baby talk

I'm feeling inspired. 

I know....scary. 

But I'm feeling really inspired by my baby girl, and a great conversation I had with my mom and Beeb about parenting and most of all I'm feeling inspired by you!

I'd say the majority of you that read this little blog are moms, moms-to-be or fabulous ladies who one day plan on and/or hope to be a mom. Throughout my pregnancy and now during these first few months of Kenley's life I have been craving information. I am absolutely fascinated with pregnancy...all aspects of it. I think the medical side of it is so interesting and I love hearing how different and yet how similar everyone's pregnancies are. I am fascinated by childbirth. It's such an emotional and overwhelming and surreal experience and everyone's birth is so, so different. And then there's parenting....breastfeeding, sleep habits, childhood development, toys, gear, etc. etc. etc. I could literally talk about all things baby for days and days and days! It never gets old. But what I've found is that the information provided in books is very biased and matter-of-fact and information provided online is very vague or unreliable. 

SO, with that in mind I've decided to start a weekly link-up called

  

I don't really know where I'm going to go with this or really what it's going to mean. What I do know is that I am going to post about the baby related things that are happening to me and what I've learned from them. I'd also love to have all of you post about your baby experiences...conception, pregnancy, childbirth, newborns, breastfeeding, baby gear, baby showers, baby fashion...WHATEVER! The information I've received from my mom friends is a million times more valuable than the advice I've read in books...so why not create a place where blog moms can meet and exchange stories? 

SO! Starting next Tuesday...grab the button from my sidebar, write about your baby and then come back to link-up! 

xoxo, 

Spring! Baby.

HAPPY FIRST DAY OF SPRING!

I don't know about you but I am PUMPED that winter is technically over because that means mother nature has to at least start to cooperate and start sending us some warmer temperatures AND after Spring is Summer! And there is NOTHING better than Summer! 

Before I can do anything else, I have to wish my FAVORITE  spring baby

my brother Nate

a very HAPPY BIRTHDAY! 

I hope you have a wonderful day! I love you!

Now on to business...

With warmer weather just around the corner, I need to start thinking about a Spring/Summer wardrobe for my Kenny. I have a bunch of super cute outfits from my showers and that we've gotten as gifts that I cannot wait to pull out but you know there's no way I can resist buying some ensembles myself. Even at 4 months old, Kenley has a very distinct style, which my Beeb describes as "adorable baby chic." I am not a girly girl, so I'm not a fan of putting my baby in super girly things BUT I would hate for her to be mistaken for a little boy, so I make sure she always looks feminine. I've been perusing my favorite stores and have put together some inspiration looks for Little Miss Kenley.

Kenley actually already have this outfit thanks to her yai yai {thanks mama!J} 

For Easter...

- Sweater Knit Cardigan via Carter's

- Sateen Sleeveless Dress via Carter's

- Ruffle Bottom Tights via Carter's

- Stuart Weitzman Baby Bud Crib Shoe via Nordstrom

For rainy days...

- Flower Dot Hooded Raincoat via Gymboree

- Flower Stripe Long Sleeve Tee via Gymboree

- Button Bow Cuffed Jeans via Gymboree

- Curly Bow Hair Clip via Gymboree

- Poppy Espadrille Sandal via Gymboree

For day care with her grandparents...

- Short-Sleeve Graphic Bodysuit via Carter's

- Knit-waist Denim Shorts via Baby Gap

- Layered Chambray Headband via Baby Gap

- Faux-Leather Woven Sandals via Old Navy

For Summer Parties...

- Printed Flutter-Sleeve Jersey Dress via Old Navy

- Grosgrain Headband via Baby Gap

- Ankle-wrap Espadrilles via Baby Gap

For Brunch...

 - Dot Bubble One-Piece via Baby Gap

- T-strap Bow Sandals via Baby Gap

- Grosgrain Headband via Baby Gap

For Play Dates...

- Striped Baby Doll Top via Carter's

- Pull-On Woven Denim Shorts via Carter's

- Ribbon Hair Clips via Carter's

- Canvas Sneakers via Carter's 

Finally, because this is after all my baby, she will undoubtedly be spending the majority of her days

 by the pool....

