The Friday FIVE: Newborn Hats, Sales and Sparkly Gems.

Y'all ready for a whole lotta random?

Five super cool things I'm into this week.

{one} 
Nordstrom's Sandal Sale

They're having a sandal sale and I feel like you should know about it.

{two}
Homemade Jewelry Cleaner

I love my engagement ring but it will be sparkly-clean one second and than "is-that-poop-or-applesauce?" the next. Here's how you can bring back the bling for free - and it WORKS.

Get ready:

One cup warm water.

Two teaspoons baking soda.

Let sit for a few minutes.

Rinse.

{three}
Newborn Hat

In the hospital, and afterwards for that matter, we love the hats that they give you. They fit Coop's head so well and were perfect for a new snuggly baby. But they were pink and blue and let's be honest, not the cutest.

I saw this Esty shop on Christina's blog over at Carolina Charm and immediately went on the search for a hat for Number Two. And they have SO many cute boy options for boys, here's a few of my faves:

I'll share the hat I ordered once Number Two makes his debut in approximately 43 days.

{four}

Grumpy Pants

Y'all thanks for feedback on this week's Wednesday post. Glad to hear that I'm not the only one who gets a little grumpy from time to time!

You can check it out here: Wisdom Wednesday: Grumpy Pants.

Thank God for grace!

{five}

50-Cent on Good Morning America

Not much makes me happier than rappers that I loved during my high school years. And when they come back 10 years later and rap for me on national television? It brings back a happiness that I just can't put into words.

I see the irony between my last two points here, kinda the story of my life...
Have a wonderful weekend!

Wisdom Wednesday: Grumpy Pants.

I've been wearing my grumpy pants way too often these days.

It's ironic and a little sad, if I'm honest with myself, that during one of the happiest times of my life (pregnancy...new baby!) I have these grumpy, grumpy moments. Days even.

Do you have them?
New dream job? Your tired from the long hours.
Planning a wedding? You're stressed.
All first world problems surrounding really special situations. I feel like I should be so high on gratitude and excitement 24/7 that nothing could ever get me down.

Can I blame the hormones still?

But I miss things.

I miss seeing my toes. 

I miss laying on my back and stomach. 

I miss martinis and cocktails.
I miss leaning over and not feeling like I'm breaking my back one vertebrae at a time.

I miss feeling pulled together and pretty.

Does this offend you? Don't be offended. It's funny.

But if there's one thing so wonderful that becoming a mom has taught me, (thanks to amazing women and one resilient kiddo), it is to give myself grace. 

Thoughts are only thoughts until I give them life...I'm not an ungrateful person, I know that. We can have bad days from time to time and not be filled with shame. 

We're allowed to give in to some moments when when we feel off or down. Laugh at ourselves and wait for the moment to pass, and very soon all the blessings in life slowly come back in focus.

Many blessings to all my fellow grumpies out there!

It's the Little Things: Morning Snuggles.

I don't know about you but we had a very long Memorial Day.

Full of friends, food and fun - gorgeous weather - and a special day remembering not only those who have served and lost their lives on behalf of this country, but also the morals and ethics our country is built upon and stands for.

All of this led to one tired toddler, and yesterday I got more toddler snuggles than ever. Still my baby, not too proud to cuddle up with his mom, but I know that day will come. My days are numbered.

Until then, I plan to document for blackmail later in his life.

He continues to steal my heart. One brown eye at a time.

Sat-(brag)-urday

Yesterday I lost my belly button.

Like, I looked down and just couldn't see it anymore. 

It's not sticking out per say but it's not...normal. Just flat. And smooth.

In other news, can I brag about the short kid for a little bit?

Life rocks!

He finished up his first year of pre-school this week. 

I know for sure this has made a difference in his little life, he got to be loved on by teachers, meet new friends, learn to eat and take naps outside of his mom or family's house, and it has especially given his personality a place to shine. 

September 2013

When I dropped him off last fall he ran into the room and immediately started playing. That's how the rest of the year has been, and that's so reflective of his personality. 

He is independent and self-sufficient. He honestly has very little moments when he wants me or his daddy. There is at least one time a day he goes into his room, shuts the door, and plays by himself for half an hour. He likes his alone time. He is a good listener, good at following directions (we have our moments don't you worry), and he is a very non-aggressive little boy. You will never see him hit or push...yet.

 

And I'll just say it - since Cooper has started pre-school my quality of life is soooo much better. You forget how much you miss time to yourself (even driving in the car alone is a luxury). You forget how much you just need...quiet every now and then. The first time I dropped him off at school I went to get a bagel and coffee and just ate it in my kitchen in silence. It was such glorious freedom! 

We have a two week break until "Summer Camp" (aka school in June and July) starts up and I'm excited to soak in some time with Coop alone before Number Two comes along. Cooper has no idea how much his life is about to change. 

 I'm excited to see how much Cooper grows and changes over the next school year. His new class will teach the kids more routine, rules and responsibilities. Less coddling. This year he will also take on the role as "Big Brother" and I can't wait to see who that allows him become. He always makes me proud.

Happy Saturday!