her sea of love

bueller?

2012-02-15T11:06:00.000-08:00

after a somewhat unintentional & nearly three-month break from blogging, we are back! i may have underestimated how consumed our life would be with a move, two holidays, a birthday, a new job, schooling, & settling into a new home and a new routine. neither k nor myself were prepared for the business that lay ahead of us on that last drive from southern to northern california, but boy, has it been fun. we miss san clemente more than i think my words could describe, but there is really nothing like being a short car ride away from nearly every single person you love. old friendships have been rekindled, and new ones have began (we have a very big couple crush on the preusser gang & couldn't be more grateful for their companionship). i am working as a caretaker for my dear grandmother and kyle is finishing up his last big steps towards his medical career. we're both keeping up as best as we can with a rather quick almost ten-month old. the month after next, she will be celebrating her first birthday. someone please explain to me how that is possible (because it shouldn't be).

in short, life is so very good at this point and we're continually finding more reasons to be excited about this new chapter. i will be back very soon (scouts honor) to finish up the second part to our sunset trip! just a tad bit late on that...

hope every single one of you are well, friends!

-s

2011-12-05T14:49:00.000-08:00

there are day trips, there are night trips, and there are sunset trips.
this weekend, we took our very last one to one of our favorite seaside towns here, dana point.

see past sunset trips here, here, & here and an early morning trip to the same spot here.
wishing you all a happy start to your week!

a love letter to san clemente

2011-12-02T07:16:00.000-08:00

my heart has had a hard time grasping not living here any longer. a week from today, our bags will be packed, our walls empty, our cars full. thank you, sleepy beach town, for showing me that living by the sea may be just as good as living in the mountains. we'll miss morning dates to the bagel shack, dinner on the dashboard while parked along the sea, our spot on the hill where we'd watch the surfers at night, the movie theatre full of those terrible "clapping people", the tiniest home for three there ever was, the neighbors we were always convinced were murders (oh, that was just me?), and being just a drive away from some of the very best spots in all of california. we grew here, from two to three. and you will always be one of my favorite places in the world.

farewell, sweetest town there ever was!

i plan to visit at least 101 times in the years ahead.

2011-11-24T07:54:00.000-08:00

for each new morning with its light,

for rest and shelter of the night,

for health and food, for love and friends,

for everything thy goodness sends.

-ralph waldo emerson

happy thanksgiving to you!

( photo via )

right with you

2011-11-16T11:47:00.000-08:00

i am a mama of one. i'm asked over & over, "are you ready for number two?", "aren't you already dying to have another?", "are you going to be trying again soon?", and the (somewhat unpopular) answer is the same- no. at this moment of time, i am so consumed with the love for just this one little soul. mine is completely hers, and it's not just yet ready to be another's. i was told the 'second-baby-longing' would come soon after c's birth, but i haven't yet felt it. i've listened as friends gushed about how amazing their first child was and how they can't wait to have another. i've watched mom's holding their one-year old on their again pregnant belly. the idea of a large family was something i'd always envisioned for myself. even while pregnant, i couldn't believe kyle only hoped to do this twice. "maybe two babies? why not three?! or four?!"

but here we are, just us three, and part of me hopes that's how we will always be. showing the little every inch of the earth that we can and diving into worlds most kids only read about is easier with just one, right? (the duggard's aren't really helping my case).

and maybe in a year our minds will change. maybe five. our heart's are set on adoption down the road, which is a whole other journey we cannot wait to go on. but for now, i find so much contentment in this little family just as it is.

hi november!

2011-11-02T10:53:00.000-07:00

october was great. it was a rather eventful month, and those kind always tend to pass by too quickly.

november is our last month of living on this side of california. this sleepy beach town is where we all began. we moved here a day after being married, adopted our furry child a few months later, and found out about the little lady growing in my stomach a few months after that. we have made so many good memories here, and this tiny little home of ours will be missed so very much.

we're trying to squeeze in trips to all of our favorite spots here in these last few weeks, amongst all the packing (which is actually quite time consuming when you have a baby on your hip). southern california may lack the redwoods and the chilly, chilly weather, but it's still pretty charming to us, and we're excited to spend our last november here exploring it like mad.

hope you all had a wonderful start to your month!

the first days of fall

2011-10-06T16:38:00.000-07:00

they are always the best.
we're headed to visit back home tonight!
please pray for safe travels as we drive through the night & for a little lady to sleep the whole ride there.

changes

2011-10-03T20:41:00.000-07:00

today we got some bad news. and tonight, we got some great news. it's funny how life works & evens out that way. ours is full of continuous waves, jouyous some days, and so rough on others. now the house is dark & quiet, and i'm the only one awake. instead of my nightly worrying and stressing that sets in about this time, i feel so content and grateful. i think that little foot-eater may have something to do with it.

i'll dive into the happiness as of late very soon. in short, charlotte is an ever-changing lady, who has practically become an adult overnight. kyle is out of the military in so few months, that i can now count down on one hand. if there has been any sort of pattern in my life, it is the way good things have always happened as the leaves begin to change. and judging from the ones out my window, i'd say good days are in abundance, right ahead of us.

goodnight to you.

weekending

2011-09-23T22:39:00.000-07:00

we'll be off hiking through orange county & taking c to her first dodger game in san diego.
wishing you a happy fall & a happy two days off!

general specfic

2011-09-06T16:57:00.000-07:00

the last days of summer are here, and fall is right around the corner. there has been thunder and there has been rain these past few days, but there's been some great sunsets and warm nights, too. we're soaking them in before my all-time-favorite season begins.

also, how sweet are those two in the last picture? i'm pretty certain there are not two human beings on this earth more in love with each other than k and c.

hope you all had a wonderful holiday weekend!

the nearness of you

2011-08-09T19:28:00.000-07:00

on friday, we pulled our mattress out from our bedroom & plopped it on the living room floor.

we made popcorn, watched too many episodes of Mad Men to count, and cried over The Way Back and Beyond the Sea

(okay, maybe that was just me).

it's tuesday, and we just now put the mattress back in the bedroom.

it was the best four-day campout i've ever had.

ocean eyes

2011-08-04T20:05:00.000-07:00

from the very depths of the sea, to the highest mountain top,

my love for you flows & flows.

week fifteen has been the best yet, & i have no doubt that sixteen will be even better.

i suppose it's a given that a tiny human being so sweet could change your life in ten thousand ways,

i just couldn't have ever prepared myself for how wonderful this story really would be.

sunsets in californ-i-a

2011-07-28T14:25:00.000-07:00

they really are the greatest.

really very small

2011-07-27T18:29:00.000-07:00

Our family came down to visit this weekend, and we spent 95% of our time out and about. Our first venture was to San Juan Capistrano, where we went antiquing & explored the mission. The Old Barn Antique Mall was/is magical. Seriously, so many neat old treasures are tucked away there. I could spend hours upon hours rummaging through all they have.

The mission was just as phenomenal, especially for a family full of history lovers. Also, let me just tell you how madly in love we are with our Ergo. It made it so easy for us wander around everywhere without any restrictions. I cannot say enough great things about that carrier.

Wishing you all a happy half of the week!

a date (with three) by the sea

2011-07-11T09:22:00.000-07:00

Our favorite kind of date, really.

We're kind of in love with how our summer has turned out so far.

Both Katie & Mandy have been inspiring me to make a summer bucket list,

and even though C is not yet old enough to decide what she wants to do from the list, I'm set on making it the greatest bucket list there ever was for our last summer here in San Clemente.

We're off to a good start. Happy Monday!

2011-06-13T07:51:00.000-07:00

today I'm thankful... 

for vanilla yogurt with granola

for Sunday naps

for a trip to northern California the day after tomorrow

for all those lovely souls we'll be seeing in northern California

for goodbye kisses in the morning

for the air conditioner and the wonders it does when you're not feeling well

for the sweetest, silliest eight-week old there ever was

for my faith

for postcards from across the world

for day dreaming and night dreaming about all the wonderful years ahead

for my blogger pals, instagram pals, & twitter pals (the best in all the world)

You know that saying, "Happy as a bird with a french fry"?

That would be me right now, in this exact moment.

