REMEMBRANCE TREE

The day after we found out we lost our baby, James came home with a tiny tree in his truck. It actually looked more like a few bare sticks since there weren't any buds yet, but it was a redbud tree. That entire week, redbud trees were in full bloom everywhere in Nashville. They line the streets and bloom into bright pink flowers every spring. I've always said how much I love them so it was very special that this was the species he chose to remember our little sprout. And of course, it's the perfect color.

NAVIGATING GRIEF

I've noticed that one of the first things someone asks is "how far along were you?" As if the earlier you lose your baby, the easier. It's back to that 13 week rule. Once you are in the 2nd trimester, your baby has "made the cut" to be openly talked about. I still can't wrap my head around that concept. Carrying your baby for less amount of time doesn't make you any less of a mother. Or make your baby any less of a life.

MISCARRIAGE: I'M BRINGING IT UP

These past 2 weeks have been the hardest of my life. I keep praying that the pain in my heart will lessen as the days go on, but it still hasn’t. I’ve just felt lonelier. I had another breakdown last night. The kind that just when you think you’re done, another wave begins. I pulled myself out of the bathroom and grabbed my laptop to search for hope.

PANTRY ORGANIZING

Spring cleaning time! Our pantry was in desperate need for reorganizing. I realized after clearing the top shelf that I didn't take a "before" picture...so this is actually 1 shelf cleaner than it originally looked. Honestly, I can't believe I'm actually sharing how disorganized we were living... yikes!

EASTER HUTCH

Spring is in the air! Which means goodbye evergreen dishes, hello spring colors! I will admit, decorating our kitchen hutch is one of my all-time favorite things to do. (Even though my husband rolls his eyes at how many sets of dishes I own). It's located in the center of our kitchen and really sets the mood for our whole house. And well, it just makes me happy.

ST. PATRICK'S DAY CARDS

Joe has some Irish in him, so he wanted to send St. Patrick's Day cards to his grandparents to let them know he's thinking about them! We've sent a lot of hand and footprints in the past, so Joe decided to decorate his card with his thumbprint instead. I can't believe how big his little fingers have gotten!

PROPELLER CUPCAKES

I've had a few people ask me for details on how to make the vintage airplane propeller cupcakes. They were super easy, but here is a step by step to show you how I did them.

TIME FLIES! VINTAGE AIRPLANE 1ST BIRTHDAY

The first birthday - what a milestone! I can't believe how quickly my little man is growing. I wanted Joe's first birthday party to be a day our family and friends could relax and enjoy. We went in circles for awhile on the theme, but I ended up choosing what I want his future "big boy" room to be. That way, we could recycle all the decorations. And so Joe's "Time Flies" vintage airplane birthday was created. Time literally flew...and who could resist a cutie in an aviator hat?

LITTLE VALENTINES

I received an email from Joe's daycare that all Valentine's are due on Friday. I didn't realize that was a thing for 1 year olds, but apparently it is. Of course I wasn't going to go out and buy the standard tear-apart Valentines, but I was pretty short on time. I decided to use things I had around the house to make homemade cards for his classmates.

BEE MINE?

Believe it or not, Valentines Day is one of my favorite holidays. Maybe because it's right after my birthday, or maybe because it's an excuse to be extra cheesy. I wanted to spread a little love and give Joe's new teachers a little something to let them know we appreciate them.