Chocolate Chip Banana Bread

Find the recipe on our new blog HERE! 

23 Weeks

It's been pretty quiet around here ever since my family left last Tuesday and while the peacefulness is therapeutic, we've missed the "full house". Waking up in the morning to my sweet Momma's voice took me back to my childhood; how I wish she could be here every single morning. Thank goodness for cell phones. I miss you, Mom! Tiny and I miss your homemade ice cream, too.

We (okay, okay...Zach) painted up a storm on Little One's nursery yesterday; it's looking much better! I, on the other hand, got all kinds of gluttonous on some warm chocolate chip banana bread and milk. Oops. I'll post pictures of Z's paint job after we get the room looking presentable. I'm incredibly thankful to have such a hard-working, diligent husband who takes pride in making our house a home. His Baby Boy's nursery is no exception! Thank you, Zach, for taking care of Tiny and me.

To our Baby Boy:
Oh Little Man, how you are growing! We've decided you really do think you're a ninja. Your Dad thought he was the Karate Kid when he was a little boy and you are definitely following in his footsteps. You practice your moves all the time; you're getting pretty good! You really, really love milk, especially when cookies are dipped into it. I took a bath last night and could visibly see you on the right side of my belly; you seem to favor that side. It must be more comfortable over there. I can now officially feel you when I'm walking around too, not just sitting still. Must mean you're growing! Your Daddy has been giving you so much lovin' lately and it's pretty much the cutest thing ever. He loves to give you kisses, feel you squirm around, and put his headphones right up against my belly so you hear "Fat Bottomed Girls" loud and clear (I made the mistake of telling him you can hear loud noises now; I'm so sorry). We love you like crazy, precious boy, and can't wait to meet your sweet ninja self.

How Far Along: 23 weeks, 2 days

Baby Size: 1 ft. long, just over 1 lb.

Total Weight Gain: 9 lbs.

Maternity Clothes? Mostly lots of flowy skirts and dresses. It's too hot for pants!

Stretch Marks? Not yet...hoping it stays that way!

Sleep: Sleeping great for the most part; there have been a few nights the last couple weeks that I've resorted to the couch because I just couldn't get comfy in bed.

Best moment this week: Working on the nursery with Z this weekend...it's coming along slowly but surely!

Miss Anything? Drinking 2-3 cokes a day

Movement: Ohhhh yes. Tiny has been dancin' all week.

Food Cravings: OREOS! Loving the Double Stuf these days. Also drinking a big glass of chocolate milk every night before bed...we've never gone through this much milk. Baby wants his calcium! Oh, and salty tortilla chips like Santitas....I can eat a whole bag in one sitting if I let myself.

Anything making you queasy or sick? Thankfully no

Gender: Boy

Labor Signs: Not yet!

Belly button in or out? Still an innie

Wedding rings on or off? On & loose

Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy! I've honestly never felt so blissful in my life. It's stressful carrying a child, but also immensely rewarding.

Looking forward to: Doctor's appointment this Thursday and hearing Baby's heartbeat. It's incredible.

Hope you have a wonderful week! Thanks for reading!

Five Things

I've been in the best spirits lately, likely annoying everyone I come into contact with. I just can't help it! Every day something happens, big or small, to remind me of what a gift this life truly is.

A few things making me smile......

Sephora nail files that are totally worth the splurge. They're the best!

botanical prints I picked up at a gallery in Old Town Spring last weekend

Pineapple Cilantro Yankee Candle....best.scent.EVER. My friend Elissa gave us a set with this scent as a wedding gift and we've been hooked ever since.

sweet "three pearls in a pod" necklace to symbolize our new family of three :)

Tiny's sheepskin rug...our favorite nursery purchase thus far. The picture doesn't show it's size very well; it's 4x6 and the perfect size to lay right in front of his crib for post-nap play time :)

What's making you happy this week?!

Twenty-Five

My parents and grandma came down last weekend to celebrate my twenty-fifth birthday; we had the best time! Mom even made her famous homemade ice cream, which Tiny naturally loved. Thank you Mom, Dad, and Mamaw for making this the best birthday yet. I love you guys!

Also a huge thank you to sweet Z who made the most amazing cupcakes (fudge filled!), hung a princess banner, put together a beautiful floral arrangment, and gave me my first set of real pearls :). He's a keeper!

Zach put together this arrangement...isn't it beautiful?

Tiny cleaned up! A few of his goodies.....

Thank you, blog friends, for all your sweet birthday wishes as well. You sure know how to make a girl feel special! Love to you all.

Maternity Style

Ever since finding out the wonderful news of our baby on the way, I vowed to make the most of my growing belly. It seems impossible to hide these days, and why would anyone want to disguise such a blessing anyway? I'm learning that while comfort is key, it's also fun to play with patterns and bright colors. I can't wait until we have a little baby to "style" as well!

Hellooooooooo, basketball belly!

romper:Dillards, necklace:thrifted, shoes:unknown/gift, sweater:unknown/gift, belt:Gap

Do you have any pregnancy style tips? I would love to hear them!

Breakfast at Tiffany's

Last Saturday, my sweet friend Tanya was given a Breakfast at Tiffany's themed shower back home. It was such a gorgeous event! The decorating crew did an amazing job; all the details were perfectly feminine and Audrey-esque. Her MOH, Heather, worked like crazy on all the planning; thank you for all your hard work, Heather! You made this such a fun and special shower for Tanya, and I'm so glad I was there to celebrate the bride-to-be.

Congratulations, Tanya and Jared! Wishing you many years of happiness, adventure, and loads of love.