Cheers!

I can't believe 2012 is on it's way out! It has been a big year in the Kennedy household. 

Some of the highlights:

•  rang in 2012 with some great friends in our California digs
•  took my first trip to Vegas
•  had lots and lots of visitors including parents, sisters, groomsmen etc
•  rode bikes on the boardwalk and boated around the harbor
•  had one too many happy hours/cocktails with girlfriends. Including one infamous, unintentional wine crawl. 
•  had great friends out for cinco de mayo, indulged in some amazing food and margaritas
•  decided to start a family and quickly found out we were going to be parents :) 
•  weighed the pros and cons of moving back East to be closer to family
• watched my SIL Kelly get married in a picture perfect Virginia wedding
• J got offered a job with a new law firm, we made the decision to make the move
• shipped a car and packed all of our stuff onto a truck and waved good bye to our beach town
• after a great baby moon in Palm Springs, we took 6 fabulous days to drive cross country
• Got settled in our new house and spent tons of time with family and friends that we had missed
• Had a fantastic holiday season celebrating with loved ones!

I have a feeling 2013 will be even greater!!

 Being 9 months pregnant, we chose to forgo formal plans and will be spending the night at home, sipping sparkling cider, enjoying a fire and getting ready for Miller's arrival. I can still hold my own with the best of them, heels and all, but sweatpants at midnight sounded better to me this year than a sequin dress.  

However, if I was hitting the town, you can bet I would be rocking gold, sipping on lots and lots of champagne and wearing as many jewels as possible. 

My goal for 2013? Just be happy. 

Enjoy my precious family, love on my husband, take care of myself and say a few extra prayers.

Happy New Years everyone!

The final countdown!

Well, it's now or never! We scheduled our last weekly appointments and are just playing the waiting game. I'm officially full term so fingers crossed we will meet Miller in 3ish weeks! Luckily I'm still very mobile and comfortable so he can bake as long as he needs to.

We had the BEST Christmas with both families this holiday. It was amazing having both parents 10 minutes away and a home base where we could relax and regroup. Annnnnd today we aren't on a plane back to California. Lot's to be thankful for this season. We were spoiled with too many goodies and are now officially set in every department. There is literally nothing else we could want or need! Truly blessed I tell ya!  A few of my favorite gifts this year...

Neutral studded flats. Lots of wear to come.

 

New king comforter in a darker color. We retired the white option we had for now since a bambino will soon be taking over.

 

 

Our second car seat. It ranges from a 4lb infant to a 70 pound child. All we need to do is install in hubs car and we are both set to roll with baby!

 

( J's parents are building a house on the water in NC so many a road trip are in our future. Car DVD players will be a lifesaver I'm sure!)

Sweet M monogram necklace. I was lucky enough to get one in silver and gold!

 

Monogrammed Mom Agenda planner. After looking at a million options, I decided this was the one that would work best for our fam. It has designated spots for meals, kids info, schedules and reminders. This, in addition to our family binder, should keep us straight!

This just tips the ice burg on how fortunate we were this year. Lots of love, excitement and anticipation for all that is to come!

 ___________________________________________

Unfortunately, right before the holiday we lost my grandmother. Luckily, she didn't suffer long and is finally re-united with my grandad (who we know was literally dancing when she arrived). They were an amazing example of love, dedication, humor and joy.  In addition to a wife, mother and grandmother she was a talented pilot who taught soldiers to fly during the war. Truly amazing.  

 ___________________________________________

I hope everyone had a great holiday and got to spend lots of quality time with family and friends!

 

Time flies

Where does the time go?

 Between getting settled from the move, being 8.5 months pregnant and the holidays, things around here are rocking! It's so exciting and terrifying that once December hits I can say that our baby is due NEXT MONTH! I really do want to start documenting some parts of this time in our lives because I know soon enough it will seem like forever ago.

We have been slowly working on sweet Miller's nursery. It's neutral, with pops of natural texture and gold/metallic. I know he will just love it :).

 

 A classic Federal mirror to go over the changing table. You can see the rug here too.

It's a natural hemp/white leather woven number. I love all the texture/color variations. A little taupe, grey, white...perfect!

 

A sheepskin throw to make standing over the crib super comfy. Jenny Lind crib in white with all white linens. Crib skirt isn't done, just tacked to see length etc.

 

Some sweet gifts from his favorite aunts.

 

 Stroller ready to go. Car seat is installed, which makes it super weird driving around now.

 

Mini golf clubs from his Grandaddy ( my dad). I have 3 sisters and 2 nieces so he can not WAIT to 

dive into boy things.

 

Who doesn't love a mock flannel onesie? I know I would love precious girl clothes too but dressing a boy is SO FUN!

 

Beach Blues

  There is no doubt in our minds that we made the right choice moving back East. We are back in our hometown with both sets of parents, siblings, close family friends etc. With the baby coming in January, this is exactly where we wanted to be. J loves his new firm and we are settled into our new house, ironically in my childhood neighborhood. With that being said, every now and then I miss the sound of the ocean and the salt air. 

