Something Saturdays (8/17/19) -and an ANNOUNCEMENT

Soooo....yepp! Explains why I've gotten even worse (somehow) at blogging! Here I am, about 12ish weeks (I measure 6 days ahead of my official due date so I'm either almost 12 weeks or almost 13 weeks, depending on how you look at it lol) pregnant with kiddo #2 . We're all super excited (even James, so far).

So, in addition to trying to have fun and soak up summer and do all the normal maintenance lifey things, I'm also extra tired and nauseous. Woo! 

We have been having lots of fun, though. Last weekend was our friends Amanda and Brian's baby shower and it was so great to celebrate them and the coming arrival of their baby girl. And, thanks to the balloons, James also had a fun time. Speaking of James-regression is officially over AND like a couple days later his 2 year molars started coming in. HA HA HA. Figures lol.

Something Saturdays (8/3/19)

So I knew I was behind on my Something Saturday posts but not HOW far behind-turns out I had a draft from July 6 that I never published *sigh*. And now it's August. It's been crazy! We went on vacation mid-month with Michael's family and it was lots of fun. And otherwise...I don't know. Life, man. But it's been fun! We've been trying to enjoy summer. James is just really cute and extra affectionate lately and I think we may finally be coming out the other end of his sleep regression so-yay!

Something Saturdays (6/29/19)

Last Sunday's church picnic was really fun, James got a sweet balloon teddy bear made that he loved and he got to eat chocolate so it was a win for him. The rest of the week is something of a blur, frankly, because James has been having trouble sleeping which means I've been having trouble sleeping so I'm very tired. Oh! We did go to see Michael's cousin's daughter, Ava, who is a couple months younger than James and that was fun. And yesterday we went to brunch with my wedding planning boss, which is always fun. This weekend I have to work but hopefully I'll get some fun times with the boys and hopefully some SLEEP.

Something Saturdays (6/22/19)

Well I meant to actually post this week (just a James update but still) but instead I started cramming the book Oh Crap! Potty Training so that's fun lol. The good news is I have actually photographed 2 recipes. The bad news is I haven't edited the photos and who knows when I'll have time. *le sigh*. 

But ANYWAY. Let's recap this week, yes? Father's day was lovely: we served Michael breakfast in bed (which resulted in James eating some of his daddy's breakfast in bed as well) and hung out, went on a walk, tried out James' new strider bike, I picked up dinner for all of us and...yeah. It was a good day. The rest of the week was mostly business as usual, although on Wednesday we went to storytime and James was so sweet and was sharing with the other kids (which, considering he has had very limited interactions with other children was very impressive I thought) and he looked like such a big boy. Then we went to Michael's dad's for dinner. Thursday was mine and Michael's 4 year wedding anniversary so we went out after James had gone to bed (Michael's mom stayed at our house). We got dessert at Twisted Olive first (SO GOOD) and then dinner and a stout for Michael at Royal Docks Brewing Co (meh). Friday I worked later than normal so I got home right at bedtime which stunk but James was so happy to see me which made me extra happy (especially since I'd been snubbed in favor of all 3 grandmas over the previous couple of days). This weekend I'm working again and then we have a church thing tomorrow for our pastor who is retiring. 

Recipes from the blog that I made this week
All-Butter Pie Crust

Movies/TV Talk (assume there'll be spoilers)
Jane the Virgin-Ohhh I'm loving it.

Instagram Lately (a few highlights from this week on Instagram)

Something Saturdays-on a Sunday (6/16/19)

Yepp. I'm doing so terrible at blogging lately that I can't even seem to keep up with my weekly recap posts. I have no excuse-just life is crazy busy and something has to give and that something is usually this blog. I appreciate all of you who are still here! 

