Pretty Peacock.

Just in case you hadn't seen enough kids in costumes already,

here's my baby on her first Halloween!

Our birdie girl went as a pretty peacock!

Making her grand entrance for the family. She was happy for about a minute...then, she was annoyed. Especially with the hat. ;)

Daddy coaxing her to accept the ridiculousness of her ensemble. She doesn't seem too pleased here, but she eventually caved and had a good time at the Fall Festival seeing her buddies all forced to dress in equally ridiculous garb. ;)

Heading home after volunteering at the church Fall Festival. She 'helped' pass out caramel apples and popcorn. What would I do without my little feathered sidekick?

Hope you had a Happy Halloween!

:)

Number 7: Family of Three.

My lovely and talented friend, Katie of Katie Baskins Photography, took our family pictures recently. She was kind enough to traipse around in the lovely fall "woods" with us, and, the most special part of these pictures: these were taken in the same area and by the same photographer as our maternity pictures just a few months ago.

So much has changed in such a short time.

Now, in these pictures, we're a FAMILY.

A family of three.

:)

Enjoy the pics! (There are a lot...I apologize...I couldn't choose just a few--they were that good! Thanks, Katie!)

(She crinkles her nose when she laughs really hard. Love it.)

Love them. So much.

(The pictures AND the people.)

:)

Mighty Autumn/Winter List #7: Family pictures in the fall.

CHECK!

Answers: Part III.

(**Keely, see #4. I missed your question somehow!)

A few weeks ago, I answered the last round of your questions, but I forgot to post! Here 'tis, finally.

1.) Do you have a specific routine for your day to day with Baby E? What's "A day in the life with a baby" like for you?

On a regular day, we get up around 7am, hang out in our jammies while eating breakfast, and then E and I will load up for a 2 mile walk around the neighborhood. E takes her first nap around 8:30 or 9am, and I scurry into the bathroom to use this time to get myself ready for the day. Shower, quick make-up routine, hair, clothes, Bible study. If I can get all of those things done during her nap time, I consider myself lucky (and speedy!). ;)

On any given day after nap #1, we'll venture off to Whole Foods to get groceries for the week (usually every Monday), we might meet up with Russell on one of his breaks from school at the mall or in the park, or we head over to friends' homes to hang out for the day to play and chat. If we're at home for the day, we just play on the floor in the living room, lay out on a blanket in the yard to play, or we'll do an impromptu "photo shoot" in order to send the grandparents' their daily dose of Birdie. ;) E takes another nap around 11:30-12, and I usually eat my lunch and relax during this nap. I'll watch a little bit of TV (it surprises me how little TV gets watched around here even though we're home most of the day), or I'll read, answer emails, catch up on the goings-on in Blog World, and maybe check Facebook.

In the afternoon, E and I will play some more, do laundry together (she is very good about rolling around in my neatly stacked piles of clothes...), run errands around town, or go to our favorite place of all: Target. She is quite content to just peruse the aisles with me. I started her young, what can I say. ;) She takes her third and (usually) final nap of the day around 2:30 or 3pm, and during that nap, I try to get prepped for dinner. I'll chop veggies, prepare meat, assemble ingredients, etc. so that once she's awake, I don't have to split my time too much. Russell gets home from school around 4 or 5pm each day, and then he's on Daddy Duty so I can cook dinner. The two of them play, he feeds her dinner, and then, his favorite time of the day: her bath time. I listen to them just 'talking' and singing while she splashes around in the tub, and I finish up dinner. It is a very sweet time of day.

Then, E hits the hay super early: 6pm! Believe me, we did not push her to go to bed so stinking early, and at first we just thought this was a 4th nap for her day...but then she would sleep all night after going down at 6pm! Weird. Anyway, we get her in bed, and then it is "us" time. Sometimes Russell has to study, so I'll clean up around the house, chat with my fam on the phone, escape for a Zumba class, read, watch TV or peruse the Internet. Sometimes, we'll watch TV or a movie together or just talk over dessert or a board game. E sleeps solid until around 6:30 or 7am the next morning.

And then...we do it all over again! ;)

2.) You said that you are a planner and your husband is happy to go along with whatever is happening. Has there ever been a time when this difference in personality types has caused a conflict? Have you ever wished he was more of a planner himself? If so, how did you resolve it?

For the most part, this arrangement of Type-A Erin and Laid-Back Russell works pretty well. Our differences compliment each other for the most part, so it works for us. The only time we have issues is when one of us sort of goes a little too far on our side of the spectrum. For example, if I'm not careful, I can get bossy and demanding with Russell. I have to keep myself in check so that I don't order him around. On the other hand, he has to learn to speak up and not be lazy in expressing what he wants to do/say/etc., letting me do all the deciding and thinking and planning for our family. When he gets lazy, I get bossy. A bad cycle. We are constantly working on this, especially me. ;)

I think God put us together to even each other out. He's crafty like that. ;)

3.) What is your favorite thing to cook for supper?

