Caroline's 2nd Birthday Party!

Over the weekend we celebrated Caroline turning 2!

[she turns 2 on the 23rd but we had her party this weekend so we can spend her actual birthday together as a family]

Any-of-the-who, It was such a great day!

We had friends and family come from all over. 

Caroline got to run around and play with her cousins and her friends.

She was so happy.

We had the party at the house.

Nothing too elaborate- we kept it simple.

I didn't do the 'Pinterest party' -- & we didn't have a theme.

Although, I kind of decided that if another person asked me what the theme was going to be I was going to say bright & colorful because Caroline has brightened up our lives for the past 2 years.

Haha :) 

I know, very clever.

Really though - we decorated with color everywhere.

We used streamers, balloons, birthday banners, confetti, candy and table cloths that all had a PoP of color in them. 

We had a lot of food - probably too much for a 2pm party,

but I was so happy to see that almost everything was gone by the end of the party!

& I got quite a few compliments on the food too!

[which always makes me feel good]

maybe i'll blog some of the recipes another day if people keep asking :) 

Menu:

- Ham & Swiss Hawaiian Sliders - Pigs in a Blanket - Layer Dip - Sweet & Sour Meatballs - Mixed Fruit Bowl - Veggie Tray - Popcorn - 

^^Success! 

We made it an inside/outside party. 

We had the swing set for the kids to play on & even the adults had some fun on it too ;) 

& we pulled out all of Caroline's cars & bikes for the kids to ride on.

They had a blast! There was so much laughter involved.

We gave all of the kids bubbles as their party favors - so they got to play with those during the party as well. Caroline is a bubble maniac. She absolutely LOVES them. 

Inside we had a coloring station - we turned our entertainment center into a free for all coloring zone. 

It was a hit. 

& of course, we put Caroline's kitchen set in the living room for the kids to enjoy so obviously that was played with quite a bit! 

There was plenty for the adults to do as well - besides chasing the kids around ;) 

We left the tv on with 1 of the NFL playoff games playing

[I made a slideshow with the intention of having it on repeat the entire time.....but hey, what was I going to do when the boys told me that they needed to be able to watch the game]

There was a lot of socializing & playing with all the wee babies that were there!

[Caroline did some sweet loving on her little baby cousin Harper. Seriously- everyone melted at the sweetness!!]

The best part [for me, anyway] was watching how excited Caroline was when everyone was singing Happy Birthday to her. 

She was glowing with a smile from ear to ear.

The face screamed "this is all for me!"

It was adorable and made my heart smile. 

We ate cake [& cupcakes of course!] and opened presents.

Caroline actually requested to start opening presents, haha.

It's like she knew there was good things inside that she wanted to play with!

She was so funny opening her wrapped gifts.

& even more funny with the bagged gifts with tissue paper.

She became really fierce with the tissue paper - 2 hands digging in taking out one piece in each hand and throwing it forwards to get it out of the bag.

Too.Freaking.Funny. to watch!

I was really nervous about the party.

[I'll blame it on my pregnancy hormones]

I was stressed about decorations for a couple days, just wanting everything to look cute.

& I was stressed about the food - if it was too much or not enough.

If there was enough seating, if I had enough time to do everything, 

etc. etc. etc. 

& it was all for nothing.

The party was a huge success.

We received quite a few compliments on our home & the party!

& most importantly, Caroline loved it. She was incredibly happy just being surrounded by her favorite people! She smiled the whole time and was running around everywhere!

I'm not going to lie and try to take credit for all of it - I had a lot of help.

My brother & a few friends came over that morning and helped me quite a bit.

I don't know what I would've done without them.

They were a huge part of the cooking process.

& even my mom came a little early and helped with the entertaining of Caroline while we put on the final touches before guests arrived.

I'm so incredibly thankful for them.

But a huge thank you to my amazing husband for all of his help.

He had to deal with my crazy requests all throughout the week --- heck, the 2 weeks leading up to it. 

I'm so grateful for him and all the decorating, cleaning and rearranging that he did for me. 

He was such a trooper! <3

2nd birthday party --- check!

Extremely happy toddler --- check!

Exhausted mom --- triple check! but it's so worth it!

Due to the party Caroline missed her nap - no big deal.

We thought for sure that she would crash afterwards.

No.

She played her little heart out until 10:00.

& even at that time, we had to drag her away from her toys to get her in bed.

She just didn't want the day to end!

Now I'm looking forward to celebrating next weekend with a trip to the zoo on Caroline's actual birthday. The 3 of us [4 if you want to count the little babe in my belly] will be spending the day doing things Caroline loves: Seeing animals, playing on the playground, eating ice cream, and of course opening more presents! ;)

I can't believe my first baby is about to be 2!

Where did the time go!?!

38 Weeks!

38 weeks!!!

Is this real life?

 Are we really about to be adding another precious little girl to our family?

I can't believe we are so close!

It's unreal!

There is still so much to do!

I think I said it last week- but my list seriously keeps growing!

I finished my first mile long to-do list before Caroline's birthday party.

& now, I have a whole new list, that's growing by the day!