Speaking of appreciation: HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!! I know everyone says they have the best dad but James really does <3

Something Saturdays (6/1/19)

I'm sorry I missed last week's update! We've been so busy just going on walks, hanging out with family and each other, getting stuff done, etc. But life is good and we're enjoying this gorgeous weather! I hope you are too <3

Something Saturdays (5/18/19)

So this week has just been THE BEST. Seriously. One of the best (if not THE BEST) weeks of my life. We started off with Mother's Day where Michael brought James to me in bed with a card they'd made together and James just smiled at me and stared at my face while I read it (*sob*) then we all made waffles together as a family. It was so fun and James ended up eating 3/4 of a Belgian waffle with peanut butter all by himself so I'd say he liked the end result. We spent time together and went on a nice long walk and to the park. Then we had takeout from one of my favorite restaurants for dinner. It was awesome. Then Michael took the week off from work so we worked on a bunch of house projects (which is so satisfying) including finally painting our horrendous yellow powder room a much prettier minty green. Michael's brother (who lives in N Carolina) was in town also so he and their sister and mom dropped by to play a bit on Monday, and then after that Michael's dad and stepmom came over for dinner. Wednesday Michael and I got massages (his first) which was great, then lunch at Canton Brewing Co (my first time there) and then the most fun of all we all 3 got to go to our local farmer's market which was so amazing. I bought so much good stuff and James was excited because he got to try free samples and saw lots of doggies. Speaking of animals...my favorite day was Thursday because WE WENT TO THE ZOO. THE ZOO! I love the zoo and James had never been! I prefer the Cleveland Zoo but we live closer to the smaller Akron zoo so we thought it would be a good 1st venture. It was such a beautiful day and we had such a great time. James essentially just skipped his nap and he was still SO happy and pleasant all day (even after we got home). The biggest highlight of the trip were the turtles. He's still talking about them. Friday I had to work (boo) and same today but we're hoping to get a bit more family fun in this weekend. It should be gorgeous out so I hope you're all able to have fun too!

Something Saturdays (5/11/19)

Life is craaazy but in a good way! I grocery shopped and did things on Monday, Tuesday I took James to visit Michael's mom at work (which is the high school we both went to so James was taken around to say hi to almost everyone lol), Wednesday night my cousin Audrey and her fiance' Kylie came over for dinner and stayed and played games after James went to sleep (so fun!) and other than that we've just been enjoying nice weather and getting things done. Today I worked and tomorrow is MOTHER'S DAY! Yayyyy! I'm so excited for my 2nd mother's day and I hope everyone out there has a great day.

Something Saturdays-on Sunday (5/5/19)

Last weekend was a fast but fun time with our friend Christian! His flight on Friday ended up being delayed so my plans for Michael and him to go to Studio Bakery unfortunately fell through-so we just ate some burgers I picked up from Swensons after I got home from work and James went to bed. Saturday the boys ordered pizza for lunch while I worked and then we went to our fave, Table 6, for dinner (and much deliciousness was had). The next morning we had breakfast at Twisted Citrus and then Michael took him to the airport. It was super nice to spend some time with him-and James had so much fun! On Monday I was still feeling bummed about missing Studio Bakery so James and I stopped in and had such a fun time catching up with the owners. James literally oohed at the cakes and macarons and I eventually caved and let the owner/baker Brittany give him a pistachio macaron-and boy oh boy was that a happy James lol. 

So we all got treats and were pleased about it. Thursday we went with Michael so James could see daddy's work and it was super nice and fun. Everyone was pretty excited to see James. Otherwise just lots of playing and fun times for us! 

Yesterday I worked and and then we went too Michael's cousin's gender reveal party (they're having a boy!) and after James went to sleep we went to my close friend (and like...3rd cousin? 2nd cousin once removed? I dunno)'s mom's celebration of life which was bittersweet. So it was a very busy very long day. Today I worked and mostly just tried to keep my head above water-here's hoping I get plenty of sleep tonight!

