-and-true white Christmas in places where that NEVER happens (Tuscaloosa and Nashville), bought an electric heating blanket with my Christmas money because that's what you do when you become an old woman (still trying to decide if it was worth my money), and enjoyed a magnificent day off on Monday that could not have come at a better time (bliss).

So with 2010 drawing to a close and our sights set on 2011, let's play a little game affectionately called "This Time Last Year."

I'll go first, since it's my blog and all. But I would loooovveeee for ya'll to join in the fun and leave me a comment when it's your turn (that means you, blog stalkers who've been reading this for months and never made a peep. You know who you are.) :)

So here we go. This time last year, I was:

Three days away from marrying the most handsome, most wonderful man in town, who was more of a husband to me in the week leading up to that crazy wonderful weekend than he ever could have known.

Starting to realize with utter sadness that I was indeed getting the first signs of what can only be called the FUNK, which came in full force the day before we were married and hung around until Day 2 of the honeymoon. Pro: I slid into my wedding dress with ease.

Sending Mr. T on multiple errand runs and wild goose chases to get items for the New Year's Eve Welcome Party for all of our out-of-town and local friends. While we loved having everyone in our new home to kick off the celebration, let it be said that I do not recommend hosting a party two days before your wedding day. Unless you want to have an absolute meltdown about two hours before your friends' arrivals. But ringing in the new year with everyone who had come from near and far to share our special day with us was something we'll never forget.

Setting my out of office message on my email for a glorious, well-deserved 10 days of wedding celebrations and honeymoon bliss (sorry, no photo of that - though you can picture the grin on my face as I did so).

Watching the weather forecast in disbelief and giving the meteorologist my worst stinkeye when he said it would be a record-setting 11 degrees on our wedding day. And it was. But it was also a beautiful winter's day.

Seriously patting myself on the back and thanking my lucky stars for making the best wedding day purchase ever - my fancy new fur stole to keep me warm!

Wondering how in the world I was going to stuff "faux snow" into all these little envelopes for our farewell, and thinking I might just scrap it altogether, when my wonderful MOH swooped in a day early and saved the day, stuffing the snow in two hours flat. That, my friends, is a good friend. And an excellent maid of honor.

Starting to pack all my swimsuits, sandals and sundresses for our week-long honeymoon in Rivera Maya, Mexico! Truly one of best parts of a January wedding - a honeymoon in the middle of winter (and an excuse to take an anniversary trip to somewhere warm every year).

And finally, feeling incredibly blessed and frankly, on top of the world to have an incredible year full of engagement parties, showers, wedding planning, laughter, tears, mental breakdowns and memories almost behind me. Which made 2009 quite a year to top. And guess what. 2010 was EVEN BETTER. Married life is honestly moons better than I even thought it could be. Now 2011, let's just see what you have in store...

Your turn!

Tackiness 2010

2010-12-21T09:14:00.007-06:00

As they say, a picture is worth a thousand words.

May I present Tacky Sweater Party 2010! Best. One. Yet.

Busted under the mistletoe. :)

Peace...

2010-12-17T10:40:00.006-06:00

So far this holiday season, I've learned how to make five new Christmas-themed recipes, searched high and low for four angel ornaments for my nieces, been to three holiday parties, have two more on the docket before Christmas gets here in one week (whoa), and have one much-anticipated trip to make home for the holidays.

Is it just me or does anyone else need a weekend of peace?

I feel like my head is spinning sometimes with all the outlook reminders (many self-imposed), shopping lists, grocery runs, and last-minute errands, that I need to remind myself to just stop for a minute, and focus on what matters. For me, that's my husband, my friends, my family (old and new), and the reason we celebrate in the first place - Christ's birth. The best thing I can do this time of year is just be still and soak in all the blessings that have come my way over the past year. Sometimes it is overwhelming to think about just how blessed we really are.

I know this is going to sound completely hypocritical, but unfortunately this weekend is already a wash - the infamous Tacky Sweater Party tonight, Titans/Texans Game Sunday (in a suite, thankfully - sister does not love watching football in 20 degree temps) and a little Garth Brooks on the docket for Sunday night makes for an already full (but very fun) weekend. What I'm really looking forward to is next weekend when we can relax with my family, celebrate Jesus' birth and how incredibly awesome it is that he had a birthday in the first place, and definitely do a little bit of this with my handsome husband by my side.

Wishing you a little peace and quiet, whenever and where ever you can find it!

Heavenly Holiday Home Decor

2010-12-16T15:37:00.005-06:00

Tonight Mr. T and I are hosting a Christmas-themed couples baby shower for our FDN (Family Dinner Night) friends, a tradition that began back in his bachelor days when he lived in a townhouse and his sweet neighbors invited him over for dinner.

We've spent the past two days putting the last touches on our Christmas decor - because I can always fine one more spot that needs a little love - cleaning the house top to bottom (him) and making oreo truffles (me). I even printed up a menu, because it makes the planner in me feel better having everything on paper. And yes, I realize how Type A you're realizing I am right now.

I'll be posting some pictures from our party soon, but in the meantime, I thought I would show you some holiday decor that is seriously making me salivate. I mean, I think we did okay for our first go of it in our lovely little house, but MAN are these rooms awesome. I am seriously loving these festive touches of holiday cheer.

I'm a sucker for an all-white bedroom. So serene and peaceful. And these stockings make such a statement!

Mercury Glass = Perfection

Love the warmth of this room, the big fat tree, and those wide wooden planks.

Santas and red polka dots. You can't get more festive than that!

Because kitchen sinks need love too. Not too much, just a little dab'll do you.

If I had a formal sitting room, this is exactly what it would look like. Fireplace and all!

The Perfect Post for a Monday...

2010-12-13T12:41:00.015-06:00

Not gonna lie...I totally stole this from Think Happy Thoughts blog because A) it is Monday and B) it feels like -2 outside - in Nashville, not Alaska, in case you're curious, which means C) thinking about anything other than how much I would like to be curled up on the couch with a cup of coffee in my frostbitten hands is probably not happening today. And because it's a good way to incorporate some photos of our Christmas decor that we finished up this weekend in our humble little abode. And might I add, I think our tree is soooooo be-yoo-tiful. :)

Wrapping paper or gift bags? Wrapping paper all the way, unless it's a weird shape that's impossible to wrap and way easier to throw it in a fun bag. I like going with a theme on my paper, and have so much fun choosing it each year. This year it was a velvet flocked red damask paper I found at Target, with a coordinating cousin in black on a shimmery white background. And I found these super-fun hologram gift tags that say "naughty" or "nice" depending how the light hits them for the adults in the family, and some glittery santa hat tags for the kiddos.

Real tree or artificial? I joined the "real tree" bandwagon for the very first time this year and am NEVER going back. Though it doesn't smell up my house as much as I hoped it would, it was so fun picking out the perfect one at the Christmas tree farm with Mr. T, strapping it to the roof of his car, and putting on Christmas music and decorating it as soon as we got home. Tradition in the making!

When do you put up the tree? Well last year we were getting ready to get married in a few weeks and pretty much running around crazy so we didn't get one at all. Insert sad face. And this year we were in Virginia for Thanksgiving so you can bet your bottom dollar we went the first weekend after we returned to Nashville. We made a date night out of it, and had a fabulous dinner beforehand at the Mad Platter, then bundled up to go pick out our tree!

When do you take the tree down? We'll most likely take it down on our wedding anniversary - January 2. Though it may break my heart a little to see it go, I like to start the new year with a nice, clean house - call it feng shui.

Do you like eggnog? Here's the thing. I want to. Really I do. And I ventured out and tried the chocolate version a few weeks ago from Trader Joe's which is a bit better than the traditional. But I'm usually a one glass and done gal. I have never ever finished a carton.

Favorite gift received as a child? So I totally remember when I was 10 or so and we got our first family computer. I remember my parents had programmed it to have "Merry Christmas" rolling across the screen and I thought we were the coolest, tech-savvy family ever.

Hardest person to buy for? I honestly love the challenge of finding the perfect gift for everyone, but since I grew up buying girl presents for my nieces on my side of the family, buying for our nephews on Mr. T's side of the family is like going into foreign territory in the toy store. Which is why we usually divide and conquer - he chooses the boy stuff, and I handle the girls. Trust me, it's better that way.

Do you have a nativity scene? See post below for the one I painted. So yes, now I do!

Mail or email Christmas cards? Mail, of course! Email? The horror! We just figured out how to display all of ours on ribbon and I absolutely love checking the mail to see what new one arrives. P.S. You can see our fun finished product in this post. I figured it was the only time we could do a "Top 10 in 2010" theme for our Christmas card, so I went for it. The feedback has been quite positive thus far.

Favorite Christmas movie? The Grinch, by a landslide. I love singing that song in my deepest, scariest voice to Mr. T. And have probably already done that at least 3 times.

When do you start shopping for Christmas? I am now a proud member of Team Early Christmas Shop, due largely to the fact we gave my in-laws their presents at Thanksgiving since we'll be spending Christmas with my folks. But you can't pay me to do anything but watch football on Black Friday. Trampling on aisle one? No thank you.

Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? Chances are likely, though very rarely. However, I did get this fabulous wreath from my fabulous mother in law last year and plan to recycle it every Christmas until all the pretty silver glitter is gone from its twigs. I added the "Ho, Ho, Ho" this year because I thought it was a fun touch. You like?

Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? Is everything in sight an appropriate answer? No? Okay, then spiced cider on Christmas morning, honey-baked ham, casseroles galore, and this lovely concoction that's a lot like an ice cream float that is like the perfect little exclamation point on our Christmas meal.