Now that fall is upon us (FINALLY!), I have really enjoyed making white chicken chili and cornbread. Yummmmm. Here's the super-easy recipe:

-sautee one onion and some garlic cloves

-dump in one can each of the following: diced tomatoes, white beans, corn, mild Rotel

-pour in a seasoning packet (I'm all about the semi-homemade type of cooking....!)

-cook 3-4 chicken breasts in this mixture

-remove chicken, shred, dump back in

-add chicken stock or water to thin it out if needed

-add a cup (or more...) of grated Colby Jack cheese at the end

DONE! We have this meal a lot, because it is easy, warm, delish, and makes it feel like fall.

4.) What do you do when you've hit your wall? When you want to rip your hair out and run screaming from your house? (Come on, you've had those moments, right?)

YES. Ooohhhh yes, I've had those moments. Had one just last night, in fact. For yesterday's therapy, I curled up in bed with my book, lit a Pumpkin Spice candle, and I just read for hours and hours. My husband left me alone to sort of 'escape' into my book, and the baby was sleeping. 'Twas lovely. Other times, I will jump in the car ALONE (husband stays with baby) and go shopping or get a pedicure. Actually, the best cure for my crazed phases is to go on a loooong walk. Nothing like sweating out a bad mood. ;)

There you have it! All questions finally answered. Thanks for reading, friends!

My Name is Erin...

...and I am an addict. A baby-clothes addict.

I'm serious. I can't make it stop! The pink-ness, the tiny-ness, the cute-ness. It is too much for this addict to handle. Really. I have a problem.

Now, before I show you evidence of said problem, I must tell you that I'm still in touch with reality enough to not send us to the poor(er) house with my addiction. I make sure to only use money from my cake side business or my monthly budgeted spending money on shopping trips. We still have a few gift cards laying around from her showers, and I find myself forgoing items for myself in order to buy E the cuteness that is baby girl clothes and accessories.

Like I said. An addiction.

Exhibit A:

This giant tub contains clothes that no longer fit my child. She is a mere 7 months old, and already, her cast-offs fill a huge plastic bin that is too big to fit anywhere. This is ridiculous. Granted, she was given many of these tiny outfits at her showers, thus we had a surplus of the 0-6 month range of clothes.

But still.

Ridiculous.

Exhibit B:

No, no, you are not mistaken. That is the same jacket. Twice. In two different sizes. My mom, my sister and my best bud all helped me scour the South for this jacket, because, well...it is too cute to pass up! E needed a winter jacket, so we found it. And...another one for next year. GAH! Now listen, it was on clearance, I had a gift card, and she does NEED a jacket. (Have you noticed my unique skill of being able to justify all the way from here to Timbuktu...?).

And, just think, NEXT fall, I won't have to even shop for a jacket....right?! ;)

(I'll have you know that The Jacket also made a recent appearance on The Young and the Restless, so it is basically a famous jacket, making all of the searching and hunting and scouring and double-buying totally justifiable.)

;)

Exhibit C:

Whomever introduced me to the money-sucker that is etsy.com, you should be arrested. Or at least fined.

I can't pass up these hand-made flowers and bows, not to mention that they are only a couple of dollars each. They all clip into different headbands that go with different outfits, and I can't resist.

Because, well, they're irresistible. ;)

And I'm an addict.

Moving on.

Exhibit D:

Do you see all of those tags? Some of the unworn items are gifts, some are not. Lots were on clearance...lots were not. All were unbelievably precious.

But seriously, she does NOT NEED anymore clothes at least until each and every tag has been removed and the item on which it was attached has been worn long enough to get a stain.

Good grief.

And finally,

Exhibit E:

The other day (after receiving a hot tip from a friend/enabler that Dwell Studio had been restocked at Target....), I used a little part of my spending allowance to buy E the sweater on the right. I thought it looked a bit familiar, but I didn't know why. When I got home to stick it in her closet, I realized the connection.

She already has basically the same sweater. Still has the tags on it. Still waiting to be worn.

GAH!!!

So, it is with a heavy heart and a bit of shame that I admit to you all that I am, in fact, an addict. And here is my therapy, my pledge, my 'step' program:

I vow to not purchase E any more clothes, clips, shoes, hats, leggings or accessories until after Christmas. No more fluffy dresses for church or holidays, no more leggings to go with her tunics, no more hats, no more cardigans, no more suede booties...NO MORE.

This is my solemn pledge.

Because, really.

I have a addiction.

But what a cute addiction she is.

;)

Favorite (House) Things.

I saw this idea on a couple of blogs recently, so I thought I'd jump on the band wagon! It's like a little home tour, and you show pictures of your favorites/least favorites in any category you'd like. I'm always curious to see inside other people's homes, plus, after a whirlwind wedding cake weekend, I'm at a loss for witty and creative commentary...! ;)

Soooo....picture post it is! Enjoy!

