New Hair!

Its not the greatest photo and it was taken in my work bathroom... but you get the idea! My hair stylist George Ann is THE BEST! She cut it perfectly and did a warm chocolatey semi permanent glaze on it. I wanted something warmer for fall, but not something that I was stuck with forever. I ADORE it!

The flannel shirt...

So with the glorious fall weather this week, I cant think of anything but cozy clothes and tall boots. While I was out yesterday, I picked up a cute flannel shirt. I'm not so sure that I can pull of flannel though. When I wear it I feel like a lumber jack and should be chopping down trees, not going out to dinner! Ive tried it with jewelry and heels, and Im still not so sure about it. Any suggestions? Lauren Conrad seems to do it flawlessly. My shirt isnt as fitted because I got a bigger size to accommodate the growing little Keating. So maybe thats the problem?



Today, Im going to be very brave, and chop off my hair. This will be the shortest haircut that I have had since 2003ish. With all of the vitamins Im taking, its just growing too fast to keep long. Hopefully it works out! I also am going a little bit darker to get rid of the summer in my hair.



I'll post after pics tomorrow!

Fall is FINALLY here!

I feel like fall has finally come to Georgia! Last night we went to the state fair and I forgot a sweater and got chilly! Woo hoo! Its officially sweater weather! To celebrate I picked up the argyle cardi I've been eyeing at Target! =)

Back to the fair... there is nothing better than the state fair! Good food and people watching galore! I wanted nothing more than a fresh corndog and a rootbeer float. They were delicious and I left the fair a very happy/ full person! I felt like the rat from Charlotte's Web!

I had an entire post dedicated to my fall decor, but my camera died and I have lost the charger. I hope that I find it soon! In the mean time here is good eye candy to hold you over. It isnt fall decorations... its my friends brand new baby!!!!

I went to Michelle's house on friday to take pictures of her son. He is PRECIOUS and gets me very excited for Keating to get here! They will be best buddies, I just know it! If they arent, then thats too bad, we will make them! haha!

19 weeks!

* How far along?: 19 Weeks
* Total weight gain: Im not sure?
* How big is baby?: Apparently the size of a mango... which is smaller than last weeks sweet potato? My book says between 51/2" and 6" and around 7oz. He was 7oz. at our 17 week appointment, so we either have a baby thats a few weeks ahead or the book is wrong. Beats me?
* Sex: BOY!!!!
* Maternity clothes?: All pants and some shirts
* Stretch marks?: nope
* Sleep?: Good! It was cool here last night so we got to sleep with the windows open!
* Best moment this week? Picking up the crib, and talking about our plans for the nursery!
* Movement?: yep! I love it! I sit in weird positions to feel him moving!
* Food cravings?: Coke... as in cola. I used to NEVER drink coke, but I have had 2 in the last week.
* Labor signs?: n/a
* Belly button in or out?: In but looking different.
* What I miss: Sleeping on my back, without worrying what it is doing to my baby!
* What I'm looking forward to: Starting on the nursery! I love decorating/ DIY projects! I will post pics of all of the progress.
* Words of Wisdom: Maybe I need more wisdom in my life, because I've got nothing for this!
* Milestone: Realizing that I am almost halfway through my pregnancy! AHHH!

Is it a mango, is it a sweet potato?? WHO KNOWS!?

Hounds Tooth Sweater Info

For those who asked about my sweater. It is the one that I got from Target.

Here is the link for it if you're looking for it. They have lots of other good patterns like Argyle and animal prints!

Sweater

I really like this one!

Haircut opinions please!

Last month I got my hair cut, and it is already that time again! I used to get a haircut every 8 weeks or so. I know, shame on me! But my hair is pretty tough and I never blowdry it, so it takes longer to get damaged. Well, taking prenatal vitamins has made it grow so fast, which means lots of money spent with my wonderful stylist. I love her... but I dont want to visit her that often! haha So next Tuesday Im going short. Well, short for me! I havent cut my hair this short since 2003. I hope it looks good!

What do yall think??

18 weeks!

