A year ago today, I was packing up all kinds of wedding supplies and my honeymoon suitcase to head down to our wedding! I remember everything so clearly. It is funny the days and weeks after my wedding, it definitely seemed like a blur but now a year later, everything is so clear that it seems like it was just a few days ago.
The wedding weekend was beautiful! We were overwhelmed with how many friends and family traveled to be with us on our special day. The weather was perfect. We were able to be in one of our favorite places to get married and celebrate our marriage. We had our favorite priest. Gorgeous flowers miraculously appeared. All the vendors worked out and provided amazing service except our DJ did not have our song programmed in so we ended up dancing to a random song that was literally chosen last second. We will forever have two songs Zac Brown's Whatever It Is (our original song) and the Way You Look Tonight (the last minute chosen song). Everyone had a great time even including an impromptu run to the eye doctor to fix an eye condition that went away for our wedding day (Thank God) only to return at our honeymoon to make sure we tested the vows for better or for worse! I remember little details but the entire weekend's memories are colored with love, laughter, friends, family and sunshine. Probably the best way to remember your wedding weekend!
Thursday, April 3, 2014
Wednesday, April 2, 2014
My Top Five of What NOT to Say
There are all kinds of lists of top five or ten or whatever number out there. There are definitely lists regarding pregnancy, especially what NOT to say to an expecting mother. I have read the lists and agree with most of them but in my 22 weeks of pregnancy I have developed my own top five of things I can't believe people have said to me.
5. Once baby gets here, you are not going to have a life.
Really???? You seriously want to tell an already overly emotional woman due to the abundance of hormones that her life is over?!? You must not value your own! Seriously, I know life will be different. Life actually changes every day but those changes can be positive changes. For me, I will have a life just now with an additional family member to love. Lots of people have children and still have identities and careers of their own. I have always manage to do it all, why stop now?
4. I am glad I never had children!
Again, may I remind you I am carrying a child that I am happy to be having? I am happy you are happy with your decision but save yourself a drop dead look from me by keeping your happiness to yourself.
3. Your child is going to be like that demon child screaming and running around.
My motherly instinct is already in overdrive so don't even start to tell me how my child will be and don't tell me how to parent before he even gets here. No one knows but especially any one not carrying my child does not know the temperment of our little boy.
2. Wow! You ate way more than me.
Never, never, never comment on a pregnant woman's weight or how much she consumes. You try giving up wine for nine months, outgrowing all your clothes, having to watch everything you eat but continuing to feel ravenous while still gaining weight! It isn't easy! So leave me alone, I have chocolate to eat.
and my number one hated comment....
1. When are you having another one?
Seriously! Can I just focus on the one I am carrying now?
5. Once baby gets here, you are not going to have a life.
Really???? You seriously want to tell an already overly emotional woman due to the abundance of hormones that her life is over?!? You must not value your own! Seriously, I know life will be different. Life actually changes every day but those changes can be positive changes. For me, I will have a life just now with an additional family member to love. Lots of people have children and still have identities and careers of their own. I have always manage to do it all, why stop now?
4. I am glad I never had children!
Again, may I remind you I am carrying a child that I am happy to be having? I am happy you are happy with your decision but save yourself a drop dead look from me by keeping your happiness to yourself.
3. Your child is going to be like that demon child screaming and running around.
My motherly instinct is already in overdrive so don't even start to tell me how my child will be and don't tell me how to parent before he even gets here. No one knows but especially any one not carrying my child does not know the temperment of our little boy.
2. Wow! You ate way more than me.
Never, never, never comment on a pregnant woman's weight or how much she consumes. You try giving up wine for nine months, outgrowing all your clothes, having to watch everything you eat but continuing to feel ravenous while still gaining weight! It isn't easy! So leave me alone, I have chocolate to eat.
and my number one hated comment....
1. When are you having another one?
Seriously! Can I just focus on the one I am carrying now?