Favorite Snuggle Spot:

Favorite Ambiance Element--lamps, lamps, and more lamps!:

(Least) Favorite Things--old appliances:

Area of Most Neglect--the "garden"...and I use that word loosely:

Favorite Husband Projects--painted cabinetry/new knobs (anyone shocked to see a Target sack beside my bag...no?) ;)

...and laminate flooring to replace carpet (ignore the grass and dust...):

Most Embarrassing Spot in My House--My 'Monica Gellar' Closet...:

Favorite Flea Market Finds--sofa table:

...and hutch:

Area of Most Ridiculousness--my closet:

Hope you all had a great weekend!

Open Mouth. Insert Foot. Repeat. Three Times.

Ever have one of those days where you just can't seem to stop yourself from being a bumbling idiot?

No?

Just me?

Well, I recently had one of those days. In a mere 3 hours, I was able to single-handedly semi-ruin a friend's surprise, offend a woman struggling with a mental handicap, and then follow along in yet another case of mistaken identity.

Let me explain.

Foot-in-Mouth Occurrence #1:

A good friend sent a text revealing her very exciting and much-prayed-for pregnancy, and I mistakenly assumed it was a group text sent out to all of our friends. (Commence the "you know what assuming'll getcha" jokes. Yes. I know. I DO feel like an ass!). Anyway, another friend came over minutes after I'd received the text, so I exclaimed, "So did you hear (friend's name)'s exciting news?!?!"

Her response: no.

Nope.

It was NOT a group text.

So then, not only did I feel like crap for ruining the secret, I also came off looking like a tool, touting the fact that I got the text and no one else did...which was NOT my intention AT ALL. I was just truly so excited. Gah.

Open mouth. Insert foot.

Foot-in-Mouth Occurrence #2:

After my pal leaves and I finish apologizing profusely to my secretly pregnant friend, I decide to get started on shopping for the week's groceries. Baby E and I head to our mecca: Target. As we're perusing the aisle of baby girl clothes (totally NOT on the grocery list, but what's a girl to do?), a pregnant woman pushing a little boy in a stroller tapped me on the shoulder. "Could you help me with something, ma'am?" she asked. Sure! The conversation proceeded as follows:

Me: "What did you need help with?"

Lady: "Well, could you tell me if it is cold here in February?"

Me: (semi-dumbfounded, thinking this is a question with an obvious answer...) "Oh, are you not from here?"

Lady: (blank stare) "Um, I've lived here my whole life."

Me: (even more dumbfounded and trying to recover) "Oh, ha ha! What, was it so cold last season that you just blocked it out of your memory? Ha ha ha..."

Lady: (dejected and beginning to walk away) "Never mind."

Me: (totally confused) "No, no, I'm sorry! I just thought... Wait! Please, let me help you with whatever it was that you needed!"

Lady: (pummeling me with guilt) "Well...I suffer from long-term memory loss, and I truly can't remember if it is cold in February. My baby girl is due then, and I was just hoping you could help me pick out clothes for her. Thanks though..." And she shuffled away, dejected.

GOOD GRIEF!!! I felt maaaaybe two centimeters tall.

Wow.

I did end up helping her a bit before slinking off to a hole in the ground in which to hide.

GEEZ.

Open mouth. Insert foot.

Again.

Foot-in-Mouth Occurrence #3:

After scooping up what was left of my dignity from the floor of Target, I headed to Hobby Lobby for my final errand of the day. Those of you that read this blog regularly already know where I'm heading with this final story. If not, you can read about my humiliation here.

Yes. You guessed it. Older Lady Cashier strikes again.

OLC: "Oh Jennifer, your baby is getting sooo big! Come here ladies and look at sweet Jennifer's little baby. You know girls, Jennifer's husband is one of the greatest men I know. He works so hard for his family, and he has always treated Jennifer so good. I just love this little family!"

Three guesses as to what I did next.

Me: "Thank you! You are too sweet! I'll be sure to tell him you said so!"

Yep. I just went along with it. AGAIN! She has no idea who my husband is, and, while Russell does work hard for his family, she has no idea who she's talking about! I am so lame. I know. Leading this poor lady on like that.

Open mouth. Insert foot.

For a third time in three hours.

Needless to say, I went home and hid out the remainder of the day just to assure that I would neither spoil secrets, offend the hurting, nor role-play with the unsuspecting.

WHAT A DAY.

Gah.

Number 6: The Prettiest Pumpkin.

We visited our local pumpkin patch recently with Birdie and her Grandma and Papa. It was a perfect autumn day for picking pumpkins and snapping pictures.

And snap we did...! ;)

(It was a tad windy. Don't mind the faux-hawk I'm sporting.) ;)

The prettiest pumpkin in the patch!

Mighty Autumn/Winter List

Number 6: I shall visit the pumpkin patch with my little girl.

Check!

:)