December in a Nutshell

So you blog about how you're getting back to blogging and then you let 21 days go between blog posts.  AHEM.

I want to blog, and I've been mentally composing blog posts for weeks... but I feel awkward about that big blog pause from November to... now.  I feel like I need to explain the days away, ya know??

Anyway, things hit the fan somewhere around the 2nd week of November.  My boss and I were working on the Big Black Friday schedule (approximately a billion hours of work, for those of you not in retail), and then she mentioned (on my day off) that I should probably stop by the store.  No big thing, so I stopped by in my sweats and she dropped a big bomb on me: she was leaving the following week for a temporary assignment in the Mall of America.

So along with losing a huge chunk of ground on a massive schedule... I also become the sole authoritiy within our four walls, which meant that I don't think I spent more than 3-4 hours at a time between November and the last week of December away from actually working or calling and texting the team in my store.  It was fun, it was a TON of work, and I can't say that I was sad to see December end. 

That being said... I think I've been feeling a little blue because Mr. RH and I "missed'" Christmas.  We never watched It's a Wonderful Life, we didn't drive around and look at Christmas lights, I baked only a few cookies when I really felt like I had to...  so yeah, I've got a little post-Christmas hangover.

Luckily, the time I spent away from this blog allowed me to carve out a little time to do some fun things, and even though I barely got my camera out all through Christmas... I managed to capture just enough photos so I've got a few memories to look back on.

Mr. RH and I went with his family to see the lights the week after Thanksgiving.  I'm glad we took the time then, cause we didn't end up with any better opportunities closer to Christmas.

We got one decent-ish photo of the two of us....

And I re-created a favorite photo of Mr. RH from way back in 2012. 

(I can barely click the link to that old photo.  Where did that long hair and baby face go?!)

We made it to Christmas mass with my dad, and he managed to get probably the only good photo of the two of us during Christmas.  I think if 2015 had a resolution, it would be MORE PHOTOS!!!

Right after Christmas I was able to make some time for my BFFs, and I got to snuggle #BFFbaby in her cozy PJs.  I don't like that she's growing up, but I love that she let me snuggle me long enough for her mom to snap a picture.

And we managed to get a so-so picture of the BFFs.  I was having camera issues.  

And then I took another afternoon and managed to get a couple pics of Miss Maeven in rare, sassy form.  This girl does not like to have a photo taken and she is a sass for my camera.  Love it!

Although if she smiled once in a while on command I wouldn't cry either.

So... it was a good Christmas.  A busy, chaotic Christmas that went by in the blink of any eye... but apparently I also had fun in between all of the craziness.  The proof is in the pictures!

Now... back to 2015!

Fall Hobby 2014: Apple Orchards

About a month ago, Mr. RH and I were with his family when we made a spontaneous trip to the local apple orchard.  We bought lots of random, fun goodies - and I knew I was on a dangerous path.  I literally couldn't live one more day without a flippin cup of honeycrisp apple cider every hour on the hour.

Damn, I wish this picture was better.

Anyway, as we drove home, I immediately texted both BFF's with babies and told them we needed to make immediate plans to get to an orchard.

Plans were set and we were off with two tiny princesses in tow.

Princess #1 - my #BFFbaby who apparently doesn't have a name on my blog, except #BFFbaby.  It was so much easier when there was only ONE BFF baby, but now that there are two... I mean... #BFFbaby2 doesn't really have a great ring to it...

Princess #2 - Miss Maeven, the tiny peanut of the group.

Anyway, I loaded Miss Maeven into her carseat and she immediately gave me a big smile.  We had a 30-minute drive to the orchard, so I took this as a GREAT sign.  She was excited, we were going to have a great day!!

I mostly missed her smile with my camera... but trust me, she was happy!

We arrived at the orchard and were immediately assaulted by... bees!  Definitely not what we had planned for, but we improvised.

We found a random apple crate in the parking lot, ducked ourselves under a giant apple tree... and, well, #BFFbaby really worked it. 