I'm so excited. & anxious. & I'm getting nervous.

Really though, God knew exactly what he was doing when he decided women wouldn't remember all of the unpleasant things about pregnancy and labor.

I remember having some rough times during pregnancy, labor and even after birth with Caroline but, I don't remember in great detail- so hey, it must not have been too bad right?

Haha.

I can't believe that in roughly 2 weeks our little Princess Haddie will be here!!

How far along? 38 Weeks

Total weight gain: 39 pounds 

Sleep: I now wake up at 6:59AM on the dot, every day. & I'm in bed doing my nightly routine by 8:30/9:00PM. 2 middle of the night wake ups - no big deal! 

Best moment(s) this week: We had Caroline's birthday party today :) (another blog post on that tomorrow) It was nothing short of great though! 

Miss anything?:  The list goes on and on. I can't wait for all of my clothes to fit me correctly again. Although I'm still doing good about not wearing maternity clothing. Every once in awhile (on a lazy day) I'll put on maternity pants just to make things easier but I can still wear my regular pants! 

Movement: Constantly. She makes alien waves across my tummy ;) (I'll definitely miss those)

Best thing about this pregnancy: Adding to our family! Giving Caroline a little sister & making her a big sister. Changing the family dynamic -- i think i've said all of this already :) <-- not changing it. That's from last couple of weeks! :) still holds true. 

Worst thing about this pregnancy: She's "dropped." & She is head down now. Doctor says he can "feel her head." So. Imagine how uncomfortable I am now and will be until labor. [It's all worth it though!]

Food cravings: Nothing specific this week- I've been trying to be good about managing my cravings. But at the party we had pigs in a blanket & to be honest I wouldn't mind having those for every single meal and snack until Hadley's arrival ;) just sayin'. 

Labor Signs:  Contractions. Baby is head down. & I'm 1cm dilated. 

Belly Button in or out? Barely, just barely poking out. 

Last time you cried over something ridiculous: Decorating for Caroline's birthday party. I couldn't get some of the decorations to do what I wanted them to- instant tears. 

What I am looking forward to: Caroline's real birthday is this upcoming Saturday :) I'm going to have a 2 year old, y'all! 

Weekly Wisdom: Do what you can! Some daily tasks are going to become harder - don't worry about it and ask for help!

37 Weeks

Happy 37th week of pregnancy!

Every day we get closer & closer to meeting baby Hadley!

Somehow I have managed to make it this far without getting all the important things done.

Hints having a mile long to-do list that grows daily. 

This month is super busy as it is and now I have daily tasks that multiply by the minute. 

I'll get them done though. & Joseph is helping which is great. 

There just aren't enough hours in the day...

& there isn't enough energy in this pregnant woman. 

But we'll make it! & it'll all be worth it!

How far along? 37 Weeks

Total weight gain: 38 pounds 

Sleep: I'm in bed by 9:00 & passed out by like 9:30. Exhausted is an understatement.

Best moment(s) this week: Hearing my baby's strong heart beat at our appointment. & celebrating baby girl at the Sprinkle my bestie Kally hosted for us over the weekend! 

Miss anything?:  There is a long list. Yes, I still want the wine. But more than that I want to be able to get dressed with out being winded after. I miss being able to pick things up without having to position myself a certain way to get around the baby belly. Lol - not too much longer though. 

Movement: She's a busy little girl in there. She's always moving! 

Best thing about this pregnancy: Adding to our family! Giving Caroline a little sister & making her a big sister. Changing the family dynamic -- i think i've said all of this already :) <-- not changing it. That's from last week! :) still holds true. 

Worst thing about this pregnancy: The weeks are getting slower now - somehow. I still find myself extremely busy and we have events each weekend until our baby arrives but somehow i find myself saying - wait, i'm still 36 weeks? wait, i just hit the 37 week mark? hmm. 

Food cravings: Food of the week - BLTs. I want them for lunch & dinner. & I've had them for dinner every night this week -- poor Joseph. I've got to add some variety for him. 

Labor Signs:  Minor contractions. Nothing regular. But they've started. 

Belly Button in or out? Flat. Waiting for it to pop out any day now. 

Last time you cried over something ridiculous: Meltdown free week. Woohoo. 

What I am looking forward to: Our next doctor's appointment is Wednesday. & then this weekend we are celebrating Caroline's 2nd birthday with a birthday party! [her birthday isn't until the 23rd.. but just incase Haddie comes early, we want to make sure we get to celebrate baby C.]

Weekly Wisdom: When you start to get upset, and you will because you're in crunch time and stressed out and emotional to the max, pause and walk away for a minute, put it out of your mind for a few minutes and then come back to the situation. If it's still worth getting upset about then OK, but chances are it's not. & there is no sense in getting yourself all worked up! 

Hadley's Sprinkle!

Today we had Hadley Catherine's Sprinkle :) 

My best friend hosted a sweet little shower for us in Niceville to celebrate our precious little girl.

[I'm so blessed to have such a wonderful friend // sister like her.]

Our little fam jam drove into town this morning. 

We got there early to spend the morning/afternoon with my parents & brother.