Lights on the tree (colored or clear)? Personally, I like clear, but I learned this year that the new LED clear lights are totally throwing off the warm white light with their blue-tinted hue. So I had to make three separate trips to find the RIGHT white lights. My tree is so high-maintenance.

Favorite Christmas song? To sing? Again, The Grinch theme song. It brings out the kid in everyone. But you can't beat an a capella "Silent Night" during a Christmas candlelight service. That was a Christmas staple in my church growing up and I always loved how the congregation looked by candlelight.

Can you name all of Santa's reindeer? Don't insult me. I have the little prelude to Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer engrained in my head. "You know Dasher and Dancer and Prancer and Vixen, Comet and Cupid and Donner and Blitzen, but do you recall the most famous reindeer of all..."

Angel, star, or ribbon at the top of the tree? Honestly, I like them all. But this year, we went with a big beautiful red bow with fun little things poking out the top and ribbon streamers hanging down. I luuuuuve it.

Open presents Christmas Eve or Christmas morning? As a kid, it was always done on Christmas morning. I remember being envious of the kids who got to choose one to open on Christmas Eve, so I may start that tradition with our kiddos one day. We would wake up to see what Santa had brought us that was already out on display, and then open presents a little later, probably to give my parents time to let their coffee kick in. Mr. T and I will be exchanging a little early though, and then opening presents with my family on Christmas morning. However, you see this little book poking up out of his stocking?

I've been writing Mr. T a little message every day (that I remember) and hope to continue that tradition for many years to come. I think it would be fun to look back on. And they aren't all sappy. For instance, after the snowstorm we had on Sunday that kept us cooped up inside with a marathon game of Scattergories and a bottle of wine, I wrote in his book the following day "I love that I beat you in Scattergories." Because I do. Every single time. :)

Favorite children's Christmas song? Again, the Grinch. What, it applies here as well! Okay, okay, Rudoph is also a top contender, but only because I got real excited at all the interjections (like a lightbulb!)

Most annoying thing about this time of year? Crazy drivers and crazier traffic. And P.S. This Alabama native is the first to admit I am not comfortably driving in the icy road conditions we've had the past two days. I'm 10 and 2 the whole way, and if I'm feeling brave, 15 mph. And if someone honks at me, they WILL get my southern stinkeye. Consider yourself warned.

Favorite ornament theme or color? We went with a red and silver theme this year, but used lots of glass and mirrored oraments to reflect lots of pretty light. But I do love this particular little ornament, because it's just so darn cute. It says "Our 1st Christmas."

Turkey or ham on Christmas day? Honey Baked Ham, please and thank you! Turkey is reserved for Thanksgiving, and that would totally mess up the tradition.

What do you want for Christmas this year? Mr. T does read this blog, and I think he already has some ideas, so I'm going to zip it and see what he surprises me with. It's more fun that way. :)

Does anyone in your family dress up as Santa? That just made me laugh out loud to even think about. No way.

Age you discovered who Santa was? I want to say I was 8 or 9 but I remember I kept making a BIG production of saying "Thank you, Santa, wherever you are" when I got my gifts because I was afraid if I let on that I knew to my parents, they may not be so generous. But just in case he's reading this, Santa, I want you to see the banner I just made for our stairwell. Because I really do believe. :)

Egg nog, hot chocolate, or apple cider? In order of preference: Cider, Chocolate, Nog.

Traditional colors (red & green) or other colors? You betcha. Unless it's on my Christmas tree, which is red and silver, as I already mentioned. You must not have been paying attention, Mr. Questionnaire.

Do you have any Christmas decorations on your roof? Do you want us to break our necks? No way.

Happy Holidays or Merry Christmas? Merry Christmas all the way and don't you forget it!

Now who wants to join in the fun? Come on, it's the easiest Monday post ever. And you'll be glad to have all these fun memories tucked away in one place when you're re-reading your blog five years down the road.

Stay warm, friends! And have fun making your own traditions this year!

Away In A Manger

2010-12-09T12:03:00.006-06:00

So, my little blogettes, remember a few months ago when my friend Liz and I headed down to Sips n Strokes in Franklin and painted this fun little guy?

No? Well, we did. And now that painting has a cousin that's on display just in time for Christmas:

It's no Picasso, but since I didn't have a nativity scene to put out, I thought this was a nice substitute. And y'all. Seriously SO much fun to do!

My friend Amber and I headed up to the new Hendersonville location on a cold Sunday afternoon and had this little beauty ready to take home in a mere three hours. We look pretty proud, don't we?

And yes, I refrained from "sipping" at this particular sips 'n strokes - I didn't want little baby Jesus to be mad at me if I messed him up in my painting. :)

I Believe, I Believe!

2010-12-03T15:18:00.004-06:00

I am not, nor will I ever be, a DIY kind of gal. I know it must be so fun to casually say "oh it's just something I made" when friends come over and freak out about how creative something is that you whip together from scratch, but me? I'd rather pay the professionals and get it done right the first time. Because Lawd knows it would most likely turn into an anxiety-ridden disaster of why mine didn't turn out at all like the picture from which I was inspired.

That said, this morning while doing my daily dose of blog stalking over a steaming hot cup of french vanilla-flavored coffee, I came across the most adorable little DIY banner on one of my new favorite blogs, At Second Street. Y'all. It is so easy, even a caveman could do it. And I LOVE easy.

Allow me to share the love with all my fellow believers! Presenting the easiest holiday decor ever.

The fun font! The simple reminder! The EASE! Literally, you print the letters, cut them out, and thread them on ribbon. I am SUCH a fan.

And because we're on the subject of believing, allow me to share with you my new favorite Christmas song that has been stuck in my head all friggin' day, thanks to a coke commercial I saw last night. You are SO going to thank me for this...

Totally digging the video - it is just what I needed to put a smile on my face and remember that there is a Santa, and you can bet I believe. :)

Dear Santa...

2010-12-02T13:56:00.003-06:00

Dear Santa,

As you know I have been really, REALLY good this year. I've learned to cook dinner most nights of the week for Mr. T. and he actually seems to enjoy my feeble attempts. I've walked the pound puppies at the local Humane Society and not snuck one out though I'm always tempted to do that. I've even started a monthly budget, increased my retirement savings plan, and drastically reduced my "personal splurge" category from what it used to be back in my single days. All this to say that if you could please just bring this one little bitty thing, I would be ever so grateful and will try my best not to ask for anything ever again.

That's it. Just a big, fat H&M store in my neck of the woods. Now, I've heard a little rumor that one may be coming to Nashville at the Green Hills Mall in place of Davis-Kidd, but I am not going to let myself get excited about that possibility until it happens.

You've already brought me such happiness with boutiques like Blush in Belle Meade, Muse on West End, and Hemline at the Hill Center, and my wardrobe (not my wallet) thanks you for that. So if you could just make an H&M happen, you would be my new, albeit fictitious, best friend.

Yours truly,
A Bride In Boots

We Gobbled Til We Wobbled

2010-11-29T14:04:00.011-06:00

We're back from a gloriously gluttonous Thanksgiving in Virginia, full of food, family, fun and football! If you made me pick, I'd have to say these were the highpoints:

Descending upon a table that looked pretty much identical to this one, and enjoying every last homemade bite. Sidneote: my MIL is a to die for cook, and she always pulls it together so effortlessly, while I manage to turn my kitchen into a disaster zone. I honestly don't know how she does it, all I know is it's delicious.

Finding matching Virginia Tech (husband's team) pajama pants for these two cuties, who do love their pajamas, as you can see by this photo taken at the end of our wedding night. They changed but kept dancing! We did Christmas early after our Thanksgiving feast since married life means rotating for the holidays. Sidenote: I am now on Team Early Christmas Shopping - it will change your life!

And speaking of Christmas gifts, I have to share the most adorable Christmas serving pieces my sweet sister-in-law got us. They are from Mud Pie and I am in love with them. Perfect for all the entertaining we'll be doing over the next few weeks...

And finally, because I am of course going to gloss right over the fact that my team gave it away to Auburn by one point in the most heartbreaking Iron Bowl I have ever witnessed, I'll give another shout out to Mr. T's team, who pulled out a sweet victory over UVA and got themselves a spot in the ACC Championship. Go Hokies! Sidenote and Disclaimer: kindly disregard my Dr. Seuss scarf and headband - it was ridiculously FRIGID and I needed as many coverings as I could get. I would have worn a ski mask if I could have found one at the store in the stadium.

So now we're back and setting our sights on Christmas. I've talked Mr. T into a real, live, yummy-smelling Christmas tree this year (my first real one ever!) and I can't wait to get it decorated. Now if only my finished product could look something like this. Sidenote: do not ever go to this site unless you want a good dose of decor envy.

I mean, could this BE any cozier? I can almost smell the apple cider smell coming from the kitchen.

Hope your Thanksgivings were lovely and your Christmas countdowns have begun!

Presenting the Turmans' 2010 Christmas Card!

2010-11-23T11:21:00.001-06:00

Top Ten Moments Christmas Card

Get custom photo Christmas cards online at Shutterfly.com.

View the entire collection of cards.

For These I Am Thankful

2010-11-22T16:18:00.010-06:00

Because today, on this week of thanksgiving, my cup is overflowing.

The biggies:

My faith - the peace that comes from knowing that I am, above all else, a child of God.

My husband - the greatest gift I have ever received and the best friend I always wanted. I never knew I was capable of loving someone so much.

My family, old and new - the ones who instilled traditions and loved unconditionally for 30 years now, no matter what. And my new family of in-laws, who have brought a whole new level of joy and laughter to my life over the past year.

My friends - the near and dear ones that make life so fun, and the ones miles away that I can catch up with in a nanosecond.