- Polka-Dot Tutu Swimsuit via Old Navy

- Hooded Loop-Terry Cover-Up via Old Navy

- Polka-Dot Swim Hat via Old Navy

- Glitter-Jelly Sandals via Old Navy

Finally, I've saved the best for last {no offense Nate or Kenley} but today is also the first day of March Madness, which is basically a National Holiday in our house. My Beeb sent me this video yesterday and I about died. 

You guys...I cried from laughter and then I proceeded to watch it like 5 times.

Then {we're a little late on this apparently}the Beeb and I found out that this is a "thing" and there's a ton of Kid President videos. And we watched all of them...and cried some more. This kid is my idol. Seriously. If you need a way to kill some time, or some hours...watch them! Watch them all! 

Spring! Baby.

HAPPY FIRST DAY OF SPRING!

I don't know about you but I am PUMPED that winter is technically over because that means mother nature has to at least start to cooperate and start sending us some warmer temperatures AND after Spring is Summer! And there is NOTHING better than Summer! 

With warmer weather just around the corner, I need to start thinking about a Spring/Summer wardrobe for my Kenny. I have a bunch of super cute outfits from my showers and that we've gotten as gifts that I cannot wait to pull out but you know there's no way I can resist buying some ensembles myself. Even at 4 months old, Kenley has a very distinct style, which my Beeb describes as "adorable baby chic." I am not a girly girl, so I'm not a fan of putting my baby in super girly things BUT I would hate for her to be mistaken for a little boy, so I make sure she always looks feminine. I've been perusing my favorite stores and have put together some inspiration looks for Little Miss Kenley.

Kenley actually already have this outfit thanks to her yai yai {thanks mama!J} 

For Easter...

- Sweater Knit Cardigan via Carter's

- Sateen Sleeveless Dress via Carter's

- Ruffle Bottom Tights via Carter's

- Stuart Weitzman Baby Bud Crib Shoe via Nordstrom

For rainy days...

- Flower Dot Hooded Raincoat via Gymboree

- Flower Stripe Long Sleeve Tee via Gymboree

- Button Bow Cuffed Jeans via Gymboree

- Curly Bow Hair Clip via Gymboree

- Poppy Espadrille Sandal via Gymboree

For day care with her grandparents...

- Short-Sleeve Graphic Bodysuit via Carter's

- Knit-waist Denim Shorts via Baby Gap

- Layered Chambray Headband via Baby Gap

- Faux-Leather Woven Sandals via Old Navy

For Summer Parties...

- Printed Flutter-Sleeve Jersey Dress via Old Navy

- Grosgrain Headband via Baby Gap

- Ankle-wrap Espadrilles via Baby Gap

For Brunch...

 - Dot Bubble One-Piece via Baby Gap

- T-strap Bow Sandals via Baby Gap

- Grosgrain Headband via Baby Gap

For Play Dates...

- Striped Baby Doll Top via Carter's

- Pull-On Woven Denim Shorts via Carter's

- Ribbon Hair Clips via Carter's

- Canvas Sneakers via Carter's 

Finally, because this is after all my baby, she will undoubtedly be spending the majority of her days

 by the pool....

- Polka-Dot Tutu Swimsuit via Old Navy

- Hooded Loop-Terry Cover-Up via Old Navy

- Polka-Dot Swim Hat via Old Navy

- Glitter-Jelly Sandals via Old Navy

Weighing In, part 2

Losing baby weight is weird. In fact, gaining baby weight is weird. It's so crazy to me how different the pregnancy experience is for everyone...I have a friend who gained 10 pounds during her pregnancy and I have a friend who gained 90 pounds (no joke). Some people lose all the baby weight in just weeks and others never really lose it. And despite what you think, gaining less weight during pregnancy doesn't necessarily make it easier to lose. 

There's just too many damn factors! 

I am finding that I fall smack dab in the middle. I gained 34 pounds while growing my KennyCakes which is between the recommended amount (women who are considered "regular" in terms of BMI are recommended to gain between 25-35 pounds), I lost 10 of that within the first week of giving birth...the rest is coming off slowly but somehow surely. 