-S

2011-05-27T22:47:00.000-07:00

My favorite way to end any day is by walking along the sea. Tonight we watched the surfers and the dolphins, and I felt more joy than any words I type could justify. Do you ever feel like you don't deserve all you have in life? I felt that a lot tonight. I walked along the shore with the most handsome man I've ever laid eyes on, with the sweetest five-week old lady wrapped around my chest. I'm so thankful for all I've been blessed with, but I'm especially thankful for these two beings tonight, and this exact moment in our life. I feel like the luckiest lady to have ever lived, and I hope I never, ever take these beautiful things and nights in my life for granted, because they're perfect.

And that is my happy ramble of the night. Wishing you all the most wonderful weekend!

-S

c loves mondays

2011-05-23T11:07:00.000-07:00

As do I. It probably has a lot to do with the fact that this Monday in particular is a cloudy one, full of good tunes and good reads.

Hope yours is just as lovely!

-S

twelve days old

2011-04-29T18:25:00.000-07:00

a merry easter to you,

2011-04-24T14:10:00.000-07:00

and a very happy one week of life to our sweet lady.

Wishing you all a wonderful day with your family & friends!

four days later,

2011-04-21T11:45:00.000-07:00

and I don't think we've felt more joy, love, happiness and contentment in our entire life.

baby c has arrived!

2011-04-17T21:52:00.000-07:00

Our little lady made her debut in this world at 3:29 this afternoon. She weighs seven pounds & six ounces, and has K's blue eyes & my brown hair. Her lips are perfect and her nose is the sweetest. She loves to look around and she will stop crying within seconds when she hears Kyle's voice.

I'll share the birth story later, but at the moment her grandpa is rocking her away, and it is the sweetest thing. So I'll squeeze in a quick summary of today.

My water broke at 4:45 this morning while lying in bed, and we were at the hospital by 5:45. I didn't go into hard labor until around two in the afternoon, and our sweet lady made it here after forty minutes of pushing. Kyle was an incredible coach & so patient, and my mum was the most encouraging woman. Our nurses and doctor were absolutely incredible & so respectful of my decision to go without an epidural and to keep things as natural as possible. Both sets of grandparents were here to greet her, along with a few members from our southern California family. We are so grateful and so blessed to have this incredible support system, and to have Charlotte come into this world so healthy and with very little trouble. She is more perfect than we could have ever imagined and the love we feel is indescribable. There are literally no words to describe this.

Thank you, thank you, thank you to our phenomenal friends & family for all the kind words, well wishes, and encouragement. We love each and every one of you and are so overwhelmed by the love we felt today from you. I wish I could thank you individually & hug each one of you. Your words meant the world.

Alright folks, I'm off to spend the evening with this sweet little soul and the wonderful man who helped make this new life possible. Sending so much love to every single one of you!

2011-04-08T21:57:00.000-07:00

It has been an absolutely phenomenal week with my mum here. There's not a single soul I admire more than hers, & we have really had an incredible time soaking in these last day dates without Charlotte, even if half of our conversations are of her. I can only hope that C and I have as close knit of a relationship as I have with my own mom. Also, she's made it a point to keep us walking constantly (and whenever we're out, a point to park in the furthest parking space from wherever we're headed) in hopes that little lady might make an early arrival. She's still nine days away from her due date, but little things have been hinting that she may here a bit before then. We shall see!

h a p p y

w e e k e n d !

t h i r t e e n

2011-04-05T11:27:00.000-07:00

Hello there & a happy wonderful spring day to you (that is, if you're having California weather this morning). Charlotte hasn't made her debut yet, for those who have asked! The second that we are certain she is on her way, we will make sure to let you know via posts & tweets. And if we're pals on Facebook, we'll be updating there, also!

These past nine months have been pretty spectacular.

Of course, there have been a plethora of bloody noses & sleepless nights, quite a few ridiculous cravings and the urge to cry at anything even remotely romantic (or sad, or happy). And then there is the whole swollen feet & fingers ordeal, which I swore to Kyle would never happen to me. The other night while visiting family, I literally had to take off my sandals because they were cutting off all circulation to my toes. Yes, this is a glamorous time.

But even with the little things that come along with each trimester, there is an absolute joy that none of those things can hinder. The bonds I've had for my entire lifetime are even greater, and new ones have been formed with those I've known only a few years. And a quick note to our blogger friends who have sent us packages, cards, and words of encouragement- we absolutely love you, and a thousand thank you's just won't do. We're blessed to know you or have met you along the way, and she is blessed to one day (very soon) know you, too.

This adventure is wrapping up quickly. While we're excited in ways I wouldn't be able to explain through words to meet this lady, and to love her, I'm going to miss this. The movements she makes constantly through the day, the kind souls who stop us in Trader Joe's or at the shops downtown just to congratulate us, and day dreaming of the way she will look and sound. It's a bittersweet thing, really! Nevertheless, the thought of meeting her sometime between now & these next thirteen days gives me goosebumps. We're so happy, and so ready.

My mum is spending the week here with us in southern California (arriving in just a bit!) and we couldn't be more excited nor thankful. Both K & I have been blessed with such wonderful families, and we love their visits down here more than anything. Wishing you all a very wonderful week!

-S

2011-03-30T16:21:00.000-07:00

just n i n e t e e n

There are only a few Wednesday's left between then & now.

Our doctor suspects she'll be right on time, but earliness has always been a pattern in our life,

so maybe we'll be seeing her sooner than later.

Fingers crossed.

Happy half of the week to you!

-S

p.s. K & I watched The Business of Being Born last night, and I truly believe every woman planning on getting pregnant/already pregnant should watch it. If you haven't seen it, it's on Instant Netflix. If you have, what were your thoughts?

2011-03-27T10:45:00.000-07:00

t h i s time l a s t year

You know how they say, "Time flies when you're having fun"? I'm pretty sure that could be our life motto.

Hope you are all having absolutely wonderful Sunday's!

-S

2011-03-21T18:46:00.000-07:00

h e l l o h e l l o & h a p p y

s p r i n g !

Last week kept us on our toes non-stop. We celebrated our anniversary on Tuesday, K had Lasik done on Thursday, we hit our 'one-month-until-C' mark on on Friday, ventured to our childbirth class on Saturday, and lastly, we spent an afternoon with my sister-in-law on Sunday. People always tell you that times slows down the closer you get to having your baby. Au contraire! Time is flying by faster than ever. I feel like I'm always writing about how quickly time passes, but truly, it's hard to keep up with each new day. Also, I feel like I'm constantly writing about baby C, but I cannot handle all of the excitement that planning for a little girl who is part of me and part of the man I love brings. So please do bear with me for these next few months. It's hard to think of anything but her.

Anywho, I've reached the last few weeks of pregnancy (hooray!). It was such a phenomenal journey that I would live a thousand times over. I have never known such support & love in my lifetime until now. I cannot even put into words how thankful I am our family, friends, & dear interweb pals for being there constantly with kind words and great advice & insight. And let me also add in how grateful I am for a fellow who unzips my boots because I can't reach them, puts up with the oh-so-unpredictable emotions and my constant need for a sparkling clean house, and who listens to late-night rants, no matter how sleepy he may be. He is the most patient man & I am lucky he is mine, especially during this adventure.

And that is my Monday afternoon rant! I hope you are all enjoying your first few days of spring. Southern California has been a bit stormy, which is not how you imagine springtime in beach towns. So if you're in the sunshine, do send some our way?

-S

2011-03-15T10:17:00.000-07:00

Wishing the most wonderful human being I've ever known a very Happy Anniversary.

I love you, I love you, I love you.

sea, sunsets, and a frolicking fellow

2011-03-10T14:01:00.000-08:00

Date nights by the sea are always pretty phenomenal.

We used to take videos all the time (all of which I lost when my Mac crashed... sigh)

and I'm trying to get back into the habit. Partly because these next five weeks are our last with just the two of us, and also because I need to start making it a point to remember to bring our camera with us wherever we go. I made an incredibly short video this morning as a test run of getting back into making the short flicks again. And by incredibly short, I mean ridiculously and insanely short. And dark. And old time-y, but that's iMovie's doing.

And don't let the Happy Birthday ball fool you. We didn't record this for someone's birthday, but instead found the ball and proceeded to kick it around. Unless, of course, it's your birthday today. Then this video is for you.