My health - May I never, ever, ever take it for granted.

My town - Nashville, you rock. I always knew if I could get here, I would feel right at home. And I do.

My job - though it has had its ups and downs this year, I'm feeling thankful I get to do what I love each and every day. And most days I even feel pretty good at it.

My life - Each day I get to wake up and start my day in a warm house, in a cozy bed, with a vanilla-flavored cup of coffee brought to me in bed by my handsome husband. I don't deserve it, but I do try to be grateful for it. Because I know it just doesn't get much better than that.

The little things:

A small fire on a cold night

Sunday afternoon naps

Home-cooked meals, especially when I don't have to do the cooking

The look on my husband's face when he sees me all dressed up for a date night

Bananas foster

A glass of red wine after a long day

Changing leaves

Seriously unbelievable sunsets

Good, hard laughs

Buying baby clothes for friends

Buying a cozy new coat and justifying it as my Christmas gift to myself :)

College football and the sound of ESPN on a Saturday morning

The smell of my husband's cologne when I walk into the bathroom in the morning

Picking out our first Christmas tree - and my first real one ever!

Mariah Carey's "All I Want For Christmas Is You" - you just can't help but sing along

The feeling you get just after you book a trip - especially our upcoming one to California.

So what are you thankful for?

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!

Date Night: NeedtoBreathe

2010-11-19T15:52:00.008-06:00

So last night Mr. T and I had a little date night downtown. And I must confess, I do love a good date night. As in, I look forward to it all day and start planning my outfit in my head a good 6-8 hours beforehand. And I especially love Date Night when it involves this place (and of course the handsome man in front)...

And a concert by this ah-mazing band (that Mr. T purchased ticketes for months ago, just because he knew I loved them so)...

And believe me when I say that when they came out for their encore and played one of my most favorite songs entirely unplugged to a hushed, jaw-hitting-the-ground audience, I think everyone under the Ryman roof thought that was one of the coolest things to ever see on stage. I know I did.

And because we have to capture these date nights with photographic evidence, I present to you the best of about 50 takes of our mini photo session after the show:

Reason #4,207 why my husband rocks. And why Date Nights remind you all over again why you fell in love in the first place.

Hallowed Ground

2010-11-15T11:08:00.006-06:00

It just so happened that on my 24 hour trip to New York City, my hotel was about 1/2 a mile from Ground Zero. I've been to New York several times since 9/11, but had never visited the site. I had a couple of hours of free time between landing and my evening event, so I decided to walk the perimeter of the space. Nothing - and I mean nothing - could have prepared me for that vision of nothingness where the twin towers of the World Trade Center once stood. And to be there the day before Veteran's Day - well, you can only imagine how poignant that was. I was acutely aware that I was standing on hallowed ground, and overwhelmingly grateful for the sacrifices that were made that day by the ordinary heroes of the New York Fire Department.

Nine years later...

"The City's Bravest" - this was a makeshift memorial right beside the NYFD fire station.

"Thank you" doesn't seem enough...

The door to the station - literally across the street from Ground Zero.

"Dedicated To Those Who Fell And To Those Who Carry On"

"May We Never Forget..."

Concrete Jungle Where Dreams Are Made Of...

2010-11-08T16:55:00.007-06:00

That's right, folks. This little lady is bound for the Big Apple. Granted, I'll be there for about 24 hours total, but still, it counts. Occasionally I do love my job.

And I know we have officially entered the Christmas shopping season, but I don't know about you, but I'm having a VERY hard time thinking about the "others" in my life when there are so many coats, handbags, and fabulous boots taunting me everywhere I turn. And now with California on the brain, I'm thinking I need a new pair of shades too. Why do the ones I love cost a minimum of $200? Bah humbug. Tom Ford, you are SUCH a tease.

Bon voyage!

Thought Processes and Anniversaries

2010-11-05T14:23:00.006-05:00

So as I busted out my wool coat this morning (seriously Old Navy - mad props on the cobalt blue coat with ruffle collar) and walked out into the brisk, okay, frigid temps, my throught process went something like this:

"Whoa, I haven't felt these kind of temps in a while, I think I shall use my seat warmer."

Which led to...

"Does it always feel like this in early November in Nashville? Whoa, November. Which means December is next month. Hmmm, wonder if I should give Christmas Village a try this year."

Which led to...

"Christmas! Let me look at my handy-dandy 'Days Until' App and see how many shopping days there are. 50!!! Holy smokes. Maybe I'll do all my shopping on Etsy this year. That would be a fun blog post. But then any family members who read my blog would know what they're getting. Oooh, I need to get that wedding album done for my mom. I gave our photographer the photo list months ago. What is taking him so long?"

Which led to...

"Photographer. Wedding. First Wedding Anniversary. Fast approaching first wedding anniversary. What is the traditional first year gift - paper? How boring. What I'd really love is to go somewhere fun. Somewhere a bit warmer. Somewhere preferably in the states. Somewhere like..."

CALIFORNIA!

Okay, that may not have been exactly how it went, seeing as we booked the trip a few weeks ago and it has been all I can think about ever since, but oh my goodness, oh my gosh, I am SO stinkin' excited. And besides, that was a way better and more dramatic lead-in, don't you think? We literally found the place in a matter of days and had it booked in a nanosecond. I would love to tell you all about the fabulous accommodations we found right on the coast where we're staying but I'm afraid of sketchy blog stalkers out there so you'll just have to wait for the recap on that.

First anniversary, west coast style. Fist. Pump. No wonder "California Love" has been on replay in my head for days now...

Where did you go, October?

2010-11-01T13:01:00.007-05:00

I'm back from a crazy, chaotic, but fun few weeks that constituted my blogcation. Though I do love keeping up this blog and posting about the random things that keep me entertained, my little thing called a job has demanded every bit of my attention the last few weeks, so I decided to take a little time away from Blogger. But I'm back and better than ever, and hoping to do much better on my posts in November and December.

So a quick recap is in order for October, don't you think? Let's see, I decorated our crib a little with some Halloween decor (once I waited for it to go on sale 50% off, mind you). Bargain shopper, party of one.

And in a brief "I'm channeling Martha Stewart" moment, I set up a fun little fall scape outside as well. The pumpkins were later carved with an Alabama "A" and a Virginia Tech "VT" naturally. Die hard football fans, party of two.

And once things finally slowed down a bit, I even managed to take advantage of the neighborhood in all it's leaf-changing, perfect fall weather glory with nice little stroll on a Sunday afternoon.

I've decided Sunday walks are good for the soul - especially if you can time them right at sunset. There's something about seeing the sun go down on a perfect weekend that makes you take a moment to be still, breathe it all in and enjoy it. Because there really is so much to be thankful for. And I hope I never get too busy to forget that.

To a slower-paced, thanks-filled November for all of us!

What Happiness Looks Like...

2010-10-04T12:46:00.005-05:00

Rested and refreshed from a trip to my hometown, here are Mr. T and I showing our grins at the Alabama football game. Also known as the annihilation of the Florida Gators. Bliss.

Also on the weekend docket, I got to officially meet Mack Henry (son of Becca) and Mary Emma Robbins (daughter of Candice) who are two of the cutest little snugglebugs you've ever seen. So glad I got to finally meet them!

And in case you're in need of a new winter coat, I suggest you take a look at the new arrivals from Old Navy (you're thinking really? Old Navy? Yes!) because this little purchase also made me one very happy camper.

I'm swooning over the color - it's the prettiest, deepest blue you've ever seen. And the best part? I scored a $20 off coupon as I skipped my way to the checkout counter, so I have a new winter coat for under $50. As if I could have walked away without it...

Now the only thing left that I've been jonesing for is the perfect pair of cognac boots. And I think I may have found them. Compliments of one of my favorite companies, Dolce Vita. Which I believe is Italian for "sweet life." How apropo -I think my life would definitely be sweeter with these beauties on my tootsies!

I'll be taking a little blog break for a bit since this is the first of three VERY busy work weeks for me. I know you're all very sad. But the blog must move to the back burner for now. Miss me!

Bama Bound

2010-09-30T09:27:00.003-05:00

Behold the one, the only, Bryant Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Isn't she a beaut?

That's where Mr. T and I will be this Saturday for the big showdown for the #1 ranked Alabama Crimson Tide (woohoo) against the #7 Florida Gators (boo hiss). And I can't freakin' wait. It's the only Alabama game we'll get to go to this season, so I plan to don every inch of crimson, white and houndstooth I can find and enjoy every glorious minute of it. Roll Tide, y'all.

Because I Need This On A Monday

2010-09-27T09:51:00.004-05:00

Don't you?

Compliments of Holstee.

Mum's The Word.

2010-09-24T14:24:00.010-05:00

In honor of the first day of fall, I'd like to interrupt the recipe posts (admit it, you were getting tired of them anyway) to pay homage to my favorite fall flower...dum da da dum...the MUM!

I've starting seeing them pop their pretty little colorful heads out at our local farmers' markets, grocery stores, and neighbors' front porches (mine included) over the past week, and though this last stretch of scorching temps isn't the best growing climate, the weatherman promised us a cool down tonight that I hope will encourage them to go nutso and start sprouting STAT!

And because this blog is still titled "A Bride In Boots" (I'm still considered a bride if I've been married almost 10 months, right? Right?) I got to thinking about all the fall brides who get the most glorious of all blossoms to choose from for their bouquets. Even though I did adore my all-white bouquet with feather trim...in fact, let's see her pretty face again, shall we?

But this little stunner of dahlias, zinnias and kermit mums in reds, peaches and pinks is too pretty not to share (please ignore the pale, hairy arm that is holding it though -now why couldn't they just photoshop that bidness out?). If I were having a fall wedding I would be ALL OVAH something like this!

