A Song for Saturday:

Here's a song I've had on repeat this week. Enjoy!

 

A Birth Story: Silas Emmanuel

My little man has been with us for 5 months now, yet it feels like we've had him with us a whole a lot longer. I realize my telling this labor and delivery story means nothing to the masses, but i'm including it here as a means of remembering. Reliving that day and the details before the little tidbits are forgotten.

My February 5th due date had come and gone and with 1 last week granted to go into labor naturally. We nervously waited and prayed for baby boy to come on his own. It must have been super comfortable in the womb because that final week flew by and on February 11th we found ourselves too anxious to sleep as we nervously anticipated our 4 AM alarm to head to the hospital to be induced.

We arrived at the hospital a little before 5 AM, filled out the last few pages of paperwork and got situated in our birthing suite. They broke my water and started the Pitocin drip a little after 6 AM. I nervously waited for labor to progress, but was grateful to be distracted by my parents, sister and aunt who excitedly came to cheer us on. My sister did my make up and my parents and aunt chatted while keeping an attentive ear to the nurses coming in and out of the room. My husband dozed off here and there on a nearby chair.

My contractions had started and my body was making progress. I noted the pain of the contractions and tried to breathe through them. The baby was super active, so I focused mostly on his movements and the oddity that I could still feel him moving so high up on my stomach. All the while the contractions grew stronger. I had already set my mind on getting an epidural but wanted to hold off as long as I possibly could. After a few hours of contractions and notification that the anesthesiologist was getting rather busy, I finally caved and asked for the epidural. It was such a relief to not feel that pain anymore, but part of me did feel like I was cheating myself out of a "well rounded" birth experience.

Shortly after the epidural was administered, the baby's heart monitor started sounding off periodically. Each time two or three nurses would rush in and move me from side to side to stabilize the baby's heart rate. My Doctor came in to examine my progress, noted that my body had taken things over naturally and decided the Pitocin was no longer needed. I was dilating fine and baby was in "position" to be delivered, however the baby's heart rate continued to drop dangerously low and soon they couldn't stabilize him no matter was position they put me in. The doctor came in once more to check my progress and baby's position. He merely pressed the baby's head and his heart rate dropped instantly. At that point baby was pronounced in "distress" and I would have to have an emergency C-section.

The room was quiet as my family quickly packed up my things to moved them to my recovery room. Everyone was busily moving around asking questions. Lying alone on the other side of the room, fear came over me and the tears started to flow. I was scared out of my mind and even though I wasn't, I felt very alone. I dried my tears as the Dr's and nurses came to get my husband and give us directions and information as to what would happen next. They whisked my husband away to get changed into scrubs and I was wheeled into the operating room. They strategically transferred me from the bed to table. I felt like a beached whale, unable to move, big and heavy. 

From that point on, everything was kind of a blur. I recall they checked to make sure I couldn't feel anything, I was too preoccupied with the anxiety that had come over me. I felt like my heart was racing, like I was suffocating. I kept telling myself that if the heart monitor wasn't sounding off, that meant I was okay. The waiting whiled they "prepped" felt like an eternity as I anxiously anticipated surgery to start. I focused on deep breathing as a means to remain calm. Not too long after, I heard a baby cry. I thought it was a baby from another room, it sounded so far away.  But, then I saw them lift my baby and hurry him over to the nurses. He was bluish/purple. My husband made a comment about having a smurf. A joke I wouldn't get until hours later. They brought baby boy over for me to see and quickly whisked him away to the nursery, taking my husband with them. When it was all finished, I was wheeled into a temporary recovery room where I spent over an hour groggy and alone. They let a few family members check on me, while that rest hurried to the nursery to watch/take pictures of baby boy getting checked, bathed and swaddled. 

I was finally taken to my own room, still in pain and unable to walk but so happy just watching my husband and family hold and love on my son. It was a feeling I will never forget. The next few days were filled with sweet visitors, joy, pain, sleepless nights, jealous nurses (b/c of my husbands snoring) among other things. I wouldn't change my experience for the world, baby boy was so worth it all. 