Word on the street is that if you chose to breastfeed, you will lose the baby weight faster. I don't think I believe this rumor. There's no doubt that breastfeeding burns calories...and a lot of them...but breastfeeding also requires you to eat more calories to keep your milk supply up and make sure your baby is getting the proper nutrition, not to mention you need that energy to function. While breastfeeding, your body will also hold on to some extra fat as a back up, ya know the whole "Starvation Mode" theory, so if that's true, you can't really lose ALL the weight until you're done breastfeeding. Again, I'm sure this is different for everyone. 

Basically, what I'm taking the long way to say is that losing baby weight is hard. There comes a point where you really need to stop stressing about it, except it and realize that your body looks like this because of your baby and for your baby. And unless you hate your baby (and who hates their baby?), you're probably OK with that. 

Sure celebrities are somehow able to look smokin' hot two months after giving birth, but they get paid for it. I guarantee you that if someone offered me half a million dollars, I had a chef, a cleaning lady, a nanny, a personal trainer and all day to do nothing but eat healthy and work out...sure, I could have been down to my pre-baby weight real quick. But it's not realistic and frankly, I don't think it's healthy. 

That's not to say that I'm going to just sit back and let my body be. No, No, No...that sounds like a fast track to mom jeans and moo-moos. I've had to find a way to lose weight that works for me (and my baby). I've also had to accept that unless I want to give up all the foods I really love to eat and workout all the dang time, this is going to take a while. You know what they say, "9 months up and 9 months down."

I don't like to work out. Well, actually I love to work out -- after it's over. It's been over 4 months and I still haven't found a way to incorporate gym time in to my weekly routine. I know I could find the time if I really wanted to...but right now, what I really want is to spend time with my little family and I'm not going to feel bad about that. Plus, once it's nice out, I will be pushing that stroller and be swimming in that pool all-the-time. So, what I'm working hard on now, is my diet. 

I thought about Yeast Free because I've seen it do amazing things for Steph & Kristen, but I know that it wouldn't work for me. YF isn't just a quick fix, it's a lifestyle change and a serious one at that. I know myself and know that I wouldn't and couldn't give up all yeast yielding foods. What I have done, however, is become more aware of foods with yeast and gluten and sugar and I've significantly reduced the amount that I eat. I used to live on carbs and cheese, now I live on protein, fruits and veggies with small amounts of dairy & carbs mixed in. I also gave up sweets for lent, which has been probably the hardest thing I've ever given up but it's really helping to reduce that sweet tooth! More on my healthified diet later! 

After 18 weeks, here's where I stand: 

Total weight gained: 34 pounds

Weight loss goal: 42 pounds

Total weight loss: 25.4 pounds

Pounds to go: 16.6 pounds

Getting there!

See my first Weigh In post HERE.

Weighing In, part 2

Losing baby weight is weird. In fact, gaining baby weight is weird. It's so crazy to me how different the pregnancy experience is for everyone...I have a friend who gained 10 pounds during her pregnancy and I have a friend who gained 90 pounds (no joke). Some people lose all the baby weight in just weeks and others never really lose it. And despite what you think, gaining less weight during pregnancy doesn't necessarily make it easier to lose. 

There's just too many damn factors! 

I am finding that I fall smack dab in the middle. I gained 34 pounds while growing my KennyCakes which is between the recommended amount (women who are considered "regular" in terms of BMI are recommended to gain between 25-35 pounds), I lost 10 of that within the first week of giving birth...the rest is coming off slowly but somehow surely. 

Word on the street is that if you chose to breastfeed, you will lose the baby weight faster. I don't think I believe this rumor. There's no doubt that breastfeeding burns calories...and a lot of them...but breastfeeding also requires you to eat more calories to keep your milk supply up and make sure your baby is getting the proper nutrition, not to mention you need that energy to function. While breastfeeding, your body will also hold on to some extra fat as a back up, ya know the whole "Starvation Mode" theory, so if that's true, you can't really lose ALL the weight until you're done breastfeeding. Again, I'm sure this is different for everyone. 