I love that mums make me think of my high school homecoming football games. I have to admit, I always loved donning those gigantic white football mums, the "TC" etched carefully in blue pipe cleaners, and the glorious ribbons streaming down, and picking out the perfect dress for the big homecoming dance. Ah, the glory days...and now I suddenly feel 82 years old. Ahem.

So since we're on the subject of flowers, I thought I'd share my recent success with a little foliage plant called Miss Coleus. Because I know you're dying to know how my garden grows and all...

Hel-lo, color! Coleus, you're my new fave.

So a few weeks ago, in a desperate attempt to try and and spruce up my front porch that had been barren since I'd managed to kill everything I'd planted over the summer, I stopped in at an end-of-summer sale at a nursery down the street and pleaded the sweet lady for some good old-fashioned, I-have-no-green-thumb help. She pointed me in the direction of an assortment of these crazy-awesome coleus plants and I promptly fell in love. So I went home and potted this...

Okay, that's a lie. That is so not my pot. But it looks a lot like the ones I purchased and because I keep forgetting to take a photo of my new little pet project, this will just have to do for now. I know, you're disappointed. Believe me, I would be bragging to the high heavens if I had put together a pot like this. Perhaps one day.

So now that it's official, I'm officially saying it for the second time...happy fall, y'all!

Recipes That Remind Me Of Fall, Part II

2010-09-21T16:03:00.007-05:00

Meet my new best friend (for the chilly weather seasons anyway):

Raise your hand if you love crock pot recipes. Me too. Since I'm a working girl that often runs out of steam by 6 p.m., I love nothing more than coming home to a meal that's already cooked itself (and smelled my kitchen up with deliciousness). I'm a huge fan of a juicy pot roast (can't beat my mom's recipe with LOTS of potatoes, carrots, and onions), a hearty, homemade tortilla soup on a chilly evening, or even the tried and true Velveeta and Rotel on a brisk game day afternoon. That said, I plan to try this recipe out the minute the temps decide to cool down here in Nashville (hello, 90 degrees, I thought I bid you adieu!) because I was sold when I saw it was only five minutes of prep time - you can't beat that! (Also, thanks to my friend Melissa at Surprisingly Southern, I saw this great link for even more fall recipes compiments of another delish resource, Annie's Eats!

Sweet and Sour Slow Cooker Chicken

(compliments of you guessed it, Mel's Kitchen Cafe)

*Note: The chicken cooks up with quite a lot of juicy sauce. I prefer lightly draining the sauce and serving it on the side so that it isn’t so “soupy” as we are dishing it up over our rice. Serve it as you please!

*Serves 6-ish

4-6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons butter or olive oil
1/4 cup ketchup
1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 onion, diced
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
1 cup low-sodium beef broth

In a large skillet, heat the butter/olive oil. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper and cook them for 1-2 minutes on each side, until nicely browned but not cooked all the way through. Remove the chicken to the slow cooker. In a large bowl, combine all the other ingredients. Whisk well. Pour the sauce over the chicken. Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6 hours. Serve over brown rice or noodles and a mixed green salad. Yummo!

Recipes That Remind Me Of Fall, Part I

2010-09-15T13:50:00.006-05:00

To pay homage to the upcoming autumn season (I saw the first changing leaf outside today, so yes, I am boldly proclaiming the days of 100 degree weather are officially behind us), I thought I'd blog a few of my favorite fall recipes for your reading enjoyment - and tasting delight.

Though I know dessert is technically the last course, this recipe deserves to go first because it is died-and-gone-to-heaven delish. Spiced pumpkin cake with a cream cheese filling? You. Betcha.

Image and recipe compliments of my favorite recipe source, The Kitchen Cafe

And besides, I saw my first pumpkins of the season at a roadside farmer's market this past weekend. AND I bought my first set of mums, so like it or not summer, I've moved on. :)

Perfect Pumpkin Roll

Cake:
1 cup sugar
3/4 cup flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
3 eggs
2/3 cup mashed (canned) pumpkin
1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Filling:
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 tablespoon butter, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup powdered sugar

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 15 X 10-inch jelly roll pan. Cut wax paper to fit the bottom of the pan and leave an inch overhang on each of the short ends of the pan. Lightly grease the wax paper and sides of the jelly roll pan.

Mix the sugar, flour, salt, soda, cinnamon, eggs and pumpkin in a large bowl. Once mixed, pour mixture over the waxed paper. Sprinkle the walnuts, if using, on top of the mixture. Bake for 14-15 minutes until edges pull away from the sides of the pan and center is done.

Lay a large dishtowel on the counter top (it is best to use a dishtowel without any texture – a tea towel or similar towel works best). Spread a thick dusting of powdered sugar all over the towel. When the cake comes out of the oven, turn the pan upside down on the powdered sugar-laden towel so the wax paper is on the top. Gently peel off the wax paper, being careful not to tear the roll. Starting at one of the short ends, roll the pumpkin cake up with the towel to cool. While the roll is cooling, mix the cream cheese, butter, vanilla, and powdered sugar together until it is light and creamy. Once the roll is cool, unroll and with an offset spatula, carefully spread filling in an even layer over the cake. Roll it up without the towel and place in the refrigerator (covered with plastic wrap or wax paper) for about an hour before serving.

Bon appetit, blogettes!

All's Well with Caldwell

2010-09-14T11:34:00.005-05:00

So I had the pleasure of meeting Vanderbilt's head football coach, Robbie Caldwell, last night. And might I just say that he is the most unassuming, down-to-earth, kind-hearted man you've ever met. He's not afraid to talk about his love of fried chicken and collard greens in the same breath as his plans of change for the offensive line. He also uses a "tough love" method that I just KNOW will get our boys on the road to recovery after their first two heartbreaking losses this season. They'll be headed down to the Grove to take on Ole Miss on Saturday (still can't believe I've never been to Oxford - I'm ashamed to even call myself a southerner) and I will be rooting them on with all I've got. Go 'Dores!!!

Games Galore!

2010-09-10T11:30:00.011-05:00

So as you know, Labor Day Weekend was like football overload. Yes, please, I'll have another. Starting Thursday night and going all the way through Monday night, we did the football thing every day except Sunday (because after all, it is the Lord's day and you're supposed to rest). From the Titans to the Saints to the Commodores to the Hokies, I loved every first-down, quarterback-sacking, crowd-cheering minute of it. The only thing that could have made it better was to watch my Crimson Tide. But I got the next best thing - more on that a little later in the post. Yes, the dawn of fall is slowing creeping into my favorite time of the year. Summer, you were just a little too hot and sticky this year. Fall, welcome to the first place position.

What's that? You want to see photos of our weekend adventures? Well it just so happens I had my camera to document our fun-filled days. Come on, don't act surprised. I'm like a tourist!

So let's begin with the Titans/Saints game. Yes, I'm wearing black and gold in support of my saints, and yes, I made Mr. T do the same. I loved to see those saints come marching in - especially from our third row seats. High rollers, we are. Okay, okay, the tickets were given to us by one of Mr. T's clients at the last minute. But still, we felt like VIP.

Saturday dawned as the most beautiful day Nashville had ever seen. I think all of nature was rejoicing the return of football. Seriously - no humidity, highs in the 80's, a slight breeze - it was heaven sent. And our sweet little parking pass (again, compliments of Mr. T, that boy has some sweet connections!) right outside Vandy's stadium allowed us to set up a little tailgate and cornhole action. The plan was to head out a couple of hours before the game but because it was so gorgeous outside, we loaded up the grill and got out early to enjoy the day. Justin and Dan were in charge of the food for the tailgate, and I have to give the boys props - they did a most excellent job. As for me, I brought the alltime tailgate favorite...Firefly!

We even brought Dan's dog (and let's face it, my adopted dog) along for the fun. He was in his element and romped around like he owned the place, greeting all the football fans as they arrived. That dog makes friends wherever he goes. And he's cute, so he got his own close up.

Sunday dawned with the promise of even more college football, and possibly one the most hyped up games of the weekend - Virginia Tech vs. Boise State squaring off at Fed Ex Field in Maryland. Never one to miss an opportunity to tailgate with his brothers, Mr. T and I boarded the plane to Baltimore and touched down a mere 1.5 hours later. I love you, Southwest.

I convinced the crew to drive into DC for a late dinner at the fabulous Founding Farmers that I was introduced to on my recent girls trip. Again, the place did not disappoint. My seared diver scallops served over butternut squash risotto were so scrumptious, I didn't even order dessert. And that never happens.

But the BEST part of the meal was when I look over and right smack dab next to our table, the one and only Shaun Alexander (former running back for Alabama in the late 90's) is seated with his sweet little wife. Ever the one to be starstruck, I immediately started devising my plan for meeting him. So as we left our seats, I nervously approached his table and introduced myself. Oh, he couldn't have been any nicer. He asked me where I went to high school, we talked about Tuscaloosa, and he introduced his wife. And all the while, I completely forget to introduce Mr. T, who is patiently standing there beside me with the camera ready. Whoopsie. Sorry, dear. But when I ask Shawn for a photo, hoping he's not completely annoyed that I've interrupted his dinner (he got the southern fried chicken that I got last time, by the way) he gets up from the table and poses with me, so that I can capture THIS:

Don't you just LOVE it? He is a total class act. And yes, this may be my new screensaver.

Mr. T and I slept in until 10:30 on Monday morning (how I wish I could do that every Monday) and then started preparing for Tailgate #2. Even several hours before the game, the traffic heading towards Fed Ex Field was bumper to bumper for miles. After some impressive maneuvering by our buddy Ben, we arrive on the second row of the parking lot, with the stadium about 50 feet behind us. I still can't believe we got so close.