Our California house was 100 yards from the water and the views are something we feel so lucky to have had. Something about the sun setting over the water just makes you stop and be thankful. 

Today, thanks to Pinterest, Im headed back to the ocean.

Source: kateelizabethconner.com via Ruby on Pinterest

                                  

                                       

                                                   Our beach

                                    

Source: tinywhitedaisies.tumblr.com via Emily on Pinterest

Source: 3.bp.blogspot.com via Emily on Pinterest

Source: partyresources.blogspot.com via Emily on Pinterest

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Source: westelm.com via Emily on Pinterest

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Love is in the air!

The windows are open, it's crisp out side and I've got a homemade latte. 

Life is Good. 

We've had a busy few days and there is lots to be thankful for this Wednesday.

I'm Loving:

Our Stroller! 

We debated back and forth between a few models and this Baby Jogger City Versa proved the be the best for our lifestyle. It has a patented " one pull" fold system, seat that can go either way, pram height car seat when the infant seat is installed, plus tons of accessories we can purchase to make our bambino comfy and cozy.

Mama Mio Tummy Rub

This has got to be THE BEST stretch mark prevention solution. It smells amazing, is non greasy and is highly recommended from moms and celebs alike. I may or may not use it on my arms and legs sometimes too because I  just can't get enough. My sweet bf Kate knew it was the perfect " Congrats your having a baby gift" She knows me too well :) 

Fall Pinterest Crafts

This chilly weather is calling for a fall craft, decorating day. On my hit list...

 

Source: theivycottageblog.blogspot.com via Kate on Pinterest

Source: etsy.com via Susan on Pinterest

Source: bhg.com via Catherine on Pinterest

Source: chiccoastalliving.blogspot.com via Pilar on Pinterest

The fab 5
On Friday,  the high school besties, Anne Stewart, Maria, Liz, Megan and I will be in the same place for the first time in over 3 years.  I. Can't. Wait. Mexican fiesta at our casa on Saturday will def be a great time! Margaritas, guacamole and some great quality time!

Source: chiccoastalliving.blogspot.com via Pilar on Pinterest

And as always, I'm loving my amazing husband and our sweet healthy baby boy :)
Very blessed indeed. 
Everything has checked out perfect and we even got to see his precious face on a 3-d machine at our last appointment.
Talk about surreal.  I may be biased, but he is perfect :)


Have a Great Day!

Giddy for Urban Grace

Yall, I have to let you in on one of my obsessions, Urban Grace Interiors. I have never seen anything from the super talented Erika and team  that I didn't LOVE (and immediately tried to re-create). The gal is not only super cute but can do no wrong design wise. Don't believe me? She just finished designing the Coastal Living Ultimate Beach Home in Rosemary Beach Florida. Could you just die!

I can't possibly admit how many times a day/week I scroll through her design portfolio and drool. 

Go ahead. I'll wait. 

Amazing right???

Take a peak inside the Ultimate Beach Home...

Just the tip of the iceberg my friends. Media room, kitchen(s), bunk rooms with IPad ports, neutral calming spaces with natural materials, a to die for back yard etc. etc. etc. 

Total swoon. Happy Thursday!

Lovin' Much!

This Wednesday I'm feeling super thankful and am loving lots!

A link up with Jamie should do the trick!

                                         

I'm Loving...

My trip to Savannah to see my grandma and family.

Tomorrow, my dad and I are taking off to  the Peach State for a much needed few days in the deep South.  I'll know we've made it when we stop at the boiled peanut stand.

Source: google.com via Caitlin on Pinterest

That we just celebrated our 2 year anniversary!
We have done ALOT in the last 2 years and there is no one I would rather do it with. We
had a great dinner out in downtown last night with a fabulous mocktail for this gal.
We couldn't believe that next year we will need a babysitter!

  Non- baby nurseries
 I think there are a million adorable nurseries out there. Whether you go pink and girly
or blue and nautical, up to you. I personally want our babes room to feel like they could grow with a lot  of it.  Slight baby, not over the top. The walls will be some form of grey.

Source: projectnursery.com via Emily on Pinterest

Source: sheridanfrench.blogspot.com via Emily on Pinterest

A little busy but loving the gray walls, dark dresser and more formal rug

Source: pinterestlov.tumblr.com via Emily on Pinterest

Homemade Butterfinger?
I saw how they made Butterfingers one morning on our cross country trip. Thanks Food Network.
 These days, when I see something I want, I gotta have it. I proceeded to get a Butterfinger at almost every rest stop/ gas station we stopped at from Oklahoma City to Memphis.
 I have since curbed my awful habit.
In comes this Pinterest recipe that looks too good to be true. As soon as I can get my hands on some candy corn this will happen.

Source: plainchicken.com via Emily on Pinterest

Hope everyone has a great rest of the week!!!