Something Saturdays (4/27/19)

Right now our friend Christian is visiting us from NY so I'll keep this recap short and sweet:

Easter was fun! James loved all the fun, as usual. The Easter eggs turned out really pretty, too. I'm going to share a post about it soon hopefully! Michael had Monday off which was super nice, then Tuesday we had dinner at his mom's (and after James went to bed I went to my friend Amanda's studio for a girl's night she hosted, so fun!) and Wednesday (she's a teacher and was on spring break) she came over to play with James while I cooked. I worked yesterday (and that's when Christian came in) and...yeah! That's mostly it! Hopefully he has fun this weekend!

OH and-it's this blog's 8 anniversary today! I'm lame and doing nothing but let me just say THANK YOU for being here through these 8 years. The rollercoaster ride of my life + lots of yum yums. The circle of life. 

Something Saturdays (4/20/19)

Michael and I had a lovely brunch together last week, thanks for asking. The rest of the week was pretty cool but the big event was: JAMES HAD ICE CREAM FOR THE FIRST TIME. We took him to a local-ish ice cream place that has a location near us that we like (Handel's, in case you were curious) and he was a big fan. Super happy and pleasant and playful. He had his own baby vanilla cone that he definitely enjoyed but clearly he preferred taking bites of mommy and daddy's chocolate peanut butter ripple ice creams. It was a great time and I loved his little voice exclaiming "ice creaam!"

But let's talk about what we all want to know right now: what are we doing for Easter (if you celebrate--or if you celebrate a different holiday what did you do/are you doing?) Today we're dyeing eggs (I used this methodology for homemade dye). Michael and I loved how Christmas went so much we're replicating the same model for this holiday. We're hosting an open house at our place and our parents will stop in whenever is convenient for them/when James isn't sleeping lol. We're serving:

• Sandwiches (croissants and rolls, turkey, ham, lettuce, tomato, and a variety of cheeses will be available for people to make whatever they want.
• Baked Cheddar Scallion Mashed Potatoes
• Assorted fruits, cheeses, and crackers
• Seriously Good Homemade Coleslaw from Inspired Taste

I'm really looking forward to it! What are your plans?

Something Saturdays (4/13/19)

This week has been so lovely-the weather has gotten nice so Michael and I took James to the park twice (his first time!) We're lucky and there's a park across the street from our neighborhood allotment so we're able to just walk over with the stroller and he can swing or we can help him go down the slide. Little man loooves it, and we've been playing outside a lot in general. It's been so so nice. I worked today but tomorrow Michael and I are going to get some brunch together and maybe run an errand while James naps. I can't wait!

PS-I'm planning on having a new recipe for you guys this week! Cross your fingers that I'm able to actually get it written and posted!

Something Saturdays (4/6/19)

This week, as per usual lol, was fairly uneventful. Mostly just James and I time (plus I had a dentist appointment on Tuesday). Today I had the day off and Michael and I did some furniture shopping during James' nap (Michael's mom came over to stay with him). We were able to find an entertainment center we love (under our max budget, yay!) and got some good leads on a new dining room set. Afterwards we picked up food then went home and hung out with Michael's mom, sister, and baby James-enjoying the nice day (woohoo 60's!) It was a great day-I hope your Saturday was just as good!

Something Saturdays (3/30/19)

Alright it's late but I'm getting this post in under the wire!

I realize I suck at blogging these days. I'm sorry. I have no idea if or when it will get better but all I can say is I'm living my life and when I can post I will <3

Now, speaking of life. Last weekend we did a little shopping and also went out to dinner at our favorite Mexican place, Tlaquepaque. James and I hung out and ran some errands Monday and Tuesday. Wednesday I took him to story time at our local library for the first time (it was fun but crazy--and most of the kids were a bit older than him). Today was super fun because our friends Amanda and Brian came over and we always love to see them (and we found out what their baby's sex is! So fun!) Tomorrow we're just going to church and finishing up tax stuff. Fun funnnn.