* How far along?: 18 Weeks
* Total weight gain: A pound or two
* How big is baby?: A sweet potato, this I believe more than an onion like last week
* Sex: BOY!!!!
* Maternity clothes?: pants and some shirts. Regular shirts still fit but they arent long enough to cover the maternity band on jeans.
* Stretch marks?: nope
* Sleep?: Still good, just lots of crazy dreams.
* Best moment this week? Joining team blue, and Keating's first friend Gates was born on Monday night!
* Movement?: a little bit here and there. He still isnt big enough to feel all the time.
* Food cravings?: Hot tea
* Labor signs?: n/a
* Belly button in or out?: Still in
* What I miss: Going into my closet and picking anything to wear... now I have a morning debate on what fits and what doesnt.
* What I'm looking forward to: The crib should be here this week, so I may get started on the nursery soon!
* Words of Wisdom: I think men are always men, even in the womb! This is evident from Keating's hand placement during our big ultrasound!
* Milestone: Finding out its a BOY and being about 80% sure on his middle name. Hopefully we decide soon!

Updated Flood Pics

Yesterday was unbelievable... I never thought I would see flooding like this around here. People are forced out of their homes (most likely with no flood insurance), roads are completely gone, and sadly people have died. Including a little two year old boy, which broke my heart. Here are a few pictures from our family and some of places around our house. Please keep all of these people in your prayers.

B's cousins house at the end of the street

Our friends riding jetskiis in the street
B and his cousin in the boat on the right... the one of the left is the rescue boat. Im glad our little dink boat came in handy!

The Chick-Fil-A Dwarf house

Row Row Row My Boat...

Im going to need a boat to get home from work today... seriously. All of the roads leading to my house are currently closed due to flooding. Cars and houses are under water. Here are some pics.


Thank the GOOD LORD that I am not getting married this October... this is the land that backs up to our wedding site. I couldnt get a pic of the site because its completely under water.

Tons of roads are flooded like this. I had to take 4 alternate routes through neighborhoods to get to my destination because everything is closed and there are newly formed rivers everywhere.My sister in law just passed a fire truck with a rescue boat! We dont live in a flood zone either... we live in Northern Georgia where there are mountains! I hope we see the sun again soon!

Nursery Inspiration Board

For as long as I can remember, I have always wanted to start my family with a son. I was the oldest of two girls in my family, and I always wished I had an older brother. Boys are somewhat of a mystery in my family, we only knew about hair bows, cheerleading, dance, and lots of pink growing up. We didnt have little league football, or tonka trucks laying around! The only things I knew about boys were from my male cousins. An older brother would have been pretty handy, especially during those years, when boys can be... well... jerks. It would have been nice to have someone to intimidate them! =)

Anyways, I've always had it in my head that I wanted a son first. Lucky for me, I got what I wanted! As long as I have known that, I have also known how I would decorate the nursery. Keating's nursery will be somewhat vintage western/retro cowboy inspired. I say "inspired" because I dont want it to be an over the top hoe down. I just want a few western accents and then the rest will be rustic and masculine in a baby sort of way!

Here is my inspiration so far.The center fabric is my main inspiration. From there I'm going to pull in coordinating patterns, textures and fabrics. I love the polkadots, ticking stripes, and hounds tooth. The colors at the bottom will be additional accent colors and the light tan is a possible wall color. Im debating between that, or the blue, but in a lighter shade.

The bed was ordered yesterday, so once it comes in, I can take measurements and get started on making the bedding. Right now, I think I will do a quilt, bumpers, and a bed skirt. Out of a combination of the fabrics.

Instead of buying a changing table, we are going to use an old dated dresser that was B's dad's. It has a "nice" 70's look to it, so it is going to take some work. But it is quite large and sturdy with lots of drawer space. I have been looking for a good project, so Im excited! I'm trying to decide what color to paint it. Im toying with red, blue or cream and leaving the top as finished wood. Something like this... Thoughts?

Booties!!

When I first found out I was pregnant, I got in creative mode right away. I bought a new baby knitting book and found these precious booties in there. I just finished them up because Ive been a total slacker. How sweet and cozy are they!? I want to make an adult pair to lounge around in this winter!

ITS A....................

BOY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

We are so thrilled! We went in this morning at 8:30. I had about half of a mountain dew to get a little movement because I usually only feel it at night. She started off by measuring all of the organs and making sure everything was complete. Everything is PERFECT!

Then she started hunting for the goods. She knew that B wanted a boy and started cracking up when she saw it. Our SON had his hand on his manly parts playing with them! She said "well, there is your SON playing with HIS penis" A typical male already! B is ecstatic! He said he was afraid of having a girl because he thought he might break her... I guess he thinks a boy baby is more sturdy?? =) He is already thinking of all of the things he will do with his son. So cute!

The money shot!