The brothers and their wives: Chris, Treva, Chuck and Debbie. See the stadium behind?

Mr. T and me - not sure why we're doing a prom pose here.

Football must make us affectionate. :)

Again, nice job on the seats, husband. Love this shot of the band spelling out the VT logo just before the core of cadets came on field for the national anthem. It was so loud inside of that stadium, and the fans were HYPED. And yes, I did cheer for the Hokies and even jumped up and down to "Enter Sandman" along with the 60,000 other VT fans. It was a heartbreaking loss. Boise State, I hope you do make it to the National Championship so Bama can demolish you.

As for THIS weekend, I plan to park it in front of my flatscreen and watch ESPN GameDay in all it's glory starting bright and early tomorrow from Tuscaloosa for the Penn State/Alabama matchup. Coach Saban asked all fans in his press conference yesterday to please not boo Penn State when they come on the field, out of respect to Joe Pa and to the team. Atta boy, Coach.

Let the weekend begin!

Hair. Crisis.

2010-09-08T13:51:00.004-05:00

Remember my post a few weeks ago about my upcoming haircut? Well friends, it turned into an all-out, holy cow, where is the closest baseball cap crisis. And as always, I come prepared with proof.

I had SKUNK STRIPES, y'all. And before you go all "oh, Lillian, it's not that bad" on me, let me assure you that this photo was taken by iPhone and does not EVEN do it justice. I tried to like it, really I did, but I felt like an indecisive blonde poser who couldn't quite decide whether to go blonde or not. It was a hair-tastrophe. And my poor Mr. T kept trying to reassure me with the ole "change is good" line. Not when your highlights look like they're straight out of the early '90s, my dear. So thank my lucky stars that my new best friends over at Yogi's salon swooped in with their color correcting hands and saved the day early Saturday morning (after I nearly scared myself when I sleepily looked in the bathroom mirror and saw it had somehow managed to get even worse overnight), and tamed that nastiness down just in the nick of time before the tailgating and out-of-towning began. Because I was not about to leave the house if they couldn't save me.

So now I bet you're wanting an after picture, right? Well, I wish I had one to share with you of my hair in all it's color-corrected glory, but sadly, I do not. But I promise to work on that this week/weekend and hopefully, you'll agree that it was a major improvement. If not, lie to me and say you like it because changing your hair twice in two days is not cheap, my friends. I could kill Mr. T for his $15 Great Clips haircut, that works out well everytime. If only...

Fall = Football

2010-09-01T14:30:00.016-05:00

Well hello, September! So very nice to see you again. I like when you come around because it can only mean one thing - FOOTBALL! And though I am 100% girl in every imaginable way, there is little sweeter than the sound of ESPN Gameday each Saturday morning from now til November. (And yes, life is a wee bit better when your team is ranked #1 in the pre-season rankings after winning a national championship. A game that I watched while on my honeymoon, mind you.

What can I say, I Roll Tide whereever I go. Even in Mexico.)

In fact, because that was such a sacred moment, let's pause a moment and pay our respects to Coach Saban and his winning crew, shall we?

So to kick off football season in style, I'm happy to report my wonderful husband found two tickets for the Titans/Saints game tomorrow night. And yes, I know it's a pre-season game but it's the SAINTS, people. As in Super Bowl Champs. As in the city that just marked the five year anniversary from an atrocity called Katrina. They SO deserved that victory. Let's take a moment and rewind back to February for two of my most favorite images of that sweet win.

You deserve it, Coach Payton.

And you're the man, Drew Brees.

Now I must admit, I'm not a huge Titans fan. I feel like you can only have one true allegiance in both college and pro football and mine happens to be the Crimson Tide and the Saints. In that order. But it is pretty awesome to live in a city that has a pro team, and it's even better when the stadium is a five minute drive down the road.

And it's even MORE better (more better? eh, just go with it) when the field doesn't look like this, thanks to the Flood of 2010. Hard to believe this was only four months ago.

And while we're on the subject of football, I'd be remiss not to pay tribute to the new Vanderbilt head coach, Robbie Caldwell. Who apparently had the reporters in stitches at Media Days. He even found out he became head coach while he was out tending to his farm. True story.

I happen to love Coach Caldwell for his rough and tumble, good ole boy nature. I think he's just what Vahn-de-bilt needs to get off their high horses and get some W's. Surely he can beat last year's 2-10 record. Come on boys, represent for the SEC!

And finally, because I know my husband does occasionally read my blog and I'm being a good sport, I'll give a little shout-out to his team too. Virginia Tech. They take on Boise State at Fed Ex Field on Labor Day, and we're taking a quick trip up to Maryland to see them play. Even though last year, as luck would have it, Alabama actually PLAYED Virginia Tech for the opening game in Atlanta. I mean really, what are the chances? We made the most of it and had a fun little engagement party before the game with friends from both sides of the football field. We even had the perfect cake to go along with it.

We agreed we would play nice and I really tried to minimize the trash talking. Really I did. But then, after a few gameday beverages, I was bringing it with all I had. Have I mentioned Mr. T has two older brothers? Which equals three die-hard fans? I had to fend for myself. Which is probably what I'm doing here.

But then Alabama proceeded to PLOW Virginia Tech and go on to have an undefeated season. Boo ya, husband. Let's not pretend I didn't love that a little. But now that we're no longer opponents and back on friendly turf I've decided to be a good sport and TRY and pull for the Hokies. Because those are the kinds of things you do for love.

Happy Fall, Y'all!

Hair. Cut.

2010-08-27T10:48:00.010-05:00

Exactly one week from today, I'll be getting my hair cut for the first time in six months. The last haircut I had was the day after I turned 30 years old, so naturally, I asked my stylist (who I have never used before, mind you) to chop it all off AND cut some fun bangs to usher me into my 30s in style. Bear in mind I had put in months and months of taking Biotin in an effort to grow said hair out for the wedding. After turning around in my chair and looking at my reflection, I then cried the entire way home and almost wrecked twice from checking it out in the rearview mirror in horror and disbelief of what I had just done. True story.

As luck would have it, we had a friend's wedding to go to that weekend, and since I had already decided I hated my new 'do, I quadruple hated it when trying to style it myself. The bangs were WAY too short, as in a full inch above my eyebrow (no lie), and I had to do something drastic. So I decided I'd go with a black bobby pin in hopes of pulling them back and making them blend. After several hours on the dance floor, it looked like this atrociousness.

Eeewwww. I tried to warn you it was awful.

So this time, I'm trying out a new salon (anyone local tried Element?) a new style, and possibly even a little color. I vascillate between wanting long, wavy locks with highlights (a la Audrina):

To a richer brown with sideswept bangs (a la Megan):

To keeping it short with a hip little bob like Heidi (though I won't be going blonde, don't worry):

Ugh, I hate being so indecisive sometimes. Care to cast your vote and help a sister out so I can avoid something like the birthday haircut again?

Oh my, Miranda!

2010-08-24T13:30:00.008-05:00

It is no secret that I think Miranda Lambert and I would be BFF's. She's fun, she's fearless, she's a wee bit wild, and...she's a fellow southern gal. And I may or may not have even told her fiance, Blake Shelton, how awesome she was when I ran into him (aka stalked him when he was walking out of the bathroom and made my husband take a picture with my iPhone - see evidence below) at a local watering hole in Nashville a few months ago.

But that's neither here nor there. I just wanted an excuse to show that picture. :)

So of course I love, love, loved seeing pics from their gorgeous engagement party at Front Porch Farms (right down the road!), shot by the fabulous Kristyn Hogan and featured on Southern Weddings this morning. I especially loved hearing the recap from her publicisit who happens to own Front Porch Farms, for all the special touches they included (like karaoke!). Swoon. Fest.

And those fabulous flowers? Those would be done by my girl Caprice of Enchanted Florist, who just so happened to design my own wedding flowers. Only she could make antlers look so good. See, I knew Miranda and I had much in common.

Congrats to the cutest couple in country music!

Oh and P to the S: I'm pretty sure Miranda is rocking the Frye books in these pics that I've been salivating over for a good year now. I would hate her for that if I didn't love her so much. And hey, best friends swap shoes every now and then. Miranda, do you happen to wear a size 7?

Ray and Gray!

2010-08-23T12:07:00.009-05:00

Hooray - It's Monday! Just trying out some reverse pschology so I can pretend Mondays are just as good as Fridays. And so I don't have to spend the next five days with a mental countdown until the weekend. The power of positive thinking, right?

As much as I love "on the go" weekends, the occasional "do nothing" weekend can also be quite nice. I'm learning that of all the things I love about being married, having someone to do nothing with is one of the greatest perks there is. My weekend consisted of a little pool time with friends to catch the last lazy days of summer, a little shopping, and lots and lots of couch time with Mr. T watching my new HBO obsession:

Maybe it's the ad person deep inside me (my first job out of college was a media buyer at an advertising agency), or maybe it's just the sheer fascination with life in the 60's, but I am officially a "maddict." I just wish Don Draper wasn't quite so good looking so I could hate him a little more. Seriously, Don, how can you cheat on Betty? She's beautiful, she has dinner on the table every night when you get home, AND she doesn't ask questions when you're being shady. You better start acting right in Season 2.

So we capped off the weekend with quite possibly the concert of the summer...Ray and Gray!

And let me just say, my expectations were sky-high. Because these two are easily in my Top Five Musicians Of All Time, and I had been counting down the days until they graced Nashville (though I wish they would have kept the concert at the Ryman instead of Bridgetsone Arena). Even with our awesome 3rd row seats...