Basically, what I'm taking the long way to say is that losing baby weight is hard. There comes a point where you really need to stop stressing about it, except it and realize that your body looks like this because of your baby and for your baby. And unless you hate your baby (and who hates their baby?), you're probably OK with that. 

Sure celebrities are somehow able to look smokin' hot two months after giving birth, but they get paid for it. I guarantee you that if someone offered me half a million dollars, I had a chef, a cleaning lady, a nanny, a personal trainer and all day to do nothing but eat healthy and work out...sure, I could have been down to my pre-baby weight real quick. But it's not realistic and frankly, I don't think it's healthy. 

That's not to say that I'm going to just sit back and let my body be. No, No, No...that sounds like a fast track to mom jeans and moo-moos. I've had to find a way to lose weight that works for me (and my baby). I've also had to accept that unless I want to give up all the foods I really love to eat and workout all the dang time, this is going to take a while. You know what they say, "9 months up and 9 months down."

I don't like to work out. Well, actually I love to work out -- after it's over. It's been over 4 months and I still haven't found a way to incorporate gym time in to my weekly routine. I know I could find the time if I really wanted to...but right now, what I really want is to spend time with my little family and I'm not going to feel bad about that. Plus, once it's nice out, I will be pushing that stroller and be swimming in that pool all-the-time. So, what I'm working hard on now, is my diet. 

I thought about Yeast Free because I've seen it do amazing things for Steph & Kristen, but I know that it wouldn't work for me. YF isn't just a quick fix, it's a lifestyle change and a serious one at that. I know myself and know that I wouldn't and couldn't give up all yeast yielding foods. What I have done, however, is become more aware of foods with yeast and gluten and sugar and I've significantly reduced the amount that I eat. I used to live on carbs and cheese, now I live on protein, fruits and veggies with small amounts of dairy & carbs mixed in. I also gave up sweets for lent, which has been probably the hardest thing I've ever given up but it's really helping to reduce that sweet tooth! More on my healthified diet later! 

After 18 weeks, here's where I stand: 

Total weight gained: 34 pounds

Weight loss goal: 42 pounds

Total weight loss: 25.4 pounds

Pounds to go: 16.6 pounds

Getting there!

See my first Weigh In post HERE.

KENLEY: Four Months.

BABY STATS: 

Weight: 12 pounds 13 ounces (25th percentile)

Length: 24 3/4inches (75th percentile)

Sleep: Still sleeping through the night, usually 7:30pm until 6:30am.

Feeding: Still exclusively being breastfed with the occasional formula supplement. She's averaging 25-30oz per day, with 5oz per feeding. 

Diaper Size: size 1

Clothes Size: still in her 3 month clothes, but they're getting snug. 

Hair Color: Dirty Blonde

Eye Color: Dark Blueish Gray

Milestones: Rolling over! Sleeping in crib! Laughing! Grabbing toys/Putting them to mouth!

Nicknames: Kenny, Ken Ken, Squeakerdoo, Noodle, Kenny Kakes, Squeezy, Kenners

My little Kenny,

Another month has come and gone in the blink of an eye. I cannot believe it's already been 4 months since the day you were born, and yet I can't remember what my life was like before you. You have changed so much this past month.

You are so alert, you're able to hold your head up like a champ and you are so aware of you surroundings. You've taken notice of Bailey and you love to watch her and you've started to pet her which is about the cutest thing I've ever seen.
You just started to sleep in your crib like such a big girl. I was so worried to make the transition  but like everything else, you did great! You slept through the night no problem and I actually think you like all the room in your crib so you can stretch out.

You have also become extremely interested in your toungue. You love to chew on your hands, you are constantly sticking our your tounge and you love to lick your toys. You've just figured out how to grab your toys and put them to your mouth which is so smart and adorable!

 Your biggest achievement this month was rolling over! You have been so close for so long and even got lucky once before, but there's no doubting it now that you know how to do it and can do it over and over!

You are the sweetest little girl and it makes me to happy to see how happy you are. You light up our lives and the lives of the rest of your family and friends.

I always say I don't want this baby stage go pass but I am so excited to watch you grow and see you learn new things.