You guys, I love all my friends babies with the fire of a thousand burning suns... but this cheese is literally too much to handle.

Her mom claims she learned all her cheese from me... and truthfully, I can't dispute that claim. 

That tongue kills me dead!!

On the other hand... #MissMaeven got like .24% of a nap in the car, which wasn't exactly her favorite thing ever.

And it might make me a bad aunt that I was like... well, sorry Maeven, we take what we can get around here even if that means a screaming baby.

Luckily, she had some cute buns on so that we could ignore her screaming face and focus on the cute butt.   And it was a really cute, pumpkin-y butt.

Don't tell me it makes me a bad aunt that I let her scream her head off for bursts so we could take a few photos.  Girl needs to learn how to act right in a picture or she's in for a world of pain with Aunt Sarah.  #poorbaby

Someday we will use these photos as proof that diva/sassy personality traits emerge early in the first year of life.

Until then, we can just use them to remember a lovely trip to the apple orchard.  Screaming baby and all.

Why oh why doesn't fall last forever?!  

Introducing Miss Maeven

I know that there's been nothing but radio silence around here lately... but an occasion this big deserves a post!

What I only briefly mentioned 10 months ago was that 2 weeks after my wedding, one of the other BFFs in our core group got married. 

It was exactly 2 weeks after my wedding day, on a day completely and totally different than mine - it was 80 degrees and pouring rain - the girl directly to my right got married!  It was beautiful and SO much fun, and, as I mentioned before, I danced my ass off.

Ahhh, how things were different 10 months ago!

She has been enjoying her newlywedded life since then, and we were so thrilled last Friday when she brought us all the newest love of our life:  Maeven, a tiny new bundle of joy.

We were so lucky because Miss Mae's appearance coincided perfectly with a time when all of the BFFs were going to be together.  So perfect!  

 

It was lovely to get time for each of us to snuggle the tiny, perfect bundle.  

And then, after a few tears, she passed out on my chest for an hour.  It was definitely the best hour of my week.

Is there anything more perfect than a fresh, new baby?  Yes, the smell of that baby's sweet head, which I could smell all morning the next day.

Le sigh.  I think I have The Fever. 

The Eyes! Baby Fever!

Last week, my BFF finally went back to work since having the gorgeous #BFFbaby in late October.  As amazing as it was to have her around on my days off for shopping and hanging out and just being lazy... I know she was a little excited to get back to work.

On the other hand, leaving the sweetest, chubbiest baby had to be SO HARD, I can't even imagine.

Luckily, I was off on her first day back, so I got to keep the chubby buddy for the day - so of course we had a little photo shoot moment just in time for Mother's Day.  Perfect!!

And while I can't really claim to be a photographer... she is seriously the cutest subject EVER.

Luckily, one of our other BFFs had a little pinterest inspiration. 

Without further ado... the cutest six month old ever. 

Those eyes!!!

I don't think she could believe I was letting her chew on the necklace.  The babysitter in me was very concerned that she could choke on a plastic pearl, but we pushed through. 

 If there is anything cuter than this girl's big eyes... I refuse to believe it.

I will never claim to be a pro with a camera, but taking cute pictures of this angel is so fun. 

Kinda gives me the baby fever. 

Unfortunately, my husband's biological clock must be turned off. 

Men.

January: Go Away. Except Today.

Why hello there, my name is Sarah, and I used to write on this little blog before January came and sucked away my soul.

If I scroll back into the archives, there are only 2 months that have as few posts as this month did... but... I'm thinking, this month, I might rally.

Today is actually the birthday of my BFF... boy oh boy how life has changed in the past year!

Seriously, if that pic on the left ever gets old you can just knock me upside the head.  Such a special/crazy time for both of us - I'll remember it always.

I'm happy that 3 of the 4 of the BFFs have joined me me on the "old side"... I hate being the oldest in my group of friends, although I guess the fake blonde keeps the gray away, right?