And let me assure you, Ray did not disappoint. Though he MAY have spoken a total of 10 words between songs. But his voice is so soulful and so amazing it almost hurts. When he started singing it truly almost took my breath away. And "You Are The Best Thing" will now be one of the songs on our wedding video, I'm pretty sure. Yep, definitely buying his new album ASAP.

But David? Oh, David. Gone are the days of "This Year's Love," "Shine," and "Say Hello, Wave Goodbye." Which we can all agree are pure musical excellence. Now his songs are European versions of "Free Bird" -10 minutes long and a tad bit repetitive. I like the old stuff better. The ones that remind me of being in my mid-twenties and thinking he was singing every single one for me.

Before I forget, let me insert a quick plug for one of my most favorite "under the radar" restaurants downtown, and a perfect place to grab a cocktail before a concert. Merchants!

As much as I love a good honky tonk, I so love the throwback style of this place. Our bartender wore suspenders and a bow tie, and introduced me to a perfectly-concocted drink called the "South Side" that he insisted I try and was absolutely delish. Local gals, be sure and try it the next time you're on Broadway!

Love for Eat Pray Love

2010-08-16T16:34:00.009-05:00

Let me just say upfront that I read this book and could barely put it down, I was so in love with the way it was written. Not only did it paint the most beautiful scenes of lands I could only hope I'll get to one day - Italy, India, and Indonesia - but I could actually taste every carbohydrate-laden bite that was devoured, I could relate to every anxiety-ridden "why I can't find serenity" meditation, and I could certainly empathize with that little flutter that happens when you meet Mr. Right at Very Wrong Time. (Need I remind you I only lived in Nashville three months before I met my man? I was looking for the best happy hour in town, not my future husband!)

But life has a way of happening with or without your carefully made plans, doesn't it? It seems like everytime I try to plot mine out the Big Guy just has a fit of hysterics and throws me several curveballs to remind me He is in charge. And often times, the roads less traveled really do end up with the best sun-on-your-face and wind-in-your-hair rides. And that is what this whole beloved book is about. So you shut your mouth if you didn't like it, because I absolutely loved it. And you have to agree with me on my blog. :)

That said, I've pretty much resigned myself to knowing the movie cannot, may not, will not, live up to the book's expectations. BUT...I can close my eyes and imagine every single scene of that book and what appears in my mind's eye is actually pretty dang close to what I saw in the trailer. And in case you've been living under a rock (or didn't see it promoted during every commercial break of the Bachelorette) then pop yourself some popcorn and sit back and enjoy this two-minute slice of heaven.

So I'm headed to see it on Thursday night with some girlfriends and I am oh-so-ready. Because like Miss Julia says herself, "I'm ready to marvel at something." And even if it doesn't come close to the book, at least Javier Bardem, her right guy at the wrong time, is total Spanish eyecandy...

Penelope Cruz, you are one lucky senorita.

So in conclusion...(English major, party of one - I still think in thesis statements, supporting paragraphs and nice little conclusions that tie everything up in a bow) even if you were one of the lucky ducks that went out and saw it this past weekend and for some reason hated it and thought it deserved the 38% rating on the Rotten Tomatoes tomato-meter (for the record, I hardly ever agree with their reviews), then please tell me it changed your life anyway. Because I have very high hopes for this one.

Ciao, bellas!

Why My Husband Rocks: Part II

2010-08-13T13:14:00.008-05:00

Because I found this when I woke up this morning...

And yes, it is now on display on bulletin board in my office. That boy sure knows how to make me smile. :)

Happy Weekend!

DC Deliciousness!

2010-08-10T16:39:00.010-05:00

Well hello dear friends (and a special hi to you new followers)! I'm back from a whirlwind of travels last week and thinking it's high time for a recap. Let me first say that my little to trip to the Bay Area was lovely, and I might add, a whopping 57 degrees when I stepped off the plane. Coming from what felt like the center of the sun, it felt pretty terrific to button up my jacket and walk the streets of San Fran without having to change my clothes from being sweat-drenched. There is just no need for that nastiness. (I seriously can't remember the last time I wore my hair down to work - it's all updos for me, thanks.) I mean, I love the summer and all, but even I am growing weary of seeing these 110 heat indexes. That is just silly. I think 9 times out of 10 when I walk up the stairs to change after a long day's work, I yell out to no one in particular "it's HOT in this trailer!"

Anyway...so after my mid-week trip to the West Coast for work, I headed to DC on Friday for a little thing I like to call a girls trip. And let me take this opportunity to say that no matter how much you ladies love your husbands/boyfriends/significant others, it's still nice to just be girly and talk about the Bachelorette and get away for a bit, because I assure you absence made my heart grow much fonder. I nearly jumped into Mr. T's arms when he picked me up at the airport.

The girls trip used to be a tradition with a few of my girlfriends from college and we recently realized we had been slacking the past couple of years, so four of us planned a little weekend trip/R&R/culinary tour/shopping extravaganza to our nation's capital (well three of us, since one happens to live there and did an impeccable job of hosting us). As the following pictures will prove, I had a BALL. And the weather even cooperated, with highs only reaching 90 - a welcome respite from the steamroom we call Nashville. Ah, one last little summer trip was just what I needed...

If you go to DC, you MUST go to Founding Farmers. We did an early lunch there on Saturday and it was the perfect way to kick off the culinary feast of a weekend. They're big on the farm-to-table concept, and even make their juices, pastas, etc. in house.

From l to r: Emily (high school friend), Stacy (DC gal and college BF) Whitney (college/sorority friend - thanks, Chi O!), and me! You may remember these gals from the bachelorette party pics - they made the trip to NOLA with me last September too!

Whitney also happens to have a bun in the oven, so we all decided to give her a prenatal massage as a little present. Here she is reading our card (and starting to tear up, that sweet precious).

A toast! Mine is in front - a freshly squeezed mint limeade - yum!

Behold the mother of all plates. That's right - fried chicken and waffles, sauteed spinach, and homemade mac and cheese, in all its southern glory. Don't judge. I was on vacation. :)

Georgetown Cupcake, made famous on TV! The line was crazy long and there was zero shade - I'm sure they're yummy, but can a cupcake really be THAT worth it?

Dinner at Cava - so buenissimo. It was Greek style tapas and I pretty much fell in love with the place. Our Greek waiter who took the picture wasn't too shabby either. :)

Em and Lil - who says high school friendships can't last? Sr. 98!

Stace and Whitney - nice jewel tone color coordination, ladies.

Whit with her beautiful pregnant glow, and me looking like a not-so-hot mess.

After dinner drinks at Madam's Organ at Adam's Morgan!

Just another boring cab ride. I believe this was when Stacy introduced us to my new favorite game where everyone picks a vegetable they're going to be. Then, you have to say with your lips covering your teeth, "Rutabega calling radish." It's nearly impossible to do without laughing. In fact, I'm lauging right now just thinking about her demonstration. Guess you had to be there...

This trip was wonderful for so many reasons, but I think the fact that we're all approaching 30 (I led the charge by going first back in March and promised them it wasn't so bad, in fact I've kind of loved it) coupled with the fact that heck, Whitney is carrying a baby, led us to realize that sometimes the best trips aren't where you stay out the latest and act like wild buffoons anymore (not that we ever did, Mom, if you're reading this). In fact, getting back to Stacy's condo by midnight, changing into our pjs, and watching Top Chef on the DVR turned out to be just as lovely. And not feeling like you got hit by a truck the next morning is quite a fabulous feeling...

Now let's bring on fall and some FOOTBALL!

From Coast to Coast...

2010-08-02T10:04:00.011-05:00

What a weekend! Mr. T and I had a little impromptu date night on Friday with a very sub-par sushi dinner (boo) made up with a very rich and delish slice of cheesecake in honor of National Cheesecake Day. Don't you love when you have a great excuse for an indulgence? Presenting the newest guy on the Cheesecake Factory block - Reese's Peanut Butter Chocolate Cake Cheesecake. OMG. And for the record, we split this. So it wasn't THAT bad, right? Right?

On Saturday, we continued the not-so-healthy streak with a full breakfast at our friend's house to "carb up" before the Brewer's Festival, where I am happy to report I have discovered my new favorite brew. Presenting Leinenkugel's Summer Shandy. It is heavenly on a hot summer day.

Speaking of hot, here we are in the first week of August with near 100 degree temps for the next five days. Luckily, I will not be here to enjoy said temps, since I'm basically going from coast to coast over the next six days. I'll be heading to San Francisco for a work event on Wednesday, back on Thursday, and then to Washington DC on Friday for a little thing I like to call a GIRLS TRIP! Can you say jet lag? But oh so worth it.

As you can see, I'm pretty much following Hwy 50 clear across the ole U.S. of A. The only negative to all this traveling is that I won't have more time on the West Coast. I so love San Fran, and would love to rent a bicycle for a little jaunt across the Golden Gate Bridge. Am I an avid bike rider? No. Would being suspended over water with cars rushing by scare me? Probably. But it still seems like it would be a good thing to put on my Bucket List.

I'm over-the-moon excited for our girls weekend in Washington D.C. Stacy, my best friend since our college days at Samford, lives there and has mapped out quite a weekend for us including lots of fun restaurants, watering holes, boutiques, and even a place for an afternoon pedicure. I absolutely can't wait to catch up with her and two of our other friends (one from high school, and one from college, who are now best friends themselves!) and just enjoy a little girl time.

With Stacy, my beautiful friend and maid of honor, on my wedding day!