Now I can go shopping, and buy tiny little boy clothes! This is what I have been waiting for!! My first stop is to go pick up the fabrics I have picked out for bedding! Cant wait to show yall!

A profile of Keating Bradford

I think he is going to have his dads nose. =)

As for the name, I had asked yall for suggestions a while back. We had Keating picked out as a first name. Its a family name. His middle name is Braddock, its similar to his dad's name, but a little original too. I hope he likes it!

EDIT: We decided to go with Bradford! His dad caved and its what I wanted all along! I hope everyone likes it as much as Braddock!

Kitchen Re Decorating

Sometimes I get on a kick where I have to start a project IMMEDIATELY as it comes to mind... and then it takes me forever to finish it... for instance... the gorgeous thrift store chair that I found last spring. I still havent finished its makeover. Sad!

Well, a few weeks ago I decided that I needed a chalkboard in my kitchen/ dining room, and I needed one that very day! I went in our family's storage space and found this.

This beautiful lithograph of quails was just waiting for me to find it. Come on, I know you're jealous of my awesome bird picture! I chose this frame because it had a great burlap piece around the inside of the frame. Lola wanted to be in the picture too!

I painted the frame, as I paint most things... black. I decided to leave the picture as it was in the frame, because the chalkboard paint said it could be used on glass. It is okay for now, but eventually I will need to replace the glass with a board because the paint scratches off.

Here is my kitchen before. I was tired of the cluttered black and white frames on the wall. I wanted something more structured.

Here is the wall after. I love the way the chalkboard turned out!

I used a few of the black and white photos to flank the sides. My husband wasnt so sure about the huge chalkboard on our wall at first. Once again, he questioned *my* better judgement! I explained to him that if pottery barn did it, then I could do it! haha I'm pretty sure that he likes it now, since I caught him writing on it the other day!

17 weeks!!

* How far along?: 17 Weeks
* Total weight gain: A pound or two?
* How big is baby?: An onion... which is the same size as the navel orange a few weeks ago?? Supposedly as big as my hand stretched out...
* Maternity clothes?: Just jeans
* Stretch marks?: nope
* Sleep?: Pretty good, more boy baby dreams though!
* Best moment this week? Feeling the baby squirm around!!
* Movement?: YES!!!! Its the coolest thing EVER!
* Food cravings?: not really? I would still kill for some raw ahi tuna though!
* Labor signs?: n/a
* Belly button in or out?: In, although its starting to look a little different.
* What I miss: my brain! Im so forgetful now! I completely forgot to RSVP to B's cousin's wedding shower, and didnt even realize it until the shower had passed! Oops!
* What I'm looking forward to: Wednesday morning to see if its a boy or girl!!!
* Words of Wisdom: To drink a Dr. Pepper before my ultrasound so the baby will be moving around and we will get a good view! Thanks melissa!
* Milestone: Feeling the baby starting to move more. The first movement was just a little poke, but last night I felt it really moving. Every time I do, it starts to feel a little bit more real.

Weekend Update!

This weekend was quite the busy one, and this week is going to be pretty jam packed as well. Maybe I can finally stop being such a blog slacker since I have lots going on to share!


Friday night we went to a party that my cousin threw. It was an "end of summer" party, but I knew he had other intentions. He popped the question to his girlfriend and surprised her in front of their family and friends! She was so surprised! She thought they were on the "40 year plan" so he definitely caught her by surprise. She said YES and the ring is GORGEOUS!

So, Friday was quite eventful!

Here's a blurry pic that I stole from facebook. I didnt want to bring my huge camera to the party and raise suspicion!

Saturday I headed up to Athens, GA to tailgate for the UGA vs. South Carolina game. It was lots of fun! It officially feels like football season since we have had a home game now!

Here's a pic of my sister and me. She was a little obsessed with showing everyone my bump... or lack there of as everyone kept telling me.

Me and my BFF Laney ( I wanted to get the cowboy boots in the pic, theyre my favorite!)

A sweaty, humid, close up

Sunday was just a normal day. We went to church and came home to relax. I started knitting a new baby hat. Ill have to post pics!

Then we went to my parents house for Sunday dinner. Here is B relaxing with our precious niece on the hammock.

On this weeks agenda!

Tonight is the season premiere of One Tree Hill and Gossip Girl! I cant wait to see where both of these shows go this year. One Tree Hill isnt going to be the same without Lucas and Peyton, but it will still be good! They werent my favorites anyways since I have a girl crush on Sophia Bush! Gossip Girl left off on a great note with Blair and Chuck, but we will have to wait and see how long that lasts! Im sure there will be trouble in paradise very soon.