- S

letters to baby

2011-03-08T11:07:00.000-08:00

Dear Charlotte,

Thirty-five weeks. From last summer until this spring, you have and will be with me. The reality of your arrival in just five short weeks hasn't completely settled in. Your clothes for your first few months of life are washed & ready to be slipped over your tiny body. Books for you are tucked in the bookshelves, and records are waiting to be played for you. Your stroller & car seat are put together, and your blankets are folded. And while most of your material things here are ready, emotionally, we know we cannot prepare ourselves. We feel like we already love you with the greatest amount of love our bodies and souls will allow, but these feelings now won't even be able to compare to our feelings for you in April. I know that.

There are a thousand & two emotions floating around this little home of ours. Excitement and joy, a lot of love and a bit of fear. From next month on, you'll be ours and we'll be yours, and nothing in life can change that. We created you, I carried you, and in just a few Mondays, we'll be able to show you the world & raise you. I am still having a hard time comprehending how lucky I am when it comes to being your father's wife, so the thought of being your mother fills every single bit of me with a bundle of thankfulness, compassion, and joy- all mixed together.

I'm a rambler, and I always have been. But when it comes to you, rambles aren't enough. Love rants aren't enough. You're more than words can say, more than my mind can grasp.

I love you, and we cannot wait to meet you.
We'll be seeing you (and reading to you, singing to you, and holding you) soon.

Love, Us

rambles and photos

2011-03-06T11:04:00.000-08:00

Hello hello!

It's been the loveliest week back here in southern California. It was tough leaving home, but we'll be there for good in just nine short months! Yesterday, we finished the last of our shopping for Charlotte. There are little things here & there that we'll need before she gets here, but the biggest to-do's and to-buy's are off the list! We are, however, not having much luck finding miniature crib bedding. I have found some good sites with a small selection, but we'd much rather buy in person than have them shipped. If any of you know of any shops or stores that sell them, you'd be one of our favorite people to ever exist. I am not exaggerating.

Kyle & I have been trying to soak in these last six (almost five!) weeks without C. I feel like she'll be here early, although with my luck, having typed that out, she'll be here two weeks late. Two of our dear friends became parents this week, as I shared over on Tumblr. Seeing sweet photos of their little lady just fills my whole entire body with an insane amount of excitement. Not just for them as new parents, but for our new journey to begin.

Till then, we have a few more weekends for day dates & dinners downtown with just the two of us.

Wishing you all happy Sunday's!

-S

p.s.

Can you tell how much I love instagram?

a day for lady & a weekend home

2011-03-01T09:30:00.000-08:00

Hello, folks! Last week, I flew home to northern California to celebrate Charlotte with our friends & family. My dear aunt & cousin put together the sweetest shower full of such heartfelt details. Each one of the guests made a onesie for baby C with little shapes of fabric, and every single one came out so perfect. I love that she now has a plethora of clothes with bits and pieces of the people who love her back home. She's a lucky girl (with more clothes than her momma).

Many thanks to my aunt & cousin for hosting this beautiful day and for all of the wonderful ladies who we spent it with! Every other day home was just as great as this one. My brothers both visited, which is always phenomenal. I wish so badly I'd stayed a bit longer, because time flies much too quickly when visiting and there is never enough time in the day to meet with every single one of the people I'd love to see. Nevertheless, we'll be home again very soon with a new lady! Although, if I had it my way, I'd figure out a way to teleport everyone to southern California. If only.

By the way, I checked in an entirely separate suitcase on the flight home full of Charlotte's clothes.

Solely Charlotte's clothes.

And now, the adventure of laundry begins!

Wishing you all a wonderful week! I picked up something while home or on the plane that has taken quite a toll on my body, so I will be fighting it off these next few days. But I do promise to be posting regularly again.

Happy Tuesday to you, and happy 34 weeks to Lottie!

-S

p.s. We're officially iPhone-ians! I now feel guilt-free with how I use my minutes since those I talk to most are also AT&T. Holy happiness.

beyond the sea

2011-02-15T09:29:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, my phenomenal fellow surprised me with a whale watching trip.

There were sweets & champagne for everyone on board the boat, and it was all timed around the sunset. It was perfect, and the crew was so kind and so darn knowledgeable. How they're able to track whales and dolphins as well as they do is beyond me.

At one point, we ended up in the midst of hundreds upon hundreds of dolphins, with at least twenty or so swimming alongside the boat at all times. Later on, we headed out in search of the grey whale, and although snapping him was beyond difficult, we were able to see him on his migration path. It was easily one of the most beautiful things to witness. Seeing these creatures where they belong as opposed to some amusement park or aquarium is absolutely incredible.

I love the sea and I love the man I married, so the two together make up for the most lovely day.

And to squeeze in a second of baby C talk (it seems to be inevitable these days...),

happy thirty-two weeks, little lady!

i and love and you

2011-02-14T07:02:00.000-08:00

Hello, all! Happy day of love to you!

I think Aubrey worded it best when she wrote:

"No argument could make me dislike an excuse to celebrate in excess the love I have everyday. I

am so thankful for the love I have been given and cannot imagine a better life to live."

I think that could easily apply to just about anyone you have love for, whether it be your fellow or your lady, your family, your children, etc.

We started our Valentine's weekend with downtown dates, a pizza night with good friends, a lot of "thank you for loving me's", Wii tournaments and cooking a plethora of mexican food with one of our favorite couples. And what is our master plan for this evening? We don't have one, and we shall wing it. Because that is how we are & how we always will be. I wouldn't have it any other way.

Here's wishing you a wonderful (and very loving) day & week!

-S

p.s. As I'm sure you've heard by now, Top Baby Blogs has reset their counts yet again, and it would mean so much if you clicked twice here for me! I've met many phenomenal ladies through this site and hope to meet many more. Thank you so!

k + s + c / our maternity shoot

2011-02-09T15:43:00.000-08:00

All photos by Lia Cecaci of I Love That Glove

love and some verses

2011-02-07T09:29:00.000-08:00

This weekend, we ventured all over San Diego with our favorite lady with a camera, had the most phenomenal desserts you ever did taste, spent Super Bowl Sunday with K's family (where a great amount of food and laughs were had), and spent an evening with two of our dearest friends in southern California.

I have decided that Lia is our life photographer. She shot our engagement photos, our wedding, and now the baby bump photos. And of course when Charlotte gets here, she'll be our go-to-lady when we venture home for family photos. She's such a phenomenal soul & we're so lucky to have her as a friend (one who's willing to fly here just for a weekend. You rule, lady!). I'll share the bump photos soon, but till then, here's a few photos Lia took of our wedding that make me want to re-live that day a thousand times over.

Hope you all had a wonderful weekend! Tonight, we're touring the hospital I'll be delivering at. Nine weeks (fingers crossed) left!

-S

2011-02-04T11:27:00.000-08:00

One of my goals to accomplish last year was unplugging on weekends, taking a two-day break from the internet the second Kyle got home on Friday afternoons. Sadly, that didn't stick, and I'm hoping writing it on here (for the second time, mind you) will help me really follow through. Days without the interweb & all of its distractions are so great, and I can't wait to have the constant little breaks once a week.

It will be a very sweet weekend here in southern California. Tomorrow our friend Lia flies in to take the baby bump pictures! Insert a ridiculous amount of excitement right here. We'll be venturing around San Diego. Where, you ask? We have not a clue, but San Diego is where we'll be taking them. If any of you San Diego-ians (say that out loud) have any ideas of places there to photograph, do share!

I hope you all have the loveliest weekend. I know the Super Bowl is taking place, but that's about the extent of my knowledge of football. Being married to a man & all, it will probably end up on in our house. Sigh...

I'll talk to all of you lovely folks on Monday!

-S

thirty weeks / letters to baby

2011-02-02T13:31:00.000-08:00

Dear Charlotte,

It seems like everywhere I go now, I get asked about you. How long I've been carrying you, if you're a lad or a lady, what your name will be. I know it must be exhausting for some soon-to-be mom's to answer every question over & over, but I just can't stop talking about you. I'd gladly stop for every person I see here in this little town to ramble on about you. Even if they didn't want to listen, I'd probably still tell them. Because to me, you're the greatest miracle, and the world needs to know how wonderful you are, even if you haven't truly entered the world yet.