As for tonight, I'm literally counting down the hours until Ali picks her bachelor - oh, and I have officially switched over to Team Chris - and enjoy a little shrimp and scallop dinner with my husband to celebrate seven months of married bliss TODAY! Funny how we got married on the coldest day in Nashville and will be celebrating today on one of the hottest! Seriously though, who wouldn't want to come home to this handsome man every day? Hubba hubba.

Happy anniversary, honey! I'll never stop thanking the Big Guy for bringing you to me. :)

What I'm Doing This Weekend

2010-07-30T11:00:00.005-05:00

My very first, can't believe it's going to be 96 degrees, bound to be interesting after four hours in the hot summer sun and walking distance to the bars on lower Broadway, Mafiaoza's 9th annual Music City Brewers Festival.

Here's a sampling of the the brews they have to offer. This could be trouble. (Insert voice that says Lillian, you are now 30 years old. Time to behave, missy.)

The hubs insisted we buy our tickets a month ago because he LOVES this event. Like, has been looking forward to it for months kind of loves it. Good thing we did - just heard both sessions have completely sold out!

Happy weekend!!!

Soda Shop E-Session

2010-07-29T12:51:00.009-05:00

Now don't get me wrong, I absolutely LOVED our super fun, slightly rustic, fresh-off-the-farm, sunset engagement session out at Southall Eden. I mean, loved it. And did I mention we won it for free in a contest from Photographix? All you had to do was submit a photo showing love. And I thought this one did just that.

And apparently they thought so too, because we won! (Insert special thanks to all our friends who submitted votes). Yep, that was awesome. In fact, let's take a quick little stroll down memory lane and relive that lovely day, shall we?

But be still my beating heart - when I saw this fabulous engagement shoot on the Schultzes blog, I found my ice-cream loving self saying- now why didn't I think of that? Isn't it SO MUCH FUN?

And because this inspired me to google "soda shop engagement sessions" I discovered these bits of 1950's-esque eyecandy here.

That sound you hear? It's me swooning...

'Nuf Said

2010-07-28T16:12:00.006-05:00

Don't we all need this fabulous little poster in our lives? I know I do. I find myself thinking "that is so blogworthy" these days, or after snapping a picture with friends, saying "that's going on the blog!" rather than "that's going on Facebook!" The times, they are a-changing.

Purchase one here (or one of the other tongue-in-cheek updates to the classic "Keep Calm and Carry On") or better yet, enter to win one here! I know, I just totally made your Wednesday.

Keep blogging!

Little Show-Stealers

2010-07-27T13:21:00.021-05:00

Whew. The Mister and I had quite a whirlwind weekend with the in-laws (see previous post for how much I love them) - traveling to Virginia after work on Thursday (note to self: arrival of 1 a.m. is NOT a good idea - I hit my breaking point around midnight and just reclined my seat and snoozed until we got there - bad wife), spending a day at the pool with my sister-in-law (me) and playing golf with the brothers (him), family dinner tastefully cooked by my fabulous MIL, family reunion and highly anticipated hometown tour of the tiny town of Floyd, VA (where my FIL grew up), drinks and lots of funny stories with the brothers and their wives in downtown Blacksburg, and then a loooooong trip back to Nashville on Sunday. No wonder I was a complete zombie at work yesterday.

But we did get to see all his little nieces and nephews under one slightly chaotic roof, which rarely happens unless it's a holiday, and though they haven't quite warmed up to this new girl their uncle is bringing around, I think with a few more visits (and maybe a few toys to sweeten the pot) we might just make some progress. So with their cuteness fresh on my mind, I thought I'd share some photos of the little ones on our wedding day. They quite simply stole the show.

The queen of cuteness - Miss Lilly (flower girl)

Carly, niece of Mr. T (bell ringer)

Courtney, niece of Mr. T (bell ringer)

Lucas, nephew of Mr. T (and a dead ringer of Mr. T at his age), ring bearer

Lucas, nephew of Mr. T (and twin to Lucas), ring bearer

Posing with their uncle, the oh-so-handsome groom

Posing with me! (Funny story, they were totally freaked out because they thought THEY had to kiss the bride)

All the little ladies!

I think she liked my bouquet.

Quite possibly the most perfect flower girl EVER.

Dancing with Lucas, just before he went in for the kiss!

Just a couple of cowboys (in their PJ's) hanging in there until the very end.

I told you they stole the show!

Virginia Bound!

2010-07-22T10:00:00.013-05:00

Right after Mr. T and I got married (almost 7 months ago - whoa) we made the decision to make a better effort of visiting our folks as often as we could, since it's so easy to get caught up in starting our new life together here and somehow forget along the way the great places - and people - that made us who we are. You've honestly never met two people with more pride for their football-loving hometowns than the two of us. We often talk about how extremely blessed we are with solid, loving, salt-of-the-earth parents, who provided both of us with clear pictures of how marriage was intended to be. So if we ever screw up, we certainly can't blame it on the example of our parents! Since my folks are in Alabama and his are in Virginia, the fact that we live in Nashville, Tennessee is actually pretty perfect - it's just about as centered between our two hometowns as you can get! Actually, Tuscaloosa is about two hours closer than Blacksburg, but who's counting?

That said, I've sung the praises of my in-laws before on this little blog of mine before (great - now I'm singing "this little light of mine" in my head) but in the spirit of gearing up for a weekend trip to Virginia to visit them - and attend my first family reunion with the extended family - I thought I'd share a few of my favorite photos of them from our wedding day. Aren't they just adorable?

Isn't my MIL beautiful? I'm sure she's giving me some sage advice here.

What a great smile, Charles! You must be happy to have Mr. T off your hands!

Bride, Groom and Groom's Parents

Plus the groom's older brothers...

Plus the wives and kiddos = The Turman Clan!

I truly think I lucked out on the in-laws. Looking forward to seeing ALL of them this weekend, and enjoying some of my MIL's delicious home-cooked meals! I dare say she's the best cook in all of Virginia, and I'm not leaving until she shares some of her recipes with me. And that's final!

I'll leave you with one of my most favoritest photos of all - just look at how much he loves her! Makes my heart smile...

Allergies Much?

2010-07-21T09:58:00.006-05:00

So I went for a bit of allergy testing yesterday to try and figure out what was going on with my allergies. I knew I had a severe food allergy (aka anaphylaxis) to pine nuts from when I bit into a pesto pizza when I was a teenager and immediately developed hives and had trouble breathing. That was fun. I remember walking into my parents room and saying "I think something's wrong" and then we hightailed it to the ER where I'm sure I looked like Will Smith on Hitch upon arrival and was pumped with epinephrin for the next few hours. Several years (and unfortunately several ER visits) later, I've learned to carry one of these beauties around in my purse, just in case the need arises.

In fact, Mr. T had to use this bad boy on me last summer when I accidentally ate an hor d'oeuvre at a friend's wedding shower that had pesto hidden underneath a tomato. Thankfully, I had just shown him the week before how to inject it, just in case of an emergency, so he was a pro. When we got to the ER, they basically said he was a lifesaver. Apparently you have only a few minutes with my kind of allergy before you go into anaphylactic shock (lucky me!), so doing the injection quickly is crucial. And let me just tell you - my guy didn't even flinch. Oh, how I love him. (And now, you can bet your bottom dollar he's even better than me about asking about the pine nuts if we're dining out. I don't think he ever wants to have to do that Pulp Fiction scene again.)

So after a quick visit with the doctor, he sent me to have a skin test done, so that we could determine exactly what I was allergic to. I was thinking maybe dogs (which kills me because I want one so badly!), and maybe some tree pollens (from seasonal sneezing fits when I run) but little did I know I would test positive to almost everything on God's green earth. See exhibit A:

Sorry if I completely grossed you out with that lovely photo. But ding ding, apparently I won in almost every allergen category. Or they won, as the case may be. We didn't even have to go to the next step (under the skin, eeewww) to determine mild/moderate allergens, since these were so severe. Weeds, grasses, trees, dust, dogs, cats, and even Brazilian nuts - you name it, I'm apparently allergic to it. (Wait a minute - does this mean I get out of dusting the house, pulling the weeds, and mowing the grass for the rest of my life? Hmmm, maybe this isn't such a bad thing.) Doc was quite surprised at how "highly functioning" I was to have so many allergies and not even know it. So I've concluded I'm basically a medical marvel. Ha - as if.

And so, please meet my new best friend.

Anyone tried it? And if so, has it changed your life?

Volume 25 Love: Little Reminders

2010-07-19T13:19:00.006-05:00

In light of the extraordinarily relaxing weekend I had with my honey and just feeling thankful for all the good things in my life, I thought I'd share my newest Etsy obsession: volume 25.

Sometimes you just need these little reminders, don't you think? Me too. And today's quote on the uber-lovely vol. 25 blog?

Love that.

Fun Friday Find: Frame the Date!

2010-07-16T11:58:00.006-05:00

Here's a fabulous find for your Friday! (Oh how the English major in me loves some alliteration).

Introducing Frame the Date - a fun way to capture and display the big dates in your life. I think this would make a fantastic (and personalized) wedding gift for close friends (or even for your hubby), or even an anniversary gift for parents or grandparents. And for you new and/or expecting parents, frame the date b.a.by. is a sweet and unique way to remember your little one's birthday (as if you would ever forget). Isn't this adorable?

You have options galore in terms of the framing, whether to include a photo or not, etc. and the like. I think it's genius. And you can bet one with 1-2-10 will be making it's way to my house. I think it would look great centered among a collection of gallery frames, filled with wedding day photos.

And speaking of wedding day photos, I was able to finagle a DVD of the hi-res images from our wedding photographer of our special day (not originally included in our package) so now we can design our own albums, print our own prints for family and friends, and basically do whatever we like with them! Woo to the hoo.