Monday, March 31, 2014
The Story Behind The Name
We debated back and forth on several name ideas up until the day we found out that our bundle is going to be our little boy. We only semi agreed on some names but we both agreed we did not want anything too trendy or cute because our baby would eventually grow into an adult that needed a steadfast, strong name. It was hard to really commit to any one name not knowing what the gender would be so we had a few in mind but I felt like when we knew the gender the name would come.
I had no idea that in the few minutes following the reveal of our little boy, we would be set on a name. It clicked. Sitting there waiting for the doctor after the ultrasound we were elated and the name just came to us. We had already decided the middle name would be John. A few weeks earlier, one evening, the name came to me while we were watching tv. I wanted a saint name and I knew that John was also the name of Ed's grandfather that he loved so much. John seemed like a good fit. I did not say anything to Ed at the moment because he was very engrossed in the show.
The next morning at breakfast out of nowhere, Ed says, "What about John?" The way we both came up with the same name in a few hours of each other made us immediately agree John would be part of the name. However, I wanted something slightly more unique for the first name so we pushed on.
Around the same time, during the Oxford Film Fest, my mother and I saw the name Buckner in a documentary. We both loved it but neither one of us said anything at the moment. The name reminded us both of my grandfather, who was always known as Buck. However, this was a unique variation of the name which would give our son history and his own unique identity. I brought it up to Ed a few days later and he liked the strength behind the name. At that time though we did not know if bundle would be a girl or boy so we did not decide.
Back to the doctor's office that wonderful morning, we were ready to call our son something besides Bundle. We knew John would be the middle name and I brought up Buckner again mentioning that both grandfathers would have a part of the name. We both loved the idea and named our baby boy Buckner John that moment.
I had no idea that in the few minutes following the reveal of our little boy, we would be set on a name. It clicked. Sitting there waiting for the doctor after the ultrasound we were elated and the name just came to us. We had already decided the middle name would be John. A few weeks earlier, one evening, the name came to me while we were watching tv. I wanted a saint name and I knew that John was also the name of Ed's grandfather that he loved so much. John seemed like a good fit. I did not say anything to Ed at the moment because he was very engrossed in the show.
The next morning at breakfast out of nowhere, Ed says, "What about John?" The way we both came up with the same name in a few hours of each other made us immediately agree John would be part of the name. However, I wanted something slightly more unique for the first name so we pushed on.
Around the same time, during the Oxford Film Fest, my mother and I saw the name Buckner in a documentary. We both loved it but neither one of us said anything at the moment. The name reminded us both of my grandfather, who was always known as Buck. However, this was a unique variation of the name which would give our son history and his own unique identity. I brought it up to Ed a few days later and he liked the strength behind the name. At that time though we did not know if bundle would be a girl or boy so we did not decide.
Back to the doctor's office that wonderful morning, we were ready to call our son something besides Bundle. We knew John would be the middle name and I brought up Buckner again mentioning that both grandfathers would have a part of the name. We both loved the idea and named our baby boy Buckner John that moment.
Tuesday, March 25, 2014
Two Calming C's
I feel rejuvenated after this weekend. Amazingly, I stayed home and for the most part of the weekend did chores. Not what most would consider an exciting nor refreshing weekend. However, it was one of the best weekends that I have had in a long time. I learned that two C's in my life really help set me up for the week ahead and feel rested. Cleaning and coffee houses are two of life very simple pleasures. They are now two C's that I will trust to get me inspired and going again.
Cleaning is good for the soul. I knew this at one point but in the last 21 weeks of nausea and fatigue due to pregnancy, my cleaning and organizing skills have been lacking. I have done the bare minimum just to make things look decent. But I knew that our home was not where it was suppose to be which was draining even more energy from me. As the weekend approached, I could think of countless other things I thought I would rather do than clean the house and organize my closet in preparation for our upcoming move. But Friday morning after a slight meltdown (blame it on the pregnancy hormones), my husband assured me that we would tackle the house together so both of us would feel good about. Thankfully, I have a hubby who loves a clean home too!
Saturday morning came and after a somewhat slow start to the day including orange juice in bed, since I no longer like regular coffee, we began cleaning. What I initially thought would be an energy draining task turned into an energy giving task. At one point in the morning, I realized stress was leaving me as I eliminated junk from my home. I suppose at the same time, my soul felt like I was eliminating clutter from my life. I remembered that cleaning and organizing were once my stress relievers and that I could turn to them in the future.
On Sunday, knowing I had a clean home, I was able to relax at the other C...the coffee house. Specifically the new Cups Coffee House that just opened in Oxford. Coffee houses have always inspired me. You suspend time for an hour or so while you talk about whatever comes to your mind. Time is lost if you choose not to talk but read or people watch. Whatever I do, the outcome is always the same. I leave feeling inspired and relaxed. There is something said about allowing yourself free time to do nothing. Time to allow your brain to wander. It is in that time, surrounded by other people doing the same in an art and music filled space, that new ideas are formed. I leave there craving my creative side and wanting to do more in my life. I know it sounds like a tall order for such a simple activity but this weekend I relearned that the simple things in life are best.
Cleaning is good for the soul. I knew this at one point but in the last 21 weeks of nausea and fatigue due to pregnancy, my cleaning and organizing skills have been lacking. I have done the bare minimum just to make things look decent. But I knew that our home was not where it was suppose to be which was draining even more energy from me. As the weekend approached, I could think of countless other things I thought I would rather do than clean the house and organize my closet in preparation for our upcoming move. But Friday morning after a slight meltdown (blame it on the pregnancy hormones), my husband assured me that we would tackle the house together so both of us would feel good about. Thankfully, I have a hubby who loves a clean home too!
Saturday morning came and after a somewhat slow start to the day including orange juice in bed, since I no longer like regular coffee, we began cleaning. What I initially thought would be an energy draining task turned into an energy giving task. At one point in the morning, I realized stress was leaving me as I eliminated junk from my home. I suppose at the same time, my soul felt like I was eliminating clutter from my life. I remembered that cleaning and organizing were once my stress relievers and that I could turn to them in the future.
On Sunday, knowing I had a clean home, I was able to relax at the other C...the coffee house. Specifically the new Cups Coffee House that just opened in Oxford. Coffee houses have always inspired me. You suspend time for an hour or so while you talk about whatever comes to your mind. Time is lost if you choose not to talk but read or people watch. Whatever I do, the outcome is always the same. I leave feeling inspired and relaxed. There is something said about allowing yourself free time to do nothing. Time to allow your brain to wander. It is in that time, surrounded by other people doing the same in an art and music filled space, that new ideas are formed. I leave there craving my creative side and wanting to do more in my life. I know it sounds like a tall order for such a simple activity but this weekend I relearned that the simple things in life are best.
Tuesday, March 18, 2014
The First Kicks
A few weeks ago, I was sitting on the couch one evening and thought I was having muscle spasms at the top of my stomach. I kept switching my position to see if I could make the spasms stop but then I realized they were not spasms. The tiny little vibration feelings were the first kicks! Since that day our little boy has been busy especially around meal time. The vibrating feelings make me think he is a happy baby already and just letting me know it as he kicks and squirms. I can't wait to feel even more!
Monday, March 17, 2014
It's a... BOY!
On February 21st around 9am we found out our little bundle is a BOY! More importantly, the sonogram showed our sweet baby looks all healthy. When the sonogram technician asked us if we were ready to find out, she pointed to the screen and said, "Do you know?" Our little boy was making it very obvious he was all boy! We screamed, hugged and celebrated in that sweet moment. Whoever claims that they must wait to the delivery to be surprised is wrong. We were overjoyed and surprised right in that moment because whenever you find out it is a wonderful surprise.
Later that day, after our families were told, we had a small gender reveal party at my office. I love my colleagues and our student employees (who insisted we do something to celebrate) so we chose to have our reveal there. My mom came with us and a few very close friends were there. We, of course, knew the gender so we were the ones surprising the rest of them. We had both girl and boy themed cupcakes. The one we picked up would reveal the gender!