We'll be seeing you soon, little lady.

Love, Me

2011-02-01T08:32:00.000-08:00

happy february!

Kyle doesn't understand my need for 'Valentine-ing' up the house, but I had to.

It's such a sweet month.

sweet talk, sweet talk

2011-01-31T09:59:00.000-08:00

K & I ventured to San Diego for some sweet Ghirardelli ice cream & exploring. I don't think there is much that beats driving along the ocean next to your favorite human being singing tunes. Speaking of which, I've been singing a few constantly to baby C. This has been a daily one, and I've realized most of the songs I sing to her already or plan on playing for her when she gets here come off of this playlist. I suppose I should thank my own mum for my undying love for oldies, and hope to pass that love right on down to Charlotte.

And although I'll write about it again tomorrow, we've reached week thirty, and are welcoming it with a lot of excitement, infinite joy, and a bit of a "will these next ten weeks just fly by, please?" mindset. Happy. So happy.

-S

twenty-nine / letters to baby

2011-01-27T07:20:00.000-08:00

My dear little lady,

Happy twenty-nine weeks of growing to you! You are perfect. I know every mom may say that about her daughter, but I want you to know that to me, you truly are. Last week during the Charlotte show (an ultrasound to some, but a show to us), I couldn't stop looking at your fingers, your toes, and the way your nose is shaped. I haven't seen you in person, but I already know you'll be the most beautiful thing. I'm already in love with the little shapes on your tiny frame, with the way you curl yourself up into a ball, and being able to see the fast pace of your beating heart.

You haven't stopped moving lately. Your kicks and rolling around often wake me up, and I've not been able to sleep much these days, but I like to think my body's just preparing itself for the months of sleepless nights ahead.

We have eleven weeks until your due date. I've learned not to really expect you that early, as many babies enjoy just hanging out for a few extra weeks in their cozy little home of nine months. But until we reach that extra week or two, there are only eleven left to me. I love you so, and have dreamt of you countless times these past few months. Your dad & I have had the greatest talks about you lately, and our excitement and nervousness and joy are all on the same levels. There are so many emotions when it comes to you, and we haven't even met yet. Until we do, I'll continue singing you the Mamas and the Papas, daydreaming of you with your dad, and poking back at you when you throw your (very sweet) punches.

I love you, I love you, I love you.

Love, Me

firecracker

2011-01-26T09:19:00.001-08:00

This morning has been full of a plethora of pages to write away on, a few handmade cards, Ryan Adams tunes, and of course, grape jelly, which rules far greater than all the other jellies in the world.

I'm really looking forward to February. On the first, I'll be at thirty-weeks. We'll take baby bump photos with our wedding photographer (she's brilliant, so brilliant) a few weeks into the month, take our birthing classes, tour the hospital, and at the end of the month, I'm flying home to northern California for a baby shower & some much needed time with dear family and friends. And I know not many are big fans of it these days, but I am so darn excited for Valentine's Day! It will be the first I spend with Kyle that we're not an ocean apart. And also, I may or may not be completely obsessed with conversation hearts...

Happy half of the week, all!

-S

2011-01-24T14:06:00.000-08:00

On behalf of the suggestions from nearly every soul I know, I gave Blue Valentine a watch last night. The second it ended, I closed my laptop, curled into a ball, and laid my head on Kyle's chest. Not because it depressed me, and not because I found it relatable, but because I'm so thankful for a man like him, and a relationship like ours. And even when things get tough, as they inevitably do, I'm thankful to have someone who I laugh with more than cry with, someone who refuses to go to bed angry, someone who never lets either of us focus on the negative. Ever.

I don't know the future. I don't where we'll end up, how many children we'll have, or the house we will live in or the people we'll spend decades knowing and loving.

But I do know it will always be him. I know he'll always be there.

Thanks, rather depressing love story, for making me really appreciate that today.

2011-01-21T07:38:00.000-08:00

today I'm thankful...

for seventy-degree weather in January

for sunset dates by the sea

for Skype making it possible to talk with dear friends living at all corners of the world

for characters in books who remind you of people you know

for weekends (especially this one)

for blogging friends whom you talk about as though you know them personally & have for years

for days without television

for patient husbands (of which I have just one, but oh how I love you)

twenty-eight

2011-01-18T13:03:00.000-08:00

and today marks the first day of my last trimester.

Oh, how time has flown!

sweet weekend recap

2011-01-17T19:34:00.000-08:00

Hello, all!

We had a busy weekend involving of a certain handsome fellow's 28th birthday, a couple days spent with Kyle's mom, sister, and a plethora of wonderful extended family, and housing six touring fellows for an evening. It was sweet & non-stop.

Sadly, I was terrible at documenting each day. It's easy to be distracted when you're surrounded by great people, and that was the case with this weekend. I'm going to work on this. Perhaps super glue-ing my camera to my hand. Perhaps not. More likely the latter.

Today was full of great things; a walk by the sea, a new road bike for Kyle, and an appointment to see Charlotte (who weighs a whopping two pounds!) moving around like the restless lady she is.

I hope you all had wonderful weekends!

-S

the weekend was...

2011-01-10T10:12:00.000-08:00

maps, Trader Joe's, ponytails, Ikea furniture building, Fuji apples,

words & words, new sheets, orange and chocolate combined,

sandals, the old book smell, aimless drives, and a lot of hand-holding.

We were big fans.

-S

twenty-six

2011-01-07T20:23:00.000-08:00

Happy weekend! Here is a short little update on the little lady and the pregnancy.

  Charlotte has been growing inside of me for twenty-six weeks now, and in two weeks, I'll be entering my third trimester. My mind has a hard time processing this. It seems like yesterday that we had just found out we were expecting her. Time truly seems to be flying faster than it ever has before.
   Kyle has been reading her/my belly 'One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish' at night. I thought I knew what it felt like to have my heart melt before. Welp, I found out I had in fact never experienced it until I witnessed him doing this. Also, I can now sleep anywhere at any moment of the day, and I am pretty certain I am capable of hibernation. Sadly, the tummy sleeping days are long gone. It's all about the side sleeping. Terrible, I tell you!
  Lastly, we've been on the hunt for the perfect crib. We planned on buying it a few weeks ago, but have had no such luck. You see, many cribs are horribly unattractive, and the attractive ones we've found and loved that aren't terribly overpriced have all been out of stock. It's a fun process. I know she won't be in it forever, and no one is going to judge our parenting skills based on what she sleeps in (unless perhaps we used a cardboard box of some sort), but I am holding out for the crib that makes our knees weak (yes, cribs can do that).

That about covers the excitement as of late! I'm so sorry, dear blog, that I have neglected you this week. I'll be back Monday and the days following with some posts on desserts, room transformations, a little wishlist, and a love-post on a certain man I adore who will be another year older come Thursday.

-S

2011-01-02T19:50:00.000-08:00

today I'm thankful...

for the early morning and all it consists of

for a husband who reads to our little lady/my large belly every night

for chocolate fudge brownie ice cream combined with catching up on blogs (oh, to be a woman...)
for good pens and the way they make journaling so much more enjoyable

for blueberry bagels & their endless possibilities

and for spring being just a few months away (I'm especially thankful for this one)

hoops and sweets

2011-01-01T11:20:00.000-08:00

I really loved the way two-thousand and eleven began. We opted out of an overnight trip to instead go watch the Lakers play in Los Angeles. And you know what? It was insanely great choice.

We grabbed lunch & dessert from the Yard House (holy yum) and ventured to the The Grammy Museum. They had a John Lennon exhibit going on, which was so phenomenal. In one section, they had a room with a large screen showing footage of John singing and playling "Imagine". On the left wall, there were notecards saying "Imagine a world..." across the top of them, and you were allowed to write out whatever you desired and hang it next to many others on this wall. Many notes hanging already read "Imagine a world... without love" or "without kindness". Others read, "Imagine a world... full of selflessness", "full of peace." Kyle wrote, "Imagine a world... without Sarah and Charlotte Thornhill. It'd be no world at all." I love that man. I'm not sure what they do with those notes. I'm sure they take them down daily and start anew, but I think I'll remember those words for the rest of my lifetime. I love my husband, and I don't mind being sappy. But I digress. After the museum, we headed to watch the game (pretzels & Redvines included) (a plethora of Lottie's kicks also included) and after, we sped home to ring in the new year. We had our wine glasses full of apple juice ready and counted down with Dick Clark.