All you future brides, take note - this is definitely something worth asking about as you interview photographers. I'm discovering that little DVD is like a nugget of gold!!!

Hope your weekends are lovely!

Now THAT'S An Altar...

2010-07-14T09:56:00.009-05:00

Can you say SWOON? I am love, love, loving this unique altarscape from Holly Williams' July wedding just outside of Nashville (yes, as in the daughter of Hank). Check out the feature on Style Me Pretty for lots more eye-candy, courtesy of Tec Petaja (yes, as in the husband of Chelsea of Oh My Deer Handmades fame, who happened to design my gorgeous hair lovely for the wedding). That's like six degrees of separation to ol' Bocephus, right? Score. Anyway, I just loved the background story on the design for the altar and thought I'd share.

A bit about the outdoor cathedral at Cedarwood:

"These stately ten feet tall Gothic windows were salvaged from the Douglas Street Church, designed by Nashvillian Hugh Thompson, architect of the Ryman Auditorium, otherwise known as the Mother Church of Country Music. We knew the minute we saw them at Restoration Station, they were destined for continuing sacred service at Cedarwood weddings! After an extensive search, we acquired thirty two antique solid Oak carved church pews to fulfill the vision of our open air countryside cathedral in the Cedarwood meadow."

Don't you just LOVE that kind of creativity? By now you all know that the Ryman is near and dear to my heart (since that's where my now-husband proposed) so if we ever renew our vows, I'm calling Miss Holly up and asking if we can re-purpose that lovely backdrop. You never know!

Baby Fever

2010-07-12T17:02:00.013-05:00

Now don't freak out on me, I'm not getting baby fever just yet. In fact, just when I start entertaining the thought, I think about how much I love my 8 hours of sleep each night, my disposable shopping income that I get to spend on a new pair of stilettos instead of a new stroller, and most of all, our ability to up and road trip it whenever we freakin' feel like it. But Lawd is it abounding in my hometown! (Sidenote: I remember when Mr. T and I were dating and everyone I ran into back home would not-so-carefully ask when we might be "taking the next step." I would get so annoyed and in my head would respond "when you mind your own business" and then come back to Nashville and be SO thankful that I hightailed it out of my hometown where marriage, babies and being a SAHM was every girl's aspiration by age 25. It amazes me that as soon as I've gone and checked marriage off the list, they can't wait to start in on asking about the babies! Oy.)

So Mr. T and I headed south on I-65 late Friday afternoon and did the Tour de Tuscaloosa all weekend long. We ran into the mother of all summer thunderstorms about 50 miles south of Nashville and I could barely see the rain-soaked road, which caused me to hydroplane for about a nanosecond which naturally caused me to shake like a leaf until we could safely exit and Mr. T could calmly take over. We stopped at my favorite on-the-road joint, Chick-Fil-A, for the new spicy chicken sandwich. I was underwhelmed. I mean, yes, it's good, but it's no spicy chicken sandwich from Wendy's, in my opinion. And it was a little freaky seeing all these kids (and adults) dressed up like cows, all in the name of getting a free meal. One guy literally stuck black-marker scotch tape dots on his white t-shirt and confidently stood in line thinking his costume was brilliant. Whatever floats your boat, I guess. Wow, no idea why I thought that tangent was blogworthy. My apologies for boring you to tears.

We made it home and caught up with the parentals before heading to bed just before midnight. Yes, we are CRAZY in our old age. As we were getting ready for bed, I looked at my new husband getting under the covers of the bed that I had slept in since I was a tot. And it was like worlds colliding. Very weird - I almost felt like I had snuck a boy into my room or something. Any other newlyweds feel like that on your first few trips back home with the new husband? Just me? Okay, never mind then.

So anyway, the point of this post - babies. Saturday started with a baby shower for my friend and brand-spanking new blogger Candice, who welcomes a baby girl, Mary Emma, in just a few weeks. You've never seen so many gifts - bottle brushes, bows, diapers, burp cloths, faucet covers that look like little ducks and even wet wipe warmers - yes, they really make wet wipe warmers, folks. This child is pretty much set with everything she could ever want for her first year of life. And when that year is up, guess what she'll be wearing to her first football game?

That's right - an Alabama sundress complete with bloomers that have elephant prints on the bottom, from her favorite Aunt Lillian. Oh, I just couldn't resist. Even if the smallest size they had was a 12 month. I'll just have that much longer to anticpate her cuteness in it. I not-so-secretly hope all my friends have little girls - I have so much fun buying clothes for them. When it's a boy I completely shut down and have to go the toy route. Which is way more boring for the shopper. Because obviously it's all about me and my shopping desires. Wow, pretty sure I just cursed myself to having all boys by putting that in writing.

Here are all the hostesses with the cute little mama-to-be in white. I know, you can hardly tell she's preggers. If I didn't love her, I would have to hate her for that.

After the shower, I scooped up Mr. T after he and my dad went to town on a slab of Dreamland ribs ("ain't nothin' like 'em nowhere!") and we stopped by to visit the new arrival of our friends Laura and Brad, Miss Camryn Culp. Check out her adorableness. And for anyone who's very observant, yes, those are little owls on her pajamas - hootie hoo, Chi Omegas!

I've known Laura since high school when we cheered for arch-rivals, but have always loved her to death. She and I got to be great friends while we were training for the half marathon two years ago, and it amazes me to see how she has completely fallen in love with motherhood. She's also honest enough to tell me it's not all rainbows and butterflies and that two hours of sleep is a good night (this is not looking good for me), which makes me love her all the more for telling it like it is. I so love that trait in a person. I also love that she and her husband Brad might be the most hardcore Bama fans I have ever met - if I told you how amazing their tailgate setup is, you might just think you had died and gone to football heaven.

We followed the Baby Parade with family dinner at my folks' house, after which I convinced my brother to get an old set of golf clubs out of the attic so I could take them back to Nashville with me to practice. Lo and behold, we find FOUR dusty old sets, one that had my grandpa's initials on them! After hitting a few balls into the woods behind our house, we ventured out for a RedBox movie and decided on this.

I give it a B minus. I wanted it to be so much better what with two amazing actors like Meryl Streep and Alec Baldwin, but it just didn't do it for me. However, what DOES do it for me is The Bachelorette, and I for one cannot wait for tonight's episode - can you say HOMETOWN DATES?!

And with that in mind, Mr. T is firing up the grill as we speak. Pork tenderloin, grilled asparagus, and oven-roasted potatoes are on the menu for tonight, the thought of which makes this doozy of a Monday get a whole lot better all of a sudden. And I just realized what was going to be my after-work hour at the gym to make up for Mom's home-cooked grits turned into my after-work blogfest. Now how did that happen? Oh well, I think the best part of being married is having someone to come home too, regardless of what kind of day you've had. Bonus points if they cook for you. And double bonus points if they admit to even enjoying your girly reality shows. And the baby fever? Let's just say I'm in no hurry to share my guy with anyone else just yet. I kind of like having him all to myself for now.

Weddings Are A Reminder

2010-07-08T10:36:00.005-05:00

Our great friends Justin and Amber tied the knot last Saturday, and what a perfect wedding day it was! They had been engaged for over a year (can you imagine? 10 months nearly killed me!) and we were so excited about getting all gussied up and welcoming them into the local chapter of the "old married club." Amber was such a beautiful little bride, and had thought of every detail! She would call me occasionally throughout the process to ask my advice on a wedding question or two, and it made seeing it all come together so much more fun! I guess that's what wedding planners feel like.

This was our second wedding to go to as a Mr. and Mrs. One of the coolest things I'm discovering about being married is that every wedding we go to is a reminder of our special day, our vows, and our memories. Every time those doors open and the bride walks down the aisle, I'm taken right back to that moment when my dad nervously said "it's time" and gave me his arm. When they turn and face each other and start their "for better, for worse, in sickness and in health" I'm right there holding my husband's hands, sniffling from the crazy virus that swept over us days before the wedding. And when they turn around and face the crowd for the first time, I'm reminded of the huge smiles I saw as I looked out on our own family and friends. Yes, friends, weddings are a beautiful reminder.

Getting NashTrashed!

2010-07-07T14:20:00.005-05:00

Now don't turn all Polly Prudent on me and think I'm being a not-so-classy lady by talking about my weekend's antics...I'm talking about the one, the only NashTrashTour - also known as the best way to guarantee laughter for a solid 90 minutes on a Saturday morning! Led by these two ladies, the Jugg Sisters (Brenda and Sherry) give you a more, um, irreverent background on some of Nashville's stars by taking you around town on their Big Pink Bus. Let me just tell you, they know how to keep a bus full of folks who have traveled from near and far nearly in tears! Poor Mr. T dropped me off and went to park the car (because we were running late -shocker) and got quite embarrassed when he stepped on the bus sandwiched between these two, who proceeded to comment on his "delectable derrier." He turned about 10 shades of red.

I'd heard about the tour ever since I moved to Nashville, but it was always sold out so far in advance I could never go. I booked the tour back in March when I got to meet the sisters in person. Now that I've participated, I can definitely see why it was voted as the #1 attraction in Nashville on trusty ole Trip Advisor! (Seriously, click the link to see for yourself!)

Paying tribute to the other man in my life during our pit stop at the Country Music Hall of Fame. When encouraged to hop inside and buy a beverage to bring back on the bus, it took all of two minutes for us to decide, eh, what the hey. So there we were, drinking two cold beers at 11 in the morning. What rednecks we can be. A classic case of "when in Rome," I suppose...

Stars and Stripes Forever...

2010-07-06T12:57:00.001-05:00

Reason #2068 why I married well: he knows how to hang an American flag just in time for my favorite holiday.