I'm not gonna lie... we kinda look like a picture that comes with a frame.  If we were in black and white, that is.

I'm sorry, I'm not really going anywhere with this post.

#BFFbaby says I need to wrap this situation up ASAP.

Quick story about that photo.  I turned around and decided to grab said #BFFbaby a little warm bottle - and as soon as I turn, she puts her hands up by her face and makes that mug.

I laughed so hard I scared the look right off her face.

How can a 3 month old be so perfect?

Happy Birthday to the bestest mommy I know, my BFF!

Also.... you may want to come back tomorrow if you like wedding pictures.  FINALLY.

Eeek! 

Best Feeling in the World?

So, what is the best feeling in the world, exactly?

Is it when BFF's baby girl starts smiling at exactly 6 weeks on the dot and subsequently makes hilarious faces as she imitates you monkey-facing her?

Potentially the best feeling ever.  Especially with a bonus appearance by that cute baby tongue.

Or is it when she smiles in her sleep and melts your heart... and it's so nice that those smiles are a little longer and slower, because she's a fast little bugger.

 But I'm pretty sure the best feeling in the world is when she sleeps for 2 hours, completely passed out and sprawled out on your chest and completely lost in dream-land.

Yep, pretty sure that's the best feeling in the world.  I keep telling myself that next time we hang, we're gonna take some fun pics or do arts and crafts... but seriously, how can I turn down a nap and snuggle?

I'm powerless.

Catchup: The Godmother

A few weeks before my wedding, I attended the baptism of my goddaughter, Julia.  And I'm just now getting around to seeing the pictures I took that day.  Is that pathetic?  I believe so.

Anyway, I found a couple of pics I loved, so I had to share them here.  Don't want to forget such an awesome day!!

 This is as close to a cute pic of me and the special girl of the day... I was having a rough hair day. 

 

Luckily, I was having a much better hair day a month later.

 

Introducing Addyson Grace

One week ago today, my BFF had a baby girl.  The most perfect, precious, tiny baby girl.  BFF is a total champ and is handling motherhood like a pro - it's beautiful to see and I am so, so proud!

But anyway, the only reason we're here today is because.... I GOT TO HOLD A TINY BABY!

I mean, that's what my ovaries have been shrieking at me since I met her.

Oh, and did I mention we dressed to match each other?  Totally on accident, but I'm not complaining.

Pic with the other BFF.... 

I still can't believe how tiny and perfect she is!! 

I got to witness baby's first Tiffany gift - lucky, lucky girl!! 

But in the end, all I wanted to do was stare into that sweet little face. Especially this angry face after I was poking at her and trying to get her to smile.  Silly girl!  

 Oh, I love her so much.  Is it possible that my heart grew ten sizes that day?  How is it going to be a whole WEEK before I get to see her again.  Totally unfair. 

Oh Yeah. Pennsylvania.

Lo so many weeks ago (you know, 2 weeks), I drove my butt to Pennsylvania with some friends to meet the newest edition to our college family.  There are many babies on the way right now, but Ruth was the first - and I was beyond excited to meet her.  I woke up at 4 am on the day we drove out and I was practically shaking with excitement.

We had been warned in advanced that Ruth was a fusser.  And while she may have screamed a scream or two, especially while we were torturing her with amateur outfit changes and diaper wiping... she was such a good baby.

So sweet and really alert, Ruth was fascinated by all her aunts getting all up in her face all. the. dang. time.

Unfortunately, I really didn't take advantage of awesome photo conditions on our first morning together, so I only had a tiny photo shoot with sweet Ruth... luckily, I'm trying to schedule another one sometime in April.

Plus, there will be a couple more babies in the college family by June!

And now, for your ovarian pleasure, meet Ruth.

Why the torture, ladies?  Hey, I kinda like this lamb, she's soft.

I love that little tongue in her mouth... like she's up to no good.  I'm sure she'll be there soon enough.

 I love hats.  Not.

She was soo sweet and perfect at 7 weeks old.  I can't believe she'll be 4 months when I see her in April. 

