Happy March 1st!

Today is one of my favorite days of the year, one of two of my own personal yearly holidays. While some people anxiously await their birthday or Christmas, I get all geeked out for football season and today, my honorary start of Spring. Between looking forward to lacrosse season every year as a teenager and then going to school in the deep south, March 1st just became the beginning of spring for me. Admittedly, winter went a lot faster than usual this year and I almost can't believe it is time to flip the calendar again, but nonetheless, I welcome March with open arms. Luckily, this year, spring in Winston-Salem is eager to arrive as well. The daffodils are blooming, the forsythia bushes are budding to life and the trees out front quite literally sprouted green over night.




For our little family, this spring symbolizes several new beginnings. We continue to await our very own new life, praying that the rest of the grad school letters come in soon so we plant our new roots and see where our little family will continue to bloom. All the schools we are waiting on said we would hear around this time and everyday I basically tackle our mailman, but sadly, no news yet. Please keep us in your prayers that we get some good answers soon!

Then of course, we have the new life that is taking over my belly. We went to the doctor yesterday and baby bean weighs a pound and a half and looks as sweet as can be. We didn't find out what sex the baby is, but as always, were thrilled to see how healthily he/she is growing. Even though this is the second time around, every time we go to the doctor, or I feel the baby kick, or hear its heartbeat, it amazes me. The fact that my body knows exactly what to do and what this baby needs is the most incredible experience in the world.

I have always loved Spring so much because it is such a hopeful season. It reminds us that even when things seem dark and cold, warmth and light are just around the corner. It is a season when we can sit back in be in awe of Mother Nature, that she knows exactly when to let each bud bloom. It is a gentle reminder that things will always come to life when the time is right. I find it to be a peaceful time, and a time when I generally feel thankful for the beauty around me and in our blessed little life. So I hope where ever you are, the sun is shinning and you are feeling hopeful for the new season ahead. I know I am.

C-Monday and My Friends!

As I mentioned on Friday, I was very lucky to have three of my best friends from high school come visit me for the weekend. Kev was out of town for work and my girls came from Charlotte, DC and New York City, all the way to good ol Winston to keep me and C company. Although, I have a feeling, they were really in it to see which 'aunt' Cullen loves the most:


Meanwhile, C got a good ride on the swing:
Took his Teddy for a ride down the slide:
And has become overly concerned with leaves that fall off trees. He wants me to put them back on. In toddler speak, it goes like this, "Mommy, Oh-Oh! Leaf! Tree! Ouchie! Back up ppppplleeeaasssseeeeee"
After C went to bed and Laura, Cate and Alysa couldn't work to impress him anymore, we got a chance to go out for a little while. Dinner at Sweet Potatoes, followed by a drink a Tate's, was the perfect way to round out a great Saturday.

I love my friends because they make me laugh (really, really, really hard), have no problem toting my six month preggo butt to a bar, they love my son unconditionally and even though we all live in different cities, with very different lives, we share a mutual respect and admiration for the woman we have become. It is hard to believe we have known each other for 13 years!

Thanks for coming ladies!

Wish List

Since I have spent the last few days wishing for new paint colors, and art, and spring to officially be here, and the rest of husband's grad school acceptances to come in, I figure I can round out the week with a few more requests.

1. Elephant Safari Earring from Furbish. I mean really. How fab are these?

2. Some spring clothes for baby boy. If it got really warm tomorrow, poor kid wouldn't have a single short sleeve shirt that fits. We are heading to Florida in a two weeks, so if anyone would like to donate size 2T spring wear (like this ensemble from Gymboree), we will happily accept.
3. I have still yet to buy new maternity wear. You have no idea how much self control (and self pity) this takes. However, I feel a cave coming on soon, look how cute this nautical dress from Motherhood is. It might become a battle of will between shopping or eating (another) sleeve of thin mints.

4. A glass of wine. Just kidding (kind of). Only 15 weeks to go! C is still trying to find where the 'baby' is in my belly. It is very confusing.
5. For great friends to come visit me while husband is out of town this week. O wait, that is happening. See you tonight lovelies!
Have a great weekend!

Speaking of Spring

Look what little man and I spotted yesterday:


Daffodils make Cullen just as happy as they make me!

Spring Fever

There is definitely something about this time of year that makes me want to give my house a make over. Perhaps it is that I can see Mother Nature's own make over beginning to take place, or maybe my nesting instincts are kicking in, but I am eyeing bright and comforting colors, wishing I could re-do every room in my house (again). Thankfully for my husband, we are moving in 3 months and I am on a strict 'no buy' diet on household items. But until then, here is what I am wishing for!

Simple and clean, plus green and yellow is the best early spring combination. Love the art and really love the tufted window valances.
Someone take me here. And just so you know, 'here' is an Oscar de la Renta designed hotel in the Dominican Republic.
I am really into green right now. But wouldn't this be a great gallery wall, especially if you could change out the prints in the frames every season? I would look forward to these botanical prints every spring.
This makes me want an antique couch, and a formal living room.
If we end up renting a house, and it happens to have glass built in cabinets, do you think the owners would be mad if I painted the inside teal? Me neither.

Is there anything you are wishing for this spring?

*Images from Cottage Living, Coastal Living, House Beautiful and Elle Decor.

The Rest of the Weekend

After we left my mom's on Saturday, we headed down to Lynchburg to see my youngest brother's lacrosse season open, then hoped back in the car and to Kev's sister's house in Harrisonburg. We spent Saturday night and Sunday with more family. C had a ball playing with his cousins!

Good Morning!
Here is where we spent our weekend:


My parents bought a farm in Luray, VA and on Friday morning, we took off on our first trip to visit. Baby boy kept himself happy with a lollipop:
And then refused to admit defeat in taking a nap, so stratigically placed his teddy over his face so we couldn't tell he was sleeping:
Then, the battle of the uncles continued as we spent the day with brother #3, "Uncle Bum":




Pretty sure my mom is the happiest person on the planet right now: