This Unfamiliar Road

Another wonderful visit with wonderful friends! Although I wish Jordan & Ashley lived closer, I do love Chattanooga for its proximity to us :)

We had a great time watching the tots play, enjoyed a picnic, and got lots of snuggles in with baby Wells!

I am venturing out a little today to brag on the hubby. It's not his birthday; we aren't celebrating an anniversary. This is "just because". Because it's been a rough month for me (first trimester woes) and I have been relying on him more than ever!

So here are 5 things I love about my husband:

ONE. He has the patience of a Saint.
I have always known that Ben was a patient person, but it became more evident to me when he became a Father. He takes things in stride and rarely loses his temper. I rely on him a lot to handle things I become frustrated with easily.


TWO. He provides for our family.
Although we both have careers outside of the home, Ben's job occupies 5 days of his week. But he doesn't stop there. He stays busy on his evenings and weekends completing his to-do list. I can't imagine how hard it must be to balance all-day responsibilities of work (and promotions) then come home to manage a house!

THREE. He helps out around the house.
I know this may seem silly, but what a huge difference it makes for me! He cooks, he cleans, he fixes things. He even stuffs cloth diapers :)


FOUR. He is a cutie.
For that 1% (Ok, maybe 5%) of the time when he's annoying me, being good looking really helps!
We recently celebrated our 11-year "dating" anniversary (and by 'celebrated' I mean sent each other a text). I think back to those simpler times when I thought I could not love him anymore. But y'all...it just gets better and better!

FIVE. He is an amazing Father.
I don't just mean that he plays with Peyton and loves her. That's a given. For us, parenthood is a partnership. We make decisions together, and we discipline in the same way. When I have to work on weekends, I love that I don't have to explain P's schedule, or her likes & dislikes, what she can eat, etc. He knows her as well as I do.


Until next week!

Link up!

ONE. Chattanooga Bound
We are SO overdue for a visit with our buddies in Chattanooga! Baby Wells is 4 months old already and I haven't been able to squeeze those cheeks. It will be great to catch up with the whole gang this weekend and watch the kids play together :)


TWO. Thirty-One Goodies
I was in need of a new wristlet when a friend at work came to the rescue with her Thirty One catalog. I love my new Vary You in Grey Quilted Dots! It has 3 expandable compartments to hold all my stuff..including my phone. It's perfect to transfer from the diaper bag to my work bag, or carry on its own.
THREE. Sidewalk. Chalk.
We love being outdoors, and I am all about finding some new things to keep P entertained (and not running towards the street...ahem)! Sidewalk chalk was a huge hit, and it makes me smile to see my little one's artwork spread across the driveway :)


FOUR. Hummus
Garlic Hummus. Pine Nut Hummus. Roasted Red Pepper Hummus. I'm in love with it all right now. Not the worst pregnancy craving one can have, right?

FIVE. 24
We have been on a 24 kick lately and I am not complaining about my frequent date nights with Jack Bauer my husband :)
The 12-episode "bonus" season begins in May!



Link up y'all!

It was time, y'all. Actually, very much overdue. Sweet P went in for her first haircut!
We took advantage of Sweet & Sassy's Toddler Tuesdays ($10!!) and they did not disappoint.


I couldn't believe how still she was! I can barely keep her still during a diaper change!



Oh my sweet Peyton Caroline- This is just one more huge milestone that reminds me you are becoming a little girl. We love you pretty girl!

I have never had an extensive beauty routine, but now that I'm a Mom, my day to day routine has become really abbreviated!
I have also discovered that I don't have to splurge on beauty products for good quality.

Here are a few 'steals' that are just as good (if not better!) than the splurge:

Hair Care:


I am an Aveda lover for sure, but my wallet doesn't agree! I made the switch to Organix shampoo and I am loving it! Organix products are sulfate free, so my hair stays moisturized.

A) Aveda Shampoo & Conditioner Set: $35
B) Organix Shampoo & Conditioner Set: $17
  Bottom line: Save $18


Makeup:

 I have been a Bare Minerals girl for years, but I cringe every time I have to pay for it. The price isn't outrageous (especially compared to other foundation!) but when a friend told me about Neutrogena Mineral Sheers, I was very excited! Neutrogena provides the same coverage as Bare Minerals with that familiar loose powder application. I love it...and so does my wallet!

A) Bare Minerals Foundation: $27
B) Neutrogena Mineral Sheers: $12
   Bottom Line: Save $15

ONE. Spring is coming
It's on the way and I cannot wait for slightly warmer temps and the chance to spend our days outside! We've been taking advantage of the sporadic 70 degree temperatures we've had (because the next day we experience a high of 34...)!


TWO. Second Trimester
Oh I am so ready for this milestone. Having been through this before, I am now aware of the bliss that comes with the 2nd trimester of pregnancy. (Well...bliss compared to the fatigue and nausea of 1st trimester and whale-like status and discomfort of the 3rd trimester!)





THREE. Movin on Up
The husband has received another promotion at work (that's 2 in less than 2 years!) and I could not be more proud of him. He puts in a lot of hard work at the office and always goes above and beyond what is expected of his role. He deserves it!




FOUR. New 'Do
I got a much-needed cut and color last weekend and it makes me feel so FRESH! There is something about a nice trim and touch-up to make everything look better :)


FIVE. Catching Fire
Guess what came out on DVD last week? Yup...Catching Fire.
I saw it in theaters with my little sisters, but the hubs didn't see it until this week. And he watched it twice :) (Shhh-don't tell him I told you!)


Enjoy your weekend, friends!

Peyton Caroline has some exciting news to share...


Expected Arrival: September 24, 2014


So far, this pregnancy has been a little more difficult but I think that's because I am chasing a toddler around!
As usual, the husband has been picking up the slack and waiting on me hand and foot when needed :)



And our journey begins...