I love that this year began with the handsome man I love and a moving little lady inside me. Next year, we'll count down with her right next to us. Life is sweet.

I hope you all had a safe and wonderful night! Here's to a relaxing weekend.

-S

( letters to baby )

2010-12-28T13:44:00.000-08:00

Dear Charlotte,
This is the t w e n t y - f i f t h week that you've been growing inside of me. There have been many changes physically and emotionally over the past few months, but I'd say the biggest one of all is your insane size. Sometimes it's hard to grasp that there's an actual human being inside me, but your ridiculously kicking, twirling and moving all around reminds me that indeed, you are incredibly real.

This past week, we celebrated our last Christmas as a two-person family. Even though you aren't yet here to celebrate, you were gifted many darling things from your family and your soon-to-be friends, all addressed to 'baby Charlotte'. Your grandmum was able to feel you moving for the first time, along with two of my dearest friends. We were even able to squeeze in a dinner during out short trip home with our close friends who are also expecting a little lady around the same time you're going to be here. We've already decided you two will be best friends. Hope you don't mind!

Right before Christmas, we took a trip with my family to Disneyland. I like to consider it your first trip, but you might disagree with me in a few years since you couldn't really participate in much. You moved around more-so than ever before during those few days, and I'm sure you heard the fireworks. Next year, very soon after your birthday, you'll hear them again, but this time you'll get to see them. Let me tell you, they're phenomenal.

We've been talking and singing to you more now, and today we're picking out a book to read to you every day up until you get here. We're also picking out your crib today. I think seeing it here daily will make me even more anxious to meet you, which doesn't seem possible at this point.

We're almost to 2011, and there are all sorts of reasons we're already in love with this year, you being the number one. We love you so much. Only 111 days till we meet you!

Love, us

( have joy )

2010-12-18T20:47:00.000-08:00

The Christmas festivities have begun, and from tomorrow on, mister & I will be busy bees traveling about Californ-i-a. My laptop will be left here on the southern side of it in hopes of having as little distraction as possible so I can focus 100% on this sweet time of year & all of those we'll be spending it with. Because let's face it, the blogosphere will suck. you. in. Especially now with all the ridiculously phenomenal holiday updates. Holy cute.

( v i a )

Here's wishing each of you a very merry (and very safe!) Christmas. I cannot wait to read all of your stories of home, of joy, of family, and of celebrating.

Love, love, love.

-S

( to be thankful )

2010-12-16T08:45:00.000-08:00

Today I'm thankful...

for my husband's warm feet on top of my icy ones

for my family being just days away from walking in our door

for southern California finally getting rain

for socks and sweaters and the two combined

for dried banana chips (holy deliciousness)

for the lovely Danielle's sweet links

for the way feeling rested changes your day for the better
for you (yes, YOU)

for people who enjoy dry humor as much as I do

for H&M's cardigans for newborns (I melt every time I look at Lottie's)

( twenty-three )

2010-12-14T07:58:00.000-08:00

Happy Tuesday! We're at 23 weeks today, and Lottie has grown quite a bit.

Today is a wonderful day for all sorts of reasons, but most importantly because it's my beautiful mother's birthday. There is not a single woman on this earth I respect or cherish more. She leaves such an impact on every life she comes into, and has been an incredible wife, mother, daughter, sister, and now, a grandmum. I am blessed to not only be able to call this woman my mom, but also, my best friend. I wish I had some of my dearest photos of her to post, but sadly they're all in a box in northern California and I lost the rest of my favorites when my dear laptop decided to poop out. Sigh.

Nevertheless, today I celebrate this woman's life. I can assure you we all do on a daily basis, but especially today. Thank you, mom, for the endless love you've shown to nearly every soul you've come in contact with. You are such a blessing.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

In other sweet news, I was handed two days full of nothing but free time, so let the crafting begin. I will be making our Christmas cards, finally getting to the paper snowflakes, and battling my knitting needles once again. I may even squeeze in some sewing.

Needless to say, I'm excited!

Hope each & every one of you are enjoying this week thus far.

-S

( happy things )

2010-12-10T08:56:00.000-08:00

This Sugar Cookie Workshop from Trader Joe's. It's $3.99 for three cookie cutters, the mix, icing, and sprinkles. Such a ridiculously sweet (no pun intended) deal for yummy holiday cookies. I baked a batch with it this week and fell in love.
Paper snowflakes. Not to sound seven years old or anything, but making these has been on the top of my to-do list for the past week. I think we'll finally get to it this weekend. I plan on using these tips from Mandi of here's lookin at me kid.

The furry child above. Sometimes, I'm convinced I'm not a cat person at all and find myself getting more irritated with her than I get with human beings. But most days, I am thankful to have such a ridiculously personable cat with no grace at all and a thing for playing fetch.
The soundtrack to this movie. It's been playing in this home on a daily basis.

Date nights involving hot cocoa. Or anything sweet for that matter.
This DIY Charlie Brown Christmas tree by Chelsea of seablanket. Holy cute!

And with that, happy weekend, sweet folks! Any fun plans?

-S

( sunny december days )

2010-12-09T10:17:00.000-08:00

Hello hello! We're now at...

2 2 w e e k s

(insert loud gasp here)

Charlotte has been growing (and kicking) like a mad woman and has finally hit the one-pound point! You go, little lady.

Last night, K & I went to dinner with one of his work friends and his wife. She's also pregnant, so you can imagine the ridiculous amount of baby talk that went on. There's nothing better than non-sugarcoated advice and relating to someone when it comes to intense mood swings, being shocked at the change of your belly buttons depth, the terrible transition from being a life-long stomach sleeper to side sleeper, and the ridiculously intense craving for all things sweet. It was such a good night full of good food and great company.

Anywho, here's a festive-y playlist for you. After all, Christmas is the week after next.

Hope you're all well & having a wonderful Wednesday!

-S

(please excuse the dark and slightly unreadable color of the font)

( my favorite countdown )

2010-12-07T13:28:00.000-08:00

We have a chalkboard countdown going on in our kitchen. Days till Charlotte: 133
(technically 132, as this was taken yesterday, but pretend you didn't know that).

( weekends )

2010-12-06T08:55:00.000-08:00

It was a perfect start to our December.

( twenty-one )

2010-12-05T12:55:00.000-08:00

Sarah, the sap. That is what you can all refer to me as for the rest of this post.

I love being in love. I’ve posted that a hundred times, I’ve said it a million. I love that passion flows through my veins for one man. On top of being mad about him, I love loving those dear to me, and letting them know, and showing them. Nothing is greater than that feeling. I don’t think much tops it, really.

This morning, I couldn’t stop thinking about how excited I am to love one more person in ways my mind cannot fathom. I had a hard time falling back asleep because my heart is already hers, and I still have four months until I meet her. I just cannot grasp the reality that my feelings right now, which are stronger than anything I’ve ever felt, will be multiplied by the thousands in one instant. I cannot wait to first lay eyes on this perfect creature. This human being who is half of me, and half of my the most phenomenal man I’ve ever known. I cannot wait to watch her grow, to soak in each second of her incredible life. I cannot wait to show her the sea, to show her the mountains, to pass down our love for nature to her. I cannot wait to be there for all of her firsts. I cannot wait to hold her. I cannot wait to watch her dance to tunes I’ve already sung to her, and to introduce her to the people who already love her. I cannot wait to find out if she’s inherited a passion for words and cycling. I cannot wait to hear how she pronounces things. I cannot wait to see the woman she grows up to be, the people she chooses to love, the leaps of faith she’ll take.

That’s what has been on my mind all morning. This excitement, this joy. I wish I could better put it into words, but I don’t think that my words alone will ever truly explain these feelings and this love.

