updates on life around these parts

my babies

Hi there!  It's me, Denise :)  I'm still alive and I still have a blog - just a lot of happenings going on around here ya know?  Soooo I have a one month old son!  What?!?!  He's the sweetest, cuddliest and most relaxed little man there ever was.  He's got a pair of lungs on him now, don't get me wrong.  But he's purely delicious I tell ya.  And a decent sleeper these days (thank you jesus!).  I also have a 2 year old!  What again?!?!  She's spunky, hilarious and so so loving.  They are mostly responsible for my lack of blogging, but hey!  Cuddles over computers. Always.

Oh and speaking of my babies... breastfeeding y'all!  The struggle is real.  I've had to work really hard to get my supply up and recently came down with mastitis only to watch it drop again.  But we are on the mend and building that supply back up for my little chunkster thanks to the help of my amazinggggg lactation nurse.  She's the best.  If you're in Wilmington and need one, let me know because Lindsay is the bees knees!  And also thanks to my sweeeeeet breastfeeding support group/ aka sarah tucker!  this post was so so helpful and poor sarah has had to endure my breastfeeding text questions 24/7.

We are also in the process of getting our house ready to put on the market.  That's right, I am going to try and sell my house while living with two in diapers.  Prayers appreciated.  We also bought a lot to build a new house with Matthew was 2 weeks old.  So hey!  Like I said, lots going on around here.

I am wayyyyy behind on thank you notes.  If you have sent a meal or a gift, I promise I am forever grateful for your kindness and there is a note coming!  And once those are finished, on to the Birth Announcements!

I received these amazing 3D Fiber Lashes in the mail and I cannot wait to play with them this weekend!  Anything to help this mama look more awake is much appreciated.

On that note, I reaaaaallllly need to get out of my yoga pants.  It's been almost 5 weeks since the babe and I just can't. take. them. off.  I have been shopping the Anthropolgie sale though and just picked up this (great for nursing too!) and this and this cute top!

Which leads me to another shopping point.  Have y'all ever heard of Coco and Ginger?!?!  I die.  No really.  I found them on instagram and am in love with each of their pieces.  Completely in love.  I usually don't spend that much on Georgia's clothes but I am going to have to splurge and get her something for next summer from that line.  Maybe for Christmas?  I'm in love with everything they make.  I want it in my size too please!

And then my last shopping point.  (disclaimer - I've been pregnant and haven't bought clothes in a long time!  I didn't really buy any maternity clothes either because I wore what I had from Georgia's pregnancy.  So there!  That is my excuse for this shopping nonsense.)  Back to my last point.  I want some boots!  For fall!  I'm deciding between these and these (in the grey suede).  Thoughts?

OK - both babies are sleeping so I mist shower and put on real clothes before the hubby comes home.  I. Can. Do. It.

PS - Promise to have Matthew's one month post up next week!

xox

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my 2 year old!

A week ago the baby that made me a mommy turn TWO!  I don't know where time goes, honestly.  There was no big shindig this year but I made SURE my little lady felt special.  She had one request this year - a Big Bird cake.  Considering she didn't even have a sugar cake last year I felt it only necessary to get her very own 8 inch Big Bird cake.  She didn't leave much for the rest of us (likely we had cupcakes too!).  We celebrated at home on Thursday night (the birthday night) and then headed to my parents' house Saturday for more spoiling and more celebrating.  Sunday night my in-laws stopped by for even more birthday surprises.  Spoiled rotten and loved unconditionally... I'd say it was a good birthday!

**PS - I appologize for the quality of these iPhone photos but a 2 week old + sleepy mama = I tried my best ok?

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newborn photos with Jennifer Simpson

**All photos taken by the talented Jennifer of Jennifer Simpson Photography.

When Matthew was one week old, my little family of four had the pleasure of visiting Jennifer Simpson's new studio here in Wilmington for a little photo sesh.  Jennifer is theeee sweetest and she made Georgia immediately feel right at home (I mean she had gold fish and toys on hand!  win win!).  Not to mention is she talented!  My little toddler was quite the handful during this hour and a half and I was honestly wondering if she got ANY good shots... until I saw them!  I was in awe.  Thank you Jennifer for capturing our family as we welcome baby Matthew.  We will cherish this photos forever!

**Side note: we had originally planned on doing hospital photos with Jennifer but when the big sister showed up that morning she was a bit fragile and I knew pictures were not going to work out.  I called and rescheduled right then and she could not have been more understanding and accommodating.  Thank you so much Jenny, you are a gem and I cannot wait to work with you again soon!

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two years

photo by jennifer simpson photography (gotta love the gold fish in her mouth!)

Two years ago this sweet girl gave me my favorite name - mommy.  Georgia Grace is has been an honor watching you grow and learn as you become the sweetest little lady I could have ever imagined.  I love your curiosity and zest for life.  I love the way you run wild and free without a care in the world.  I love your sweet, soft, nurturing side that comes out when you are feeling safe.  You are truly a gift and I pray every day that God equips me to parent you in the best possible way.  Because you desire the best baby girl.  I love you!  Happy Birthday!

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best week of my life

managed to take the kiddos out to dinner one night!

strawberry ice cream yes please

like i said - whatever matthew does... georgia does too :)

the newest tradition - nightly daddy/daughter bike rides

he was in my belly a week ago!

This past week has truly been the best of my entire life.  It was also the hardest of my life.  We were only in the hospital one night with Matthew because we were so eager to get home to our little family of four.  But once we got home we settled in.  Matt was able to be home most of the week and that alone, made me cry happy tears.  Georgia loved having daddy all to herself while mommy figured out this new baby thing all over again.  Georgia learned that Matthew HATES having his diaper changed, and mommy learned that whenever Matthew needs a diaper change... so does Georgia!  Funny how that works :)  Everyone cried a lot this week - happy tears, sad tears, frustrated tears, confused and exhausted tears just to name a few but it was like a beautiful mess of a week.  I remember Matt looked at me and said, "If I could bottle up this week forever, I would."  And babe, I couldn't agree more.

On another note, mamas to toddlers + babes... any advice for the constant nursing sessions?  What does your toddler do? Mine currently screams and cries until daddy or nanny swoop in and save the day, but what will I do when I'm all alone?  It takes a village y'all.  And I am forever grateful to my village.

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