We Come Bearing Gifts

When Caroline was born, we were absolutely spoiled by friends and family with sweet cards, flowers, and such, but I wanted to make sure I told you about a special few, not to be forgotten.

First of all, the ever popular "push present". No, I did not make this term up...for those of you out there who have been wondering and inquiring, yes, the hubby did surprise me with quite a special something to commemorate our Sweet Caroline.
Let's back up a bit though to explain exactly what is a so-called "push present".
I am borrowing this verbiage from Wikipedia, so giving them all the credit:
Also known as a push gift/baby bauble, it's a present a new father gives a new mother when she gives birth to their child. It can be given before or after the birth, and is a long-standing tradition in numerous cultures, specifically in England, India, and in recent years, the United States. Apparently, it's passed on largely by word-of-mouth and/or peer pressure. It's a kind way to show a mother appreciation for nine months of carrying a child, putting their bodies through all sorts of fun, and let's not forget the fun first trimester of constant morning sickness.
So, back to the moral of the story...we had discussed push presents throughout my pregnancy, as I wanted something I would keep forever to be reminded of this momentous occasion. However, seeing as my hubby simply cannot keep a secret from me to save his life, he came home 2 weeks prior to my due date after I had a particularly rough day at work and asked me to hold out my hands because he had a special surprise for me.
When I opened my eyes I was greeted by the most gorgeous earrings I had ever seen...diamond studs with pave diamonds circling the center stone. Something I can wear everyday and a piece of jewelry I will treasure always and forever. That man knows me all too well ;).

And then there is the gift that brought me to tears...
A few Sundays ago, my best friends informed me they were all bombarding the house because they had something they wanted to give me. So, they all gathered around and presented me with the book that took my breath away. They had been plotting for months to surprise me with a book for Caroline. Each one of my best friends, my mom and dad, and Jeff wrote letters to Caroline about me. Then they added a ton of pictures from over the years, which brought back incredible memories that I have had with each of them. They wanted to start a fun tradition that we will all make for each other once we have children of our own and of course I broke down {due to crazy hormones} at the thought that they had spent so much time working on this fun project. It is something I cannot wait to share with Caroline and it is a keepsake I know she will treasure always, as it's sweet letters from those that know me best. Here are a few snapshots of the book:

P.S. I know I have the best friends in the world! Thank you so much girls...you know this surprised me beyond measure and each and every word you wrote made me so glad I have all of you in my lives. I know Caroline is going to be grateful to have each of you as honorary aunts, too.

Mother's Day...A New Holiday to Celebrate!

Am I totally a nerd for getting excited about the opportunity to celebrate my first Mother's Day? Let's just hope the mister doesn't forget, since it is less than 2 weeks away! In perusing for some much-needed new necessities, I thought I would post a few gift ideas in case the hubby just happens to read the blog and needs some helpful inspiration in the gift department:

asics running shoes

manicure/pedicure/spa massage package

naked 2 eyeshadow palette

iPhone cover

new brown sandals

tory burch makeup bag

Are any of you out there asking for something fun in celebration of Mother's Day?

This Week's Craziness

I cannot believe it's Thursday already... my how the days are flying by! I realized this morning that next week Caroline will be 1 month old-holy moly.
This week, I made a huge to-do list, but broke it down by tasks for each day, and I am finding time to tackle most everything that I had been pushing aside for the past few weeks. Makes me think I am finally starting to get the hang of this schedule.
Occupying my free time is party planning for 3 of my friends wedding parties/showers, working on Caroline's birth announcements, and finishing my blog revamp...and thanks for all your sweet comments on the refresh. I love it. I am also attempting to nap at any given moment-Mom and Gran caught me the other day doing this...

Speaking of something else I love, look at what Mimi and Pappy surprised little bit with for Easter-her very first set of luggage! I know we're going to get loads of use out of these essentials for all our trips and overnight stays. {Tote Bag: LL Bean; Rolling Suitcase: Pottery Barn Kids}

And in other great news, another one of my friends had her little one on Monday-Leslie and Dusty welcomed Davis Charles Walker! It was so exciting as they had waited until the delivery to find out whether they were having a girl or a boy, and just as everyone guessed, a healthy baby boy was brought into the world! I think Caroline is going to have a good number of boyfriends on her hands ;).
So check this out...I've had a few of you out there ask questions about working out post-delivery. Yes, I have started back going to the gym 2-3 times a week, and it feels SO GOOD to run and lift weights again. I assure you though, I am taking it very easy and trying not to overdo it...I know the rest of this weight isn't going to fall off overnight and I am going to have to work harder than I ever have before.

Not to mention when you've got grandparents bringing over dinner and sweets 2 times a week, things could get ugly...I'm trying to treat myself every now and then--deprivation has never been my style. I am also writing a post all about my workouts so stay tuned!

Holiday Lovelies...Valentine's Edition

The ever-so-sweet Christina over at Carolina Charm requested this post, so I have to thank her for giving me the idea! I posted some fun gift ideas during the holidays, and she asked if I would devote a post to finding perfect presents for that sweetie-whether it be a friend, a beau, or your life partner {that's how I'm lovingly referring to Jeff these days}.
Seeing as though I think Valentine's Day is a mushy gushy all out Hallmark holiday, I wanted to show some exciting ideas that don't require a lot of cash to execute-I think the majority of us out there are trying to cut out unecessary spending so I am attempting to make this budget-friendly for everyone!