Tomorrow I have nothing exciting going on. It will just be a teaser for.... Drum roll please..... The BIG Ultrasound!

Wednesday: We *hopefully* find out the sex of Baby C!! I'm praying that the baby cooperates and gives us a good glimpse! All wives tales, chinese gender predictors, and my intuition say boy... but everyone else seems to think girl. We shall see!!!

Houston... I think we have movement!!

So Ive been a total blog slacker lately. I'm managing a post every two days... that is pathetic! Well I had planned on posting my awesome fish taco recipe today. (I love fish tacos, and Im always craving them!) But last night, while laying in bed... I *think* I felt the baby move. I say *think* because Im not sure if what I was feeling was the baby... let me explain

Ive always been told that the baby should feel like little butterflies, or a goldfish moving around, or even little twinges. Well this was more of a nudge or a few pokes. Who knows... if this is the baby, then I could have been feeling this long before last night. I was just waiting for the wrong feeling maybe?

Feeling a "nudge" reminds me of Bella in Twilight saying her baby was her "little nudger." That term scares me a little because, well, baby Reneesme was freaky! Im obviously not hoping for a baby that rips its way out of my abdomen, or has me craving human blood, or has me delivering a baby the size of a two year old in a matter of days... but I hope to feel a lot more "nudging" now!

For women that have had babies, is that what Im feeling? What should it feel like? There is so much I dont know when it comes to having babies!

I have also sadly had to retire my favorite pair of citizens this morning. I tried putting them on and I couldnt zip them up. I told my husband "my jeans dont fit today because I just washed them." He responded with "No babe, I think you're just pregnant" Thank you for pointing that out! =) Hopefully we arent saying "auf wiedersehen" forever, just until after February! Good bye jeans, I will miss you!

16 weeks!

* How far along?: 16 Weeks
* Total weight gain: I'm not sure because I skipped the gym all last week! oops!
* How big is baby?: An avocado!
* Maternity clothes?: My mom so generously bought me the "school clothes" that I hinted for a few weeks ago. Thanks mom! I have been dipping into a few cute maternity shirts and wearing my Citizen jeans when my other jeans are dirty.
* Stretch marks?: nope
* Sleep?: Its been tough the past few days, not because of being pregnant but because of the horrible cough and cold I have had.
* Best moment this week? Realizing that I'm finally starting to show!
* Movement?: Nope. I'm trying SO hard to feel something! Hopefully soon!
* Food cravings?: I havent been very hungry since have been sick. Ive had to make myself eat, which is never fun.
* Labor signs?: n/a
* Belly button in or out?: In
* What I miss: Since the fair is coming this month, I will say being able to look forward to fair rides. Looks like this lady will just be enjoying the food this year!
* What I'm looking forward to: Finding out the sex in 8 days! Being able to buy the gender specific fabrics that I have picked out for bedding!
* Words of Wisdom: These arent really words of wisdom, but I never really appreciated cold medicine until I couldnt take it anymore. Being pregnant, you have to think of every. little. thing.
* Milestone: Watching my husband practice holding an infant. =) He was really uneasy at first, but it came to him. He got a little nervous when the baby started crying though! We will have to work on that!

I'm Sorry!

I've been feeling under the weather, and havent felt like exerting my brain to come up with blog posts. Hopefully I will be back to regular blogging tomorrow.

Until then...

Where did summer go??

I cant believe it is September 1st already! Hallelujah! Summer flew by this year, and I am happy it did! As you probably have already picked up on... fall is my favorite season. If I beat it into the ground in my blog,I am very sorry. I just cant help it, its just such a fun time!

I feel like I didnt get to fully enjoy last fall because I was in the midst of crazy hectic wedding planning. This year I plan to relish every day of it! Here are some of my favorites!

The cutest college mascot in existence!

GO DAWGS!!!

My husbands aunt makes home pressed apple cider. Its amazing!

I LIVE for the state fair!

And what is the fair, without fair food??

This my friends, is a fried oreo. Im not sure if the rest of the country has a frying obsession like the south does? In the south if it sits still long enough, you can bet someone has tried to fry it at some time or another.
I have a weakness for seasonal candy.

And fall decor.

Fall is seriously the most beautiful time of year!
What are your favorite things about fall?