Later that day, after our families were told, we had a small gender reveal party at my office. I love my colleagues and our student employees (who insisted we do something to celebrate) so we chose to have our reveal there. My mom came with us and a few very close friends were there. We, of course, knew the gender so we were the ones surprising the rest of them. We had both girl and boy themed cupcakes. The one we picked up would reveal the gender!
 |
| Trucks or Tiaras??? |
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| Holding out the suspense |
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| The moment we chose! |
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| One of the best reactions! My friend Merrill came over after the reveal to her own personal reveal! |
Monday, February 10, 2014
Ways To Enjoy Winter
If you are a loyal reader of my blog, you know I struggle with winter. My husband, then boyfriend, pointed out the obvious a few years ago when I did not realize I wrote several blogs about the winter blues. I am doing better than the last few years. Maybe because last year I was busy planning my wedding and this year I am busy planning a baby. However, I still struggle and have to actively work to not succumb to the doldrums. This winter has been a particularly tough one! In Oxford we have seen temps that my poor body has never felt before but no snow (yet). In Oxford, while all our friends and family below us enjoyed snow days and higher temps, we trudged on through the zero degree weather. So today I hold on to hope that we can get at least one good snow day out of this miserable weather. If it is going to be this cold, at least let's get something from it right?
Before winter really set in, I made my mind up to successfully fight the winter blues and find a way to enjoy these cold months. Here are my top ten ways!
10. Enjoy spa days. Mani's, pedi's and massages are all done inside. Some treatments include hot water which is a great way to ward off the chills. Also, choose bright colors that will make you happy even if you are the only one that ever sees your feet during this time.
9. In Poland, Marimekko used bright colors in their designs so that the citizens enduring the long winter months could surround themselves with images of spring. You can do the same thing. Put out fresh flowers. Decorate with bright colored throw pillows, blankets or even hand towels. Just bring some color into your house!
8. Plan fun dinner parties or social gatherings. People tend to not be as social right after the Christmas holiday partying so plan a fun event to gather friends in a warm place.
7. Celebrate Mardi Gras! No matter where you live the taste of New Orleans combined with the sound of Zydeco music and the colors of purple, green and gold have to make you happy.
6. Indulge in all the Valentine's festivities. Everyone can enjoy this holiday! The day, with all the brightly colored red and pink decorations, just makes me happy.
5. Shop. A definite happy indoor activity. Plus the winter sales are great at this time.
4. Work on a new (indoor) home project. I am starting a painting that has been on my pinterest for ever.
3. Cozy up with a fuzzy blanket, hot drink and a good movie or book. Soon the weather will be too good to enjoy the cozy, home activities.
2. When all else fails, plan a spring time vacation to remind you spring will arrive again.
1. SNOW DAYS (yes, still the best part of winter)
Before winter really set in, I made my mind up to successfully fight the winter blues and find a way to enjoy these cold months. Here are my top ten ways!
10. Enjoy spa days. Mani's, pedi's and massages are all done inside. Some treatments include hot water which is a great way to ward off the chills. Also, choose bright colors that will make you happy even if you are the only one that ever sees your feet during this time.
9. In Poland, Marimekko used bright colors in their designs so that the citizens enduring the long winter months could surround themselves with images of spring. You can do the same thing. Put out fresh flowers. Decorate with bright colored throw pillows, blankets or even hand towels. Just bring some color into your house!
8. Plan fun dinner parties or social gatherings. People tend to not be as social right after the Christmas holiday partying so plan a fun event to gather friends in a warm place.
7. Celebrate Mardi Gras! No matter where you live the taste of New Orleans combined with the sound of Zydeco music and the colors of purple, green and gold have to make you happy.
6. Indulge in all the Valentine's festivities. Everyone can enjoy this holiday! The day, with all the brightly colored red and pink decorations, just makes me happy.
5. Shop. A definite happy indoor activity. Plus the winter sales are great at this time.
4. Work on a new (indoor) home project. I am starting a painting that has been on my pinterest for ever.
3. Cozy up with a fuzzy blanket, hot drink and a good movie or book. Soon the weather will be too good to enjoy the cozy, home activities.
2. When all else fails, plan a spring time vacation to remind you spring will arrive again.
1. SNOW DAYS (yes, still the best part of winter)
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