You are the biggest blessing my Kenny.
I love you so much.
Mama 

Kenley: Four Months

BABY STATS: 

Weight: 12 pounds 13 ounces (25th percentile)

Length: 24 3/4inches (75th percentile)

Sleep: Still sleeping through the night, usually 7:30pm until 6:30am.

Feeding: Still exclusively being breastfed with the occasional formula supplement. She's averaging 25-30oz per day, with 5oz per feeding. 

Diaper Size: size 1

Clothes Size: still in her 3 month clothes, but they're getting snug. 

Hair Color: Dirty Blonde

Eye Color: Dark Blueish Gray

Milestones: Rolling over! Sleeping in crib! Laughing! Grabbing toys/Putting them to mouth!

Nicknames: Kenny, Ken Ken, Squeakerdoo, Noodle, Kenny Kakes, Squeezy, Kenners

My little Kenny,

Another month has come and gone in the blink of an eye. I cannot believe it's already been 4 months since the day you were born, and yet I can't remember what my life was like before you. You have changed so much this past month.

You are so alert, you're able to hold your head up like a champ and you are so aware of you surroundings. You've taken notice of Bailey and you love to watch her and you've started to pet her which is about the cutest thing I've ever seen.
You just started to sleep in your crib like such a big girl. I was so worried to make the transition  but like everything else, you did great! You slept through the night no problem and I actually think you like all the room in your crib so you can stretch out.

You have also become extremely interested in your toungue. You love to chew on your hands, you are constantly sticking our your tounge and you love to lick your toys. You've just figured out how to grab your toys and put them to your mouth which is so smart and adorable!

 Your biggest achievement this month was rolling over! You have been so close for so long and even got lucky once before, but there's no doubting it now that you know how to do it and can do it over and over!

You are the sweetest little girl and it makes me to happy to see how happy you are. You light up our lives and the lives of the rest of your family and friends.

I always say I don't want this baby stage go pass but I am so excited to watch you grow and see you learn new things.

You are the biggest blessing my Kenny.
I love you so much.
Mama 

Weekend Recap

This weekend was the perfect mix of laziness, productivity and fun.

-I took Kenley to her 4 month check-up and to get her shots. She did great but was a little out of sorts this weekend, which is completely understandable.

-We finished Friday Night Lights. Oh man! I love this show so much and I'm sad we're done with it.

-Because I'm done with FNL, I decided to start watching Gossip Girl. I never watched it on TV, so I'm catching up thanks to Netflix.

-Jason and I aren't big St. Patty's fans, so we spent our evening at home with our baby while I sipped on Marilyn Monroe Martinis. SO delicious.

-Kenley and I met my friend Kari for coffee.

-I was able to get tons of laundry done, go through our closets and collect two garbage bags full of clothes to donate & take my puggle for a walk.

-I went to my little sister's high school dance banquet which was really fun. I'm so proud of her and it means so much to be included.

Finally, we spent our Sunday evening celebrating our favorite holiday...MARCH MADNESS! It was Selection Sunday and my bother, sister and sister-in-law came over to watch the show.

It was a great weekend and I'm ready to have a great week!

Once again, I'm linking up with Sami.


ALSO....in preparation for the great G-Reader Apocolypse, I have added Busy Bee to Bloglovin!
So make sure to click the button below and follow!

Searching for Balance

Every night I thank God. I thank Him for my healthy baby girl, my loving husband, my adorable puggle. I thank Him for my 4 incredible parents, my wonderful in-laws and my siblings who I love more than they know. I thank Him for the incredible blessings in my life. But, lately, I find myself praying for guidance. Not because I'm lost, but because I'm transitioning and I'm struggling with it. 

It's been four months since Kenley was born and I'm still searching for my "momjo" (thank you Giuliana Rancic for that one). I love being a mom. I love it more than I ever imagined I would. It makes me so happy and I think, so far, I'm doing a pretty good job. Where I'm struggling is with every thing else. How to be a good mom and a good wife and a good friend and a good daughter and a good employee. Not to mention, how to be good to myself. I'm assuming I'm not alone when I say that after becoming a mom, you put yourself last. I spend all my energy on taking care of my baby, everything I have left is spent trying to keep the house clean, trying to make my husband happy, spending time with family & friends. After that - I'm spent. I haven't yet figured out how to make time to go to the gym. Or sit by myself and read a book. Heck, I can't even make time to go tanning (my favorite thing ever). I know I could get up earlier. I could also stay up later. But let's be honest, sleep is precious. 