Breakfast in Bed

I did this for my sweetie last year and he raved for weeks about it. I picked up some heart shaped muffin tins from the dollar aisle at Target and then made his favorite poppyseed muffins for breakfast-easy peesy and I got to eat, too!

Coffee Talk

If your Valentine is a lover of caffeine, buy a coffee mug that lets you profess your love everyday! Write a sweet message on the cup in celebration of V-Day and then you can always add a little something fun inside like a Starbucks gift card or a chocolate dipped pretzel covered in pink and red candy.

Movie Date Night

Instead of the traditional movie night out, buy some of the fun popcorn holders (I've seen them at World Market and Target recently), and stuff them with bags of popcorn
and movie size candy and then tie a little note saying it's time to cuddle on
the couch and you're letting him pick the movie!  

Other non-traditional dates/gifts could include a trip to a comedy club, venturing to see his favorite sports team play, a couple's massage, an afternoon adventure  to a winery, or a fun cooking class...Jeff knows I am  all about "doing" rather than "receiving" on Valentine's Day, so I'm interested to see what he comes up with this year!
On the other hand however, if he decides he just has to get me something, any of the following will make me a very happy wife ;)

via Anthropologie

via Gap

via Pottery Barn

{yes, I'm a nerd and need a new set of hand weights}

via Amazon

The Wonderland of Etsy

For as much as I buy from the world of Etsy, I wanted to blog about some of my absolute favorite vendors and shops I have stumbled across {and bought from} the past few years...here they are, in no particular order:

Sugar Fresh

Fresh & Modern Artwork for Children and Home

Blackberry Graphics

Customized Wedding and Event Stationery

Baby Mae Boutique

Blankets, Bibs, and Burp Cloths

Studio SloMo

Design + Letterpress

Lucy Sue

Gifts and Stationery

A Box for my Treasure

Chic and Whimsical Handmade Jewelry 

Not going to lie, Etsy is a site I routinely get sucked into...browsing through stores for anything and everything. Plus, I just love supporting small businesses! 

What are some of your favorite Etsy shops?

Christmas Gifts Galore

This little elf must have been very good this year as I think I was a bit spoiled by my family with fun holiday presents and gifts...or maybe they were just saying farewell to "my" holiday since I have a feeling next year all the attention will be focused on our new little one--and no, I don't mind one bit. My dad always jokes that it'll be sweater time and that will be the only gift I get, but I think I am getting the best gift of all come March ;). Here are some of the fabulous gifts Santa delivered under our tree this year:

 David Yurman Buckle Bangle

Michael Kors Hamilton Purse

Sperry Leopard Flats

 Gold Initial Love Necklace

 Jane Marvel Carry-On and Cosmetic Bags in Python

Tory Burch Logo Ella Tote

Now can you see why Mom appropriately named my Christmas presents "the year of the bag"? I couldn't ask for clothes and bags are the very next best thing...yes I am a bag lady! I also received some new moccasin houseshoes, a new robe perfect for lounging, new shades of Essie nail polish, a personalized LL Bean canvas beach bag, the 21 album from Adele, a gorgeous crystal beaded necklace, and money to put towards a new laptop, which I cannot wait to get!

Since we came home with some fabulous new goodies, I took the rest of my holiday to get my booty in gear and spend the afternoon clearing out the clutter. I think I have officially started the "nesting" phase of pregnancy and I wanted all the unnecessary gone...I went through each and every drawer in our bedroom and closet, then tackled the upstairs storage, and managed to come up with another 4 bags for the hubby to cart off to Goodwill. Afterall, now is the time when people less fortunate really need those extra coats and winter necessities so many of us have lying around not being used. It feels so good to give back and I hope you'll do the same!

What were some of your favorite gifts this year??

Hello, Christmas, I Love You

Hey there Wednesday! So nice to see you again...I thought this week was going to be a "slower than usual" one, though it seems with the holidays fast approaching, there is no time to sit down and take a little breather...

So much to report...Christmas blessings for so many of my friends--another one of my wonderful friends got engaged last night so a big congrats to Candice! I know she is over the moon excited and I can't wait to hear all about it when we celebrate tonight. I think next year is gradually shifting from the year of the baby back to the year of the wedding...love is in the air!

Speaking of Christmas blessings, I was taking a look at all of the holiday cards we received from family and friends this year and it just made my heart melt thinking of how good God has been to so many of us...really makes me thankful for the exciting things that have transpired in 2011--weddings, babies, new homes, career changes, moves, etc--who knows what is in store for 2012!

All this baby stuff is setting in--quickly approaching, yet still so much to get accomplished. I came home the other night to our first big baby gift... the car seat! My how I get excited for the craziest things these days. Not going to lie though--it totally freaked me out--like a real car seat for Caroline to sit in...weird!

Last night I finished my wrapping and packing workshop for all of our Christmas gifts...boy does that feel good to have off my plate. Here is a little sneak peak at this year's "theme"--all in rich reds, creams, moss green, and gold--love the end result!

Alright, enough mindless chatter for today...this lady has multiple deadlines to meet so I best get back at it! Hope you all have a wonderful Wednesday--only 4 days until Christmas--eeekkk!