I have to say, the Doctor, Nurses and Staff at North Central Baptist Hospital, in San Antonio, Texas were nothing short of exceptional. From the moment we arrived, everyone was so friendly, understanding, encouraging and accommodating. The Lactation nurse, although helpful, was a little intimidating. Overall, I was thoroughly impressed and so thankful. I don't think I could have been in better hands.

Welcome to the world little Silas. You're so loved. 

I still can't believe you're mine. <3    

Life Events, Listography Style:

 Let's get caught up shall we? 

  1. Celebrated 1 year of marriage to my best friend. 
  2. Decided to move to Texas.
  3. Got a puppy. 
  4. Decided not to move to Texas.
  5. Found out I was Pregnant.
  6. Decided to move to Texas.
  7. Decided not to move to Texas.
  8. Decided to move to Texas.
  9. Husband lost job.
10. Moved in with in-laws.
11. Quit my job.
12. Packed up our things.
13. Moved to Texas.
14. Celebrated 2 years of marriage to my best friend.  
15. Had a baby.
16. Currently figuring out my new role as a stay-at-home Ma'ma. 

Well, those are my life events in a nutshell. The past few years were filled with highs and lows. As we are treading in new territory and learning our way as new parents in a new city; we realize that this journey has been colorful, to say the least, but we are so grateful for every moment that has brought us to this present time.  

(Source: Google/Unknown)

Life Happens

Via: Because I'm Addicted

Life happens...and just like that almost 2 years flies by! A lot has happened over the past two years, but more on that later. I'm glad to be back to sharing more of my heart, thoughts, interests and bits and pieces of my life. I've got a lot of catching up to do. Here's to life and it's splendid unpredictability. 

Oh Hello You...Beautiful Things:

The dogs on this shirt...

Love the color and crochet detail of this dress.

Love this bright colored bedding.

 I want this wood card for my room. 

This pyramid shaped terrarium would be perfect for my home. 

As you might be able to tell, I'm itching to do some home decorating.  

Anything special catch your eye this month? I'd love to know. : )

Happy Weekend Everyone!

Find of the Day: Quote

"Instead of saying “I don’t have time” try saying “it’s not a priority,” and see how that feels. Often, that’s a perfectly adequate explanation. I have time to iron my sheets, I just don’t want to. But other things are harder. Try it: “I’m not going to edit your resume  sweetie, because it’s not a priority.” “I don’t go to the doctor because my health is not a priority.” If these phrases don’t sit well, that’s the point. Changing our language reminds us that time is a choice. If we don’t like how we’re spending an hour, we can choose differently."    

- Unknown 

(Source: the-healing-nest, via http://modernhepburn.tumblr.com, via washi)

Music List: June 2013

I've finally posted a new music playlist! 

Time to get my behind back into gear.   

  

In the moments I get to myself, I've realized that I've been in a sort of chilled out, slow, summer mode. I'm not one to embrace the extreme Florida heat, so scouting a shaded area or enjoying the beautiful weather from indoors (window wide open) seems more inviting then the feeling that I'm melting. 

I think my music selections reflect that as of late, something that would promote finding a place to enjoy the balmy weather and just relax, think, read, or hum along to the tunes...I don't know about you, but i'm doing some major daydreaming here. lol

How are you embracing the summer weather?

Strawberries, Cherries & This Music Video.

I love the original with Nancy Sinatra. This cover, however,  has grown on me quite a bit these past few days. 

Do you have a song currently on repeat that you'd like to share? 

xoxo

Summer Movie: The Kings of Summer

A comedy about 3 teenage boys who decide to run away into the woods to spend the Summer building a house and living off the land. All to get away from their "pesky" parents. What will go wrong? What will go right? What will these boys learn? This I have to see. :)

Any Summer movies that you are looking forward to seeing?

Color Infatuation: Blues & Whites

Now that spring has sprung and summer just around the corner, I find myself drawn to bold patterns and pops of color. I find wearing blues and whites together add a crisp, chic & light feel to any wardrobe: blue jeans, white tees, white dress with blue heels..I could go on. 

Here are a few photos of my current color combo obsession:

(Source)

(source)

(source)

(Source)

(source)

(source)

What colors/combos do you find yourself drawn to this spring season?