-S

( I love you, World Market )

2010-12-03T12:17:00.000-08:00

o1. Pinecone Candles // o2. Dove Candles

o3. Feather Pine Tree // o4. Russian Doll Place Card Holders

o5. Wooden Soldier Ornaments // o6. Twig Tree Wall Decoration

If I could marry a store, it would probably be World Market. I was ooh-ing and ahh-ing at their holiday section online this morning and wanted to share some of my favorites. K and I are definitely making a stop there tonight that shall involve some festive decorations and Kinder chocolate purchases (and perhaps some more ooh-ing and ahh-ing).

-S

( love rants )

2010-12-02T15:57:00.000-08:00

Some days, I just want to hug this man over and over again. Most days, actually.

Realizing what I get to wake up next to every single day for the rest of my life just fills every ounce of my body full of such happiness and such gratefulness. I love being married to my best friend. I love that even though I saw him just ten hours ago, I'm excited out of my mind to see him tonight. I love that we're bringing someone into this world who is a bit of me and a bit of him. I'm so thankful for this man.

( festive )

2010-12-01T10:57:00.000-08:00

Last night, Kyle and I attempted to make a gingerbread house.

I feel a bit guilty saying "make", because it was already built (Thanks, Costco!), but even that didn't make the task much easier, so let's just put a lot of emphasis on the "attempted" part. The icing and I had quite the battle, and I think it's safe to say the icing won... sigh.

We gave up when we got to icing the windows. Nevertheless, it was such a fun thing to do together and Kyle and I may or may not have eaten off candy directly after finishing the house. We were also feeling a bit festive and decided to make slash eat it whilst watching Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.

Next date night, I'm set on s'mores and hot cocoa.

-S

p.s.

h a p p y D e c e m b e r !

Follow my blog with bloglovin

( k + s + a little lady )

2010-11-27T09:45:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, our dear family friend Paula gave me an ultrasound surrounded by Kyle, his mother, and my parents. Finding out the sex is one of the greatest joys of a pregnancy (if you do want to know before the birth) and being able to find out with this little one's grandparents is such a blessing. After months of waiting & wondering, we found out that...

we are having a girl!

It was the sweetest moment and we were able to spend a good portion of our morning watching this little lady move all over the place. We saw her entire body, from her ears to her tiny toes, and I was able to see her kick two times while feeling it. It was such an insane, perfect, and incredible thing. We felt like we were floating for the rest of the day; constant smiling & hearts overflowing with joy. There are so many things I cannot wait to show this girl and so many people I cannot wait for her to meet. We do have a name that I promise to share as soon as next week begins! Thank you to all who have left sweet words of encouragement via tweets or Facebook. You added so much to these infinite amounts of bliss we're feeling.

We all cannot wait to meet you, baby C. You are so loved.

-S

( twenty )

2010-11-23T10:25:00.000-08:00

We're halfway there!

2010-11-20T20:39:00.000-08:00

Tonight, we bought & put up our first Christmas tree. I know, I know. We're a bit early. But, we're going to be back home with our family this coming week & the weekend following Thanksgiving, and after growing up with the tradition of putting up the tree the day after Thanksgiving, we've decided that putting it up tonight would be quite alright.

And that's my excuse to get festive six days early. I can't get over how perfect this time of year is. Sigh.

I hope you're all enjoying your weekend & all this rain (if your town is lacking it, I'll be sure to send some your way).

-S

( nineteen )

2010-11-16T12:41:00.000-08:00

We're so close to t w e n t y! I know I mention it nearly every post, but we're now just one week away from finding out the sex. I'll most likely find out while we're home for Thanksgiving, which is amazing. I can't stop thinking about it. We already have names picked out, so I think I'll be sharing that soon after (I'm horrible at keeping these sorts of things to myself).

I've felt quite groggy this week. Stuffy nose, headaches, and all my body wants to do is sleep. However, I'm getting my butt out of the house with mister tonight & heading to Costa Mesa to see Freelance Whales & Miniature Tigers. He's made sure we go to see all our favorite bands whenever they're near, and I'm quite thankful we share the same love for tunes. During these two years of being together, we've seen nearly all my top ten's and then some. Thanks for that, Bear.

Lastly, who else is excited out of their minds for Thanksgiving?! This weekend, Kyle's family had us over and his lovely aunt had pumpkin pie for everyone. This time of year is absolutely delicious. I wish so badly that it lasted for just a few more months. Anywho, I hope you're all having a wonderful week so far!

- S

p.s. You've all left such sweet comments & emails, and I want to send a huge t h a n k y o u to you. I've not been too great at replying on time (I find myself doing that whole "replying in my mind and forgetting to type it out" thing too often), and I promise to fix that. But truly, thank you from the bottom of my heart. I've met quite a few amazing ladies in just these past few weeks, and I love seeing your journey's unfold, whether it be with love, or a baby, or just living. Your words and encouragement are so greatly appreciated.

( november beach days )

2010-11-12T15:46:00.000-08:00

And I love San Clemente because...

I don't think we ever want to leave this town.

-S

( eighteen / letters to baby )

2010-11-09T14:02:00.000-08:00

Dear little cantaloupe (literally, that's your size these days),

This week you've perfected your yawning skills & within these next few weeks, I'm going to start feeling you moving around. It's hard to believe you've been around for four months now. You've made quite a difference in my belly these past few weeks. It's insane and completely odd, but you're perfect, and I can't wait to see you how much more you grow by just looking down. We're just two weeks away from finding out what you are! We're nervous, but we're pretty certain we know.

We've been planning for the years ahead lately. We can't get over how lucky you'll be to grow up close to your grandparents. They're all adoring you so much already, and I think they're just as excited as we are for April.

You've got a great group of souls waiting to meet you.

Loving and adoring you so, Us

( seventeen )

2010-11-02T12:03:00.000-07:00

Today, báibín is the size of my open hand.

-S

tunes for tuesday

2010-11-02T11:29:00.001-07:00

Because today is a day for oldies.

( stripes & waves )

2010-10-31T18:15:00.000-07:00

'Twas a wonderful Sunday. All our friends back home are out & about

dressed up, and we're staying in and having a Jurassic Park marathon.

I couldn't imagine a better Halloween. Have a safe night, all!

-S

( s i x t e e n )

2010-10-26T10:36:00.000-07:00

This week, I started to notice a bump. The real (quite teeny) beginning of my baby bump.

-S

( letters to baby )

2010-10-24T11:04:00.000-07:00

Dear you,

I've now had two insanely vivid dreams about you. I'm sure I've dreamt of you other nights, but there have been two mornings where I woke up literally smiling and more excited than ever to meet you. In both, you happened to be the exact sex that the doctor thinks you are, and you had your dad's ocean eyes. Just six months until I meet you.

Lately, we have been realizing that you are already your own person. I mean this in the sense that at least once a day, I'll get a text asking how 'baby Thornhill' is. You're pretty popular for not being alive yet. There are so many good souls that I can't wait for you to meet. They love you already. You're a lucky little bird.

My cravings these days include Jamba Juice (White Gummi Bear flavor always) & nachos from Murillos. The latter is located in Vacaville, California, so it's just a bit of a drive for us. I don't think your dad would be a fan of driving 7+ hours for nachos, but I assure you- they're glorious.

We have 177 days or so till we meet you. You the size of an orange this week. From what we've read, you've been quite the busy bee these days, kicking and curling lots and practicing breathing, sucking, and swallowing. Hope you're having a blast working out that teeny little body of yours.

Loving you so, Us

( weekends )

2010-10-24T09:50:00.000-07:00

We really love weekends. For a while there, Kyle & I only got to see each other for a few hours each Saturday and Sunday due to my insane work schedule; however, now that it's calm again, we have weekends free to venture all over Orange County. Yesterday, we headed to the Irvine Spectrum for the first time. It's a pretty fancy schmancy bundle of great dining, (mostly expensive) shops, live tunes & a ferris wheel. We both found a few things that we fell head over heels for, including this owl piggy bank for the bookshelf.

Our clothing shopping days have changed quite a bit this past month. Instead of "Will this fit? What can I wear it with?", it is now, "Can I wear this when I start showing? Can I wear it after?". Thankfully, loose & flowy clothes are a fall trend, so it's been fairly easy to find things to wear during & after pregnancy. It's been odd, knowing that I'll be showing soon but having not a clue when. Every update I get on the baby's growth says something along the lines of, "You're probably starting to notice a change in your size", "By now, you're most likely showing", but I haven't noticed much of difference. For my mamma readers, when did you notice your body truly starting to change? I am so excited to see that some of you are due around the same time, and I absolutely can't wait watch all of your journey's unfold and see your lives change in the most incredible ways.