WEEP.

Left My Heart in Pennsylvania

As I mentioned last week, I traveled many hours to Pennsylvania this weekend to visit the sweet baby of my college roommate (the first of three incoming deliveries among my group of friends).

You guys. 

She is so, so perfect.  I think I have much, MUCH more to say on the subject... but I will leave it at this today: babies are literally the best thing in the whole world.

Especially when they are my friends' babies so I can maintain my sweet, swinging single lifestyle.  :)

Happy Monday, don't work too hard!

Greetings, Humanity!

As I seem to post around here lately... I'm still alive!!  Black Friday is kicking my trash... but it'll all be over in 10 days!  (I cannot believe Thanksgiving is that close!)

So, the big baby shower was this past Saturday.  The day turned into quite a whirlwind and I'm a little sad that it's over.

I got up first thing and did some cooking and cleaning... jumped in the car across town to Hobby Lobby, where I proceeded to the checkout sans wallet.  Quick 20 minute trip home and I restarted my day.

Beyond that, things went smoothly.  Minus the fact that I forgot to take pictures and then I think I offended Mr. RH's mom cause I wouldn't let her help in the kitchen... mostly cause there was nothing to do!  It went off pretty smoothly, and more people showed up than I had expected.  Thankfully, I overbought on food cause duh.

I forgot to get a picture of me and the mommy-to-be, which I know I will regret times infinity.  Is it awkward to make her take a photo with me on Thanksgiving?  She is obviously 9 months pregnant and is thus not fond of the photographic evidence of such.... I think she looks pretty great.

So, I really DIY-d this party out.  I had big poufs hanging from the light fixtures... which I did not photograph.

I did snap a pic of the bunting I made, though.

  

While snapping a picture of the loot I inadvertently got a  pic of the two canvases I crafted... don't worry, I love the "S" canvas on the right so much I think I will be making one for myself VERY soon.

The letters on the canvas I posted about last week got painted the lightest pink, but you can't see it from this picture.

And yes, I made a diaper cake.  It. was. awesome.  Ok, it was fine.  But it was easier than most diaper cakes AND smelled powdery-fresh.

Future-SIL was not so fond of cheese-tastic shower games, so I invented one.  I printed up some 4x6 notecards that said "Advice for Mommy" and had everyone write a little tidbit of advice.  We left them unsigned, then made her guess who wrote the advice.  She got most of them right, smarty-pants!

 

My advice said:  "When you get tired or frustrated or she won't stop crying, Aunt Sarah will always want to snuggle the baby."

 

 I thought it was cute.  Mr. RH's mom is probably worried I'm going to die of baby fever.  Which may be true.

I made mommy pose with Miss Savannah's prissy new boots.  As a probably-December baby, she obviously needed something practical.

 Those boots were just so tiny and cute, you can't even imagine.  DIE.

I then informed her that Savannah was going to get shoved into a Christmas stocking on my watch if I had anything to say about it... she agreed enthusiastically, 100%!  I think there are only so many babies born each year that will fit into a Christmas stocking - best take advantage of it, I say!

Last but not least in this photo post... did I mention that both of Mr. RH's sisters are expecting?  And that the one of them is having twins?! 

Yeah, so there are THREE babies in my future.  Now if we could just convince the twins to keep baking a couple months longer.

Baby Savannah, on the left, is 35 weeks.

The twin boys, on the right, are 25 weeks.

The twins have three older sisters who are absolutely over the moon to meet them - although I'm not so sure the girls can wrap their brains around TWO babies.  Minds blown.

The twins have been having a bit of a rough time baking, so it was extra-exciting that both sisters were at the shower.  Probably one of the #1 reasons I was so excited to throw it.

So.  I baby-showered and my store's Black Friday schedule is 90% complete.  It's like running two marathons in three days.

Now, who wants to help me clean my bomb of a bedroom???  I mean, where else was I supposed to store all my crap when I cleaned for the baby shower?