& then after the shower we hung around until after dinner. 

We watched football, played, ate some great food and just hung out.

We made a whole day of it!

My favorite kind of days. 

The shower was perfect though.

It was a small gathering of friends and family.

There was yummy, yummy food that I had to resist stuffing my face with..

Extremely tasty desserts that..no no no..i did not resist having one of each. ;) 

There were gifts to help prepare for the arrival of baby Haddie.

& There was a lot of laughter and conversation. 

I couldn't ask for anything more.

We were surrounded by so much love. 

Caroline had a blast. 

Her favorite part of the event: popcorn & her princess balloon.

I think she had probably 3 containers of popcorn.

& the thought of parting ways with her balloon never crossed her mind... it came home with us. 

I'm so incredibly grateful for the hostess and for her throwing us a Sprinkle.

& I'm also so thankful for everyone who came and celebrated with us.

Those that attended were from near and from far. 

I can't wait for Hadley to meet all of these wonderful people + others, obviously. 

It just warms my heart knowing how loved she already is. 

36 Weeks & In The Home Stretch!

Happy 2016 everyone!

We are officially 36 Weeks! 

[ Technically Full Term, right? ] 

BUT, Baby Haddie Please Hold Out Until February! 

We brought in the New Year as you would expect..

watching bowl games followed by a deep snooze.

Hey, I did wake up at 11:47 PM - kissed my sleeping husband and went back to bed myself. 

I'd say that was a success. 

How far along? 36 Weeks

Total weight gain: 36 pounds 

Sleep: Pretty much the exact same as last week - except now my wonderful husband rubs my back & I pass out about 2 minutes into it. Haha - oh & yeah, still waking up 2 times every night. 

Best moment(s) this week: Joseph had the week off so we got a lot of family time & the babe & I went to Niceville Wednesday for some time with my fam over there - it has been a great week! 

Miss anything?:  I. Want. Wine. <--- that's from last week & it's still true this week. 

Movement: all day long. I think she's running out of room lol - she kicks on side of my body but i feel another part of her on the other - she's always moving! 

Best thing about this pregnancy: Adding to our family! Giving Caroline a little sister & making her a big sister. Changing the family dynamic -- i think i've said all of this already :) 

Worst thing about this pregnancy: Still not a fan of having to get dressed. It's a process. But I am getting more creative in efforts to stay out of maternity clothes! Go me! 

Food cravings: Not so much food -- but my Joseph got me a Keurig for Christmas because he knows of my love for Green Tea & ever since, green tea is a must in the AM. I look forward to it - Green Tea is probably my favorite thing about the mornings! 

Labor Signs:  Braxton Hicks, 

Belly Button in or out? Ugh- We're Flat. & probably on it's way out! 

Last time you cried over something ridiculous: Melt down alert! Like bawling my eyes out kind of melt down. Here'e the story: So Caroline's birthday is coming up on the 23rd , well January is a busy month with everything taking place before Hadley gets here. BUT there is no way I'm giving Caroline any less of a birthday celebration. So I was trying to take the easy way out by having the party somewhere else but that just wasn't working in my favor but I felt that if it was at the house I wouldn't be able to pull it together as quickly as we need it to happen. First step is clearly printing and mailing the invitations -- well, you can't do that until you know where the party is being held. Key in the melt down. I cried staring at the invitations on the computer for a good 30 minutes or so. I didn't want to commit. Eventually I did, then the water works stopped. & Now, they're in the mail! ta-da! 

What I am looking forward to: We have a doctor's appointment on Thursday this week. Our first weekly! Yay! Then this upcoming weekend we have Hadley's Baby Sprinkle that my BFF Kally is throwing for us! Let the January festivities begin!

Weekly Wisdom: Get your plans together! You've been counting down this entire time and now it's crunch time and it feels like the time has somehow sneaked up on you. Don't panic- think about what needs to happen & make a plan! 

Thanks For The Memories 2015!

2015 has been filled with so much happiness.

Don't get me wrong, it had its moments - some ups & downs- but ultimately there was too much good that surrounded us to not remember this year as a year of joy. .

New discoveries were made, about who we are as a family.

About what is important to us.

We celebrated Caroline's 1st birthday and she started walking. We moved & bought our first house in Fairhope. Found out we are adding another little girl to the family. Caroline started her education journey with nursery school. Joseph relocated to a new store which is minutes from the house. I celebrated my 1st year with Disney. We had our 2nd wedding anniversary. We've made new friends & gotten even closer with some family members. Went went on trips, made new traditions and grew as a family. 

My list could go on for days about all the things that happened in 2015.

I'd rather just share some of my favorite memories with you though :)
Get ready... & let's rewind through the year!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Every photo brings a smile to my face & reminds me of the great memory that they now represent.

2015 - you've been wonderful & I'll never forget you. Thank you for helping me grow into the wife & mother that I'm proud to be. I know I'm still learning but this year has really opened my eyes. I've learned a lot and plan to use what I've learned to continue to better myself as a person and grow our family as a unit. 

2016 - I can't wait to see what you have in store for us! Here come the Turner's :) + one more.