Wishing you all happy weekends!

-S

( sweater weather )

2010-10-20T10:12:00.000-07:00

Our stormy day included:

Oldies, finding patterns to sew for Christmas gifts, a very loving, furry child,

and baking a batch of snickerdoodles.

I used a recipe from Ashley of The Creative Place, and they turned out to be insanely delicious. I followed the recipe exactly as is & ended up with twenty-something cookies, which was a bit much. But they were so easy to bake & were finished in the oven in just seven minutes. So perfect for fall.

I'm really excited about hand making some Christmas gifts this year.

I have zero experience when it comes to sewing, so this will be quite the journey.

I'll be back to northern California the first week of November, so ladies from back home- craft day?

- S

( letters to baby )

2010-10-18T12:00:00.000-07:00

Dear you,

Last week, I was able to see you moving all around, with your legs tucked under your bum and one arm in the air. The difference in your size between last month and last week is astonishing. To know that you're just going to continue to get bigger & bigger fills my heart and mind with so, so much excitement. This week, you're about the size of my fist. My stomach still hasn't shown much sign of you, but my appetite sure has. I've finally gotten it back. My sleeping hours are that of an old man now, but I can't say I mind, even though your dad mocks me for it constantly.

Also last week, we got a little idea if you are a he or she. I don't know how some people wait to find out till the birth day. I am so impatient when it comes to you, but I promise you it's all out of pure excitement. Your face is so much more formed now, and we can't stop thinking about what color your eyes will be, if you'll get my long torso or your dad's long legs, if you'll have a 'Maginnis chin'. I know you'll be nothing like we imagine. You'll be so much better.

It's felt a lot like fall and winter lately, and I'm so thankful I get to spend this pregnancy in cold weather. I hope it's still a bit chilly in April, because there's nothing like a bundled-up baby. I think we've decided on your name. I love it, and I hope you do too. I can't wait for these next couple of months, seeing you grow & getting closer to the day we get to finally meet you.

Loving you so, me

(photo source)

Sundays are fun days.

2010-10-17T16:44:00.000-07:00

Today, Kyle & I headed to Laguna Beach to a phenomenal little record store , and I think it's safe to say both he & I fell head over heels. The owner Jim Otto knows so much about music. He breathes it. Such a ridiculously kind & helpful guy. We found good tunes that I already am set on playing for baby. The rest of the day has been just as wonderful.

And let me just add how badly I do not want this fog & sprinkling to ever go away. And let me also add that it feels like winter, and I love the way it makes this home feel.

Happy Sunday/fun day/rainy day

-S

Blogging the winter away (& seasons after)

2010-10-16T19:11:00.000-07:00

(v i a)

Oh, this blog. I bid it farewell beginning this past summer, only to start it up again once finding out about baby. My family & friends are over 300 miles away, and blogging seemed like the best way to keep everyone up to date on everything. Well, big things are happening this winter, and there will be so much to blog about (growing baby, our adventure in learning to knit & to knit well, baking by scratch, volunteering, re-doing our room in a DIY-manner, our take on DIY holiday decor, and so on). On top of that, I've felt so inspired by some of my favorite interweb ladies (see left) to make this something worthwhile. I've seen such fulfilling journeys begin through Blogger, so I'm going to give it a try. So, in short, great things on the rise plus the inspiration led to one very firm goal. Beginning Monday, I'll start blogging more regularly & have a few re-occuring weekly posts.

I'm pretty darn excited to see where it leads.

-S

2010-10-15T10:07:00.001-07:00

Meet baby at a little over 3 months. I went to an ultrasound appointment this morning and watched this little one move all over the place. If you look real hard, you can even spot a right arm in the air. We also found out if it could be a miss or a mister. There's only a 75% of knowing for sure now, but next month it will be 100%. We absolutely cannot wait to know for certain, but we're so happy with what we found out today. I'm currently floating to the ceiling as I type this.

( letters to baby )

2010-10-05T10:13:00.000-07:00

Hello, you.

You're just a few days away from being three months old. Time has sure flown, hasn't it? You're nearly 3 inches long & weigh just an ounce. I'm almost into my second trimester, and Dr. Du said that's when this queasy feeling that's been lingering goes away. Thank. Goodness. Although, I can't say I mind the sick days, because that's a sign that you're healthy. So in a way, I'm thankful for every tough morning & night.

Everyone keeps asking me if I'm showing, but I think only I can truly notice the change. Last week, your dad & I heard your heartbeat for the first time, and I think my own heart stopped for a second. I can't think of any other time in my life I've been so amazed or so in awe. You are truly the greatest gift.

We looked at cribs the other day. That was such an odd moment. Thinking we're having this new addition in our life, one that lasts forever... it's tough to grasp, but it's such a joyous feeling. We've already been thinking of all the songs we'll sing to you, all the books we'll read to you, the places we'll show you, and the little mannerisms you'll have that we'll have nothing to do with. I just can't wait to meet you. We have about 195 days until we see you for the first time, and only a month or so till we know if you'll be a he or a she.

We absolutely cannot wait. Love you so.

Love, us

p.s. (Your uncle told me I'm not allowed to call you 'little one', and your dad said I can't call you 'padawan'. So 'baby' it is.)

Autumn Tunes

2010-09-29T10:03:00.001-07:00

Meet baby.

2010-09-04T15:42:00.000-07:00

He’s 7 weeks & four days old, due April 18th.
Nothing matters anymore but him (or her).

Lately

2010-06-03T10:31:00.000-07:00

-S

2010-05-03T17:55:00.000-07:00

Well hello. Today is a good day. I finished our song-list for the wedding and I have had dancing on my mind like no other. The guest list is just about finalized which is perfect. Soon enough, this wedding shenanigans will be over and there will be other things to post about, which I'm sure will be a sad time. Departing from this journey will be tough for me. I've thought about this wedding daily, planned for it and dwelt on it more than anything. In the mornings, I turn on the news, grab a bowl of cereal, and check for new updates on my favorite wedding blogs. It's a ritual and I love it.

While that is sad, however, I'm so excited to be stress-free and up in the mountains adventuring with the boy I love. My husband-husband, since we're marrying twice. Anywho, tonight was supposed to be set for picnics and bikes, but there were some (kind of gross) health issues, so it's been pushed back a couple of hours. Kyle is playing a video game my brothers bought him that the three of them play together (in different houses, in different towns, miles apart, all at the same time- insane technology). Watching him get into playing it is the funniest thing. The faces he makes, the way he moves with the screen... It's so funny.

My baby brother is flying down here this Thursday so he can drive with me home this coming Saturday. My parents really rule for making that happen, and I am dreading this drive a hundred ways less than I was prior to Tim venturing with me. Now Kyle and I need to come up with some awesome plan for his first time in this part of Californ-i-a. We shall see. Hope you're all having happy Mondays (oxymoron?) and I cannot wait to see you guys this week and celebrate this wedding next weekend with you. Holy moly.

-S

Weekends

2010-04-19T07:38:00.000-07:00

- S

My life feels like...

2010-04-17T21:16:00.000-07:00

I have a new last name.

2010-03-18T16:49:00.000-07:00

Hello folks! To all my incredible family & friends, I have some very big news!

On March 15th, I became Mrs. Thornhill. With our two loving sets of parents, Kyle and I got married at two in the afternoon in a civil ceremony. Quietly, perfectly, romantically. Without our friends by or any of our families (and with neither knowing), we became husband and wife. On May 15th, we will still have our wedding, and we cannot stress enough how much that day means to us and how important it is that we get to share it with each of you. The wedding will be a celebration of our love, and our marriage.

We became legally married sooner than May 15th for a few reasons (none involving a new baby, I promise!).

One of the biggest reasons (which I'm sure any of our military friends are familiar with) is housing. Kyle checks into his new command today (after recently checking out of his base in Okinawa just last week), and it is so much easier for us if he checks in to his new base as a married man as opposed to single. Our chances of finding our first place sooner are greater, along with many other benefits that will help make these next two months run quite smoothly and with very little stress.