I find myself getting resentful and jealous of Jason. He gets to come home from work and unwind. He gets to leave the house and play basketball twice a week. He gets time to himself. I come home from work and instantly feed Kenley, get everything ready for the following day, and then get Kenley ready for bed. By the time everything is done all I want is to go to sleep. And I know what you're all going to say..."well can't Jason help with that?" Yes. He can. And he does. He's amazing with Kenley and he's very helpful...so this has nothing to do with him but more to do with me. For one, Jason doesn't have the boobs. And for another, giving Kenley a bath and snuggling with her before bed while I smell her clean little head is absolutely my favorite thing in life. No amount of "me time" is worth trading those precious moments that go by so quick. 

It's still so surreal to me that I am at this place. I am 28 years in to my life. I am married. I am a mom. This next phase is all I dreamed of when I was younger and all I ever wanted. Now it's here and I don't know where all those years went. I don't mean this to sound sad. It's actually quite the opposite, I am overcome with emotion (happy emotion) when I think of what I have. But it's hard not to miss the days where my biggest stress was what I was going to wear to Delta Chi's Date Party. 

I don't really know where I'm going with all of this. Except to get this off my chest and hopefully hear that I'm not alone in feeling like this. I'm at this crossroads where I KNOW I need to start making time for myself. I'm the only one who can make it happen. And yet, when I'm at work all day all I think about is getting home and spending time with my family. So I find it hard to leave and do something else. Something for myself. 

I know that being a better version of myself will make me a better mom and a better wife. I know it's crucial for my mental health. For my mood. But it seems there's just not enough hours in a day.

Putting honest posts like this out there is intimidating and I feel the need to reiterate that I'm not complaining. I'm not sad. I'm simply expressing that this is a transitional point in my life. I've never been good with change but this is the best possible change. I love my life, I really couldn't be more grateful for my many blessings. I just need to find a way to juggle all those blessings. 

If I could just be a stay-at-home mom with a maid and a chef and a personal trainer, we'd be all set. 

Searching for Balance

Every night I thank God. I thank Him for my healthy baby girl, my loving husband, my adorable puggle. I thank Him for my 4 incredible parents, my wonderful in-laws and my siblings who I love more than they know. I thank Him for the incredible blessings in my life. But, lately, I find myself praying for guidance. Not because I'm lost, but because I'm transitioning and I'm struggling with it. 

It's been four months since Kenley was born and I'm still searching for my "momjo" (thank you Giuliana Rancic for that one). I love being a mom. I love it more than I ever imagined I would. It makes me so happy and I think, so far, I'm doing a pretty good job. Where I'm struggling is with every thing else. How to be a good mom and a good wife and a good friend and a good daughter and a good employee. Not to mention, how to be good to myself. I'm assuming I'm not alone when I say that after becoming a mom, you put yourself last. I spend all my energy on taking care of my baby, everything I have left is spent trying to keep the house clean, trying to make my husband happy, spending time with family & friends. After that - I'm spent. I haven't yet figured out how to make time to go to the gym. Or sit by myself and read a book. Heck, I can't even make time to go tanning (my favorite thing ever). I know I could get up earlier. I could also stay up later. But let's be honest, sleep is precious. 

I find myself getting resentful and jealous of Jason. He gets to come home from work and unwind. He gets to leave the house and play basketball twice a week. He gets time to himself. I come home from work and instantly feed Kenley, get everything ready for the following day, and then get Kenley ready for bed. By the time everything is done all I want is to go to sleep. And I know what you're all going to say..."well can't Jason help with that?" Yes. He can. And he does. He's amazing with Kenley and he's very helpful...so this has nothing to do with him but more to do with me. For one, Jason doesn't have the boobs. And for another, giving Kenley a bath and snuggling with her before bed while I smell her clean little head is absolutely my favorite thing in life. No amount of "me time" is worth trading those precious moments that go by so quick. 