Hello You...Beautiful Things:

Would love to have this Heirloom Recipe Box

This fragrance is warm & amazing & think I'm going to have to buy it.

Love this mint & cream maxi dress

Pretty statement necklace

These glamorous hair ties

*I wonder if I can make a D.I.Y version hmm...

Spring cleaning is in full effect for me and with that my desire for all things D.I.Y. 

Anyone else been bitten by the spring cleaning bug or have any fun projects in the works? Or are you just happy to be able to throw open the windows and feel the warm breeze. :)

Dreamy...

(Photo Source)

I want a pretty little house and 

a backyard with a tee-pee.

 Just like this one, minus the chicken...

I Am A Doodler...

On notebooks, napkins, blank or lined paper... Whenever I should be taking notes or giving my undivided attention. I tend to "wander off" into doodle land. I came across some that I did years ago, while sitting in class and during a company meeting (shame on me) In my defense I am told that people who doodle during meetings/lectures actually retain more then those who just sit and listen. 

I'm not sure why I saved this, but they do offer a glimpse of what was going through my crazy head at the time (I'm assuming?) Any fellow doodlers out there?? When do you find yourself more prone to doodling? (See above factoid and doodle on!) 

P.S. I think the word "doodle" is absolutely hilarious. I can't say it without laughing. :P

Truth:

#Truth. I could use a beach trip right about now.

Paperman: An Animated Short

Disney featured this animated short in theaters in conjunction with the Wreck-It-Ralph movie. Now, I loved the Wreck-It film...but this 6 min short had me smiling, laughing and cheering (silently) in my seat.  I enjoyed every minute of it. I hope you enjoy this short as much as I did. 

Lovely day to all <3

Oh Hello You...Beautiful Things:

This vintage inspired sweater with collar

Such a simple, classic bag

This Color Drop Necklace 

The Night Train dress 

The Lorac Mint Edition Palette is just lovely

I've been wanting a pretty set of recipe cards for some time now. 

Hope everyone is having a fabulous year so far, I can't believe we're at the end of January already. Gearing up for February (My birthday month, yay!) by looking at a few beautiful things that have caught my eye as of late.

To See: Hyde Park on Hudson

 

What can I say? I have a soft spot for history...okay and Bill Murray too.

This movie is based on true events regarding the first-ever visit of a reigning English monarch to America and they stay with F.D.R. no less. This I have to see.

 

Playing The Waiting Game:

Benefit cosmetics has come out with a new product called Fine-One-One. It's a sheer brightening cheek & lip color stick that has three different shades strategically placed so that you can add color and highlight to your cheekbones all in one swipe! I have to say that i'm a little skeptical, however the reviews say otherwise. So I bit the bullet and ordered one for myself.

 

I have to wait a whole week before it arrives. Boo! 

Now the waiting game begins...

 

Find out more about Benefits Fine-One-One HERE.

 

 I cannot wait to try this product! I'll be sure to review it here once I've had a chance to experiment with it a bit. 

 

Are there any products out there that you are curious to try out?

My Christmas Wishlist:

 

 

This fancy lace print sweatshirt from J Crew

 

Love these t-strap ballet flats

Adore this dainty rose gold heart ring

This album <3

These 2 Disney films (Don't judge me)


How about you? What's on your Christmas list?

Hope everyone is enjoy the joy this season brings, I know it's all too easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the holidays. So make time for fun,  family & friends. Cherish the memories this time of year brings. We're heading to Texas next week to spend christmas with my family and I'm counting down the days! My first road trip with my....husband! (Yup...got married a little over a week ago, pics to come) Needless to say, this Christmas will be an extra special one for me.  :)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Oh Hello You...Beautiful Things:

Fall! How, I love Fall! & these beautiful things too. 

It is weird that I'm totally in love with this "frenchie" sweater?

A burgundy heel, just perfect for fall

 

This ring?...yes, please.

 

This stunning necklace...if only...

And this necklace too.

 

lastly, this envelope style wallet

 

 

I know we still have Thanksgiving to go, but has anyone else started dreaming up their "grown-up" christmas lists? This girl has...