Something Saturdays (3/23/19)

Well last weekend was a real adventure. I skipped last week's Something Saturday because poor little James caught his first stomach virus (I presume from his doctor's appointment on Wednesday, it was only a day and a half later that it hit him). Then-I got it. Then-Michael got it. We were a mess. And poor James was all better on Sunday while I was weak from a night full of awful and Michael had just been hit. So we called his mom to come help us. And then she caught it Monday night! Gosh we felt awful. This bug is no joke. But, luckily, now we're all healthy and are just working on cleaning everything and playing catch up. Ugh. Wish me luck!

Something Saturdays (3/9/19)

Well last weekend was super fun. Last Saturday we had so much fun at baby Ava's 1st birthday (James especially) and then James woke up Sunday with another new molar (we're up to 10 teeth!) We went to dinner with friends of ours and their kids and it was fun-the best was that it was James' first time out in the falling snow and he loved it. He laughed and reached his hand into the air. The rest of our week was mostly just hanging out and running errands. I had an appointment with my new OBGYN's office (I switched because I didn't love my birth experience with James and heard amazing things about the midwives at this office) and I really liked it so fingers crossed! I had to work yesterday and today and tomorrow which is lame but I'm still making sure to get lots of time with my guys :) 

Something Saturdays (3/2/19)

Hiiii. What are you doing today? I'm super excited because we're going to Michael's cousin's daughter's 1st birthday party (so clearly she's only a couple months younger than James) and it should be fun!

Last weekend was fun too-James GOT HIS FIRST HAIRCUT (*sob*) He was not a fan but the sweet boy, through his tears, still thanked Patrick (our hairdresser-he cut mine and Michael's hair too. Yay for family haircut day! Lol) with a cute little teary, "tank ooo" It took some getting used to but it honestly looks mostly the same, just a smidge shorter (and more uneven because the dang kid wouldn't stay still). Here's a fair summation in photo format:

We then stopped by Studio Bakery (our fave) and bought all the treats. Later on we went out for dinner at our favorite restaurant Table 6 so all in all, a good day. Sunday we just hung out. James and I ran a couple errands on Monday (including picking up birthday presents for this Saturday's party) and Tuesday we just played and then my dad came over for a bit after he got off work. Wednesday I worked so my mom came over to watch James but then I was off Thursday and we went to dinner with Michael's dad and stepmom. And yesterday I worked and my mom babysat again. 

Something Saturdays (2/23/19)

Last week was pretty uneventful so here I am with a little recap of the last couple weeks! Mostly, we've just been enjoying each other! I had last weekend off and on Saturday Michael and I went out to brunch while James napped (Michael's mom stayed with him) for some much needed alone time. I'm off this weekend too and am super excited for more family time!

Something Saturdays (2/9/19)

Ahh what a busy week! Sunday James, Michael, and I went to church and got to play outside a little and just generally enjoy family time! On Monday, James and I went and had brunch with my boss and friend, Val. Then Tuesday we mostly just hung out and went to the grocery store. I had to work Wednesday and yesterday (and today and I have to work tomorrow too) but I got to spend Thursday with my sweet little nugget. Michael's been getting home earlier which has been so fun, we love getting to hang out and play. And it makes James get ultra affectionate and sweet which I adooore.

Something Saturdays (2/2/19)

Hi hi hiii! I'm one of those people who lived through this week's polar vortex-anyone else? Admittedly, it was like it never happened for James and I because we literally did not leave our house from Tuesday-Friday. On Monday we went to Studio Bakery again before the cold hit to get treats (macarons, ccc, pecan bar, cherry pie, and cassatta cake-natch) but after that we just stayed in! It was also soooo nice because Michael got home much earlier than normal all week which gave us lots of fun family time and James adored it (so did we). Michael's mom and sister came over for a bit on Wednesday (they both were off from school-his mom teaches high school and his sister is in college-because of the polar vortex) which is always fun. And this weekend I'm off work still so it should just be fun family time! Plus we had play date today with a little boy just a month older than James whose mom used to work with Michael (we went to their house a month ago and this time they came over here)-James loves getting to socialize and play and Niko is a sweetie so it was great.