It's still so surreal to me that I am at this place. I am 28 years in to my life. I am married. I am a mom. This next phase is all I dreamed of when I was younger and all I ever wanted. Now it's here and I don't know where all those years went. I don't mean this to sound sad. It's actually quite the opposite, I am overcome with emotion (happy emotion) when I think of what I have. But it's hard not to miss the days where my biggest stress was what I was going to wear to Delta Chi's Date Party. 

I don't really know where I'm going with all of this. Except to get this off my chest and hopefully hear that I'm not alone in feeling like this. I'm at this crossroads where I KNOW I need to start making time for myself. I'm the only one who can make it happen. And yet, when I'm at work all day all I think about is getting home and spending time with my family. So I find it hard to leave and do something else. Something for myself. 

I know that being a better version of myself will make me a better mom and a better wife. I know it's crucial for my mental health. For my mood. But it seems there's just not enough hours in a day.

Putting honest posts like this out there is intimidating and I feel the need to reiterate that I'm not complaining. I'm not sad. I'm simply expressing that this is a transitional point in my life. I've never been good with change but this is the best possible change. I love my life, I really couldn't be more grateful for my many blessings. I just need to find a way to juggle all those blessings. 

If I could just be a stay-at-home mom with a maid and a chef and a personal trainer, we'd be all set. 

Good 'ol Four Eyes

When I was younger I used to make up lies to tell my brother all the time. He was younger and had no reason to think I would lie to him, so he believed everything I told him....like that we had an older brother in college who never came home because he didn't like Nate. Or that a bar of soap was actually a delicious cake I baked specifically for him. But my favorite was the time I found a contact lens case on the ground at school...it was abandoned and empty, so naturally I brought it home (I was a weird kid). I then told Nate that I had contacts and every night before bed I would pretend to take them out and I would show Nate the "contact" on my finger....and even though there wasn't anything on my finger Nate would say he saw it. Fast forward 5 years to my sophomore year of high school when I legit needed glasses. What does Nate say when he hears this news? 

"But I thought you already wore contacts." 

I DIE! So damn funny. The poor kid believed me for years. 

Fast forward another 7 years and I'm wearing the same glasses, that is until my puggle puppy eats them. YUP! Straight up pops the lens out and eats them! I would have been furious had I not been so concerned about the shards of glass floating through my new puppy's digestive system. 

"sorry mom!"

Fast forward another 4 years to present day. I still haven't gone to the eye doctor to get a new prescription and I still haven't gotten new glasses. I have, however, been squinting at the TV screen, getting headaches at work and almost driving off the damn road because driving at night is near impossible. 

Then, within just days of each other I receive two e-mails, one from Jason's company informing everyone of the new eye care plan they've added to our insurance and one from Firmoo offering me a free pair of glasses....I took it as a sign and went straight to the eye doctor. 

Once I had my brand new prescription I hopped on to Firmoo.com, which is a global online optical store that aims to offer their customers "vision & fashion - the frugal way." I was super nervous about ordering glasses online because obviously I wanted to try them on to make sure they looked OK. Ya know how some glasses look so cute in photos but NOT at all cute on your face? Well, Firmoo has an awesome tool where you can upload a picture of yourself and try their glasses on your own face. 

Please excuse that horrendous photo---I was incredibly sick that day and took the photo with my webcam. 

After playing around with a ton of different options, I decided on these bad boys. 

I simply entered in my prescription and a few weeks later they arrived in the mail. 

{this would be my only complaint....they took forever to get here!}

What do you think?

I'm really happy with them. I was surprised by the quality. I figured if I was getting free glasses from a website they would be pretty crappy, but they're actually really durable and came with a nice case.

The awesome thing for all you peeps is that you don't have to be a blogger to receive a free pair of glasses. No Sir! You can head on over to Firmoo yourself because ALL new Firmoo customers can receive their first pair of glasses (or sunglasses) for FREE! All you have to do is pay the shipping!

Don't believe me? Click -----> HERE!