But truly, most importantly, we married each other because we are in love. Truly and madly. We are two twenty-somethings who have just began the greatest adventure of our lives, and neither of us have felt such peace in our hearts about a decision.

Our parents have been supportive through our non-traditional decisions, and we are so thankful for both sets and are lucky enough to have two great marriages to mold ours after. They sent us off to Monterey for our first honeymoon (we are lucky enough to be able to have two!) and have been so supportive and loving these first couple of days being married. Both Kyle and I absolutely adore our new in-laws.

Again, this wedding in May coming up is still just as important as ever, and we know it will be just as important as the day we were legally pronounced husband and wife. We hope we still see all of you there! We cannot wait to spend an evening celebrating this love in our hearts and the blessing of being together with our families and friends for one wonderful night.

We love you all.

- S and K

Spring has Sprung (or so it feels)

2010-03-11T12:12:00.000-08:00

I know Spring doesn't officially start till the 20th, but the weather is so beyond phenomenal right now, and everything is blooming. I love this time of year and if would be my favorite if it were not for my horrid allergies.

Here's a couple of some perfect springy inspiration pictures I came across on two of my favorite blogs, PoppyTalk & SFgirlbybay.

And my favorite spring song that makes me want to ride an old fashioned bike to some adorable cafe and sit on the patio whilst sipping raspberry iced tea and eating pastries. I like to think I have a vivid imagination.

Happy Things

2010-03-10T22:42:00.000-08:00

And it shall begin with a surprise kiss.

(these are a few of my favorite things)

-S

It's been a while.

2010-03-02T20:48:00.000-08:00

Yes, I'm still existing and planning the wedding away.

Since I last wrote, many things have been ordered and the invites have been mailed out. Perhaps one of the greatest blessing has been Lia, who not only is photographing the wedding but also designing so much for it. All her ideas are perfect and she's yet another great soul that I'm blessed to know.

Kyle comes home next weekend (insert loud squeal) and from that point on, life is going to turn into a bit of a blur. We will be apartment searching the following weekend and doing engagement photos after. My cousin is planning my bridal shower and that's all that's really left between here and the wedding, aside from a plethora of meetings with all those helping to put together this day. I cannot believe it is truly happening, and that it's coming so soon.

It feels a bit more real each day, but I'm sure nothing will feel completely realistic till the day I'm walking down the aisle. Oh, happy life and happy love.

I'll come back to posting regularly, I promise.

- S

Obsessing over paper...

2010-02-01T23:57:00.000-08:00

Of all shapes, colors, and sizes.

Love, love, love!

-S

Maps

2010-01-27T19:20:00.000-08:00

Happy Wednesday! I spent all afternoon addressing envelopes. More is getting done with each coming day. I love it. Yesterday my mum and I spent all day (literally) hunting for wedding supplies. We found some darling lighting and great ideas for favors and decor. I fall more and more in love with World Market every time I walk in there. I would have never imagined searching for wedding things there, but I found so much inspiration. I wish I could write all the favor plans and such on here, but I must keep some things a surprise until the actual day. I'm not big on themes, but the wedding will be inspired by the following:

Okay my dears. Hope your week is going well!

-S

Spun Thread

2010-01-26T11:01:00.000-08:00

I'm getting pretty inspired. Do you feel a pattern happening?

Simple.

2010-01-25T23:48:00.001-08:00

What a beautiful weekend it has been. The invites arrived!

Aren't they darling? Perhaps I shouldn't go posting them around everywhere, with the lack of surprise now and everything, but I just can't help it. They are more precious than I could ever imagine. I can't wait to send them out to all of you. My mum text me to let me know they arrived, and I literally sped home after work, ran up my driveway, didn't even say hello to my pup (which has been a two year routine, and I'm sure she was a bit hurt) and squealed like a five year old as I opened the box. This is starting to feel real now.

Aside from the invites coming, I have been so amazed at the support Kyle and I have been receiving. My parents and his parents, both who were not too sure about this whole wedding adventure, have offered so much, financially and just with words of encouragement. It's beautiful. And my coworkers, particularly my bartender Deanna, have been so helpful. We are truly blessed when it comes to friends & family, and amazed at the creativity found in each.

The invites really made the planning fire up again. After months of searching for the perfect favor, I decided to venture off to Martha Stewart's wedding website for the first time. Why it took me so long, I will never know. But oh my goodness. I mean really, oh my goodness. The perfection. The simplicity, The creativity and crafts. All so incredible and each exactly as I had hoped I'd find.

Here are a few of my favorite inspirations I came across today:

and please, just look at these...

Oof. Cuteness overload. I can't wait to actually make some of these things. I can't get over how much I love them. What do you think? Which are your favorite?

Well off to more planning I go. I can't stop dreaming about the wedding (although the dreams are often disastrous). I adore you all and all the help you've been offering. It truly means the world to Kyle and I.
108 days left!

-S

The jubilant jars.

2010-01-21T13:33:00.000-08:00

Quickly here. I have become completely and utterly obsessed with jars.

Tell me you feel it too!

(all photos can be found on oncewed.com & 100layercake.com)

The world, childrens books, and the 1930's

2010-01-12T16:23:00.001-08:00

Well, this afternoon was spent looking at venues for the wedding with my mum and soon to be mum-in-law, Bobbett. The venues were right up the street from where I used to live in Rockville, which I love. Since the wedding will be in May, the hills surrounding it and vineyards also will be so green and beautiful. I loved one venue more than the other, but still made an appointment to check out Green Valley Country club. I feel so silly, seeing how this all started out as a planned backyard wedding and has now transformed into something much more.
Anywho, I wanted to share some of my biggest inspirations as of lately.

1. Nostalgia-inspired wedding invites:

Kyle and I fell head over heels for these invites. They remind me so much of the book 'The Giving Tree', and I love that. The makers, a husband and wife duo we found on Etsy that go by Ellothere, are so talented and so unique.

2. DIY photo booths:

I love the idea of having your own photobooth that a friend helps run at a wedding. It's so cute and fun, and certain of providing many laughs.

3. Attire from another decade:

I absolutely adore these vintage inspired outfits. I've seen a lot of 1920's and 1930's themed wedding, and I have fallen in love.

4. Traveling souls:

Kyle and I agree on many things, but one huge thing is the plan to see the whole entire world. If we can incorporate seeing the world some way in our wedding, then I will be the happiest gal alive.

5. Nature-esque centerpieces:

.

On top different countries and nostalgia in my list of wedding inspirations, I love these centerpieces and all like them. I am the queen of simple things, and these just scream simple and quaint. Love it

I am sure I'll be adding on much more inspirations in these next few months, but these are my favorites for now!
Hope you all are well and loving this rain.

- S

Love and Some Verses

2009-07-05T09:48:00.000-07:00

This morning, I woke up so in love with Kyle, I felt like I could explode. It's been seven months since I've known him now, and it feels like just yesterday I was walking through the horrendous American Eagle and I bumped into this fellow. After we first hung out, I spent nearly every day with him. The whole day. And I'm so glad I did, because these six months without him have been so tough. Thankfully, time has been flying constantly, and we have three months left till October an he's home again. I'm not sure why I'm writing this, I just feel so lucky in love. I could write ten novels about this fellow, really. He is my best friend and the one man I love and will ever love like this in life.

Bliss is a good feeling.
I'm excited to feel it every day for the rest of my life.

Nice to See You, Sailor

2009-07-01T10:42:00.000-07:00

So my boyfriend is currently stationed in Iraq, and without the invention of Skype, I think the deployment would be twenty times harder on us. I am still, and will always be, amazed at the technology that we have now. The fact that I can sit in my bed and be able to see and hear my favorite boy who's in a completely different country just astounds me. We have our 'Skye dates' (one which starts around eleven this morning) and I seriously can say that those make my day. My week, even. I can't imagine living back in the days of World War 2, and having to wait for letters that come months apart. I feel so blessed and can only imagine the crazy amazing inventions that lie ahead in the future. We'll get very Star Trek-y, I think. I'm just going to wait for teleports. That will be the day.